The circuit court is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Michigan, having jurisdiction over all actions except those given by state law to another court. Generally speaking, the circuit court has original jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more than $25,000, in all criminal cases where the offense involves a felony or certain serious misdemeanors, and in all family-related cases in the family division, including divorce and ancillary matters, custody, parenting time, paternity, juvenile offenses, abuse/neglect, emancipation of minors, personal protection orders, name changes, adoptions and parental consent waivers.

The circuit court also hears cases appealed from lower courts and from some administrative agencies of state government. In addition, the circuit court has superintending control over other courts within the judicial circuit, subject to final superintending control of the supreme court.