Orders Presented for Judge's Signature
- Signatures: Original signatures must appear on all orders. Clients and attorneys must both sign orders (if applicable). No faxed signatures will be accepted.
- True Copies: The court will process four true copies of each order signed, or as many true copies as there are parties, whichever is greater.
- Returning Orders: True copies of orders will be mailed if a self-addressed stamped envelope is provided with the order. If an envelope is not attached, true copies will be held for two business days. Because of space constraints, orders cannot be held for a longer period. If orders are not picked up, the original order will be filed and the true copies will be discarded.
Adjournments
No adjournments will be granted without permission of the court per court order, even if stipulated to by all parties. Please note that this is not to aggravate the parties, but rather to ensure proper docket management and the adherence to mandated time guidelines. If the parties so stipulate to an adjournment and the court permits the same, the Stipulation and Order must comply with MCR 2.503.
Petitions
- Proofs of Service: All proofs of service must be filled out completely and filed prior to the court hearing. The court cannot proceed without proper service on all the interested parties.
- Hearings: Probate petitions are scheduled through the probate office and are heard Wednesday mornings at 8:30pm The court will schedule contested probate matters for hearing. Status, settlement and Pre-trial conferences are conducted upon request by counsel.
- Check-In Procedure: Petitions are heard at 8:30am on Wednesday mornings. Hearing dates are set by the Probate counter. Check-in for Probate call begins at 8:30am No one will be allowed to check in later than 9:30am unless good cause is shown. Due to the volume of petitions that are scheduled, all petitions must be ready to be heard, with all parties present in the courtroom, no later than 11:30a.m. The staff attorney may meet with counsel prior to a petition being heard in order to resolve disputed issues.
- Emergency Hearings: A request for an emergency hearing may be submitted at any time. To be considered, a written petition explaining the request must be submitted to the court.
- Motions to Settle Orders: A transcript of the proceeding in which the order was made must be submitted to the court prior to the hearing on the motion.
- Request for Evidentiary Hearing: If an issue involves a factual dispute, a motion must be filed in order to request an evidentiary hearing before the judge.
- Summary Disposition: All motions for summary disposition pursuant to MCR 2.116 must be scheduled with the judge's staff attorney.
Attorney and Guardian ad Litem Appointments
The court handles appointment of guardian ad litems on probate matters. Attorneys seeking these appointments must have taken the appropriate seminar and may see the court clerk for appointment.
Judicial Staff Directory