Self Representation

Pro Per:

            A “Pro Per” litigant is a person who represents himself/herself rather than hiring an attorney.

Standards:

            A person acting on his or her own behalf is, under the law, held to the same standards and duties as an attorney admitted to the practice of law in the State of Michigan.  Such person is expected to know what the law requires and how to accomplish his or her purposes in accordance with the applicable statutes and court rules.

            Judges and hearing officials cannot provide legal advice.  Court employees are not lawyers.  Do not ask them to provide legal advice.  Consult the Michigan  Court Rules and Michigan laws rather than asking advice from the court staff.  Members of the court staff are allowed to provide procedural information only.

Seeking Advice:

            If you need advice, please contact an attorney.

            If you do not have a lawyer and do not know a specific lawyer to contact, you can be referred to a lawyer through the State bar of Michigan.

            State Bar of Michigan

            306 Townsend Street

            Lansing, MI  48933

            Phone number for use within State of Michigan:       1-517-346-6338

            Phone number for use outside State of Michigan:     1-800-968-0738

Self-Help Available:

            The State Bar of Michigan has an online legal self-help center that provides resources to the public: 

           http://www.michbar.org/news/releases/archives05/self_help.cfm

            The State Court Administrative Office has self-help information at their web-site:  http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/selfhelp/sitemap.htm

Attendance at Court Proceedings:

            Arrive at the assigned judge’s courtroom or referee’s hearing room for the scheduled day and time of your court proceeding.  Arrive early to allow time for parking and courthouse security measures.  Be prepared to spend most of the morning or afternoon in court.  Your case may be heard immediately or you may have to wait for other cases to be heard.

            When you arrive, check in with the court officer in the assigned judge’s courtroom.  The court officer sits at the desk next to the judge in the courtroom.  Advise the court officer of your name, the name of the case, and that you are representing yourself.

What to Bring to the Court Proceeding:

          1.         All copies of your documents pertaining to the scheduled court proceeding;

          2.         Paper;

          3.         Pen or Pencil;

         4.        Corresponding proposed order to present to the judge if your motion is granted.

If Your Motion is Granted:

            If you have a proposed order prepared (pursuant to MCR 2.602), tell the judge you have a proposed order to be signed.   The court officer or court clerk will hand the order to the judge. 

            If you do not have an order prepared, the clerk will prepare an order based on the judge’s ruling.  If the other party is represented by an attorney, the judge will direct the opposing attorney to prepare the proposed order.

If Your Motion is Denied:

            The judge will state the reasons for denial on the record.  If both parties are In Pro Per, the clerk will prepare an order denying said motion.  If the other party is represented by an attorney, the judge will direct the opposing attorney to prepare the order.