{"id":374057,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:35","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/michigan-law\/detroit-courthouses.html"},"modified":"2023-10-04T08:20:27","modified_gmt":"2023-10-04T13:20:27","slug":"detroit-courthouses","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/michigan-law\/detroit-courthouses.html","title":{"rendered":"Detroit Courthouses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Detroit Courthouses<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

It seems everything involved with the Metro Detroit area is complex.  Shifting populations have changed the boundaries of the region known as the Detroit Tri-County Area. The court systems, which operate according to county lines can sometimes add to the confusion, but this guide will keep things smoother than a Motown classic.<\/p>\r\n

Geography<\/u><\/p>\r\n

The Detroit Metro Area is located in Southeast Michigan and includes three counties: [1]  Wayne County (City of Detroit), [2]  Macomb County, and [3] Oakland County. If you have to visit a state court, then your county of residence determines which court will hear your case.<\/p>\r\n

State Courts<\/u><\/p>\r\n

State courts can be state trial courts or state appellate courts. The trial can be Circuit Courts, District Courts, or Probate Courts.<\/p>\r\n

Circuit courts<\/b> are for civil disputes with more than $25,00 at issue, felony criminal cases, and many types of family law cases.  Detroit (Wayne County) is home to the Third Judicial Circuit. Citizens who live in Metro Detroit, but North of 8-Mile must either go to Macomb County Circuit Court or Oakland County Circuit Court.<\/p>\r\n

District courts<\/b> are frequently known as \u201cthe people\u2019s court.\u201d In Detroit proper, the 36th District Court handles civil lawsuits (under $25,000), criminal misdemeanor cases, preliminary examinations for criminal felony cases, traffic violations, and landlord-tenant disputes.  Citizens of Wayne County, but outside of the City of Detroit, may reside in other districts. Wayne County has district courts in nearby Taylor, Dearborn, Southgate, and other locations.<\/p>\r\n

Detroit-area citizens of Macomb County may reside in the 37th Judicial District. The 37th District Court is in Warren, MI. For more information on Macomb County courts and their locations, visit the Macomb County District Court website.  <\/p>\r\n

Detroit-area citizens of Oakland County may reside in the 43rd Judicial District. The 43rd District Court has courthouses in nearby Ferndale, Hazel Park, and Madison Heights. For more information on Oakland County courts and their locations, visit the Oakland County Courts website<\/a>. <\/p>\r\n

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Third Judicial Circuit (Wayne County)<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
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    \n \n Coleman A. Young Municipal Center\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    2 Woodward Ave.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Detroit,<\/span>\n MI<\/span>\n 48226<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (313) 224-5260\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    This facility handles Civil Division and Family Division-Domestic Relations matters. This is also the site of the Wayne County Probate Court. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

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    \n \n Frank Murphy Hall of Justice\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    1441 St. Antioine<\/p>\n \n

    \n Detroit,<\/span>\n MI<\/span>\n 48207<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (313) 224-2501\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    This courthouse handles Criminal Division matters.  <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

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    \n \n Lincoln Hall of Justice\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    1025 E. Forest Ave.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Detroit,<\/span>\n MI<\/span>\n 48207<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (313) 224-2501\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    This courthouse handles Family Division-Juvenile matters.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

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    \n Mediation Tribunal Association\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    333 W. Fort St.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Detroit,<\/span>\n MI<\/span>\n 48226<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (313) 224-5606\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    This courthouse is home to case evaluation proceedings.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n \n Friend of the Court (Penobscot Building)\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    645 Griswold St.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Detroit,<\/span>\n MI<\/span>\n 48226<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (313) 224-2501\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    This building hosts the Friend of the Court program. The F.O.C. features referees to assist the court and citizens in domestic relations matters. <\/p>\n

    All Third Judicial Circuit courthouses appear on a map on the courthouse\u2019s website. Click on the court name to the left, and the page will show the court on the city map. You can then enter your starting address to receive directions to that courthouse. <\/p>\n

    Third Circuit Court buildings prohibit visitors from brining many ordinary items into the courthouse. Check the list of prohibited items before going to court because some items on the list may surprise you.<\/p>\n

    The Third Circuit makes efforts to accommodate individuals with disabilities and make the courts more accessible. Individuals may submit a Request for Accommodations<\/a> [PDF] either to the ADA Coordinator or to the applicable courthouse administration.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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    District Courts<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
  • \n

    \n 36th District Court\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    421 Madison Ave.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Detroit,<\/span>\n MI<\/span>\n 48226<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (313) 965-2200\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Generally the court is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Check online for a list of holiday closures.<\/p>\n

    The courthouse prohibits visitors from bringing several items to the courthouse. Not all of them would obviously seem off limits (such as food and cell phones with a camera), but they are, so check the court\u2019s website for a thorough list prohibited items<\/a>. Be aware, however, that security personnel may confiscate any other item that the court finds to be dangerous.<\/p>\n

    The courthouse is in the Madison Center Building, next to Ford Field. You may park in one of the many lots within two blocks of the court. If you need cash before exiting the parking lot, there are ATMs on the first floor of the courthouse building. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n \n 37th District Court, Warren Division\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    8300 Common Rd.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Warren,<\/span>\n MI<\/span>\n 48093<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (586) 574-4900\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Visitors may park for free in the structure adjacent to the courthouse.  <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

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    \n \n 37th District Court, Center Line Division\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    7070 E. Ten Mile Rd.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Center Line,<\/span>\n MI<\/span>\n 48015<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (586) 757-8333\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    For information on all other Macomb County district courts, visit the County\u2019s website.  <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

  • \n

    \n 43rd District Court of Ferndale\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    305 East Nine Mile Rd.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Ferndale,<\/span>\n MI<\/span>\n 48220<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (248) 547-8700\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Citizens can pay fines and court costs online<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

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    \n \n 43rd District Court of Hazel Park (Hazel Park City Hall)\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    111 E. Nine Mile Rd.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Hazel Park,<\/span>\n MI<\/span>\n 48030<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (248) 547-3033\n \n \n <\/p>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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    \n \n District I Court of Appeals (Cadillac Place)\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    3020 W. Grand Blvd., Suite 14-300<\/p>\n \n

    \n Detroit,<\/span>\n MI<\/span>\n 48202<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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    The District I courtrooms are in the former General Motors Building on the 14th floor, along with the Clerk\u2019s Office. There are several public parking lots and structures in the surrounding blocks.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n

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    \n \n Oakland County Circuit Court\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    1200 N. Telegraph Rd.<\/p>\n \n

    \n Pontiac,<\/span>\n MI<\/span>\n 48341<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (248) 858-0344\n \n \n <\/p>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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    Federal Court<\/h2>\n \n \n \n \n
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    \n \n U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse)\n <\/a>\n <\/h3>\n \n \n

    231 W. Lafayette Blvd<\/p>\n \n

    \n Detroit,<\/span>\n MI<\/span>\n 48226<\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

    \n Tel: (313) 234-5005\n \n \n <\/p>\n

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    Visitors must have a valid photo ID to enter the building. Non-attorneys may not bring cell phones and laptops to the courthouse. There are several parking lots and structures nearby. Visitors may also use the metered parking on Fort Street and surrounding blocks. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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