Michigan Supreme Court approves pilot program for domestic cases in four counties
Rule Changes Grand Rapids, MI localFour West Michigan circuit courts will start automatically enrolling domestic cases in a trauma-informed docket by Jan. 1, 2027. Parties can opt out at any time.
Overview
The Michigan Supreme Court adopted an order on Oct. 14 creating a simpler court process for domestic cases in Kent, Allegan, Montcalm and Muskegon counties. New cases will start on the informal docket by Jan. 1, 2027, except initial personal protection orders. The State Court Administrative Office announced the project on Nov. 5.
The docket relaxes formal pleading and evidence rules and has parties cross-examine each other through the judge. Either side can ask to move the case to the traditional docket at least 14 days before a trial or final hearing. The pilot is supported by a federal Safe Access for Victims' Economic Security grant.
Why it matters
The pilot tests whether simpler, trauma-informed court rules keep domestic violence survivors safer and move custody and child support cases faster.
Last Monday's email for Grand Rapids, MI
Sent Nov 9. It carried:
- Amphitheater donor deal lets Acrisure pursue venue owner's insurance business Acrisure gave $30 million to put its name on Grand Rapids' new riverfront amphitheater. MLive reported on Nov. 7,...
- Grand Rapids Marine Corps Reserve Center set for demolition Morrison Industrial Equipment plans to tear down the four buildings at the former Naval and Marine Corps Reserve...
- Isabella Bank completes acquisition of Grand River Bank Isabella Bank has completed its acquisition of Grand River Bank, giving the Mount Pleasant-based lender its first...
- Northpointe Bank files layoff notice for Grand Rapids workforce Northpointe Bank filed a notice with Michigan labor officials on Nov. 4 saying it will lay off 338 workers at three...
Get next Monday's: one short email a week. Free. Unsubscribe in one click.
Questions about this story
Free account needed to ask — your question is kept and asked for you right after sign-up. Answers are public.
No questions yet — be the first to ask.
Key Indicators
Related Media
Michigan Hall of Justice - Michigan Supreme Court - Lansing
Michigan Supreme Court, night
Kent County Courthouse, Grand Rapids, MI
Pilot program in West Michigan counties hopes to simplify legal ...
WOOD TV8
Images from Openverse under Creative Commons licenses. Videos from YouTube.
Voices
Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.
People Involved
Organizations Involved
The highest court in Michigan, responsible for administering the state's judicial system.
The office that handles child support, custody, and parenting time matters for Kent County.
The Michigan Supreme Court's administrative office, which announced the pilot and will designate judges for the informal docket.
Timeline
October 2026 January 2027
-
Kent County begins pilot participation
Upcoming ImplementationKent County starts automatically enrolling domestic cases in the trauma-informed pilot program.
-
State Court Administrative Office announces pilot
Latest AnnouncementThe State Court Administrative Office announced the pilot, naming Muskegon, Kent, Allegan and Montcalm counties as participants.
-
Michigan Supreme Court adopts pilot order
Rule ChangeThe court adopted Administrative Order 2026-5, authorizing an informal domestic-relations docket in the 8th, 14th, 17th and 48th circuits. The order took effect immediately.
Scenarios
Pilot expands statewide after successful first year
Discussed by: Court administrators and domestic violence advocates
If the pilot reduces repeat filings and shortens case times, the Michigan Supreme Court could expand the program to all counties. The state's judicial conference would review data from the four counties.
Pilot ends after mixed results
Discussed by: Legal observers
If the simplified procedures lead to unintended consequences, such as due process challenges or inconsistent outcomes, the court could end the pilot after the initial period.
Legal challenge halts pilot
Discussed by: Family law attorneys
A party could challenge the automatic enrollment or cross-examination limits as violating due process, leading to a court injunction.