Judge Teri Lynn Dennings
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
Filings > 20 pages
Communication
Phone
Court-wideDocument Format Requirements3 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Each jury instruction must be placed on a separate sheet.
Each instruction shall be on a separate sheet.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Each jury instruction must be placed on a separate sheet.
Each instruction shall be on separate sheet.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Proposed exhibits must be pre-stickered and remain unmarked for the video courtroom.
As this is a video courtroom, please have the proposed exhibits pre-stickered and unmarked.
Document Filing Requirements22 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Proposed exhibits must be marked before trial.
Have proposed exhibits marked prior to trial.
Document Type
Proposed Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Counsel must have stipulations for entry of exhibits or stated reasons for objecting to them.
Counsel shall have stipulations for entry or stated reasons for objections.
Document Type
Exhibit Stipulations
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Trial briefs must include a statement of facts, issues, theory of the case, memorandum of law, joint schedule of assets, and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Trial briefs shall contain a statement of facts, issues, theory of case, memorandum of law, joint schedule of assets, and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Document Type
Trial Brief
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Counsel must provide stipulations for entry of exhibits or state reasons for objecting to them.
Counsel shall have stipulations for entry or stated reasons for objections.
Document Type
Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Counsel must provide a joint statement of the case not exceeding one paragraph and a joint list of trial witnesses.
Provide a joint succinct statement as to what the case is about, not to exceed one paragraph and a joint list of witnesses to be called at trial.
Document Type
Joint Trial Statement And Witness List
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
An emergency motion filing must include a request for hearing, the motion, and a proposed order.
Emergency Motions Requires a Request for Hearing, Motion, and proposed order.
Document Type
Emergency Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
The parties must submit a joint succinct statement describing the case that does not exceed one paragraph.
Joint succinct statement as to what the case is about, not to exceed one paragraph.
Document Type
Joint Succinct Statement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Any stipulations to be placed on the record must be prepared in writing.
Prepare stipulations in writing, if any, to be placed on the record.
Document Type
Stipulation
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Trials are conducted in person unless the court receives a stipulation to conduct the trial via Zoom.
Trials are in person unless a stipulation is received to conduct the trial via zoom.
Document Type
Stipulation
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
At the trial judge’s discretion, photocopies of completed standard jury instructions are acceptable if all blanks are completed and alternatives are selected.
At the discretion of the trial Judge, photocopies of completed SJI's are acceptable provided that blank spaces are completed and any alternatives in the instructions are chosen.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
In jury cases, counsel must submit in writing any special questions they want asked of prospective jurors.
In jury cases, submit to the Court in writing special jury questions that counsel desire to be asked of the prospective jurors.
Document Type
Special Jury Questions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Attorneys are responsible for marking exhibits and preparing an exhibit log for use with the court’s video recording system.
In Judge Dennings' court a video recording system is utilized. Attorneys are responsible for marking exhibits and preparing an exhibit log.
Document Type
Exhibit Log
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
When practicable, exhibit copies must be furnished to the court and opposing counsel for use during trial.
Whenever practicable, copies shall be furnished to the Court and opposing counsel for use during the trial.
Document Type
Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note
The court will not enter sequestration orders for trials conducted via Zoom.
No orders for sequestration will be entered for zoom trials.
Document Type
Sequestration Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
If a jury trial, to the extent possible, have completed, typed jury instructions, including proposed jury verdict form for the Court and all counsel (not just by jury instruction number).
Summary: For a jury trial, counsel should provide completed typed jury instructions and a proposed jury verdict form to the court and all counsel.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
If cases or statutes are cited, a photocopy of the case or statute shall be attached.
Summary: Any case or statute cited in a trial brief must be attached in photocopy form.
Document Type
Trial Brief
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Have witnesses available for trial.
Summary: Witnesses must be available on the day of trial.
Document Type
Trial Witness Availability
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Fourteen days before the trial date, counsel shall supply trial witness lists to the Court and all counsel of actual and/or probable witnesses, indicating if in person or by deposition and, for medical experts, the hospital and office where the witness practices and his or her specialty.
Summary: Fourteen days before trial, counsel must provide trial witness lists identifying actual and probable witnesses, their in-person or deposition status, and specified information for medical experts.
Document Type
Trial Witness List
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Counsel shall provide sufficient copies for the Court, all counsel, and each juror.
Summary: Counsel must provide sufficient copies of the jury instructions for the court, all counsel, and each juror.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Provide completed, typed jury instructions, including a proposed jury verdict form for the Court and all counsel (not just by jury instruction number).
Summary: Completed typed jury instructions and a proposed jury verdict form must be provided to the court and all counsel, rather than merely instruction numbers.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Be present with client(s) and any other person(s) necessary to effect the disposition of the mat
Summary: Counsel and necessary persons must be present on the day of trial to effect disposition of the matter.
Document Type
Trial Appearance
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Submit to the Court, in writing, special jury questions that counsel desire to be asked of the prospective jurors.
Summary: Any special jury questions counsel wants asked of prospective jurors must be submitted to the court in writing on the day of trial.
Document Type
Special Jury Questions
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Divorce judgments and all required accompanying orders must be filed electronically no later than the Tuesday of the week before the hearing.
