Tribal Court is governed by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Code. The Tribal Code determines what kinds of cases can be heard in Tribal Court. Many times this is dependant on what jurisdictional requirements must be met. A copy of the Tribal Code is available at the Court in the law library. Copies are also available for purchase.
Civil: Divorce, Custody, Child Support, Visitation, Small Claims, Enforcement of Foreign Judgment, Individuals against Individuals seeking relief
Traffic: Citations written by Tribal Police and issued through Tribal Court
Juvenile: Minor in Need of Care (Abuse/Neglect), Juvenile delinquency matters filed by Tribal Prosecutor
Criminal: Criminal action initiated by the Tribal Prosecutor, not including felony offenses
Probate: Estates, Guardianships, Adoptions
Appellate: Petitions are filed at Tribal Court office through Appellate Clerk, LuAnn Louch; hearings take place in Magistrate’s Hearing Room. Tribal Court is not involved in these cases, the Appellate Clerk’s office is simply located in Tribal Court.