How to Prepare for Circuit Court in Michigan

The Michigan county circuit courts deal with civil cases that include small claims, garnishments, Michigan driver disputes, and petitions for name change, guardianship and emancipation of minors. These courts deal with some family matters, civil and criminal cases.Coming prepared to a court case helps you to better represent yourself in the Michigan circuit courtroom and it helps you to better present your case to a judge.

Instructions

1. Gather any Michigan court documents you need for the court case by downloading the documents at the Michigan court website (courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms) and filling them out or by stopping in the county courthouse and getting the paperwork that you need. The paperwork you need will vary depending on the type of case that you need to present to the judge.

2. Research the amount of money you have to pay in order to file paperwork at the Michigan circuit court in your county. Connect to the Michigan state court website (courts.michigan.gov), type "Filing Fees" into the website search bar, click "Search" and then click on "Filing Fees" in the search results. The website will give you all the court filing fee information. The cost to file paperwork can be anywhere between $15 and $150 dollars, as of publication.

3. File your paperwork by going to the courthouse in your Michigan county and giving the Michigan court clerk the paperwork along with the filing fee.

4. Attend the court hearing on the appointed day. Read the letter that the court sends you and attend the court at the time and date that the court sets.

5. Bring any evidence that will help your case to the Michigan circuit court. Pictures, documents, doctor's notes and professional letters can all help your case in court. Hire an attorney to help represent your case, if you wish. If you have any notes or files that can help the case you should bring them to the court.

6. Present your evidence in a calm and professional tone. Answer all questions honestly and tell the Michigan circuit court judge your side of the story. Wait for the Michigan judge to make a decision regarding your case based on the state and federal laws.

7. Receive a letter from the Michigan circuit court judge stating her decision and the results of the court hearing.

References

• United States District Court Western District of Michigan; Filing Your Lawsuit In Federal Court; December 2009
• Macomb County, Michigan: Circuit Court: Info
• Oakland County Michigan: Circuit Court
• Michigan Courts: State Court Administrative Office Approved Court Forms
• Michigan Courts; Circuit Court Fee and Assessments Table; January 2011