Judge Julie A. McDonald
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
All Motions
- Chambers Drop Off • No Later Than Friday Prior To Adjourned Motion Call
Exhibits
- Chambers Drop Off • Before Hearing
- Chambers Drop Off • Five Days Before Hearing
Binding: Tabbed Three Ring
Filings > 20 pages
- Chambers Drop Off
Motion
- Chambers Drop Off
- Chambers Drop Off • Before Hearing
Adjournments
- Only the moving party may cancel or adjourn a motion to another Motion Call.
- A respondent’s improper-service claim will not typically result in an adjournment without requiring the moving party to appear.
- A respondent should ask the moving party for an adjournment or raise service issues in the response.
- +8 more
Request must include
- To have a motion adjournment or cancellation excused, the moving party must call chambers by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday and notify the clerk.
- To be excused from appearing on an abandoned motion, the moving party must call chambers by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday and advise the clerk that the motion was adjourned or withdrawn.
Communication
Clerk5 contacts
- mifile@imagesoft.com
- efiling@oaklandcountymi.gov
- 248-858-5831
- 855-959-8868
- 248-858-0582
Chambers4 contacts
- heritagek@oakgov.com
- mcdonaldchambers@oakgov.com
- heritagek@oaklandcountymi.gov
- (248) 858-0342
Document Filing Requirements38 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A stipulation to withdraw or substitute counsel must be signed by all parties, including withdrawing counsel’s client and the opposing party or parties.
When filing a withdrawal or substitution of counsel, all parties must sign the stipulation including withdrawing counsel’s client and opposing party/parties.
Document Type
Stipulation
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
For in-person motion hearings, an order must be presented to the Court for entry immediately after the hearing concludes.
For all in person motion hearings, an order SHALL be presented to the Court for entry immediately following the conclusion of the hearing.
Document Type
Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
All parties must sign the final documents for consent judgments.
On consent judgments, all parties must sign the final documents.
Document Type
Consent Judgment
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Answers or replies to responses require Chambers’ approval for filing under MCR 2.119(2)(b).
Answers/Replies to Responses must be approved for filing by chambers pursuant to MCR 2.119(2)(b).
Document Type
Answer Or Reply To Response
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Adjournment motions and orders must state the reason and identify the adjournment number.
All motions and orders for adjournment must state the reason for the adjournment and be labeled as “First Adjournment,” “Second Adjournment,” “Third Adjournment,” etc.
Document Type
Adjournment Motion Or Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Trial and hearing dates remain on the docket until a stipulated order is presented for signature, and parties must appear if no order is submitted before the scheduled date.
Trials and hearing dates will remain on the Court’s docket until a stipulated order is presented to the Court for the Judge’s signature; if parties fail to submit a stipulated order to the Court prior to their scheduled date, it is expected that all parties shall appear for the scheduled trial or hearing.
Document Type
Stipulated Adjournment Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A motion for entry of default judgment must include the proposed judgment and any applicable support orders.
All motions for entry of default judgments MUST include an attached copy of the proposed judgment (and support orders, if applicable).
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A judgment involving minor children must include a Uniform Child Support Order with attached calculations, including when the parties seek a zero-sum deviation.
All judgments involving minor children must be accompanied by a Uniform Child Support Order with the calculations attached, even if the parties are seeking to deviate to a zero sum.
Document Type
Judgment
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Each Ex Parte Order must include the required affidavit and/or verification and the specified notice.
All Ex Parte Orders must have the required affidavit and/or verification as required by the court rules and must include the following notice, pursuant to MCR 3.207(B)(6): • “This Order will automatically become a temporary order if the other party does not file a written objection or motion to modify or rescind the ex parte order and a request for a hearing. The written objection or motion and the request for a hearing must be filed with the clerk of the court, and a true copy provided to the friend of the court and the other party, within 14 days after the order is served.”
Document Type
Ex Parte Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A party with an issue involving a factual dispute must file a motion requesting an evidentiary hearing.
If you have an issue that involves a factual dispute, you must file a motion to request an evidentiary hearing before the Judge.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Ex parte orders must include the court-rule-required affidavit or verification and the quoted notice about the 14-day objection deadline.
