By FAFO Editorial Staff
A formal complaint has been filed with the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission against Judge Brian Kirkham of the 37th Circuit Court, alleging judicial misconduct tied to a prolonged custody dispute.
The complaint claims Judge Kirkham issued a custody ruling from the bench but failed to enter the order, allegedly preventing enforcement and appeal while a child remains separated from their mother. The filing argues this constitutes a failure to perform judicial duties and ongoing harm to the family involved.
Additional allegations include abuse of authority, appearance of bias, denial of due process, and failure to fairly manage what the complaint describes as more than 500 motions filed in the underlying case. The complaint further claims repeated rulings favored one party and raises concerns over alleged familiarity with the opposing side.
The complaint comes around the same time a judicial vacancy for the 37th Circuit Court was publicly announced by the State Bar of Michigan, listing Judge Brian Kirkham as the “vacating judge.” The posting states applications for the position are due May 1, 2026.
The complainant is requesting a full investigation and appropriate disciplinary action.
The Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission reviews complaints involving judicial conduct, though the filing of a complaint does not itself establish wrongdoing. No public response from Judge Kirkham was included with the complaint at the time of publication.