The Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Michigan. It has jurisdiction over all actions except those given by state law to another court. The Circuit Court has original jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more than $25,000, in all criminal cases where the offense is a felony or a serious misdemeanor, all domestic relations cases, and all child abuse, neglect, and delinquency cases. The Circuit Court also hears appeals from lower courts; appeals from local government boards such as zoning appeals; and appeals from some administrative agencies of state government (such as the Driver’s License Appeal Division of the Secretary of State).

The Court’s activities include the following functions:

  • Administration and Adjudication Support Services
  • Circuit Court Services
  • Circuit Court Probation
  • Family Division Juvenile Programs
  • Friend of the Court

NOTE- Most 8th Circuit Court Judges and Staff alternate from week to week between Ionia and Montcalm. They can be reached at the following addresses:

Ionia & Montcalm Circuit Courts

Selina Schmidt, Court Administrator

Arron Gillman, Judicial Assistant
Sue Goerge, Judicial Assistant

Ionia County Circuit Court

100 W. Main St., Courthouse
Ionia, MI 48846
*located on the second floor

Ionia County Clerk’s Office
Greg Geiger, County Clerk
Phone: 616-527-5322
Fax: 616-527-8201

Hon. Ronald Schafer – Chief Judge
Tracy Hardin, Court Recorder
Phone (Ionia): 616-527-5336

Hon. Suzanne Hoseth Kreeger
Rebecca Akin, Court Recorder
Phone (Ionia): 616-527-5315

Montcalm County Circuit Court

629 N. State St.
Stanton, MI 48888

Montcalm County Clerk’s Office
Kristen Millard, County Clerk
Phone: 989-831-3520
Fax: 989-831-3525

Hon. Ronald Schafer – Chief Judge
Tracy Szymanski, Court Recorder
Phone (Montcalm): 989-831-7343
Fax – Judge Copies (Montcalm): 989-831-7428

Hon. Suzanne Hoseth Kreeger
Rebecca Akin, Court Recorder
Phone (Montcalm): 989-831-7363
Fax – Judge Copies (Montcalm): 989-831-7428

Please be advised that the personnel of the Trial Courts in Michigan are prohibited from providing legal advice.

List of Authorized Sureties

8th Circuit Court

Hon. Ronald Schafer
Chief Judge

Hon. Suzanne Hoseth Kreeger
Judge

LOCATION:
Ionia County Circuit Court:
100 W. Main St., Courthouse
Ionia, MI 48846

Montcalm County Circuit Court:
629 N. State St.
P.O. Box 296
Stanton, MI 48888

HOURS:
8:30 AM – Noon &
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

*Note- 8th Circuit Court Judges and Staff alternate from week to week between Ionia and Montcalm.