All Ex Parte Orders must have the required affidavit and/or verification as required by the court rules and must include the following notice, pursuant to MCR 3.207(B)(6): “This Order will automatically become a temporary order if the other party does not file a written objection or motion to modify or rescind the ex parte order and a request for a hearing. The written objection or motion and the request for a hearing must be filed with the clerk of the court, and a true copy provided to the friend of the court and the other party, within 14 days after the order is served.”
Document Type
Ex Parte Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Default judgment motions must be noticed for the regular Wednesday motion call and cannot be heard on the scheduled trial date.
Motions for entry of a default judgment must be noticed for the Court’s regular Wednesday Motion Call and will not be heard on a case’s scheduled trial date.
Document Type
Default Judgment Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Counsel present at a motion hearing must prepare an order and present it to the Judge before leaving, unless otherwise directed.
If counsel is present when the motion is heard, they must prepare an order to present to the Judge before leaving the Courtroom (unless otherwise stated, the Judge’s staff will not prepare the order).
Document Type
Motion Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Parties must appear in person for all motions, including procedural motions, unless the Court approves an absence or remote appearance in advance.
Parties are expected to appear in person for all motions, including procedural motions, unless prior approval is given by the Court for an absence or a remote appearance.
Document Type
Motion Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Adjournment motions and orders must state the reason and identify the adjournment number.
All motions and orders for adjournment must state the reason for the adjournment and be labeled as “First Adjournment,” “Second Adjournment,” “Third Adjournment,” etc.
Document Type
Adjournment Motion Or Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A motion must be properly noticed before it can be heard on the Wednesday motion call.
Motions must be properly noticed in front of the Court to be heard as part of the Court’s Wednesday motion call.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A judgment involving minor children must include a Uniform Child Support Order, even when the parties seek a zero-sum deviation.
All judgments involving minor children must be accompanied by a Uniform Child Support Order, even if the parties are seeking to deviate to a zero sum.
Document Type
Judgment
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A default judgment motion must include the proposed judgment and any applicable support orders.
All motions for entry of default judgments MUST include an attached copy of the proposed judgment (and support orders, if applicable).
Document Type
Default Judgment Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Parties and witnesses must appear in person unless the Court grants prior leave to appear remotely by Zoom.
All parties and witnesses must appear in person for the hearing unless given prior leave by the Court to appear remotely by Zoom.
Document Type
Trial Or Evidentiary Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Every child support deviation must include a Deviation Addendum.
All deviations in child support must be accompanied by the Deviation Addendum.
Document Type
Child Support Deviation
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
The moving party must appear for the motion unless excused by the Court.
Unless excused by the Court, the moving party must appear for the motion.
Document Type
Motion Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
An order of reference to FOC cannot be submitted by stipulation; the parties must file a motion and notice it for motion call.
Orders of Reference to Friend of the Court will not be accepted by stipulation; the parties must file a motion and notice it for hearing on motion call.
Document Type
Order Of Reference To Foc
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
All parties must sign final consent judgment documents.
On consent judgments, all parties must sign the final documents.
Document Type
Consent Judgment
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Answers or replies to responses require chambers’ approval for filing under MCR 2.119(2)(b).
Answers/Replies to Responses must be approved for filing by chambers pursuant to MCR 2.119(2)(b).
Document Type
Answer Or Reply To Response
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
If the opposing party is represented, that party’s counsel’s signature alone is needed on the stipulation.
If the opposing party is represented by counsel, only counsel’s signature is needed on the stipulation.
Document Type
Stipulation
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Captions in e-filing cases should include the email addresses of counsel of record and, if applicable, self-represented parties.
For e-filing cases, pleading and document captions should include email addresses for counsel of record and/or in pro per parties (if applicable).
Document Type
Pleading Or Document
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Even when court staff prepares the order, counsel or litigants are expected to submit a legible order for review and entry.
the Court indicates the court staff will be preparing the order, counsel and/or the litigants are expected to submit a legible order for the Court’s review and entry.
Document Type
Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Captions in e-filing cases should include email addresses for counsel of record and, if applicable, self-represented parties.
For e-filing cases, pleading and document captions should include email addresses for counsel of record and/or in pro per parties (if applicable).
Document Type
Pleading Or Document
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
The Court accepts electronic signatures in e-filing cases.
On e-filing cases, the Court will accept electronic signatures.
Document Type
E Filing Document
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Failure to comply with the Scheduling Order may result in rejection of the trial brief.
