Location:
3031 Domres Road
Manistee, MI 49660
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Contact
Phone: (231) 398-3406
Fax: (231) 398-3404
Email: tribalcourt@lrboi-nsn.gov
Court Staff
Spring Medacco, Court Administrator
springmedacco@lrboi-nsn.gov
Laurie Willis, Court Clerk
lauriewillis@lrboi-nsn.gov
Alex Colopy, Administrative Assistant
alexcolopy@lrboi-nsn.gov
Tribal Court Judges
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Tribal Court office and courtroom are located in the Justice Center building. The Chief Judge and the Associate Judge hear all trial level cases. The Tribal Court can hear both civil and criminal matters involving Tribal members and entities. It not only adjudicates disputes and interprets tribal laws but also safeguards the rights and liberties of the Tribe's members as preserved in their Constitution. Article VI, Section 8 of the Constitution specifically outlines the duties of the Judicial branch, emphasizing its importance in the Tribe's governance and its commitment to justice and equity for all members.
The Tribal Court hears a variety of cases, including but not limited to:
- Civil Cases: divorce, child custody, property disputes
- Criminal Cases
- Child Neglect/Abuse cases
- Civil infractions and conservation violations
- Employment matters
- Probate Cases: estate matters, guardianships, and conservatorships
The Court can also:
- Issue personal protection orders (PPOs)
- Issue marriage licenses
- Register foreign judgments
- Provide Peacemaking services
The Tribal Court staff must remain neutral and impartial in all court cases, which is important in maintaining the integrity of the judicial process. While they cannot offer legal advice, they are able to assist with navigating court procedures and providing necessary forms to individuals.
TRIBAL COURT FEES:
Tribal Court Hearings
TO VIEW ZOOM HEARINGS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC VIEWING:
Meeting ID: 634 101 8204
Pass Code: 734592
Join Hearing via PC:
Enter the following link in your web browser: bit.ly/3x9OFDI
OR Go to Zoom.us in your web browser and click “Join”
Use Meeting ID & Pass Code listed above
Join Hearing via Apple or Android Device:
Download the Zoom app from your phone’s app store
OR Go to Zoom.us on your phone’s web browser
Use Meeting ID & Pass Code listed above
Join Hearing via Telephone:
Call in Number: 1-929-436-2866
Use Meeting ID & Pass Code listed above
(If prompted for a Participant Code, press the # key.)
*All hearings are available for public viewing except for hearings titled “Closed Hrg.” Hearings held in the Tribal Court may only be viewed
in-person at this time.
Photography, recording or broadcasting of any hearing is strictly prohibited. (Rules of Civil Procedure, CR 4.015)