Judgments of Divorce and all required accompanying Orders MUST be e-filed no later than the Tuesday of the week before the Hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 1 | DIVORCE
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Dispositive motions must be filed and heard at least 28 days before trial unless the Court permits otherwise.
Unless otherwise permitted by the Court, all dispositive motions shall be filed and heard at least 28 days prior to trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
Motions in limine and trial motions must be filed and heard at least 14 days before trial.
Motions in Limine and/or trial motions shall be filed and heard at least 14 days prior to trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
An exhibit binder with identified and tabbed exhibits must be provided to the court at least 7 days before trial.
7 days before trial date, exhibit binder provided to Court with exhibits identified and tabbed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
A trial brief must be submitted at least 7 days before a bench trial.
If a bench trial, submit a Trial Brief at least 7 days prior.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | ON THE DAY OF TRIAL
At least 14 days before trial, counsel must supply sufficient copies of witness lists identifying actual or probable witnesses, their appearance mode, and specified practice information for medical experts.
Fourteen days before trial date, supply witness lists in sufficient number for the Court and all counsel of actual and/or probable witnesses, indicating if in person or by deposition and, if medical experts, the hospital and office where the witness practices and his or her specialty.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
Exhibit lists and witness lists must be exchanged 14 days before trial.
14 days before the trial date, exhibit lists and witness lists exchanged.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
Deposition objections, supported by law and argument, must be submitted to the judge and opposing counsel at least 14 days before trial, with responses submitted at least 7 days before trial.
If depositions have objections therein, the parties shall submit to the Judge and opposing counsel no later than 14 days before trial date, the objections with supporting law including argument, with responses filed with the Judge and opposing counsel 7 days before the trial date.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
All motions in limine and trial motions must be filed with the judge and counsel 14 days before trial.
File all motions in limine and/or trial motions with the Judge and counsel 14 days before the trial date
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
Motions filed on the trial date will not be entertained absent good cause.
Motions filed on the day of trial will not be entertained except for good cause shown.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
Any deposition objections, supported by law and argument, must be submitted to the judge and opposing counsel no later than 14 days before trial.
If depositions have objections therein, the parties shall submit to the Judge and opposing counsel no later than 14 days before trial date, the objections with supporting law, including argument
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
Deposition objections filed on the trial date will not be entertained absent good cause.
Objections to depositions filed on the day of trial will not be entertained except for good cause shown.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
The electronic filing deadline for divorce judgments and required accompanying orders is the Tuesday of the week before the hearing.
Judgments of Divorce and all required accompanying Orders MUST be e-filed no later than the Tuesday of the week before the Hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 1 | DIVORCE
Motions filed on the trial date will not be entertained absent a showing of good cause.
Motions on the day of trial will not be entertained except for good cause shown.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
Deposition objections filed on the trial date will not be entertained absent a showing of good cause.
Objections to depositions filed on the day of trial will not be entertained except for good cause shown.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
Responses to motions in limine and trial motions must be filed with the judge and opposing counsel 7 days before trial.
with responses to be filed with the Judge and opposing counsel 7 days before trial date
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
Responses to deposition objections must be filed with the judge and opposing counsel 7 days before trial.
with responses to be filed with the Judge and opposing counsel 7 days before the trial date
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
Unresolved deposition objections will be heard on the day of trial.
If the parties have not resolved the objections, a hearing will be heard on the day of trial.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
Motions in limine will be heard on the Monday before trial unless a compelling reason supports an earlier hearing.
All motions in limine will be heard on the Monday before trial unless a compelling reason for an earlier hearing can be demonstrated.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A Judge's Copy of motions, responsive pleadings, trial briefs, and related briefs with combined exhibits exceeding 20 pages must be delivered directly to the Judge's office before the hearing.
Please provide a "Judge's Copy" of all Motion and Responsive Pleadings and Trial Briefs if the brief and combined exhibits exceed 20 pages. Copies of motion, briefs and answers must be delivered directly to the Judge’s office, prior to hearing, as required by MCR 2.119(A)(2).
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 1 | SCHEDULING DAYS & TIMES
Whenever practicable, exhibit copies should be furnished to the court and opposing counsel for trial use.
Whenever practicable, copies of exhibits shall be furnished to the Court and opposing counsel for use during the trial.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A motion adjournment must be processed with the clerk before the scheduled motion day.
Motion Adjournments: Must be done with clerk prior to motion day
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 1 | SCHEDULING DAYS & TIMES
A stipulation to adjourn the trial date will not be granted without good cause.
Stipulations to adjourn the trial date will not be granted without good cause.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
Chambers Communication Rules
Unresolved deposition objections require the parties to contact the judge’s secretary for a hearing date.
If the parties have not resolved the objections, the parties shall contact the Judge's secretary for a hearing date regarding the deposition objections.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
Before filing a Request for Hearing on a Motion form, the party must contact the Judge's Secretary to obtain an available hearing date.
Note: Contact Judge's Secretary for an available hearing date prior to filing the Request for Hearing on a Motion form.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026
Page 1 | DIVORCE
Counsel may contact the court clerk or secretary to arrange a special hearing time for motions in limine or trial motions.
Motions in Limine and/or trial motions can be scheduled at special times to accommodate counsel. Contact this Court’s clerk or secretary to schedule special time.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL