Judge Jeffery S. Matis
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Motion, Brief, Attachments
- Upon Filing
Motion, Response
- Upon Filing
Pleading
- Upon Filing
Reconsideration Motions
- Upon Filing
Adjournments
- A first civil scheduling-order adjournment may extend dates by up to 60 days by stipulation and order; later adjournments or longer extensions require a motion and good cause.
- Only the moving party may adjourn a motion, and must notify chambers by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday before the hearing; refiling the praecipe and notice alone is insufficient.
- Adjournment requests must be submitted by stipulated order, require good cause, and will not be considered if faxed.
- +8 more
Request must include
- A first adjournment of scheduling-order dates may extend them by up to 60 days by stipulation and order.
Communication
Clerk6 contacts
- efiling@oakgov.com
- mifile@imagesoft.com
- efiling@oaklandcountymi.gov
- 248-858-5831
- 855-959-8868
- 248-858-0582
Chambers2 contacts
- lyonc@oaklandcountymi.gov
- lyonc@oakgov.com
Page & Word Limits1 rule
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Motions which exceed the page limit will be rejected. Late filings will be rejected.
Summary: Summary-disposition motions exceeding the applicable page limit or filed late will be rejected.
Motion
Document Filing Requirements21 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Parties must notify the Court of settlement and enter a stipulated dismissal before the show-cause date or trial counsel must appear; failure to appear may result in dismissal or default.
If a matter has settled, the parties shall inform the Court and the judge’s clerk will issue a show cause order. A stipulated order of dismissal must be entered prior to the show cause date or all trial counsel must appear for the scheduled show cause. Failure to appear for the show cause (in the absence of a submission of a dismissal order) will result in the entry of a dismissal and/or default.
Document Type
Stipulated Order Of Dismissal
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
The parties must exchange and stipulate to exhibits before trial, mark them before trial, and submit a complete set on the first trial day; plaintiff exhibits use numbers and defendant exhibits use letters.
The parties are required to exchange and stipulate to exhibits in advance of trial. Exhibits must be marked by counsel prior to trial and a complete set must be submitted to the Court on the first day of trial. Plaintiff/Petitioner is to mark its exhibits with numbers. Defendant/Respondent is to mark its exhibits with letters.
Document Type
Trial Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A notice of hearing for a summary-disposition motion must state that the date and time are to be determined by the Court.
When filing a motion for summary disposition, the notice of hearing shall provide “a date and time to be determined by the Court.”
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
The parties must exchange and stipulate to jury instructions before trial, resolve disputes before trial morning, and submit instructions without citations or proponent identification one week before trial in Word format by email.
The parties are required to exchange and stipulate to pre-trial jury instructions in advance of trial. All such disputes are to be resolved before the morning of trial. Jury instructions are to be submitted without citation of authority or identification of the proponent (please reference the Pretrial Order). Jury instructions are due one week before trial and must be submitted electronically in Word format via email to the following:
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Trial attorneys, clients, and insurance representatives with full settlement authority must attend in person or be immediately contactable during settlement conferences.
Trial attorneys, clients, and any insurance representatives with full settlement authority must be physically present or immediately available to be contacted during the settlement conference.
Document Type
Settlement Conference
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Parties must complete an order consistent with the ruling before leaving court, or submit one promptly after a Zoom hearing.
Parties are expected to complete an order in accordance with the judge’s ruling before leaving the courtroom or if the parties are appearing by Zoom they are expected to submit an order comporting with the judge’s ruling promptly after conclusion of the hearing.
Document Type
Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
The parties must exchange and stipulate to exhibits before trial.
The parties are required to exchange and stipulate to exhibits in advance of trial.
Document Type
Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Counsel must mark exhibits before trial and submit a complete set to the Court on the first day of trial.
Exhibits must be marked by counsel prior to trial and a complete set must be submitted to the Court on the first day of trial.
Document Type
Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
The parties must exchange pretrial jury instructions and seek stipulations before trial.
The parties are required to exchange and seek stipulations to pre-trial jury instructions in advance of trial.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Parties should complete the order before leaving court or, when appearing by Zoom, submit it promptly after the hearing.
Parties are expected to complete an order in accordance with the judge’s ruling before leaving the courtroom or if the parties are appearing by Zoom they are expected to submit an order comporting with the judge’s ruling promptly after conclusion of the hearing.
Document Type
Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Before leaving the courtroom, inform the clerk and sign out on the whiteboard.
If you need to leave the courtroom for any reason, you must inform the clerk and then sign out on the whiteboard.
Requirement
Document requirement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Attorneys should not check in with the Court until their client has arrived.
Attorneys should not check-in with the Court until the client has arrived.
Requirement
Document requirement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Submitted jury instructions must omit citations of authority and identify no proponent; refer to the Pretrial Order.
