Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan Chambers Communication Rules

CRITICALCivil cases

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Email to chambers

Always include the case number and case name in the subject line of communications.

Always include case number and case name in the subject line.

CRITICALCivil cases

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Email to clerk

Notify the Court Clerk when filing a motion for rehearing or reconsideration and provide the Court a Judge's Copy for review.

Pursuant to MCR 2.119(F)-Notify Court Clerk if being filed and provide a Judge's Copy to JudgeHarb-Court@3rdcc.org for review.

CRITICALCivil cases

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Email to chambers

All communications must include the case number and hearing date in the subject line.

Include case number and date of hearing in the subject line of all communication.

CRITICALCivil cases

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Email to chambers

Include all parties in emails with the Court or Judge to avoid ex parte communications.

All parties must be included in emails with the Court/Judge in order to avoid ex parte communications.

CRITICALCivil cases

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Email to clerk

If a motion will be withdrawn, the moving party must email both the Court Clerk and the Court's general email to cancel it as soon as possible before the hearing.

If the motion is going to be withdrawn, the moving party must email the Court Clerk (deborah.royal@3rdcc.org) and the Court's general email (judgeharb-court@3rdcc.org) to cancel the motion as soon as possible prior to the hearing date.

CRITICALCivil cases

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Email to clerk

If a motion will be withdrawn, the moving party must email the Clerk and the Court as soon as possible to dismiss it.

If any motion is going to be withdrawn, the moving party must email the Clerk (deborah.royal@3rdcc.org) and the Court ( JudgeHarb-Court@3rdcc.org ) to dismiss the Motion as soon as possible.

CRITICALCivil cases

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Email to chambers

For a summary-disposition motion in lieu of an answer, send a copy to the Judge's Judicial Attorney; the Court will issue a briefing order.

If a party is filing a Motion for Summary Disposition in Lieu of an Answer, send a copy of the Motion for Summary Disposition to the Judge's Judicial Attorney (JudgeHarb-Court@3rdcc.org). The Court will issue a briefing order.

CRITICALCivil cases

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Email to chambers

When a Motion for Reconsideration is filed, April Sutton must be notified by email at JudgeBerry-Court@3rdcc.org.

Motions for Reconsideration: Please email April Sutton (JudgeBerry-Court@3rdcc.org) when a Motion for Reconsideration is filed.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Phone to clerk

Phone

(313) 224-4679

Parties must contact the Courtroom Clerk by phone to obtain a hearing date.

Contact the Courtroom Clerk via phone for a hearing date (313) 224-4679.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Phone

Beginning January 2, 2026, attorneys and their staff must call the Court, rather than email, about adjournments or case status.

AS OF 01/02/2026, THE COURT WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT EMAIL REGARDING ADJOURNMENTS OR CASE STATUS FROM ATTORNEYS OR THIER STAFF. PARTIES MUST CALL THE COURT.

CRITICALCivil cases

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Phone to clerk

To schedule a summary-disposition hearing, the moving party must call the Court Clerk to request an available date.

To schedule a hearing on a Motion for Summary Disposition, you must call the court clerk to request an available hearing date.

CRITICALCivil cases

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Email to chambers

The completed Settlement Conference Form must be emailed to JudgeBerry-Court@3rdcc.org.

Email completed form to JudgeBerry-Court@3rdcc.org

CRITICALCivil cases

The moving party must immediately inform the Court if the case settles or the motion’s issues are resolved.

If the case settles or the issues in the motion are resolved, the moving party must inform the court immediately.

CRITICALCivil cases

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Phone to clerk

The parties must obtain a new motion date from the clerk after an adjournment, postponement, or cancellation.

The parties must get a new date for the motion from the clerk.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Phone to clerk

Phone

313-224-2447

The moving party must call the Clerk to advise the Court that the motion is ready and that necessary documents are in its possession.

The moving party must call the Clerk at (313) 224-2447.

CRITICALCivil cases

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Phone to clerk

If the scheduling order has not arrived within ten days after the clerk is alerted to the motion filing, the movant must contact the clerk.

If the scheduling order is not received within 10 days of alerting the clerk of the motion filing, the movant must contact the clerk for the order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Phone to clerk

A party seeking to adjourn, postpone, or cancel a motion must contact Judge Sullivan's Court Clerk.

A party who seeks an adjournment, postponement, or cancellation of a motion must contact Judge Sullivan's Court Clerk to adjourn, postpone or alert the court the motion is cancelled or resolved.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Phone to clerk

Phone

313-224-2447

The appellant or petitioner must call Judge Sullivan's Clerk when all briefs are filed and the parties are ready for decision or oral argument scheduling.

