Circuit Court

In the interest of public health, the public is encouraged not to attend court proceedings unless necessary, and the courts are encouraged to use videoconferencing and other available technology as permitted. To the extent possible, during this time, please conduct court business via telephone or e-mail. Any inquiries may be directed to the contacts below: 

Circuit Court – Clinton 

Judge Barkman (989) 224-5132  

Judge Schlegel (989) 224-5130

The 29th Judicial Circuit consists of both Clinton and Gratiot Counties. Honorable Cori Barkman is on the bench in Clinton County the first and third week of each month while Honorable Shannon LW Schlegel is in Gratiot County. The second and fourth weeks of each month, Judge Schlegel takes the bench in Clinton County while Judge Barkman is in Gratiot County.


Motion Days

To schedule motions, call the appropriate Assignment Clerk for a date and time and mail your motion and Notice of Hearing to the Clinton County Clerk's Office. Judge’s copies can be sent to the appropriate Judge’s chambers. Praecipes are not required.


Scheduling Hearings

To schedule a hearing before the Court, contact the appropriate Assignment Clerk, based on the Judge assigned to the case as follows:

  • Honorable Cori E. Barkman, Judge of the Circuit Court
    Phone: 989-224-5132
  • Honorable Shannon LW Schlegel, Judge of the Circuit Court
    Phone: 989-224-5130
  • Honorable Lisa Sullivan, Judge of Probate Court/Assigned to the Family Division of the Circuit Court
    Phone: 989-224-5190

For Gratiot County cases, see below.


Civil Division

The Civil Division of Circuit Court handles civil cases over $25,000, appeals, injunctions, license restorations, condemnations, and divorces. Judge Barkman and Judge Schlegel are assigned to this division.


Criminal Division

The Criminal Division of Circuit Court handles felony cases, criminal appeals from District Court, extraditions and writs. Judge Barkman and Judge Schlegel are assigned to this division.


Family Division

The Family Division of Circuit Court has been implemented to establish the "one family, one judge" concept. The Family Division handles name change, paternity, family support, UIFSA, parental waiver, emancipation, adoptions, juvenile, abuse and neglect, personal protection orders and divorces. Judge Barkman, Judge Schlegel and Judge Lisa Sullivan, Chief Judge of the Probate Court, preside as the Family Court Judges.


Circuit Court Filings

All Civil, Criminal and Family Division Circuit Court cases are filed in the County Clerk’s Office. Clerk's Office phone number is 989-224-5140.

Gratiot County Circuit Court Clerk


214 E. Center Street
Ithaca, MI 48847
(989) 875-5215

Please call the Gratiot County Circuit Court Clerk to request information regarding Gratiot County cases. To schedule a hearing on a Gratiot County case, please call the Gratiot County Circuit Court office at (989) 875-5224.