Judge orders parent to appear in person, sets pre-trial Aug. 7 and bench trial Sept. 11 in Lenawee County juvenile case

The Lenawee County Probate & Juvenile Court on the record in file 26-06NA ordered the parent in the initial-disposition matter to appear in person July 20 and set a pre-trial and bench-trial schedule for the respondent's case.

Steve Tramantine, attorney for the respondent and father, said his client Brian Merritt is prepared to waive his right to a jury trial so the court set a pre-trial for Aug. 7 at 10:00 a.m. and directed parties to file and exchange witness and exhibit lists by that date. The court scheduled a bench trial to commence Sept. 11 at 9:00 a.m., with the judge requiring in-person attendance for the trial date.

Ariel Burgerer, guardian ad litem, told the court she has been involved with the children intermittently since 2023, has not yet seen them in their new placement, and will conduct an in-person visit this week. “I will issue a written report after I meet with them prior to father's trial,” Burgerer said. Burgerer and department counsel said they have communicated with defense counsel about negotiations.

During the initial-disposition portion of the hearing, the department's worker reported she had been unable to reach the parent and did not have a court report or a proposed case service plan available for the court. The worker described attempts to contact the parent by text and phone and said family members previously asked the department not to be contacted. Defense counsel suggested the court order the parent to meet in person so a case service plan could be worked out.

The court ordered that the parties reconvene Monday, July 20 at 1:00 p.m. for the initial disposition concerning Miss Ashley Griewan and directed that the parent be present in person. The court also arranged for a family team meeting to occur at noon the same day and said the department will email the parent the order requiring in-person attendance and cooperation with the meeting. Counsel and the guardian indicated they had no objection to the plan.

No formal motions or votes were recorded beyond the court's scheduling and orders. The hearing concluded with the court confirming that all prior orders remain in full force and effect except for the scheduling adjustments made in open court.