Misdemeanor cases initiated in this division. Equity cases, such as domestic relations and injunctions. Extraordinary remedy cases. In all counties and in the City of St. Louis there is a probate division. Counties with a population of more than 400,000 may also have one commissioner of the probate court, appointed by the probate judge or the circuit judges.
Any circuit can by local rule establish a family court.
These courts handle legal issues such as dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody and modification actions, adoptions, abuse and neglect, and juvenile matters. These are treatment-based alternatives to prison, youth services facilities and detention centers, jails and standard probation models. Drug court policies are developed by each jurisdiction to meet the specific needs of the community. Most drug courts are pre-plea courts, meaning charges are deferred while the person is actively participating in the program. Jury trials are available in cases tried before circuit and associate circuit judges but not in cases tried before municipal judges in the municipal division.