What constitutes a Circuit Court case?

Criminal: all criminal cases start in District Court. If a criminal case is determined to be a felony, it is then bound over into Circuit Court. All misdemeanor cases stay in District Court.


Civil: District Court civil cases are damages under $25,000. Circuit Court civil cases are damages over $25,000.


Family: a domestic case is actually considered a civil matter, however due to the domestic / family issues these cases are filed in the Family Division. All Family Division cases are at Circuit level which include:

  • Custody
  • Divorce
  • Juvenile cases
  • Paternity
  • Personal protection orders
  • Support

Show All Answers

1. What constitutes a Circuit Court case?
2. Who is the Plaintiff and who is the Defendant?
3. I received a summons and complaint and it says I must answer to the courts. What does this mean?
4. Where is each Court Division located?