Trial Court  - Hon. Gary J. Bruce, Chief Judge 

Trial Court Divisions

The Michigan Supreme Court has designated the Berrien County Court as a consolidation site for the merger of the District Court, Probate Court and Circuit Court into a single Trial Court. The Trial Court is divided into three Divisions:

Criminal Division - Courthouse 1st Floor

The Criminal Division is assigned ordinance, civil traffic infraction, misdemeanor and felony criminal proceedings involving adults. There are separate Specialty Court dockets for community, drug treatment, mental health and swift and sure sanctions probation program cases. 

• Drug Treatment Court
• Traffic Tickets
• Victim Assistance

Civil Division - Courthouse 3rd Floor

The Civil Division hears all civil suits, without regard to dollar amount of the dispute, including small claims and landlord/tenant cases. A Specialty Court handles selected business cases. 

• Landlord - Tenant
• Small Claims
  • Small Claims Booklet
• Civil and Administrative Agency Appeals
• Mediation and other Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Driver license restoration

FAMILY Division - Courthouse 3RD/4th Floor

The Family Division hears cases involving juvenile delinquency, abuse and neglect of children, estates of deceased persons, probating wills, commitments of persons alleged to be mentally ill, protection of legally incapacitated persons, adoptions, personal protection orders, divorce, custody and paternity.

• Juvenile abuse and neglect
  • Child Protection Links
• Juvenile delinquency 
• Mental competency
• Adoptions
• Foster Parenting
• Wills and estates
• Appointment of Guardian and Conservators
• Divorce and custody
• Friend of the Court
• Probate Court

Prohibited Devices

Electronic devices such as cell phones, cameras, pagers, etc., are not permitted in the courthouse buildings in Niles or St. Joseph.

Chief Judge Bruce regarding the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act

Recreational Marijuana