COVID Increase Moves Courts Back to Phase 1

NEWAYGO COUNTY – The increase of COVID-19 cases in the Newaygo County community has  caused the Newaygo County Courthouse to move to Phase 1. Although the courthouse is still  open we ask the public to utilize remote access tools to the greatest extent possible and only visit  the courthouse when there is an emergency need to do so. In-person hearings are limited to  emergency matters and matters where there is a statutory or constitutional right to be present  that has not been waived. Consistent with Michigan Supreme Court directives, the Newaygo  County Trial Courts must take protective measures for the public and court personnel to ensure  that our services to the public are not impacted.  

If your business with the court can be handled via phone, fax, mail, or email, please use those  methods before coming to the courthouse. Additionally, we encourage you to call prior to  making a trip to determine if your business can be handled remotely as new services are being  added for your convenience. All filings and payments can be done electronically or mailed.  Additionally, the courthouse has a new drop box in the entryway for payments and non emergency filings. If you visit the courthouse you may be given alternative directions to access  services if your need is not an emergency or a matter for which you have the right to be present. 
 
Courthouse visitors granted access to the building will continue to follow the current visitor  screening process including the completion of a health screening and temperature assessment.  Masks must be worn in the courthouse unless otherwise directed by the presiding judge and  social distancing guidelines must be followed. Visitors who are unable or unwilling to wear  masks, or abide by social distancing procedures, will be provided with alternative methods for  conducting business and may be asked to leave the courthouse according to our most recent  Local Administrative Order.  

All other hearings that are not emergencies or matters where litigants have the right to be  present, will be conducted remotely via Zoom or as directed on hearing notices. It is preferred  that filings be mailed, faxed, or emailed to the courthouse whenever possible. Please find  contact information for each court below. Court sessions will not be open to the public. All court  sessions will continue to be livestreamed, or recorded and posted to YouTube, to provide public  access. Please visit countyofnewaygo.com to find the Departments tab where the Courts tab is  located. 

Please see the complete Local Administrative Order for Phase 1 for more complete details or contact the  appropriate court using the information below:
Circuit Court 
Email: [email protected] or [email protected] 
Phone: (231) 689-7251 
Main Phone: (231) 689-7252 
Fax: (231) 689-7015 

District Court 
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: (231) 689-7228 
Main Phone: (231) 689-7257 
Fax (231) 689-7258

Probate Court 
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: (231) 689-7274 
Main: (231) 689-7270 
Fax: (231) 689-7276 
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As the Newaygo County Courthouse returns to Phase 1 we remain fully staffed and ready to assist you.  Thank you for adhering to these guidelines so we can continue to prioritize the health and safety of our  community together. 
  
Hon. Robert D. Springstead 
Chief Judge 
Circuit Court Judge 
Newaygo County Trial Courts

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