Judge Diane L. Meulemans

Applies to

Findings of fact conclusions of law judgment or order

An attorney or pro se litigant required by statute or a judge to prepare findings, conclusions, a judgment, or other orders must prepare the documents for the judge’s signature and filing.

Applies to

Mortgage foreclosure summons and complaint

A plaintiff commencing a mortgage foreclosure action must attach the specified mediation notice to the Summons and Complaint.

Applies to

Civil case initiation

Civil cases generally are commenced by filing a Summons and Complaint.

Formal and informal estates must be closed, or a petition for extension filed, within 18 months of opening.

A suspended action will be dismissed without notice unless the Court receives notice that the stay was lifted or the bankruptcy petition dismissed within 120 days after receiving the stay notice; the plaintiff may reopen the matter upon notice that the stay was lifted or proceedings terminated.

Motions, supporting documents, and briefs must be filed at least twenty days before the hearing, unless another rule or court order provides otherwise.

All documents must be served on the opposing party and filed with the Court at least twenty days before the hearing.

The opposing party must serve and file a written response with citations to authorities at least ten days before the hearing.

In large claim civil actions where the defendant was personally served, notice before entry of default judgment is not required, except in mortgage foreclosures.

The judge or judicial assistant sets the hearing date and time, and the attorney is responsible for scheduling the motion with the Court.

Filing a motion only with the Clerk does not schedule it; a specific request by phone or in writing must be made to the Court for a hearing date and time.

A party seeking to close a public proceeding to the news media must notify the Court in writing at least 72 hours before the motion hearing, unless good cause for an exception has been shown.