Jury instructions are to be submitted without citation of authority or identification of the proponent (please reference the Pretrial Order).
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Proposed orders must be accompanied by a verified motion & brief with supporting authority, proof of certified address, postal verification, affidavit of process server (or reason why one cannot be given) showing at least 3 attempts (service on individuals, these 3 attempts must be during times which a working individual would reasonably be expected to be at home).
Summary: Alternate-service proposed orders must be accompanied by the specified verified motion and brief, supporting documents, and proof of at least three attempts with stated timing for service on individuals.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
A request for an emergency hearing may be submitted anytime. To be considered, a written motion explaining the request must be submitted to the Court. Oral requests for an emergency motion will not be considered.
Summary: An emergency-hearing request may be submitted at any time but must be made by written motion explaining the request; oral requests are not considered.
Document Type
Emergency Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Proposed orders must be accompanied by supporting authority, summons expiration date, verified motion & brief, postal verification, proof of certified address, affidavit of process server (or reason why one cannot be given) showing at least 3 attempts (service on individuals, these 3 attempts must be during times which a working individual would reasonably be expected to be at home).
Summary: Extended- or second-summons proposed orders must include the listed supporting authority, summons expiration date, verified motion and brief, address and postal verification, and process-server affidavit or explanation documenting the required attempts.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
To be considered, a written motion explaining the request must be submitted to the Court.
Summary: An emergency hearing request must be submitted in a written motion explaining the request.
Document Type
Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Proposed orders must be accompanied by a verified motion & brief with supporting authority, proof of certified address, postal verification, affidavit of process server (or reason why one cannot be given) showing at least 3 attempts (service on individuals, these 3 attempts must be during times which a working individual would reasonably be expected to be at home).
Summary: An alternate-service proposed order must include the listed verified motion, brief, supporting authority, address and postal evidence, and process-server affidavit or explanation showing at least three attempts at reasonable times.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Proposed orders must be accompanied by supporting authority, summons expiration date, verified motion & brief, postal verification, proof of certified address, affidavit of process server (or reason why one cannot be given) showing at least 3 attempts (service on individuals, these 3 attempts must be during times which a working individual would reasonably be expected to be at home).
Summary: An extended- or second-summons proposed order must include supporting authority, the summons expiration date, a verified motion and brief, address and postal evidence, and process-server affidavit or explanation showing at least three attempts at reasonable times.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
All matters are scheduled for in-person, unless otherwise indicated by the Court.
Summary: Criminal-call matters are scheduled in person unless the Court indicates otherwise.
Requirement
Document requirement
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Please notice and praecipe your motion(s).
Summary: Criminal motions must be noticed and praeciped.
Document Type
Motion
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Civil cases, appeals, and criminal pleadings must be electronically filed through the Electronic Data Management System.
Judge Matis participates in the Electronic Data Management System. All civil cases, appeals and criminal pleadings are to be electronically filed. It is your responsibility to become aware of, and comply with, the eFiling requirements.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Protocol
Civil cases, appeals, and criminal pleadings must be filed electronically.
All civil cases, appeals and criminal pleadings are to be electronically filed.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | eFiling
The moving party must e-file the emergency motion and then email a copy to judicial staff.
The moving party shall e-file the written motion and then email judicial staff a copy of the motion.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Emergency Motions
The moving party must e-file the written emergency motion and then email a copy to judicial staff.
The moving party shall e-file the written motion and then email judicial staff a copy of the motion.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | Emergency Motions
Faxed orders requesting adjournment will not be considered.
Faxed orders will not be considered.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | Adjournments
Jury instructions must be emailed in Word format to the specified judicial staff.
Jury instructions are due one week before trial and must be submitted electronically in Word format via email to the following: o Judicial Staff Attorney, Carmen Lyon at lyonc@oakgov.com o Judicial Assistant, Jolie Wackter at wacktery@oakgov.com
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | Jury Trials
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Sentencing memoranda must be filed at least three days before sentencing.
All sentencing memoranda must be filed at least three days prior to sentencing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Sentencing Memoranda
Motions in limine must be filed and praeciped 30 days before trial.
Motions in limine must be filed and praeciped 30 days prior to trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Exhibits and Motions in Limine
Motion responses must comply with the Michigan Local Court Rules, and late responses will not be considered.
Any motion responses must be filed in accordance with the Michigan Local Court Rules. Any late filings will not be considered.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Responses to Motions
Late filings will not be considered.
Late filings will not be considered.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 4 | Motion Cut-Off
Motions in limine must be heard at least 30 days before the scheduled trial date.
Motions in limine shall be heard no later than 30 days prior to the scheduled trial date.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 6 | Trials — Motions in Limine
Jury instructions are due one week before trial and must be emailed in Word format to the listed judicial staff.