The Appellant/Petitioner shall inform the Court when all briefs have been filed and the parties are ready for the Court to render a decision or schedule oral argument by calling Judge Sullivan's Clerk at (313) 224-2447

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers

Phone

313-224-2447

The moving party must call the Judicial Assistant to advise that the motion is ready and confirm that the Court has the necessary documents.

The moving party must advise the Court the motion is ready for decision and to ensure all documents necessary for decision are in possession of the court, by calling the Court's Judicial Assistant at (313) 224-2447, as required by the order.

CRITICAL

Contact

Phone to chambers

To be excused from appearing on a motion, the moving party must call chambers by 3:00 p.m. the day before the hearing and tell the clerk the motion has been withdrawn.

To be excused by the court, the moving party must call chambers by 3:00 p.m. the day before the hearing to advise the court clerk that the motion has been withdrawn.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Request an interpreter by email at least 14 days before the hearing and include the case name, case number, requesting party, and language.

If a party needs an interpreter for a hearing or trial, please contact the court at JudgeElder-Court@3rdcc.orgat least 14 days before the hearing with the case name, case number, party requesting the interpreter, and language requested.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

The moving party must email the Court as soon as possible to dismiss a motion that will be withdrawn.

If any motion is going to be withdrawn, the moving party must email the Court (JudgeElder-Court@3rdcc.org ) to dismiss the Motion as soon as possible.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Notify the Court of a settlement or motion withdrawal by confirmation email with all parties copied; do not call instead.

If you are informing the Court that a case has settled or a motion has been withdrawn, a confirmation email to JudgeElder-Court@3rdcc.org with all parties copied is required. Please do not call the Courtroom, as we will still ask for a confirming email.

CRITICALCivil cases

Phone

(313) 224-2444

The moving party must obtain the next available hearing date from the clerk and must not file a motion with a date to be determined by the court; contact the clerk at the listed phone number or email.

The moving party is to contact the court clerk for the next available motion hearing date; DO NOT file a motion with "a date to be determined by the court." The court doesn't receive notice of any pleadings which require a hearing until the praecipe has been accepted and the motion scheduled. The moving party is to contact the court clerk at (313) 224-2444 or at korey.pearson@3rdcc.org for the next available motion hearing date.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

A request for an adjournment should be made at least seven (7) days prior to the scheduled conference. The request should be made to the Judge's Judicial Attorney at lorri.cary@3rdcc.org. The email MUST include all attorneys of record to ensure that there is consent to the request. If the request for the adjournment is to allow a private facilitation, the email MUST include the facilitator's name and the date of the facilitation so that the adjournment will allow time for the parties to accept/reject the facilitation award.

A request for an adjournment should be made at least seven (7) days prior to the scheduled conference. The request should be made to the Judge's Judicial Attorney at lorri.cary@3rdcc.org. The email MUST include all attorneys of record to ensure that there is consent to the request. If the request for the adjournment is to allow a private facilitation, the email MUST include the facilitator's name and the date of the facilitation so that the adjournment will allow time for the parties to accept/reject the facilitation award.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

To schedule a dispositive motion, the moving party must contact the Judge's Judicial Attorney at lorri.cary@3rdcc.org.

To schedule a dispositive motion, the moving party is to contact the Judge's Judicial Attorney at lorri.cary@3rdcc.org.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to clerk

If a motion will be withdrawn, the moving party must email the Court Clerk as soon as possible to cancel it.

If the motion is going to be withdrawn, the moving party must email the Court (Roderick.Byrd@3rdcc.org ) to cancel the motion as soon as possible.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Parties must email the Court to request a briefing scheduling order for summary disposition motions.

PARTIES MUST E-MAIL THE COURT FOR A BRIEFING SCHEDULING ORDER.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers

An emergency preliminary-injunction request must be accompanied by a telephone call and email notice to the Judicial Attorney.

All requests for an emergency preliminary injunction shall be accompanied by a telephone call and email notice to Judge Allen's Judicial Attorney.

CRITICALCivil cases

Informal communications must include all counsel; ex parte communication is not contemplated unless all counsel have given advance consent.

All such communication shall be conducted with ALL counsel present. No ex parte communication is contemplated absent the advanced consent of all counsel, i.e. such as in instances to settle a case when speaking to one side may be necessary.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers

A TRO request requires a telephone call and email notice to the Judicial Attorney by noon on the filing day, or earlier if possible.

All requests for a TRO shall be accompanied by a telephone call and email notice to Judge Allen's Judicial Attorney no later than 12:00 p.m./noon on the day of filing (earlier if possible).

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

All parties must be included in emails to the Court or Judge to avoid ex parte communications.