Failure to follow requirements of the Scheduling Order may result in rejection of the trial brief.
Document Type
Trial Brief
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
On all other cases, the Court requires at least one original, handwritten signature with other original photo-copied signatures if applicable.
Summary: Cases that are not e-filed require at least one original handwritten signature; other signatures, if applicable, may be original photocopies.
Document Type
Court Filing
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Chambers must be provided with the correct spelling of the prisoner’s name, his/her date of birth, and his/her identifying inmate number.
Summary: Remote prisoner participation requests must provide the prisoner’s correct name spelling, date of birth, and inmate identification number to chambers.
Document Type
Remote Prisoner Participation Request
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Do not file a praecipe or Notice of Hearing.
Summary: Do not file a praecipe or notice of hearing for a motion for reconsideration.
Document Type
Reconsideration Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Do not file a praecipe or Notice of Hearing.
Summary: Do not file a praecipe or Notice of Hearing for a motion for reconsideration.
Document Type
Motion For Reconsideration
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
An order received after this time must be submitted as a stipulated order, or pursuant to MCR 2.602(B)(3).
Summary: An order received after 4:30 p.m. must be submitted as a stipulated order or under MCR 2.602(B)(3).
Document Type
Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Pursuant to the Court Rules, a hearing will not be held unless ordered by the Court.
Summary: A reconsideration hearing will not be held unless the Court orders one.
Document Type
Reconsideration Hearing
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Beginning July 23, 2023, motions will be heard in person in Courtroom 2F unless the Court gives prior approval for the parties to appear by Zoom.
Summary: Motions are heard in person in Courtroom 2F unless the Court approves a Zoom appearance in advance.
Document Type
Motion Hearing
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Be sure to identify uncontested issues.
Summary: Trial and evidentiary hearing briefs should identify uncontested issues.
Document Type
Trial Or Evidentiary Hearing Brief
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Emergency motions must be written and properly filed through MiFILE before review.
All emergency motions must be in writing and properly filed with the Court using MiFILE prior to review.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | Emergency Motions
File responses through MiFILE by noon Monday before the scheduled call; responses absent from the court file by 9:00 a.m. Tuesday may not be reviewed.
Responses must be filed with MiFILE no later than 12:00 p.m. the Monday before the scheduled call; Responses not in the court file by 9:00am on the Tuesday prior to motion call may not be reviewed by the Court.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | Responses to Motions
Responses to motions must be filed through MiFILE.
Responses must be filed with MiFILE no later than 12:00 p.m. the Monday before the scheduled call; Responses not in the court file by 9:00am the Tuesday prior to motion call may not be reviewed by the Court.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | RESPONSES TO MOTIONS
Emergency motions must be written and properly filed through MiFILE before the Court reviews them.
All emergency motions must be in writing and properly filed with the Court using MiFILE prior to review.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | EMERGENCY MOTIONS
An additional copy of the proposed judgment and applicable support orders should be e-filed before the hearing for the Judge’s signature.
An additional copy of the proposed judgment and any applicable support orders should be e-filed prior to the hearing for the Judge’s signature.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 6 | Judgments of Divorce — Default Judgments
Consent judgments should be e-filed before the parties appear for statutory proofs.
Please e-file consent judgments prior to appearing for statutory proofs.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | CONSENT JUDGMENTS
An additional copy of the proposed judgment and applicable support orders should be e-filed before the hearing for the Judge’s signature.
An additional copy of the proposed judgment and any applicable support orders should be e-filed prior to the hearing for the Judge’s signature.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | DEFAULT JUDGMENTS
File the original reconsideration motion through MiFILE and email a copy to the staff attorney, copying Chambers.
File the original motion with MiFILE and email a copy to the staff attorney for Judge McDonald at heritagek@oakgov.com (and copy mcdonaldchambers@oakgov.com on the email).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 4 | Motions for Reconsideration
File the original reconsideration motion through MiFILE and email a copy to the staff attorney, copying chambers.
File the original motion with MiFILE and email a copy to the staff attorney for Judge McDonald at heritagek@oaklandcountymi.gov (and copy mcdonaldchambers@oaklandcountymi.gov on the email).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR RECONSIDERATION
Do not leave emergency motions in the County Clerk’s office or courtroom.
