Muskegon County Courts to Limit In-Person Access to Courthouse

from the Muskegon County Courts

As a result of the recent local COVID-19 data provided by the Muskegon County Public Health Department, the Muskegon County Courts have consulted with local public health officials and determined that the following COVID response directives shall be implemented, effective November 16, 2021 and until further notice.

  1. Court offices (District, Probate, Circuit, Family Court and Friend of the Court) will not be open to serve the general public on a ‘walk-in’ basis.
  2. Most court hearings will be conducted virtually via Zoom. Other court hearings will continue to be held in-person. Many that are currently scheduled for in-person will be rescheduled virtually via Zoom. Instructions on how to appear and how to participate for a court hearing will be provided to all parties along with a notice to appear. If you have an attorney and you are uncertain about whether you should appear in person or to appear remotely, please contact your attorney immediately.
  3. Individuals will be allowed into the Muskegon County Hall of Justice only under specific conditions. Unless you are noticed to appear in-person for a specific hearing or appointment with court staff, the general public will not be admitted into the courts’ facilities.
  4. Everyone entering the Hall of Justice will be required to self-screen for COVID symptoms. Anyone accessing court services will be required to wear a mask at all times while inside the building.
  5. Scheduled jury trials will be adjourned. If you have received a juror summons, please follow the instructions for contacting the jury hotline for more information regarding your term of service.
  6. Other Muskegon County offices are not governed by this action by the courts. All other departments remain open, until further notice.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it a great many challenges. It has also proven the resiliency of our citizens, and their institutions of government. We have found, and continue to find, new and innovative ways to meet these challenges – to adapt and to respond in a manner that ensures the public’s health and safety while at the same time preserving access to the justice system. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period of transition.