County-Wide FAQ's

Where can I find information about our State and Federal Officials?
This information, as well as a complete County directory can be found at: County Directory

What departments are now at the Administration Building?
All non-court related departments are located at the Administration building. These departments are:

Administration
County Clerk
County Commissioners
Drain
Economic Development
Equalization
Financial Services
Parks & Recreation
Personnel
Planning
Purchasing
Register of Deeds
Treasurer

Are small children allowed in the courtrooms?
As a place of business, the courthouse is not designed to meet the needs of small children who need room to play and make noise. Court proceedings are recorded with highly sensitive audio/video equipment and therefore, people with young children may be asked to remain outside the courtroom.

Can the general public be present in the courtroom during a trial?
Most trials are open to the public, however in some cases the courtroom is ordered closed due to the sensitivity of the issue being presented.

Are cameras and video cameras allowed in the courtrooms to photograph/film adoptions and weddings?
Camera and video equipment is allowed for weddings. Cameras are only allowed in the Final Hearing for adoption cases.

Is there a designated smoking area in the Courthouse?
All County facilities are smoke-free environments. Smoking is permitted outside the buildings.

Can the general public use the Law Library at the Courthouse?
Yes. To access the Law Library you need to see a law clerk to obtain a pass for the library. The law clerk's offices are located in the library.

Do any of the courts or departments close during the noon hour?
With the exception of the Buildings and Grounds Department, all Courts and Departments are open during the noon hour.

Where do I go to get a copy of a Birth Certificate or Marriage License?
These, as well as other Vital Records, can be purchased at the County Clerk's Office at the Administration Center.

Can fines and court costs be paid by Credit Card?
Yes, please go to the Payment Options section of our website for further information.

Where do I go to pay back taxes?
The Treasurer's Department, located at the Administration Building.


 
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Berrien County Courthouse
811 Port Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Berrien County Administration Center
701 Main Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085
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General Telephone: (269) 983-7111
From Niles, Buchanan, Galien: (269) 684-5274
From Three Oaks, New Buffalo, Lakeside, Union Pier: (269) 756-9571
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Last Updated 7/6/2009   
Copyright 2010 Berrien County. All Rights Reserved.