All parties must be included in emails with the Court/Judge in order to avoid ex parte communications.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to clerk

An attorney filing a motion for rehearing or reconsideration under MCR 2.119(F) must notify the Court Clerk and email the motion in Word format to the courtroom for review.

***Motions for Rehearing or Reconsideration pursuant to MCR 2.119(F)-Notify Court Clerk if being filed and provide an email with the Motion in word format to the to the courtroom for review. The Court does not receive notice that this type of motion is filed unless the attorney notifies the clerk.***

CRITICAL

Contact

Phone to clerk

Notify the court by telephone to request a motion adjournment; the courtroom clerk provides the new date.

The court must be notified, by telephone, of the adjournment request; the Courtroom clerk will give you a new motion date.

CRITICAL

Summary-disposition adjournments must be arranged with the courtroom clerk.

Adjournments must be done with the Courtroom clerk.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact the Administrative Assistant immediately after filing an appeal or motion for reconsideration so the Court receives notice.

Please contact the Administrative Assistant immediately upon filing, to ensure that the Court receives notice of the filing.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email

After filing a motion for summary disposition, email the Judicial Assistant to request a motion date and include a copy of the motion.

After filing the MSD please email the Judicial Assistant for a motion date and include a copy of the motion as well.

CRITICALCivil cases

Contact

Email to clerk

To obtain a hearing date for a default judgment motion not based on a sum certain, contact the court clerk by email.

If your motion seeks a Default Judgment which is not based on a sum certain, please contact the court clerk, Katrina Ross at Katrina.Ross@3rdcc.org to obtain a hearing date.

CRITICAL

To avoid possible dismissal for failing to appear, contact the Court by phone or email with an explanation before 4 p.m. on the hearing day.

Failure to appear may result in the dismissal of the case or motion, unless you contact the Court by phone or email prior to 4PM the day of the hearing with an explanation.

CRITICAL

Do not communicate ex parte with the Court about substantive case issues or to seek legal advice; the Court cannot accept such communications.

Ex Parte Communication with the Court:please note the Court cannot accept emails, letters, phone calls, etc. that are about the substantive issues in your case or give legal advice. Please refrain from ex parte communication as it is against the ethical and court rules.

CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

Send proposed orders and objections to the Court by email; do not file them with the clerk because they will be rejected.

All proposed orders and objections must be sent to JudgeCholack-Court@3rdcc.org (please do not file these as they will be rejected by the clerk’s office).

CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

Copy the other party on every communication with the Court that is not purely administrative.

Please make sure the other party is CC’d on any communication with the court that is not simply administrative.

CRITICAL

A party needing an interpreter or translator must notify the court one week before the next hearing and state the need and required language.

If a party requires an interpreter/translator, the party or counsel for said party must contact the court one (1) week prior to the next hearing date and advise of the need for an interpreter/translator and the language required.

CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

Do not request an adjournment by telephone; email the courtroom for available dates before submitting the order.

Adjournment requests will not be accepted via telephone. Please email the courtroom for available dates before submitting the order.

CRITICAL

Contact

Email to clerk

If a translator is needed, email court staff as soon as known and at least three weeks before the hearing, identifying the party’s language and dialect.

Translators:If a translator is required, please email court staff as soon as this is known, but no less than 3 weeks prior to the scheduled hearing date. Include the language and dialect of the party needing a translator.

CRITICAL

The court should be notified of any motions in limine filed 7 or less days prior to trial.

The court should be notified of any motions in limine filed 7 or less days prior to trial.

CRITICAL

Contact the court to schedule a hearing for a motion for entry of default judgment; oral argument is required.

Contact the court to schedule a hearing date as oral arguments will be required.

CRITICAL

A party intending to use a deposition must notify opposing counsel and the court by the Thursday before trial.

If a party intends to utilize any deposition, the party shall notify opposing counsel and the court no later than the Thursday prior to trial.

CRITICAL

Contact

Email to chambers

For all motions to approve on behalf of an estate, a legally incapacitated adult, or a minor where the minor is receiving more than $5000, a copy of the Letters of Authority must be emailed to the court no less than one week prior to hearing.

For all motions to approve on behalf of an estate, a legally incapacitated adult, or a minor where the minor is receiving more than $5000, a copy of the Letters of Authority must be emailed to the court no less than one week prior to hearing.

CRITICAL

Contact

Email to clerk

Adjournment requests for motions without oral argument must be emailed to court clerk Lisa Rutledge at least 48 hours before the hearing.

Adjournment of Motion:  Email the Lisa Rutledge at least 48 hours prior to the hearing date regarding all motions without oral argument.