Please do not leave emergency motions in the County Clerk’s office downstairs or in the courtroom.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 4 | Emergency Motions
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Orders on motions are due by 4:30 p.m. on the day the motion is heard.
Orders on motions are due no later than 4:30 p.m. the day the motion was heard.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | Motions
Trial and evidentiary hearing briefs must be filed at least one week before the hearing unless the scheduling order provides otherwise.
TRIAL AND EVIDENTIARY HEARING BRIEFS: Trial and Evidentiary Hearing briefs must be filed in all cases no less than one week prior to the hearing date, unless otherwise indicated in the scheduling order.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | Trial and Evidentiary Hearing Briefs
Proposed exhibits should be stipulated before trial or an evidentiary hearing; objections must be raised by formal motion and noticed by the Court’s last regular motion call beforehand.
Proposed exhibits should be stipulated to prior to trial or evidentiary hearing, with objections raised by formal motion and noticed for hearing no later than the Court’s last regular motion call preceding the trial/evidentiary hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | Exhibits
Responses must be filed through MiFILE by noon Monday before the call; responses absent from the court file by 9:00 a.m. Tuesday may not be reviewed.
Responses must be filed with MiFILE no later than 12:00 p.m. the Monday before the scheduled call; Responses not in the court file by 9:00am the Tuesday prior to motion call may not be reviewed by the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | RESPONSES TO MOTIONS
Trial and evidentiary hearing briefs must be filed at least one week before the hearing unless the scheduling order provides otherwise.
Trial and Evidentiary Hearing briefs must be filed in all cases no less than one week prior to the hearing date, unless otherwise indicated in the scheduling order.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | TRIAL AND EVIDENTIARY HEARING BRIEFS
Orders on motions are due by 4:30 p.m. on the day of the hearing.
Orders on motions are due no later than 4:30 p.m. the day the motion was heard.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | MOTION CALL — Orders Following Motion Call
Emergency motions may be filed at any time.
An emergency motion can be filed at any time.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | Emergency Motions
Responses not in the court file by 9:00 a.m. Tuesday before Motion Call may not be reviewed by the Court.
Responses must be filed with MiFILE no later than 12:00 p.m. the Monday before the scheduled call; Responses not in the court file by 9:00am on the Tuesday prior to motion call may not be reviewed by the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | Responses to Motions
A motion not timely or properly filed cannot be added to that motion call and may be re-praeciped for a later motion day.
If you were unable to timely or properly file a motion, we cannot add it to the motion call. You may re-praecipe the motion for hearing on a subsequent motion day.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | MOTION CALL — Praecipes Filed Late
Emergency motions may be filed at any time.
An emergency motion can be filed at any time.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | EMERGENCY MOTIONS
Service and Proof of Service Rules
After a PPO motion is filed, court staff email the hearing notice to the moving party, who must arrange service of the motion.
Upon the filing of a motion, court staff will email a notice of hearing to the moving party – the moving party is responsible for arranging service of the motion.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 7 | Personal Protection Orders (PPO) — Motions to Terminate/Modify/Extend
After a PPO motion is filed, court staff emails the hearing notice to the moving party, who must arrange service of the motion.
Upon the filing of a motion, court staff will email a notice of hearing to the moving party – the moving party is responsible for arranging service of the motion.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | MOTIONS TO TERMINATE/MODIFY/EXTEND
Courtesy Copy Requirements
When adjourning a motion, deliver another Judge’s Copy to chambers by the Friday before the adjourned Motion Call.
If adjourning a motion, another Judge’s Copy of the motion must be delivered to chambers no later than the Friday prior to the adjourned motion call.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | Courtroom Policies
Motions, briefs, and responses exceeding 20 pages, including exhibits, require a printed Judge’s Copy delivered to chambers.
Motions, briefs, and responses that exceed twenty pages in length (including exhibits) must have a printed Judge’s Copy delivered to chambers.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | JUDGE’S COPIES
For an adjourned motion, another Judge’s Copy must be delivered to chambers by the Friday before the rescheduled motion call.
If adjourning a motion, another Judge’s Copy of the motion must be delivered to chambers no later than the Friday prior to the adjourned motion call.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | MOTION CALL — Adjourned or Cancelled Motions
Motions, briefs, and responses exceeding 20 pages, including exhibits, must be delivered as a printed Judge’s Copy to chambers.
