Jackson, Michigan — from the Jackson County Courthouse:

Jackson County Courts have entered Phase 3 of the Return to Operations Plan set forth by the State Court Administrator’s Office, which will allow for in-person services beginning July 13th. Building hours will be from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a halfhour closing for lunch from 11:30 to 12:00. The courthouse will be closed on Fridays for the months of July and August, due to participation in Michigan’s Work Share Program.

In order to protect the safety of the community, as well as courthouse employees, strict safety measures are being implemented. Access to the building will be limited, and inperson transactions will require a virtual “check-in” process via a smart phone and QR Code. Virtual court hearings will continue to be held to the greatest extent possible. Hearings that require in-person attendance will be strictly limited to the parties and attorneys involved on the respective case with prior permission of the assigned Judge. Health screenings will be performed upon entering the building, which will include screening questions and a temperature check. A mask is required to be worn in the building at all times, and will not be provided.

To check-in virtually for in-person services, please visit the individual department’s website for which you are conducting business. A text message will be sent when it is time to enter the building. All parties will be required to exit the building immediately upon the conclusion of the business being conducted. Due to limited access, and the anticipation of increased wait times, the use of online services is strongly encouraged when available. Cell phones are now allowed in the building; however, recording is strictly prohibited without permission of the parties being recorded.

Continuing efforts are being made to safely resume jury trials in all courts, with the focus heavily on juror safety. The Circuit Court is participating in a pilot program with the State Court Administrator’s Office. A mock trial is being held later this month at the new American 1 Credit Union Event Center located at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. Juror safety is the primary focus, and this venue offers a large enough location to conduct the juror selection process while allowing for proper social distancing. 12th District Court Chief Judge Daniel Goostrey and 4th Circuit Court Chief Judge Susan Beebe Jordan are committed to providing timely justice, and will continue to take measured steps regarding alternative procedures and the implementation of safety protocols, to insure a safe reopening.

Additionally, the courthouse employees have been proactive in an effort to reduce the county’s budget deficit created by COVID-19. The announcement of its participation in Michigan’s Work Share Program in mid-June provides a 20% reduction of work hours and a savings of $175,000.00 to the overall county budget, which paved the way for other county departments. Ultimately, the Board of County Commissioners voted to approve the participation of all county departments, which is expected to result in an approximate savings of $500,000.00 county-wide.

Accordingly, the courthouse will be closed the following Fridays:

July – 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st August – 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th

For further information and departmental specific services, please see below.

District Court – All services available; Fingerprinting Resumes; Probation Reporting handled on a case by case basis, as communicated by individual Probation Officers. District Court Website: www.d12.com

District Court Appointment Scheduling App – https://v2.waitwhile.com/welcome/d12jxn

Circuit/Family/Probate Court Website – https://www.mijackson.org/1173/Probate-Court

County Clerk – All services available; online services strongly encouraged. County Clerk Website – https://www.mijackson.org/294/County-Clerk

County Prosecutor – https://www.mijackson.org/149/Prosecuting-Attorney

Probate Services – All services available; online services strongly encouraged.