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.