15th Circuit Court - Branch County

Generally, Circuit Courts are trial courts that handle civil cases seeking damages of more than $25,000; all felony criminal matters; personal protection order matters; and all family matters.  Family matters include custody, divorce, paternity, and child support cases, among others.  Circuit Courts also handle appeals from District Courts and some administrative agencies.

Judges of the General Trial Division may also handle Court of Claims matters.  Judges of the Family Division also have jurisdiction over cases involving juvenile delinquents, abused and neglected children, adoptions, name changes, emancipations, parental consent waivers and other domestic relation matters.