The new facility is part of the Ottawa County Fillmore Street government complex in West Olive and will bring the Family Division of the 20th Judicial Circuit Court under one roof.
Chief Judge Jon Van Allsburg explains the goal of this concept.
“Now we’ve got three Family Division judges moving into this building and all Family Division cases will be heard here.”
The 56,000 square foot facility supports the legislatively-mandated concept of one judge – one family by bringing together the judges, attorney-referees and court staff who handle juvenile, child welfare and domestic relations cases. Previous space limitations required these services to be divided between Grand Haven and West Olive courthouses.
The building was specifically designed to utilize natural light and features interactive artwork for children. Judge Van Allsburg says he hopes the building stands as a symbol of justice for all Ottawa County families.
“We hope that it will be a place that promotes peaceful resolution of disputes and we’ve designed it with that in mind.”
The center officially opens on July 23rd.
