Circuit Court

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. Persons needing to speak with Court staff should press the button on the intercom directly across from the elevator.

The Court staff is comprised of:

Hon. P. William O'Grady -Chief Circuit Judge
Pennie S. Copp -Court Administrator
Judy Cole -Courtroom Video Clerk
Carl Sevidal -Court Security Officer