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Michigan Civil Procedural
No two cases are alike and procedures vary with the nature and complexity of the legal and evidentiary issues involved. The following is a very general outline of the stages of a civil action.
Complaint Filing
Every case begins with the filing and service of a Summons and Complaint. The Complaint will contain one or more "causes of action" such as "Breach of Contract" or "Misrepresentation".
Service Of Complaint
After the Summons and Complaint have been filed with the court, they must be properly served on the defendant(s). If the defendant(s) will accept service, he/she may sign an Acknowledgment of Service." Otherwise the documents will have to be formally served.
Response To Complaint
The Defendant(s) have 21 days (28 days by mail) from the date of service of the Summons and Complaint to serve on the Plaintiff(s) either an Answer to the Complaint or a pleading challenging the sufficiency of the the Complaint. Failure to answer will constitute default and default judgement.
Discovery
Once the Complaint and Answer have been filed both parties commence "discovery" procedures by which the evidence necessary to prosecute both sides of the case. Depending on the nature and complexity of the case, one or more of the following discovery devices may be used by the parties:
Interrogatories: Written questions which must be answered under oath.
Request For Production Of Documents: Demands for production of documents by the parties involved.
Requests For Admission: Requiring the parties to say which allegations they affirm and which they deny.
eposition: The parties may be required to appear in the opposing attorney's office to answer questions under oath in front of a court reporter..
Subpoena Documents From Third Party: Documents may be subpoenad from 3rd parties such as banks and employers.
Discovery Motions (If Applicable)
If a party fails or refuses to comply with discovery requests, it may be necessary for the party propounding the discovery to make a motion in court to compel responses. If the court grants the motion, further responses will be made. If those responses are still inadequate, another motion may be made and the court can sanction (fine) the resisting party. In extreme cases the court can even terminate the action in favor of the moving party.
Trial Setting
Throughout the case the court will set a series of Case Management Conferences to be attended by attorneys for all parties. These hearings are designed to determine whether the case is ready for trial. When the court feels that a case is ready for trial, it will set the date for trial and make orders concerning completion of discovery and final preparation for trial.
Settlement Negotiations
Settlement negotiations may proceed throughout the trial. Often the court will require the parties to try a mediation of the issues or will set a "Mandatory Settlement Conference" (MSC) before the trial date. Settlement negotiations general become more intense as the trial date approaches.
Trial
The vast majority of cases settle before trial. However if the parties cannot settle the case, the only way to resolve the issues is by way of trial.
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1 (313) 982-0010
Contact our Law firm today if you have any question regarding civil litigation in Detroit Metro Areas or throughout Michigan including cases involving:
Michigan Business Litigation
Business Lawsuit
Breach of Contract
Real Estate Litigation
Lawsuit Defense
Fraud & Misrepresenting
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Contact our civil litigation attorneys to schedule a confidential consultation by calling (313) 982-0010
We Provide Quality of Service
Because of the firm’s size, each of our lawyer maintains a working familiarity with all cases. They are supported by a staff of paralegals, legal assistants and clerks. Thus, each case is afforded the specialized attention of the lawyers to whom it is assigned, as well as the personal consideration and resources of everyone in the firm.
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