Jury instructions are due one week before trial and must be submitted electronically in Word format via email to the following: o Judicial Staff Attorney, Carmen Lyon at lyonc@oakgov.com o Judicial Assistant, Jolie Wackter at wacktery@oakgov.com
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 6 | Jury Trials
Motions are heard Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. and must be praeciped at least one week beforehand, subject to stated exceptions.
Except with leave by the Court or as otherwise described herein, motions are scheduled pursuant to the local court rules and are heard on every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. Parties must praecipe motions for any Wednesday of their choice (including orders for show cause) at least one week prior to the chosen Wednesday.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Protocol
Jury instructions are due one week before trial and must be emailed electronically in Word format.
Jury instructions are due one week before trial and must be submitted electronically in Word format via email to the following:
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Jury Trials
Criminal motions must be filed and heard at least three weeks before trial, and late filings will not be considered.
All motions on criminal cases must be filed and heard at least three weeks prior to the scheduled trial date. Please notice and praecipe your motion(s). Late filings will not be considered.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Motion Cut-Off
Late motion responses will not be considered.
Any late filings will not be considered.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | Responses to Motions
Motions, including orders to show cause, must be praeciped at least one week before the selected Wednesday hearing.
Parties must praecipe motions for any Wednesday of their choice (including orders for show cause) at least one week prior to the chosen Wednesday.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | Motions and Motion Day
Criminal-case motions must be filed and heard at least three weeks before the scheduled trial date.
All motions on criminal cases must be filed and heard at least three weeks prior to the scheduled trial date.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | Motion Cut-Off
Sentencing memoranda must be filed at least three days before sentencing.
All sentencing memoranda must be filed at least three days prior to sentencing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | Sentencing Memoranda
Disputes concerning pretrial jury instructions must be resolved before the morning of trial.
All such disputes are to be resolved before the morning of trial.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 6 | Jury Trials
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Arraignments by mail are considered individually on a case-by-case basis.
Arraignments by mail are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | Arraignments by Mail
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A judge’s copy of all summary-disposition pleadings is appreciated.
A judge’s copy is appreciated for all summary disposition pleadings.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 3 | Dispositive Motions
A judge’s copy is required for a motion for reconsideration; ordinarily no hearing or response is required unless the Court indicates otherwise.
A judge’s copy is required. Unless the Court otherwise indicates, no hearing will be scheduled, and no response is required.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Motions for Reconsideration
A judge’s copy is required for motions for reconsideration.
A judge’s copy is required.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | Motions for Reconsideration
A judge’s copy of a summary-disposition motion, supporting brief, and attachments is appreciated.
A judge’s copy of any motion for summary disposition, brief in support, and all attachments thereto are appreciated.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Dispositive Motions
A judge’s copy of all summary-disposition pleadings is appreciated.
A judge’s copy is appreciated for all summary disposition pleadings.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Dispositive Motions
A judge’s copy of all motions and responses is appreciated.
A Judge’s copy of all motions and responses is appreciated.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Protocol
The Court appreciates receiving a judge’s copy of all motions and responses.
A Judge’s copy of all motions and responses is appreciated.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | Motions and Motion Day
A judge’s copy of summary-disposition motions, supporting briefs, and attachments is appreciated.
A judge’s copy of any motion for summary disposition, brief in support, and all attachments thereto are appreciated.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | Dispositive Motions
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
After a dispositive motion is filed, the Court issues a scheduling order, and the moving party must praecipe the assigned hearing date.
Upon filing, the Court will issue a scheduling order (providing briefing deadlines and a hearing date), to schedule your dispositive motion. The moving party must file a praecipe for the assigned date.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Dispositive Motions
Oral requests for emergency motions will not be considered.
Oral requests for an emergency motion will not be considered.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 3 | Emergency Motions
For good cause, the Court may accelerate briefing on a TRO or preliminary-injunction motion.
The Court may accelerate the briefing schedule for motions for a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction if good cause is shown.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Temporary Restraining Orders and Preliminary Injunctions
The Court generally will not hear add-on motions absent good cause.
Absent good cause, the Court declines to hear add-ons.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Protocol
The Court will not hear add-on motions absent good cause.
Absent good cause, the Court declines to hear add-ons.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 2 | Motions and Motion Day
For good cause, the Court may accelerate briefing for a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction motion.
The Court may accelerate the briefing schedule for motions for a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction if good cause is shown.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 3 | Temporary Restraining Orders and Preliminary Injunctions
For jury-trial cases, the judge will conduct a settlement conference at the parties’ request.
Judge Matis will conduct a settlement conference upon the request of the parties for jury trial cases.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Settlement and Final Pretrial Conferences
A request for an emergency hearing may be submitted at any time.
A request for an emergency hearing may be submitted anytime.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 3 | Emergency Motions
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Trial adjournments must be requested by motion and are granted only for good cause.
