Court Rules
Judge

Judge Tracey A. Yokich

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan, Macomb County

Limits & Logistics

Courtesy Copies

Motion, Responsive Pleadings, Trial Brief

Courtesy copies

Court-wide
  • Immediately Upon Filing

Communication

Phone

Clerk

(586) 493-0357
Phone
Court-wide
586-942-0594
Emergencies
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingJuryMemorandaTOC/TOAEvidence/WitnessesExhibitsProposed Orders

Document Format Requirements1 rule

FormattingCivil cases

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 blanks are completed and alternatives selected; each instruction must be on a separate sheet.

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. Each instruction shall be on a separate sheet.

Document Filing Requirements9 rules

Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

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

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Fourteen days before trial, parties must supply sufficient witness lists identifying actual or probable witnesses, their appearance mode, and specified medical-expert information.

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.

Document Type

Witness List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Proposed exhibits must be marked before trial; attorneys must prepare an exhibit log and provide stipulations for entry or reasons for objections, with copies furnished to the Court and opposing counsel whenever practicable.

Have proposed exhibits marked prior to trial. In Judge Yokich’s court a video recording system is utilized. Attorneys are responsible for marking exhibits and preparing an exhibit log. Counsel shall have stipulations for entry or stated reasons for objections. Whenever practicable, copies of exhibits shall be furnished to the Court and opposing counsel for use during the trial.

Document Type

Exhibit Log

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

A party seeking a remote appearance must file an ex parte motion with a proposed order at least 48 hours before the scheduled court date.

IF YOU WISH TO APPEAR REMOTELY, YOU MUST FILE AN EX PARTE MOTION WITH A PROPOSED ORDER 48 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR SCHEDULED COURT DATE.

Document Type

Ex Parte Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Macomb:bfdfbd59ee0a331346ee01cf · May 2022
|SecScheduling days and times
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

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

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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, parties should provide completed, typed jury instructions and a proposed jury verdict form to the Court and all counsel.

Document Type

Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

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.

Summary: Bench-trial briefs must 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

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Brief Required: Yes

Summary: A brief is required for motions heard on the regular motion day.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

If cases or statutes are cited, a photocopy of the case or statute shall be attached. Prepare stipulations in writing, if any, to be placed on the record.

Summary: Bench-trial briefs must attach photocopies of cited cases or statutes, and any stipulations must be prepared in writing for placement on the record.

Document Type

Trial Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.

Filing & Service rules

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

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 and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL

Deposition objections must be submitted with supporting law and argument at least 14 days before trial, with responses filed 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

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

In a bench trial, the Trial Brief must be submitted at least 2 days before trial.

If a bench trial, submit a Trial Brief at least 2 days prior.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | ON THE DAY OF TRIAL

Witness lists must be supplied at least 14 days before trial in sufficient number for the Court and all counsel.

Fourteen days before trial date, supply witness lists in sufficient number for the Court and all counsel of actual and/or probable witnesses

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL

A request to appear remotely must be filed at least 48 hours before the scheduled court date.

IF YOU WISH TO APPEAR REMOTELY, YOU MUST FILE AN EX PARTE MOTION WITH A PROPOSED ORDER 48 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR SCHEDULED COURT DATE.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 1 | Scheduling days and times

Motions filed on the day of trial will not be entertained absent 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 day of trial 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

Responses to deposition objections must be filed with the Judge and opposing counsel 7 days before trial.

with responses 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

Courtesy Copy Requirements

One Judge's Copy of each motion, responsive pleading, and trial brief must be provided.

Please provide a "Judge's Copy" of all Motion and Responsive Pleadings and Trial Briefs.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 1 | Scheduling days and times

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Motion adjournments must be arranged with the clerk before the 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 | Motion day

Chambers Communication Rules

A party must contact the judge's secretary for an available hearing date before filing a Request for Hearing on a Motion form.

Contact Judge's Secretary for an available hearing date prior to filing the Request for Hearing on a Motion form.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026

Page 1 | Divorce

The clerk or secretary may be contacted to schedule 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

If deposition objections remain unresolved, parties must contact the Judge's secretary to obtain 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.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL

The judge's clerk may be contacted by telephone at (586) 493-0357 regarding filing questions and related matters.

Judge's Clerk Filing Questions, etc.(586) 493-0357

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.

Page 1 | Staff

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 125 rules apply across Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan, Macomb County. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 35
  • Applies to
    Motion to show cause
    Must include
    proposed order

    The motion and order to show cause submitted for a party more than ten days past due must require that party to appear before the court.

  • Applies to
    Referee recommended order

    An administrative order giving interim effect to a referee’s recommendation must include a notice to the parties under a separate heading in the recommended order.

  • Applies to
    Referee recommended order

    An administrative order giving interim effect to a referee’s recommendation must include a notice to the parties under a separate heading in the recommended order.

Fees

All 24
  • Fee
    $500
    Applies to
    Custody investigation

    The Friend of the Court investigation fee is $500 for custody matters.

  • Applies to
    Combined friend of court investigation

    A combined Friend of the Court investigation involving two or more issues is assessed at $500.

  • Applies to
    Friend of court investigation

    The order permits the Friend of the Court investigation fee to be entered as a specified amount or marked as no fee.

E-Filing

All 15
  • All parties in Business Court cases must electronically file and serve documents through the court’s eFiling Pilot Project under Administrative Order No. 2010-6.

  • Participation in the electronic-filing pilot program is mandatory for pending C- and N-type cases assigned to participating circuit judges.

