NOTICE OF TEMPORARY CHANGE IN OFFICE LOCATION
Beginning August 10, the Tribal Court offices will temporarily be located at 2840 Orchard Highway, Suite B in Manistee.
Court hearings scheduled to be held in-person will continue to be held at the Justice Center located at 3031 Domres Road in Manistee.
Location: Office Hours:
2840 Orchard Highway Monday - Friday
Suite B 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Manistee, MI 49660
*In-person court hearings will be held at the Justice Center, 3031 Domres Road, Manistee, MI
TRIBAL COURT JUDGES
Angela Sherigan, Chief Judge
Caroline LaPorte, Associate Judge
Contact
Phone: (231) 398-3406
Fax: (231) 398-3404
Email: tribalcourt@lrboi-nsn.gov
*All general requests and e-filings should be sent to this email
Court Staff
Spring Medacco, Court Administrator
springmedacco@lrboi-nsn.gov
Laurie Willis, Court Clerk
lauriewillis@lrboi-nsn.gov
Job Postings:
Court Clerk/Recorder - https://lrboi.bamboohr.com/careers/43
Peacemaking Coordinator - https://lrboi.bamboohr.com/careers/107
TRIBAL COURT HEARINGS
Photography, recording or broadcasting of any hearing is strictly prohibited. (Rules of Civil Procedure, CR 4.015)
Effective January 31, 2025, ALL public hearings in the Tribal Court will be livestreamed pursuant to Administrative Order 2025-01. The livestream can be found at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@TribalCourt
Livestream recordings shall be posted until the end of the business day on which they occurred.
Hearings titled "Closed Hearings" are not available for public viewing and will not be livestreamed.
(The following case types shall be closed to the public: neglect/abuse, guardianships, conservatorships, employment, juvenile, emergency petitions for PPOs, judicial complaints, attorney complaints, and any other matters that are closed by law.)
General Information
The Tribal Court office and courtroom are located in the Justice Center building. The Chief Judge and the Associate Judge hear all trial level cases. The Tribal Court can hear both civil and criminal matters involving Tribal members and entities. It not only adjudicates disputes and interprets tribal laws but also safeguards the rights and liberties of the Tribe's members as preserved in their Constitution. Article VI, Section 8 of the Constitution specifically outlines the duties of the Judicial branch, emphasizing its importance in the Tribe's governance and its commitment to justice and equity for all members.
The Tribal Court hears a variety of cases, including but not limited to:
- Civil Cases: divorce, child custody, property disputes
- Criminal Cases
- Child Neglect/Abuse cases
- Civil infractions and conservation violations
- Employment matters
- Probate Cases: estate matters, guardianships, and conservatorships
The Court can also:
- Issue personal protection orders (PPOs)
- Issue marriage licenses
- Register foreign judgments
- Provide Peacemaking services
The Tribal Court staff must remain neutral and impartial in all court cases, which is important in maintaining the integrity of the judicial process. While they cannot offer legal advice, they are able to assist with navigating court procedures and providing necessary forms to individuals.
TRIBAL COURT FEES:
Important Announcements:
MICHIGAN INDIAN LEGAL SERVICES ONLINE INTAKE
MILS now has an intake form that can be completed online. If you need legal assistance, check out the website at: https://map.tfaforms.net/f/apply