Juvenile Court Financial Department

Petitioner, respondents, and juveniles are responsible for paying all costs associated with their cases by the time of case closure.

Payment Options

The Juvenile Court accepts the following payment methods.

By Mail:

Juvenile Court
204 S. Highlander Way, Suite 3

Howell, MI 48843

By Telephone: Call 1.517.546.1500. Fees are added by the service provider.
In person: with check, cash, or money order Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Judicial Center Building.
Online: You must have access to your assigned "Personal ID Number" to make an online payment. Fees are added by the service provider.

Payment plans are available after filing financial documents with the Court. These plans may include reduction, waiver, or suspension of fees and costs; wage assignments; and / or monthly payment plans.

Failure to pay may result in:

Cases remaining open
Additional court costs and fees
A reimbursement hearing set with the referee
A bench warrant for failure to pay

If alternate arrangements are made before the time of the hearing, scheduled hearings may be canceled at the discretion of the court.

Types of Fees

Delinquency

In delinquency cases, parents and juveniles may be found jointly and severally responsible for the fees, costs, and restitution. Restitution may be ordered jointly and severally with any co-defendants as well. Parents and juveniles should anticipate the following fees and costs associated with cases (as applicable in each case): attorney fees, state minimum fees, Crime Victims' Rights fees, DNA fees, restitution, placement costs, drug screens, counseling, tether costs, and other fees related to direct services each juvenile may receive.

Child Protective Proceedings

In child protective proceedings, parents and legal guardians may be responsible for their own attorney fees and costs as well as the costs associated with guardian ad litem and legal representation for children. The State of Michigan may redirect child support and other benefits to pay for the cost of care while children are in placement.

Adoption

In adoption cases, petitioners are responsible for the following fees, as applicable: filing fees and certified orders of adoption; new birth certificate (payable to the State which issued the original birth certificate); motions and supplemental petitions; home investigation fees; adult adoption investigation fee; service and publication fees.