The Branch County Circuit Court (15th Judicial Circuit) has jurisdiction over all felony criminal cases, civil cases where the amount in dispute is greater than $25,000, domestic relations cases including
divorce, paternity, and family support, appeals from administrative agencies and the District Court, disputes involving the title to land and matters involving equity.
The Branch County Clerk is also the Clerk for the Circuit Court and maintains all Court files. All pleadings/documents for Circuit Court must be filed with the Clerk’s office.
Motions for domestic relations and general civil cases are heard on Friday mornings however motions expected to take more than 10 minutes or require testimony should be scheduled for a specific date and time with the Court Administrator. Criminal cases are heard on Monday mornings and jury trials begin on Tuesdays.
The Courtroom is located on the southwest end of the second floor of the Courthouse and all persons entering the Courtroom are required to wear appropriate attire. No shorts or tank tops are allowed and men must remove their hats. Cell Phones are not permitted on the second floor of the Courthouse or in the Courtroom. Persons needing to speak with Court staff should visit the window across from the elevator.
The Court staff is comprised of:
Hon. P. William O’Grady – 15th Circuit Judge
Aubrey Hinkley – Court Administrator
Kyli Marshall – Courtroom Video Clerk
Carl Sevidal – Court Security Officer
Motion Day
- Routine motions in Circuit Court are heard on Friday mornings beginning with domestic relations cases at 8:30 a.m. and general civil cases at 10:30 am.
- Motions regarding PPO cases are heard at 11:00 a.m.
- Motions expected to take more than 10 minutes for argument or that require testimony, must be scheduled for a specific date and time with the Court Administrator.
- Criminal cases are heard on Monday morning beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Zoom meeting ID:
307 264 6183