Due to the current state of emergency regarding the Covid19 virus, the Family Division of Kent County Circuit Court is implementing the following precautionary measures:
1)
If you are feeling ill or experiencing flu-like symptoms, do not come to the court but communicate with court staff by phone.
2)
Family Division Motions may be (a) adjourned and rescheduled, (b) decided without oral argument on the documentation presented to the court, or (c) heard by the court if the matter involves irreparable harm. Please contact the court if you are unsure whether your motion will be heard as scheduled.
3)
We will permit attorneys, prosecutors, witnesses or parties to participate in hearings via video or phone upon request to the court and court approval. Such accommodations should be requested as soon as possible in advance of the hearing.
4)
Trials can be postponed via stipulation or by motion to the court or an oral request can be made at the hearing. MCR 2.503(B). Please provide as much advance notice as possible.
5)
Attorneys who are required to meet with juveniles or parents as part of their representation may do so via phone or video. Discretion should be exercised to prevent exposure to individuals who are suffering flu-like symptoms.
6)
Consult with prosecutors, probation staff, defense counsel, and court staff to determine whether neglect or delinquency hearings can be conducted as file reviews.
7)
Encourage nonessential individuals to stay at home and not attend hearings. If possible, the court can permit these individuals to listen to the court proceedings via phone or video.
8)
Jury trials will not occur until further notice, unless extenuating circumstances exist.
This is a very fluid situation and the Family Division judges, referees and staff will work diligently to accommodate reasonable requests to keep everyone safe and healthy yet promote access to justice for all. We are also working with WMPC (West Michigan Partnership for Children) and the agencies to ensure that our foster care case managers are operating safely while fulfilling their statutory and policy obligations.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Questions can be submitted to
Judge Kathleen A. Feeney
, Chief Judge Pro Tem of the Kent County Circuit Court, 616-632-0508.