Motions, briefs, and responses that exceed twenty pages in length (including exhibits) must have a printed Judge’s Copy delivered to chambers.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Motions
A Judge’s Copy of proposed and stipulated exhibits must be delivered to Chambers in a tabbed binder at least five days before the hearing.
A Judge’s Copy of proposed and stipulated exhibits must be delivered to Chambers in a tabbed binder no later than five (5) days prior to the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 5 | Exhibits
A Judge’s Copy of proposed and stipulated exhibits must be delivered to chambers in a tabbed binder at least five days before the hearing.
A Judge’s Copy of proposed and stipulated exhibits must be delivered to Chambers in a tabbed binder no later than five (5) days prior to the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | SETTLEMENTS
File the summary-judgment motion and direct any Judge’s Copies to the staff attorney.
Please file the motion and direct any Judge’s Copies (if included) to the staff attorney’s attention.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 4 | Motions for Summary Judgment
File the summary judgment motion and direct any Judge’s Copies to the staff attorney.
Please file the motion and direct any Judge’s Copies (if included) to the staff attorney’s attention.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
After the FOC conference and recommendation, a motion to adopt or oppose the recommendation must be properly noticed and praeciped for a future Motion Call unless the parties submit a stipulated order.
Following the pre-motion conference and the issuance of FOC’s recommendation, a motion to adopt the recommendation/in opposition to the recommendation must be properly noticed and praeciped for a future Motion Call in order for the Court to further address the motion, unless a stipulated order is submitted to the Court.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | Friend of the Court Pre-Motion Conference
To request an evidentiary hearing on an issue involving a factual dispute, file a motion before the Judge.
If you have an issue that involves a factual dispute, you must file a motion to request an evidentiary hearing before the Judge.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | Requests for Evidentiary Hearings
An order of reference to FOC cannot be submitted by stipulation; parties must file a motion and notice it for Motion Call.
Orders of Reference to Friend of the Court will not be accepted by stipulation; the parties must file a motion and notice it for hearing on motion call.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | Orders of Reference to FOC
After the FOC conference and recommendation, a motion to adopt or oppose the recommendation must be noticed and praeciped for a future motion call unless the parties submit a stipulated order.
Following the pre-motion conference and the issuance of FOC’s recommendation, a motion to adopt the recommendation/in opposition to the recommendation must be properly noticed and praeciped for a future Motion Call in order for the Court to further address the motion., unless a stipulated order is submitted to the Court.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | FRIEND OF THE COURT PRE-MOTION CONFERENCE
FOC pre-motion conferences are held on Zoom, and FOC staff will send parties meeting time and login instructions before the scheduled motion call.
Friend of the Court pre-motion conferences will continue to be held on Zoom until further notice; if a motion is to be addressed by Friend of the Court in a pre-motion conference, FOC staff will send the parties notice prior to the scheduled motion call with further instructions regarding the time of the meeting and the Zoom login information.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | Friend of the Court Pre-Motion Conference
FOC pre-motion conferences are held on Zoom, and FOC staff will send parties advance notice with meeting time and login instructions.
Friend of the Court pre-motion conferences will continue to be held on Zoom until further notice; if a motion is to be addressed by Friend of the Court in a pre-motion conference, FOC staff will send the parties notice prior to the scheduled motion call with further instructions regarding the time of the meeting and the Zoom login information.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | FRIEND OF THE COURT PRE-MOTION CONFERENCE
A reconsideration hearing will not be held unless the Court orders one.
Pursuant to the Court Rules, a hearing will not be held unless ordered by the Court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 4 | Motions for Reconsideration
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Only the moving party may cancel or adjourn a motion to another Motion Call.
Only the moving party may cancel or adjourn a motion to another Motion Call.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | Courtroom Policies
Before seeking a stipulated trial adjournment or new dates, parties must contact Chambers for approval.
Parties must first contact Chambers to receive approval for adjournment by stipulation and for new dates.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | Trials/Evidentiary Hearings — Adjournments
Adjournments meeting the listed conditions may be requested without a formal motion; requests outside those conditions must be made by formal motion.
the following conditions (requests for adjournments outside of these conditions should be made by formal motion): 1. The new date for Trial falls no closer than four months to the case’s one-year filing guideline, 2. The parties have an upcoming mediation session scheduled, and 3. The parties are stipulating to the adjournment.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 5 | Trial and Evidentiary Hearings
The Judge generally allows stipulated trial adjournments for cause.
