Court Rules
Judge Lisa Gorcyca
Judge

Judge Lisa Gorcyca

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan, Oakland County

Limits & Logistics

Courtesy Copies

Brief, List, Motion

  • 2 copies • Chambers Drop Off

Brief, Witness List, Proposed Exhibit List, Motion

  • 2 copies • Chambers Drop Off

Emergency Motion

  • Email • After Filing

Communication

Clerk6 contacts

  • efiling@oakgov.com
  • mifile@imagesoft.com
  • efiling@oaklandcountymi.gov
  • 248-858-5831
  • 855-959-8868
  • 248-858-0582

Chambers3 contacts

  • achesona@oakgov.com
  • williamspr@oakgov.com
  • (248) 858-0360
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingExhibitsMemorandaLettersEvidence/WitnessesDiscovery

Document Format Requirements1 rule

FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important

Stipulated exhibits must be marked with numbers for the Plaintiff and letters for the Defendant before trial starts.

All stipulated to exhibits must be marked with numbers (Plaintiff) and letters (Defendant) prior to the start of trial.

gorcyca-so-evidentiary-hearing · Jun 2022 · p. 1|SecORDER SCHEDULING EVIDENTIARY HEARING

Document Filing Requirements10 rules

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

The attorney or party preparing an Ex Parte Order must sign it.

On Ex Parte Orders, the preparing attorney/party must sign the order.

Document Type

Ex Parte Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
gorcycalisapro · Apr 2026 · p. 2|SecSIGNATURES
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

When applicable, both the client and attorney must sign orders.

Clients and attorneys must both sign orders (if applicable).

Document Type

Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
gorcycalisapro · Apr 2026 · p. 2|SecSIGNATURES
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Motions in limine and other motions relating to the pending trial must be filed no later than seven days before trial.

All motions in limine or other motions in relation to the pending trial shall be filed no later than 7 days prior to the scheduled trial.

Document Type

Trial Related Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
gorcyca-so-trial · Jun 2022 · p. 1|SecDomestic Scheduling Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Each party must file lay and expert witness lists and proposed exhibit lists, and exchange exhibits, no later than seven days before trial.

Each party shall file a WITNESS LIST (lay and expert), a PROPOSED EXHIBIT LIST, and exchange exhibits no later than (7 days prior to the scheduled trial).

Document Type

Trial Submission

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
gorcyca-so-trial · Jun 2022 · p. 1|SecDomestic Scheduling Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Each party must file a trial brief, including supporting law, no later than seven days before the scheduled hearing.

Each party shall file a TRIAL BRIEF (including supporting law) no later than (7 days prior to the scheduled hearing).

Document Type

Trial Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
gorcyca-so-trial · Jun 2022 · p. 1|SecDomestic Scheduling Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important

The Court will not accept replies to responses unless it decides otherwise and notifies the parties.

No reply to any response shall be accepted by the Court, unless the Court decides otherwise and notifies the parties.

Document Type

Reply

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
gorcyca-so-trial · Jun 2022 · p. 1|SecDomestic Scheduling Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important

All briefs and motions must comply with MCR 2.119(A)(2).

Document Type

Brief And Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
gorcyca-so-evidentiary-hearing · Jun 2022 · p. 1|SecORDER SCHEDULING EVIDENTIARY HEARING
Filing Requirements

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

Signatures must appear on all orders.

Summary: All orders must include signatures.

Document Type

Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
gorcycalisapro · Apr 2026 · p. 2|SecSIGNATURES
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

All responses to any such motions shall be filed no later than 2 business days prior to the scheduled hearing date.

Summary: Responses to motions in limine or other motions relating to the pending trial must be filed no later than two business days before the scheduled hearing.

Document Type

Motion Response

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
gorcyca-so-trial · Jun 2022 · p. 1|SecDomestic Scheduling Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

Discovery shall be completed and exchanged by ____________________.

Summary: Discovery must be completed and exchanged by the date specified in the order.

Requirement

Document requirement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
gorcyca-so-evidentiary-hearing · Jun 2022 · p. 1|SecORDER SCHEDULING EVIDENTIARY HEARING

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Personal protection order petitions must be emailed to the specified address.

Petitions for personal protection orders are to be emailed to PPO@oakgov.com.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 2 | PERSONAL PROTECTION ORDERS

Emergency motions must be submitted through the e-filing system.

Emergency motions must be submitted through the e-filing system.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 2 | EMERGENCY MOTIONS

Cases set for trial before Judge Gorcyca must complete and e-file a scheduling order.

All cases set for trial time before Judge Gorcyca are required to complete and e-file a scheduling order.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 3 | SCHEDULING ORDER

The parties must file an original of the specified briefs, lists, and motions with the County Clerk’s Office.

The parties must file the foregoing briefs, lists, and motions by filing an original with the County Clerk’s Office, serving the opposing party/ counsel, and delivering two JUDGE’S COPIES to Chambers located at Courtroom W1 (unless the case is an e-filing case, in which case, Judge’s Copies are not required), all in accordance with the Michigan Rules of Court and the local rules of court.

