Find quick answers to common questions about the 61st District Court. If you don’t see what you need, contact the division handling your case. Court staff can provide general information but cannot provide legal advice.
Courthouse Basics
What are the courthouse hours?
Monday–Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:15 PM.
Where do I park and where do I enter?
The 61st District Court is located at 180 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 1400, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Please enter on the west side of the building, facing Ottawa Avenue.
Paid parking lots, ramps, and metered street parking are available throughout downtown.
How do I find my hearing date and courtroom information?
Your date and instructions are typically listed on your citation, bond paperwork, or a notice from the court. You can also check your case in the court’s case search/record portal to view hearing information. If you’re unsure, contact the division handling your case.
What happens if I miss my court date?
Missing court can create serious consequences (for example, a default judgment in a traffic case, additional penalties, or a warrant in some situations). If you missed a date, contact the court as soon as possible.
Tickets, Traffic, and Municipal Citations
How do I know how much my ticket costs?
Review the court’s Traffic Fee Table. If you can’t locate your ticket or have questions, contact the Clerk’s Office as soon as possible.
How do I request a hearing for my traffic citation?
You may request an informal or formal hearing by emailing contact@grcourt.org or by coming to the court in person. You must contact the court within 10 days of receiving your citation.
What is an informal hearing?
An informal hearing is a less formal court proceeding where you can explain your side, ask questions, and bring witnesses or documents. It’s typically handled by a magistrate rather than a judge, and attorneys usually do not participate.
What’s the difference between an informal hearing and a trial?
Informal hearings are generally simpler: no jury, usually no court reporter, and the decision is based on a legal standard called the
preponderance of the evidence” (rather than “beyond a reasonable doubt”). A formal hearing/trial is more structured and is typically handled by a judge.
What if I can’t make the hearing date that’s scheduled?
Courts require a good cause request to adjourn/reschedule, and the timing matters. If you need to move a hearing date, contact the court as soon as possible and follow the instructions you’re given.
What if I fail to appear for a traffic hearing?
If you do not appear, the court may enter a default judgment and set fines and costs. Please arrive on time. If you are not present within 10 minutes of your scheduled hearing time, a default may be entered. If payment is not made, additional notices and consequences may follow, including possible driver’s license action by the Secretary of State.
Do I have the right to appeal after a traffic decision?
Appeal rights and deadlines depend on the type of case and the kind of decision. For many traffic matters, you typically must act quickly after judgment. See the “Appeals” section below for general deadlines and contact the court if you have questions.
Can I pay my traffic citation in installments?
If you do not appear, the court may enter a default judgment and set fines and costs. Please arrive on time. If you are not present within 10 minutes of your scheduled hearing time, a default may be entered. If a default is entered, an additional $25 may be added to the assessed fines and costs. If payment is not made, additional notices and consequences may follow, including possible driver’s license action by the Secretary of State.
Criminal Cases
When is my court date, and do I have to appear in person?
Your court date is listed on your citation, bond paperwork, or a notice from the court. Many criminal hearings may allow virtual appearance unless your hearing is specifically scheduled in person. If you’re unsure, contact the clerk’s office right away.
Do I need an attorney, and can the court appoint one for me?
You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, you may request a court-appointed attorney. For misdemeanor cases and first appearances, contact the Indigent Defense Office: 616-456-4694 or jvansolkema@grand-rapids.mi.us.
For information on a court-appointed attorney for felony cases, please contact the Kent County Public Defender at 616-632-7587.
Court staff cannot give legal advice or recommend attorneys.
How do I address an outstanding warrant?
Procedures vary depending on the type of warrant. The court may have options for appearing at the virtual counter for some matters, or resolving payment-related warrants by making required payments. Contact the court as soon as possible for instructions specific to your case.
Paying Fines, Costs, and Setting Up Payment Plans
How do I set up a payment plan for fines/court costs?
Payment options include online, phone, and in person. To request a payment plan, contact the Criminal/Traffic Department: 616-632-5525. For wage assignments, contact the Compliance Department: 616-632-5550. For work program questions, contact Alternative Sentencing: 616-632-5617.
Civil Cases (General Civil, Small Claims, and Landlord/Tenant)
How do I file a civil case?
Civil filings are accepted in person or by mail during business hours. Visit the Divisions pages for instructions and forms for General Civil, Small Claims, and Landlord/Tenant. If you are representing yourself, you may find help through MichiganLegalHelp.org or the Legal Assistance Center (Kent County Courthouse, 5th floor).
Where do I find court forms?
Many court forms are available through the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) website. Some forms may also be available at the court.
Where do I locate filing fees for civil cases?
Filing fees are listed on the court’s Civil Filing Fees page. If you are asking the court to waive fees, submit MC 20 (Fee Waiver) (also link) with your filing. For questions, contact the Civil Division at 616-632-5555.
Where can I get legal support if I cannot afford an attorney?
You may contact the Legal Assistance Center (Kent County Courthouse, 5th floor), Legal Aid of Western Michigan (616-774-0672), or visit MichiganLegalHelp.org.
What is a Small Claims case?
Small Claims is designed for money disputes up to a $7,000 limit and uses a simpler process than General Civil. Some case types can’t be heard in Small Claims. (If you need legal representation, the case typically must be moved to General Civil.)
Can I bring a lawyer to Small Claims?
Attorneys are not permitted to represent parties at a Small Claims hearing. If you want an attorney, you can request that the case be moved to General Civil before the Small Claims hearing date. You may also request removal to General Civil at the Small Claims hearing.
I was served with a Summons & Complaint. What do I do next?
Read the papers carefully and follow the Summons instructions for how and when to file a written response with the court and serve the other party. Deadlines can depend on how you were served.
Records, Copies, and Transcripts
How do I request a transcript?
Submit a detailed request to the Certified Electronic Operator (CEO) assigned to the judge who presided over the hearing(s). Transcript rates are set by law. Current guidance in your materials: $3.75 per original page, $0.90 per copy page, $50 minimum.
How do I get a copy of court records?
Email your request to recordcheck@grcourt.org and include your case number(s). Copy fees generally depend on whether you need a standard copy or certified copy. After you submit your request, the court will provide the total cost and payment options.
Accessibility and Language Support
How do I request ADA accommodations?
Submit MC 70 (Request for Accommodations) and email it to the ADA Coordinator, Sarah Breen: sarah.breen@grcourt.org.
How do I request an interpreter?
The court follows a Language Access Plan to provide interpreter services for people with limited English proficiency. Contact Joan VanderMale: joan.vandermale@grcourt.org to request an interpreter for future hearing(s).
Appeals (General Deadlines)
How long do I have to file an appeal?
Deadlines depend on case type. General reference deadlines from your materials:
- Traffic infraction: 7 days from judgment
- Misdemeanor: 21 days from judgment
- Small Claims: 7 days from judgment
- General Civil: 21 days from judgment
Marriage Ceremonies
How many people can attend our courthouse ceremony?
Please keep your party to 20 people or less.
We don’t live in the City of Grand Rapids, can we get married at the courthouse?
If you live outside the City of Grand Rapids and wish to have a courthouse ceremony, please contact your local court for their specific process and availability: Trial Court Directory.