COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Administrator Bud Norman announced Tuesday that the Branch County Courthouse will be closed to the public until Monday, April 6, 2020. All employees will continue to report to work and can provide services through phone or e-mail communications.
Norman says the service changes were implemented after working with the Health Department on reducing exposure and spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. He says the intent of these changes is to slow the potential spread of the virus, minimize the burden to their healthcare providers and maintain the health and safety of employees and community members.
Services are offered on line at www.countyofbranch.com.
All jury trials during this time period in Branch County courts have been adjourned and the March jury panels for Circuit Court, Probate Court, and District Court have been dismissed and will not have to report.
April jurors for Circuit Court and Probate Court can call 517-279-4323 for updated information about their service. District Court Jurors for April can call 517-279-4332.
Further information regarding jury duty or court operations is available through the County Clerk’s Office at 517-279-4306 or on the County Clerk’s page at www.countyofbranch.com.
All on-site visits at the Branch County Sheriff’s Office have been suspended.
On-line video visitation will remain available for jail inmate visits remotely. All jail programs have also been suspended.
Citizens will not be able to come into the office for fingerprints, purchase permits, SOR, visitation or any other services.
Community members scheduling appointments with County Staff for services such as building inspections, Veteran’s rides, or home visits will be required to complete a Screening Checklist on household respiratory symptoms and international travel. The screening will take place over the phone prior to contact with County employee(s).
Friend of the Court Mediations, Joint meetings, hearings, including show causes, will be adjourned until after April 12, 2020. Conciliation conferences, status conference and pre-trials will be by telephone conference.
While the Friend of the Court is closed to the public, parties may access information about their child support case at: https://micase.state.mi.us/portalapp/public/login.html?execution=e1s1
