In St. Clair County, in general, the Probate Court oversees matters in three primary domains:
Juvenile Delinquency: Delinquency proceedings concern juveniles under the age of 18 who are charged with a violation of criminal law, criminal ordinance, or traffic law, or with a status offense (running away from home, incorrigibility, truancy, etc.). Delinquency proceedings occur within the Family Division. If the juvenile is found responsible for the offense, the Family Division may order a juvenile disposition, such as placing the juvenile on probation or committing the juvenile to state wardship.
Family Law: In Michigan, the terms domestic relations and family law are used to refer to a wide range of matters involving families, couples, and minor children. Some of the most common family law matters handled by this Court include divorce, the Friend of the Court recommendations, custody and parenting time, and spousal and child support.
Child Protection proceedings: Child protection proceedings center upon court hearings that address suspected child abuse or neglect. The Court may take jurisdiction over the minor child or children for their protection and initiate orders for the parent or parents to comply with or order services to the parent or parents for the goal of reunification with their minor child or children. The Court also handles the termination of parental rights when the legal requirements are met. Finally, the Court handles the adoption of minor children when the appropriate time frames and proceedings have occurred.