Judge McDonald will generally allow for stipulated adjournments of trials for cause.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | Trials/Evidentiary Hearings — Adjournments
Unless the parties stipulate otherwise, only the moving party may adjourn or withdraw a PPO motion.
ADJOURMENTS: Unless otherwise stipulated, only the moving party may adjourn or withdraw a PPO motion.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 7 | Personal Protection Orders (PPO) — Adjournments
A respondent should ask the moving party for an adjournment or raise service issues in the response.
The respondent should contact the moving party to ask for an adjournment of the motion or raise service issues in the response.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 3 | Courtroom Policies
To be excused from appearing on an abandoned motion, the moving party must call chambers by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday and advise the clerk that the motion was adjourned or withdrawn.
To be excused by the Court, the moving party must call chambers by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday to advise the clerk that the motion has been adjourned or withdrawn.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | Courtroom Policies
To have a motion adjournment or cancellation excused, the moving party must call chambers by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday and notify the clerk.
For an adjournment or cancellation to be excused by the Court, the moving party must call chambers by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday to advise the clerk that the motion has been adjourned or withdrawn.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | Courtroom Policies
Only the moving party may cancel or adjourn a motion to another motion call.
Only the moving party may cancel or adjourn a motion to another Motion Call.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | MOTION CALL — Adjourned or Cancelled Motions
Eligible stipulated trial adjournments require a new trial date at least four months from the one-year filing guideline, an upcoming mediation, and the parties’ stipulation; other requests require formal motion.
Cases eligible for adjournment should meet the following conditions (requests for adjournments outside of these conditions should be made by formal motion): The new date for Trial falls no closer than four months to the case’s one-year filing guideline The parties have an upcoming mediation session scheduled, and The parties are stipulating to the adjournment.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | ADJOURNMENTS
Trial and hearing dates remain scheduled until the Judge signs a stipulated order; without an order submitted before the date, all parties are expected to appear.
Trials and hearing dates will remain on the Court’s docket until a stipulated order is presented to the Court for the Judge’s signature; if parties fail to submit a stipulated order to the Court prior to their scheduled date, it is expected that all parties shall appear for the scheduled trial or hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | ADJOURNMENTS
A respondent’s improper-service claim will not typically result in an adjournment without requiring the moving party to appear.
The Court will not typically adjourn a moving party’s motion without requiring an appearance based on a respondent’s claim of improper service.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | Courtroom Policies
A respondent raising improper service should ask the moving party for an adjournment or raise the service issue in the response.
The respondent should contact the moving party to ask for an adjournment of the motion or raise service issues in the response.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | MOTION CALL — Requests to Adjourn for Service
Chambers Communication Rules
Email a copy of the reconsideration motion to the staff attorney and copy Chambers.
File the original motion with MiFILE and email a copy to the staff attorney for Judge McDonald at heritagek@oakgov.com (and copy mcdonaldchambers@oakgov.com on the email).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | Motions for Reconsideration
Requests for remote prisoner participation must be made to chambers at least one week before the hearing, or as soon as practical based on the incarceration date, and must provide the prisoner’s name spelling, date of birth, and inmate number.
To make the necessary arrangements, requests for remote prisoner participation must be made to chambers no later than one week prior to the hearing date or as soon as practical based on the date of incarceration. Chambers must be provided with the correct spelling of the prisoner’s name, his/her date of birth, and his/her identifying inmate number.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 7 | Prisoner Participation
To have an adjournment or cancellation excused, the moving party must call chambers by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday and notify the clerk.
For an adjournment or cancellation to be excused by the Court, the moving party must call chambers by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday to advise the clerk that the motion has been adjourned or withdrawn.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | MOTION CALL — Adjourned or Cancelled Motions
Parties must obtain chambers’ approval for a stipulated trial adjournment and new dates before proceeding.
Parties must first contact Chambers to receive approval for adjournment by stipulation and for new dates.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | ADJOURNMENTS
Email a copy of the reconsideration motion to the staff attorney and copy chambers.
