Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Judge Melissa Hise released a video update on January 1 highlighting several changes she says will improve efficiency in the courts and help the circuit stay better organized in 2026.

Hise said she has assisted in mental health court and has enjoyed getting to know other judges across the state, along with the people she works with locally. She said those experiences have helped shape new initiatives moving forward.

One of the main changes involves how civil cases will be handled. Hise said civil matters will now be assigned to one of the circuit’s four judges as soon as a case is filed, rather than being routed later in the process. She said assigning cases at filing should improve efficiency and help the court better track case progress.

“It’s an easier way to keep track of things so it doesn’t fall through the cracks,” Hise said.

Hise also noted that Georgia is preparing to roll out a new statewide electronic filing system later this year. She said the online system will allow judges to stay more up to date on filings and case activity.

The new case assignment process began with January 2026 filings, and Hise said she plans to provide additional updates to the circuit throughout the year.