- Departments
- Trial Court
- COVID-19
January 29th, 2021
The Trial Court is pleased to announce that due to the declining rates of positive COVID-19 cases in the county, the Court may return to Phase 2 effective Monday, February 1, 2021. The court will continue conducting hearings remotely via Zoom in as many instances as possible. Notices will be provided to those with pending court cases which include Zoom contact information to utilize to engage in their court hearings. A very limited amount of hearings will be allowed to occur in-person, and those individuals will be notified of their ability to attend in-person. Attorneys will also be encouraged to participate in court proceedings remotely. If you have a question regarding the status of your case or hearing, please use the Department Contact Information listing at the Trial Court website to call or e-mail the court for a status update. No walk-in foot traffic will be allowed at this time and all individuals must file new paperwork with the court either by mail, drop box, or e-mail. Any in-person contact with departments at the courthouse facilities will be by appointment only.
Additionally, the Trial Court is making determinations on the ability to proceed with jury trials on a week-to-week basis beginning February 1st, 2021. Jurors scheduled on or after February 1st, 2021 should complete and return questionnaires and call the jury hotline or check the jury website on a nightly basis as originally scheduled.
OCTOBER 26TH, 2020
October 5th, 2020
OCTOBER 1ST, 2020
September 4th, 2020
The Berrien County Trial Court is aware of the CDC's recent moratorium placed on evictions for non-payment of rent. The order went into effect today, 9/4/2020, and can be located here.
Additionally, the State Court Administrator's Office has provided some guidance to the courts by way of frequently asked questions. You can locate the FAQ's here.
The court is developing a procedure for how to handle cases which fall into this category. Once finalized, information will be provided early next week on the Trial Court's website. Please continue to check our website for additional information and updates.
August 19th, 2020
Know what to expect before coming to the courthouse for the Jury Selection Process.
JULY 21ST, 2020
Know what to expect before coming to the courthouse. Click on the window below to watch this helpful informational video.
JUNE 29th, 2020
JUNE 12TH, 2020
MAY 28TH, 2020
MAY 5TH, 2020
APRIL 28TH, 2020
View the Updated Essential Operation Plan (PDF)
APRIL 22ND, 2020
Submit a request to view a court hearing recording.
MARCH 19TH, 2020
View the Trial Court State of Emergency Essential Operations Plan (PDF):
MARCH 19TH, 2020
View the Supreme Court Order (PDF):
MARCH 18TH, 2020
View the updated Trial Court COVID-19 Response (PDF) below:
All prior notices as issued on March 16th, 2020 remain in full force effect.