File the original motion with MiFILE and email a copy to the staff attorney for Judge McDonald at heritagek@oaklandcountymi.gov (and copy mcdonaldchambers@oaklandcountymi.gov on the email).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR RECONSIDERATION
To be excused from appearing, the moving party must call chambers by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday to advise the clerk that the motion was adjourned or withdrawn.
To be excused by the Court, the moving party must call chambers by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday to advise the clerk that the motion has been adjourned or withdrawn.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | MOTION CALL — Abandoned Motions
A party needing an interpreter must notify chambers as soon as possible; requests made with less than one week’s notice may prevent interpreter availability or result in an adjourned hearing.
Any party in need of an interpreter must let chambers know as soon as possible. Any requests for interpreter made with less than one weeks’ notice may result in an inability for the Court to provide an interpreter for the hearing or the adjournment of the hearing.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 7 | Interpreter Requests
The moving party should call chambers for instructions to receive prompt assistance with an emergency motion.
To receive prompt assistance with your emergency motion, the moving party should contact chambers for further instructions at (248) 858-0342.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | EMERGENCY MOTIONS
For prompt emergency-motion assistance, the moving party should contact Chambers at (248) 858-0342.
To receive prompt assistance with your emergency motion, the moving party should contact chambers for further instructions at (248) 858-0342.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 4 | Emergency Motions
The moving party must immediately notify opposing counsel or parties of a motion cancellation or adjournment.
The moving party must immediately contact opposing counsel/parties to inform them of the cancellation or adjournment.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | Courtroom Policies
Schedule a summary-judgment hearing by emailing the judge’s staff attorney and copying the Chambers email address.
Please schedule the motion hearing with the staff attorney for Judge McDonald by contacting her at heritagek@oakgov.com (and copy mcdonaldchambers@oakgov.com on the email).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 4 | Motions for Summary Judgment
Email a copy of each emergency motion to the clerks and staff attorney.
A Rev: 5/2026 ===== PAGE 4 ===== copy of the motion must be emailed to the clerks and the staff attorney (see end of protocol for contact information).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 4 | Emergency Motions
Schedule summary judgment motion hearings with the staff attorney by email and copy chambers.
Please schedule the motion hearing with the staff attorney for Judge McDonald by contacting her at heritagek@oaklandcountymi.gov (and copy mcdonaldchambers@oaklandcountymi.gov on the email).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
The moving party must immediately notify opposing counsel or parties of a motion cancellation or adjournment.
The moving party must immediately contact opposing counsel/parties to inform them of the cancellation or adjournment.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | MOTION CALL — Adjourned or Cancelled Motions
A copy of an emergency motion must be emailed to the clerks and staff attorney.
A copy of the motion must be emailed to the clerks and the staff attorney (see end of protocol for contact information).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | EMERGENCY MOTIONS
Requests for remote prisoner participation must reach chambers at least one week before the hearing, or as soon as practical given the incarceration date.
To make the necessary arrangements, requests for remote prisoner participation must be made to chambers no later than one week prior to the hearing date or as soon as practical based on the date of incarceration.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | ADJOURMENTS
Confirm with the staff attorney when to praecipe the summary-judgment motion for hearing.
You must also verify with the staff attorney when to praecipe the motion for hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 4 | Motions for Summary Judgment
A party needing an interpreter must notify chambers as soon as possible; requests with less than one week’s notice may leave the Court unable to provide one or may result in adjournment.
Any party in need of an interpreter must let chambers know as soon as possible. Any requests for interpreter made with less than one weeks’ notice may result an inability for the Court to provide an interpreter for the hearing or the adjournment of the hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | ADJOURMENTS
Counsel must confirm with the staff attorney when to praecipe a summary judgment motion for hearing.
You must also verify with the staff attorney when to praecipe the motion for hearing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
Parties may contact Chambers starting the Friday before Motion Call to ask whether a motion was referred to FOC for a pre-motion conference.
Parties may contact Chambers beginning the Friday prior to Motion Call to clarify if a motion has been referred to Friend of the Court for a pre-motion conference.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | Friend of the Court Pre-Motion Conference
Parties may contact chambers starting the Friday before motion call to ask whether a motion was referred to FOC for a pre-motion conference.
Parties may contact Chambers beginning the Friday prior to Motion Call to clarify if a motion has been referred to Friend of the Court for a pre-motion conference.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | FRIEND OF THE COURT PRE-MOTION CONFERENCE