  • All documents are presumed to be filed electronically as part of the mandatory e-filing project.

Formatting

All 14
  • The notice notifying the parties of interim effect should be printed in boldface type at 12 points or larger.

  • The interim-effect notice should use boldface type sized at least 12 points.

  • The interim-effect notice must appear within the referee’s recommended order under a separate heading.

About Judge Tracey A. Yokich

Judge Tracey A. Yokich was appointed to the Macomb County Probate bench by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm on July 1, 2003 and was elected to the 16th Circuit Court for the County of Macomb in 2004. She is a 1982 graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University and received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit School of Law in 1985. Judge Yokich subsequently clerked for the Hon. George Clifton Edwards, Jr. in the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati, OH. Judge Yokich returned to Michigan and served as a Macomb County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, from 1986 to 1989, Macomb County Assistant Corporation Counsel from 1989 to 1990. She returned to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney in 1997. She has also served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives representing the citizens of Eastpointe, St. Clair Shores, Lake Township and Harrison Township from 1991-1996. During her tenure in the Michigan House of Representatives, Judge Yokich served on the Appropriations Committee, Judiciary Committee, Public Health Committee, and the Conservation, Environment, and Great Lakes Committee. Judge Yokich is a Michigan State Bar Foundation Fellow and a Past President of the Michigan Judges Association. She is a member of the Selfridge Base Community Council, the Michigan Air Guard Historical Association and served in the Michigan Air National Guard from 1995-2006.

16th Judicial Circuit Court, Macomb County Courthouse, 40 N. Main St, 2nd Floor , Mount Clemens, MI 48043 , Telephone: (586) 493-0355 Secretary: Mignon Cade: (586) 493-0355 Judge's Clerk: Filing Questions, etc.: (586) 493-0357 Court Officer: Richard Mueller: (586) 493-0383 Court Reporter, Video Courtroom: Mary Cimini: marytcimini@gmail.com

Common questions about Judge Tracey A. Yokich's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Tracey A. Yokich?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for motions, responsive pleadings, and trial briefs. One Judge's Copy of each motion, responsive pleading, and trial brief must be provided.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Scheduling days and times

What must be included with witness list filings before Judge Tracey A. Yokich?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Fourteen days before trial, parties must supply sufficient witness lists identifying actual or probable witnesses, their appearance mode, and specified medical-expert information.

View ruleSource: page 1, section BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL

What must be included with exhibit log filings before Judge Tracey A. Yokich?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Proposed exhibits must be marked before trial; attorneys must prepare an exhibit log and provide stipulations for entry or reasons for objections, with copies furnished to the Court and opposing counsel whenever practicable.

View ruleSource: page 1, section BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL

How may parties contact Judge Tracey A. Yokich's chambers?

A party must contact the judge's secretary for an available hearing date before filing a Request for Hearing on a Motion form.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Divorce

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Tracey A. Yokich?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. Motion adjournments must be arranged with the clerk before the motion day.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Motion day

What filing deadlines does Judge Tracey A. Yokich set?

Dispositive motions must be filed and heard at least 28 days before trial unless the Court permits otherwise.

View ruleSource: page 1, section BEFORE THE DAY OF TRIAL
Complete rules summary for Judge Tracey A. Yokich

Dispositive motions must be filed and heard at least 28 days before trial unless the Court permits otherwise.

Motions in limine and trial motions must be filed and heard at least 14 days before trial.

The clerk or secretary may be contacted to schedule a special hearing time for motions in limine or trial motions.

Motions filed on the day of trial will not be entertained absent good cause.

Deposition objections must be submitted with supporting law and argument at least 14 days before trial, with responses filed 7 days before trial.

Responses to deposition objections must be filed with the Judge and opposing counsel 7 days before trial.

If deposition objections remain unresolved, parties must contact the Judge's secretary to obtain a hearing date.

Deposition objections filed on the day of trial will not be entertained absent good cause.

Fourteen days before trial, parties must supply sufficient witness lists identifying actual or probable witnesses, their appearance mode, and specified medical-expert information.

Witness lists must be supplied at least 14 days before trial in sufficient number for the Court and all counsel.

Parties must submit a joint succinct statement describing the case that does not exceed one paragraph.

Proposed exhibits must be marked before trial; attorneys must prepare an exhibit log and provide stipulations for entry or reasons for objections, with copies furnished to the Court and opposing counsel whenever practicable.

In a bench trial, the Trial Brief must be submitted at least 2 days before trial.

Bench-trial briefs must 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.

Bench-trial briefs must attach photocopies of cited cases or statutes, and any stipulations must be prepared in writing for placement on the record.

For a jury trial, parties should provide completed, typed jury instructions and a proposed jury verdict form to the Court and all counsel.

At the trial judge's discretion, photocopies of completed standard jury instructions are acceptable if blanks are completed and alternatives selected; each instruction must be on a separate sheet.

In jury cases, counsel must submit in writing any special questions they want asked of prospective jurors.

One Judge's Copy of each motion, responsive pleading, and trial brief must be provided.

A party seeking a remote appearance must file an ex parte motion with a proposed order at least 48 hours before the scheduled court date.

A request to appear remotely must be filed at least 48 hours before the scheduled court date.

A brief is required for motions heard on the regular motion day.

Motion adjournments must be arranged with the clerk before the motion day.

The judge's clerk may be contacted by telephone at (586) 493-0357 regarding filing questions and related matters.

A party must contact the judge's secretary for an available hearing date before filing a Request for Hearing on a Motion form.

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