Honorable Charlene M Elder

For Michigan residents, particularly those in the Detroit area, understanding the structure and personnel of the local judiciary is essential for navigating the legal system effectively. When a legal issue arises, whether it pertains to family matters, civil disputes, or criminal proceedings, individuals interact with various parts of the court system, including judges who preside over cases and make crucial decisions. This article aims to shed light on the role and contributions of the Honorable Charlene M. Elder, a prominent judge serving the 3rd Circuit Court in Detroit. We will explore her background, the divisions she has served, and her commitment to the justice system in Michigan, providing local users with valuable insights into this important legal figure.

The Michigan judicial system, particularly at the circuit court level, plays a pivotal role in resolving a wide array of legal conflicts. Judges like the Honorable Charlene M. Elder are at the heart of this system, responsible for upholding the law, ensuring fair trials, and making equitable decisions that impact the lives of countless individuals and families. Her extensive career on the bench reflects a deep dedication to public service and a nuanced understanding of the legal challenges faced by Michigan citizens. From addressing sensitive domestic relations cases to handling complex civil matters, Judge Elder's work directly contributes to the administration of justice in Wayne County. For those in Detroit, knowing about the judges who serve their community offers a clearer picture of the legal avenues available for resolving disputes and seeking legal redress.

The Honorable Charlene M. Elder presides in the 3rd Circuit Court, located at 2 Woodward Ave #1701, Detroit, MI 48226, USA. This address places her chambers within the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, a central and iconic building in downtown Detroit. This location is highly accessible for Michigan residents, especially those living or working in the Detroit metropolitan area. The Coleman A. Young Municipal Center is well-served by various public transportation options, including the Detroit People Mover, and is within walking distance of several bus stops. For those driving, there are numerous parking garages and lots in the surrounding downtown area, though it's always advisable to plan ahead for parking availability and costs, particularly during business hours.

The central location of the 3rd Circuit Court facilitates easy access for litigants, attorneys, and other parties involved in legal proceedings. Being situated in the heart of Detroit’s legal district means that the court is conveniently located near other legal offices, government agencies, and related services, which can be beneficial for individuals navigating complex legal matters. This accessibility underscores the court system's effort to be a reachable and functional entity for all citizens of Michigan who need its services.

Services Offered (by the Court System where Judge Elder presides):

• Civil Division: The 3rd Circuit Court's Civil Division handles civil cases where claims exceed $25,000. These cases can involve a wide range of disputes between individuals or entities, such as contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, and more. Judge Elder currently serves in this division, overseeing the proceedings and applying legal principles to resolve these complex matters.
• Family Division: Judge Elder previously served for 17 years in the Family Division of the 3rd Circuit Court. This division handles a broad spectrum of domestic relations cases, which are often highly sensitive and emotionally charged. Key services include:
  • Divorce and Legal Separation: Adjudicating cases related to the dissolution of marriage, including property division, spousal support, and related issues.
  • Paternity: Establishing legal fatherhood, which is crucial for matters of child support and custody.
  • Child Custody and Parenting Time: Making decisions regarding where children will live and how parents will share time and responsibilities.
  • Personal Protection Orders (PPOs): Issuing orders to protect individuals from domestic violence, harassment, or stalking.
  • Domestic Violence Prevention Court: Judge Elder was one of three judges who helped initiate this specialized court, designed to offer wider services and support to victims of domestic violence who obtain PPOs.
• Judicial Magistrate Services: Prior to her appointment to the 3rd Circuit Court, Judge Elder served as a judicial magistrate in Dearborn's 19th District Court (from 2003 to 2005). Magistrates often handle preliminary hearings, small claims, traffic offenses, and other initial court proceedings, acting as a crucial entry point into the justice system.

Features / Highlights (of Honorable Charlene M. Elder's career and role):

• Extensive Judicial Experience: Judge Elder was appointed to the 3rd Circuit Court in 2005 by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and has been re-elected multiple times, most recently in 2020. Her tenure on the bench demonstrates deep experience in the Michigan judicial system.
• Pioneering Role: She is recognized as the first Arab-American female judge on the 3rd Circuit Court and the first female, Arab-American, and Muslim judge in the country, breaking significant barriers in the judiciary.
• Commitment to Family Justice: Her 17 years in the Family Division, coupled with her involvement in establishing the Domestic Violence Prevention Court, highlight a strong dedication to supporting families and protecting vulnerable individuals in domestic relations cases.
• Respected Legal Professional: Judge Elder is a member of the Michigan Judges Association and serves on the board of ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services), an advisory board member for the Michigan chapter of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. She was also named "Judge of the Year" by Moms and Dads of Michigan in 2009.
• Educational Background: She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and her Juris Doctor degree from the Detroit College of Law (now Michigan State University College of Law).
• Prior Legal Practice: Before becoming a judge, she worked as a sole practitioner specializing in consumer protection law, commercial transactions, and general litigation, providing her with a broad foundation in various legal areas.
• Community-Oriented: Judge Elder is deeply connected to the community she serves, being born and raised in Metro Detroit. She often states her focus is on doing her job seriously, dealing with families in Wayne County, and providing people the opportunity to be heard.

Promotions or Special Offers:

As a sitting judge, the Honorable Charlene M. Elder does not offer "promotions or special offers" in the traditional business sense. Her role is to preside over cases impartially, apply the law, and ensure fair judicial proceedings. The services she provides are part of the public judicial system. Individuals interacting with the court should be aware that standard court fees and processes apply. Any legal representation or consultation related to cases before the court would come from private attorneys, not directly from the judge or the court itself. Information about court fees and procedures is typically available through the 3rd Circuit Court's official website or by contacting the court clerk's office.

Contact Information:

To contact the chambers of the Honorable Charlene M. Elder or the 3rd Circuit Court where she presides, you can use the following information:

Address: 2 Woodward Ave #1701, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

Phone: (313) 224-5436

Mobile Phone: +1 313-224-5436 (Note: This is likely a court line, not a personal mobile number, and is for official court business.)

For specific inquiries related to cases or court procedures, it is generally recommended to contact the court clerk's office or the judge's judicial assistant directly, as phone lines can be busy. For legal advice or representation, individuals should seek out qualified attorneys in their specific area of need.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Michigan residents, particularly those in Wayne County and the greater Detroit area, the presence and contributions of judges like the Honorable Charlene M. Elder are integral to the functioning of their local justice system. Her role within the 3rd Circuit Court means that she is directly involved in adjudicating a broad range of civil and family law matters that deeply impact the lives of local citizens. Her extensive experience, including significant time in the Family Division, assures residents that their sensitive legal issues will be handled by a knowledgeable and compassionate professional.

The positive feedback from community members, noting her as a "Great judge and excellent staff," reflects a strong local reputation. Her accessibility in downtown Detroit, within the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, makes it convenient for local individuals to access the court system. Furthermore, her groundbreaking status as the first Arab-American female judge in the country and her dedicated work in areas like domestic violence prevention highlight her commitment to serving all segments of the Michigan community with fairness and integrity. For anyone navigating the complexities of civil disputes or family law in Detroit, understanding and appreciating the dedicated service of judicial figures like Honorable Charlene M. Elder is a testament to the robust legal framework available to locals.