Getting Legal Help

Finding an attorney

A list of attorneys who practice law can be obtained from the bar association in your local area or you may consult the local telephone book for a Lawyer Referral Service number or a complete list of lawyers in the yellow pages under Attorneys.

The statewide lawyer referral number is (800) 968-0738, or see the directory at the State Bar of Michigan website.

Local referral service numbers are:

Detroit Metropolitan -(313) 961-3545

Genesee County - (810) 232-6000

Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Antrim Counties - (231) 922-4713   

Kent County - (616) 855-0273

Macomb County -(586) 468-8300

Oakland County -(248) 338-2100

Washtenaw County - (734) 996-3229

Serving Court Papers

Everyone who files a court paper must serve it on all other parties, on interested persons when required, and on any attorneys who have filed an appearance in the case. The term "serve" means to provide notice; in other words, everyone has the right to "due process" under the law. It is critical that everyone involved in a case is provided with proper notice of every paper filed in that case. Without this "due process," a case can be dismissed for lack of service. Service in civil cases filed in circuit and district court is regulated by Michigan Court Rules 2.101 through 2.108 and service for cases filed in probate court is regulated by Michigan Court Rules 5.102 through 5.108. See also information about commencing an action and service of process in the Michigan Compiled Laws. It is very important that court papers are served properly and timely.

Proof of Service

Proof of service is not always required. It is important to read the Michigan Court Rules related to your type of case to find out whether proof of service is required.

Proof of service of the court paper that starts a civil case must be made by: 1) written acknowledgment of the receipt of a summons and a copy of the complaint, dated and signed by the person to whom the service is directed or by a person authorized under these rules to receive the service of process; 2) a certificate stating the facts of service including the manner, time, date, and place of service if service is made within the State of Michigan by (a) a sheriff, a deputy sheriff, or bailiff if that officer holds office in the county in which the court issuing the process is held, (b) an appointed court officer, or (c) an attorney for a party; or 3) an affidavit stating the facts of service including the manner, time, date, and place of service and indicating the process server's official capacity, if any.

Proof of service of the court papers in a probate case may be made by: 1) a copy of the notice of hearing, if any; 2) copies of other papers served with the notice of hearing, with a description of the papers in the proof of service; or 3) authentication by the person making service.

Proof of service of other court papers can be made as outlined above or in another form that is satisfactory to the court.

The proof of service should contain the name of the person being served, the place of service (such as the address where the service was made or a description of the location), and the date and time of service.

Michigan Court Forms

SCAO-Approved Court Forms

Most court actions require a specific form or document to be filed with the court. If you are not sure which forms you need, this self-help center may be able to assist you once you identify the type of court action.

Court forms are only tools to assist in the processing of a court case. The forms do not guide you through the court process. If you do not have an attorney, you will need to understand the laws pertaining to your type of case.