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5 Critical Updates You Must Know About The Kalamazoo Circuit Court (9th Judicial Circuit) For 2025

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The Kalamazoo County Circuit Court, officially known as the 9th Judicial Circuit Court, is undergoing significant changes that directly impact court operations and judicial assignments starting in early 2025. This trial court of general jurisdiction, handling everything from felony criminal cases to major civil disputes and family matters, is expanding its bench with the addition of a fifth Circuit Court Judge, a key development that has necessitated a complete overhaul of judicial roles and division responsibilities. As of today, December 22, 2025, these new assignments are in effect, offering a fresh structure for those navigating the Kalamazoo legal system.

The most crucial update for the 2025 term is the election of a new judge, which triggered a wave of new assignments across the Criminal, Civil, and Family Divisions. Understanding the location and specific judge assigned to your case—whether at the Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center or the Gull Road Justice Complex—is essential for any litigant, attorney, or citizen seeking information from the Kalamazoo court system. Below is a comprehensive look at the current judicial roster, the court's structure, and the vital 2025 transitions.

The 9th Judicial Circuit Court Judges: A Complete 2025 Roster and Biography Profile

The 9th Judicial Circuit Court in Kalamazoo County operates with a dedicated bench of judges, each overseeing specific divisions and types of cases. The beginning of 2025 marks a historic moment with the addition of a fifth Circuit Court Judge, expanding the court's capacity to handle its significant caseload. This expansion has led to new judicial assignments to ensure efficient operation across the Trial, Criminal, and Family Divisions.

  • Honorable Matthew S. Ackerman: The newest member of the bench, Judge Ackerman was elected as the fifth Circuit Court Judge, with his term officially beginning on January 1, 2025. His addition is a direct response to the increasing judicial resource needs of Kalamazoo County.
  • Honorable Gary C. Giguere, Jr.: Serving as the Chief Circuit/Probate Judge since 2022, Judge Giguere has been on the Circuit Court since 2007. He is instrumental in overseeing the administrative functions of both the Circuit and Probate Courts.
  • Honorable Pamela L. Lightvoet: Judge Lightvoet was the first woman elected to the Kalamazoo County Circuit Court Bench, beginning her service in 2007. She has served extensively in the Trial Division and continues to be a prominent figure in the court's operations.
  • Honorable Paul J. Bridenstine: Appointed to the Circuit Court in 2015, Judge Bridenstine previously served as the Chief Judge of the 8th District Court. He is now serving in the Criminal Division as part of the 2025 judicial assignments.
  • Honorable Rebecca J. D'Angelo: Judge D'Angelo began her tenure in 2023, initially serving in the Family Division. As part of the 2025 judicial restructuring, she transitioned to serve in the Criminal Division.
  • Honorable Curtis J. Bell: Judge Bell serves as the Probate Court Judge and has been in the role since 2005. While primarily in Probate, he has a history of serving in the Circuit Court Family Division.

Understanding the Kalamazoo Circuit Court's Major Divisions and Physical Locations

The 9th Judicial Circuit Court is structured into three primary divisions—Criminal, Civil (part of the Trial Division), and Family—and operates out of two main complexes in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Knowing which division handles your specific legal matter and its physical location is key to navigating the court system efficiently.

Criminal and Trial Divisions: Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center

The Criminal Division and the Trial Division, which handles general civil disputes, felony cases, and appeals from the District Court, are primarily located at the Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center. This is the central hub for the most serious legal matters in Kalamazoo County.

  • Location (Criminal & Trial Division): Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center, 330 Eleanor St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007.
  • Cases Handled: Felony criminal proceedings, major civil lawsuits (over $25,000), personal injury claims, administrative appeals, and criminal appeals from the 8th District Court.
  • 2025 Assignment Note: With the new judicial assignments, the Criminal Division sees a shift in its presiding judges, including the transition of Judge D'Angelo to this division.

Family Division: Gull Road Justice Complex

The Family Division of the Circuit Court is separated to handle sensitive domestic and juvenile matters. This division operates out of the Gull Road Justice Complex, which also houses the Probate Court.

  • Location (Family Division): Gull Road Justice Complex, 1536 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49048.
  • Cases Handled: Domestic relations matters (divorce, child custody, parenting time, support), juvenile delinquency, child protective proceedings (abuse/neglect), and adoptions.
  • Key Staff: The Family Division is overseen by a dedicated Family Division Administrator to manage its complex caseload.

Navigating the Kalamazoo Circuit Court: Essential Services and 2025 Operational Shifts

The Kalamazoo County Circuit Court is committed to accessibility and has implemented several modern services to assist the public. The recent judicial expansion and reassignments are aimed at improving efficiency and reducing the backlog across all divisions.

The Impact of the Fifth Judge and Judicial Transition

The election of the fifth Circuit Court judge, Honorable Matthew S. Ackerman, effective January 1, 2025, is the single most significant operational change. The addition of a new judicial resource allows for a more focused distribution of the caseload, particularly in the high-volume Trial and Criminal Divisions. The resulting judicial assignments for 2025 include:

  • Criminal Division Strengthening: The move of Judge D'Angelo and Judge Bridenstine to the Criminal Division is a strategic move to address the complexities of felony case management.
  • Division Rebalancing: The Circuit and Probate Courts have undergone a rebalancing of judicial assignments to optimize case flow and management across all divisions, including Family Court.

Online Access and Virtual Courtroom Services

The 9th Circuit Court utilizes technology to maintain public access and operational continuity, a trend that began during the pandemic and has become a permanent feature of the court system.

  • Virtual Courtroom Portal: The court offers a Virtual Court Portal, allowing parties to attend certain hearings remotely via platforms like Zoom. This is a critical service for attorneys and litigants who are not required to be physically present for every proceeding.
  • Online Case Access: The public can access court records and manage notification subscriptions through the Kalamazoo County courts website, enhancing transparency and ease of information retrieval.
  • Jury Services: The court provides detailed information and services for those called for jury duty, which is a fundamental component of the Trial Division's function.

For any specific legal inquiries, the public is advised to contact the Circuit Court Administration directly at the Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center. The court’s official website remains the most reliable source for the most current administrative orders, judicial schedules, and specific courtroom assignments for the new 2025 term. This commitment to transparency and modernization ensures the 9th Judicial Circuit Court continues to serve as an effective trial court of general jurisdiction for Kalamazoo County.

5 Critical Updates You Must Know About the Kalamazoo Circuit Court (9th Judicial Circuit) for 2025
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circuit court kalamazoo mi

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