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Rep. VanWoerkom leads Michigan House approval of plan helping Muskegon and Ottawa county courts
RELEASE|January 27, 2022

Rep. Greg VanWoerkom today led the Michigan House’s approval of a plan benefitting circuit courts in Muskegon and Ottawa counties.

The plan expected to soon be headed to Gov. Whitmer for her consideration would allow the 14th Circuit Court – which covers Muskegon County – to add a judge effective Jan. 1, 2023. The legislation also allows an additional judge in the 20th Circuit Court, which covers Ottawa County.

The additional judges were recommended by the State Court Administrative Office, which reviews the judicial needs of the state every two years. The review looks at population trends, the type and number of cases handled by specific courts, and related data.

“This is a necessary and important step to meet the needs of our community,” said VanWoerkom, of Norton Shores. “Adding judges will help ensure justice is served swiftly and accurately, and it will benefit families in Muskegon and Ottawa counties in many other ways.”

Circuit courts handle a wide variety of criminal, civil and family-related cases. An additional judge in each county could help handle a rise in probate cases necessitated by a growing and aging population. It also will help handle specialty court cases and criminal cases.

The legislation approved by the House – Senate Bill 694 – includes provisions that mirror House Bill 5428, which is sponsored by VanWoerkom.

VanWoerkom led the House’s efforts to add judges for the region, supported by testimony from Judge Gregory Pittman, chief judge of the 14th Circuit Court and Muskegon County Probate Court, and Muskegon County Circuit Court Administrator Sandra Vanderhyde.

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