August 13th, 2021

Per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) current guidelines, Berrien County moved into the Substantial category for COVID-19 transmission rates effective August 8, 2021.  In consultation with the Berrien County Health Department, the Berrien County Trial Court will update the following policies as they relate to the use of face coverings in the court facilities.

June 25th, 2021

APRIL 30, 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 3 effective Monday, March 8, 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 except for individuals filing new paperwork with the court.  The Self-Help Legal Resource Center will be available by appointment only.  Any in-person contact with departments at the courthouse facilities will be by appointment only.   

Additionally, the Trial Court is scheduled to resume jury trials during the week of May 31, 2021.  Jurors scheduled on or after May 31, 2021 should complete and return questionnaires and call the jury hotline or check the jury website on a nightly basis as originally scheduled.  Questions and concerns can be addressed to the jury staff via e-mail: [email protected].

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 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.