Requests to adjourn trial must be made by motion and will be granted only for good cause.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Adjournments
A first civil scheduling-order adjournment may extend dates by up to 60 days by stipulation and order; later adjournments or longer extensions require a motion and good cause.
The Case Management Office issues an initial scheduling order for all civil cases. The Court permits a first adjournment extending scheduling order dates for a total of 60 days by stipulation and order. Requests for subsequent scheduling order adjournments or requests for a lengthier extension of time must be made by motion. Such requests are not routinely granted; good cause must be shown.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Protocol
Subsequent scheduling-order adjournments and longer extensions must be requested by motion.
Requests for subsequent scheduling order adjournments or requests for a lengthier extension of time must be made by motion.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Scheduling Orders
The moving party must notify chambers of an adjourned motion by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday.
Chambers must be notified by the moving party when a motion is adjourned by 4:00 pm on the Tuesday
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 2 | Adjourning Motions
Only the moving party may adjourn a motion.
Only the moving party may adjourn their motion.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 2 | Adjourning Motions
Adjournments will be considered only for good cause.
Adjournments will only be considered for good cause.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 4 | Adjournments
Adjournment requests must be submitted by stipulated order.
All adjournment requests must be submitted by stipulated order.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 4 | Adjournments
A request to adjourn trial must be made by motion and is granted only for good cause.
Requests to adjourn trial must be made by motion and will be granted only for good cause.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 5 | Trials — Adjournments
A first adjournment of scheduling-order dates may extend them by up to 60 days by stipulation and order.
The Court permits a first adjournment extending scheduling order dates for a total of 60 days by stipulation and order.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Scheduling Orders
Only the moving party may adjourn a motion, and must notify chambers by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday before the hearing; refiling the praecipe and notice alone is insufficient.
Only the moving party may adjourn their motion. Chambers must be notified by the moving party when a motion is adjourned by 4:00pm on the Tuesday prior to the hearing date. Filing a re-Praecipe and re-Notice of hearing alone does not give notice to the Judge's chambers.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Adjourning Motions
Adjournment requests must be submitted by stipulated order, require good cause, and will not be considered if faxed.
All adjournment requests must be submitted by stipulated order. Adjournments will only be considered for good cause. Faxed orders will not be considered.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Adjournments
Good cause must be shown for subsequent scheduling-order adjournments or longer extensions, which are not routinely granted.
Such requests are not routinely granted; good cause must be shown.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Scheduling Orders
Chambers Communication Rules
The assigned lawyer must arrange any stand-in coverage; chambers will not arrange it.
Chambers will not arrange stand-in coverage for any attorney. Those arrangements will need to be made by the assigned lawyer.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 4 | Criminal Call
Questions regarding summary-disposition motions should be directed to the Judicial Staff Attorney by email.
Any questions regarding summary disposition motions should be directed to the Judicial Staff Attorney, Carmen Lyon at lyonc@oakgov.com .
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 3 | Dispositive Motions
Jury instructions must be emailed in Word format to the listed Judicial Staff Attorney and Judicial Assistant.
Jury instructions are due one week before trial and must be submitted electronically in Word format via email to the following: Judicial Staff Attorney, Carmen Lyon: lyonc@oaklandcountymi.gov Judicial Assistant, Jolie Wackter: wacktery@oaklandcountymi.gov
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Jury Trials
After e-filing an emergency motion, the moving party must email a copy to judicial staff.
The moving party shall e-file the written motion and then email judicial staff a copy of the motion.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Emergency Motions
For emergency motions, email a copy to the listed judicial staff attorney and clerks.
The individuals to be emailed are identified below: o Judicial Staff Attorney, Carmen Lyon at lyonc@oakgov.com o Judicial Clerk, Ava MacNeill at macneilla@oakgov.com o Judicial Clerk, Brian Brown at brownba@oakgov.com
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 3 | Emergency Motions
Anyone expecting to be more than 15 minutes late must immediately call chambers to notify staff.
If you expect to be more than 15 minutes late, you must call chambers immediately to inform the staff.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Protocol
If you expect to be more than 15 minutes late, call chambers immediately to notify staff.
If you expect to be more than 15 minutes late, you must call chambers immediately to inform the staff.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | Motions and Motion Day
Anyone expecting to be more than 15 minutes late must call chambers to inform court staff.
If you expect to be more than 15 minutes late, you must call chambers to inform court staff.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | Criminal Call
Questions about summary-disposition motions should be directed to the Judicial Staff Attorney by email.
Any questions regarding summary disposition motions should be directed to the Judicial Staff Attorney, Carmen Lyon at lyonc@oaklandcountymi.gov.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Dispositive Motions
Contact chambers to determine whether an arraignment by mail will be accepted in the matter.
Please contact chambers to determine if one will be accepted in your matter.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 4 | Arraignments by Mail