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

Page 1 | ORDER SCHEDULING EVIDENTIARY HEARING

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Motions in limine and other motions related to the evidentiary hearing must be filed for a Wednesday motion call before the hearing date.

All motions in limine or other motions in relation to the pending evidentiary hearing shall be filed for a Wednesday motion call day prior to the scheduled hearing date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER SCHEDULING EVIDENTIARY HEARING

Each party must file lay and expert witness lists and a proposed exhibit list, and exchange exhibits, at least 7 days before the hearing.

Each party must file a Witness List (lay and expert), a Proposed Exhibit List, and exchange exhibits no later than 7 days prior to the scheduled hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER SCHEDULING EVIDENTIARY HEARING

Each party must file a hearing brief, including exhibits and supporting law, at least 7 days before the hearing.

Each party shall file a hearing brief (including exhibits an supporting law) no later than 7 days prior to the scheduled hearing date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER SCHEDULING EVIDENTIARY HEARING

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Parties must serve briefs, lists, and motions on opposing parties or counsel.

Parties shall file briefs, lists, and motions by filing an original with the County Clerk’s Office, serving the opposing parties/ counsel, and delivering two JUDGE’S COPIES to Chambers located at Courtroom W1, all in accordance with the Michigan Rules of Court and the local rules of court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Domestic Scheduling Order

The parties must serve the opposing party or counsel with the specified briefs, lists, and motions.

The parties must file the foregoing briefs, lists, and motions by filing an original with the County Clerk’s Office, serving the opposing party/ counsel, and delivering two JUDGE’S COPIES to Chambers located at Courtroom W1 (unless the case is an e-filing case, in which case, Judge’s Copies are not required), all in accordance with the Michigan Rules of Court and the local rules of court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER SCHEDULING EVIDENTIARY HEARING

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Parties must file an original of briefs, lists, and motions with the County Clerk’s Office, serve opposing parties or counsel, and deliver two judge’s copies to Chambers at Courtroom W1.

Parties shall file briefs, lists, and motions by filing an original with the County Clerk’s Office, serving the opposing parties/ counsel, and delivering two JUDGE’S COPIES to Chambers located at Courtroom W1, all in accordance with the Michigan Rules of Court and the local rules of court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Domestic Scheduling Order

After e-filing an emergency motion, email a Judge’s Copy to the Staff Attorney.

Once your motion has been e-filed, you must email a Judge’s Copy to Judge Gorcyca’s Staff Attorney at achesona@oakgov.com

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 2 | EMERGENCY MOTIONS

The parties must file an original with the County Clerk’s Office, serve opposing counsel, and deliver two judge’s copies to Chambers at Courtroom W1, unless the case is an e-filing case, when judge’s copies are not required.

The parties must file the foregoing briefs, lists, and motions by filing an original with the County Clerk’s Office, serving the opposing party/ counsel, and delivering two JUDGE’S COPIES to Chambers located at Courtroom W1 (unless the case is an e-filing case, in which case, Judge’s Copies are not required), all in accordance with the Michigan Rules of Court and the local rules of court.

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

Page 1 | ORDER SCHEDULING EVIDENTIARY HEARING

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Replies to responses will not be accepted unless the Court decides otherwise and notifies the parties.

No reply to any response shall be accepted by the Court, unless the Court decides otherwise and notifies the parties.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDER SCHEDULING EVIDENTIARY HEARING

Chambers Communication Rules

Specific questions about an emergency motion may be emailed to either listed staff address.

Specific questions regarding your emergency motion may be emailed to: achesona@oakgov.com or williamspr@oakgov.com.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 2 | EMERGENCY MOTIONS

Chambers staff may be contacted by phone at (248) 858-0360.

Chambers staff may be reached at (248) 858-0360.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 3 | FURTHER QUESTIONS

Urgent case questions may be emailed to either listed address.

Further urgent questions regarding your case may be emailed to: achesona@oakgov.com or williamspr@oakgov.com.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 3 | FURTHER QUESTIONS

If a case is not already in MiFILE, request its addition to e-filing by emailing the Clerk’s Office at the specified address.

If a given case has not already been added to the MiFILE system, the Oakland County Clerk’s Office can add the case to e-filing by requesting the addition via an email to eFiling@oakgov.com

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 2 | EMERGENCY MOTIONS

Questions about the e-File system should be sent to the specified e-filing email address.

Questions regarding the e-File system should be directed to eFiling@oakgov.com.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 2 | EMERGENCY MOTIONS

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 57 rules apply across Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan, Oakland County. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Fees

All 14

  • MiFILE e-filing has no fee except for documents requiring statutory filing fees, which are paid through MiFILE and subject to a credit-card transaction fee of up to 3%.

  • Payment is charged to the filer’s credit card at checkout when the filing is submitted, and refunded if the document is rejected.

  • Applies to
    Complaint

    Select the statutory filing fee type on the complaint.

Filing Requirements

All 12
  • Applies to
    Pleading or document

    Combine pages into a document and combine any attachments with the main pleading or document before submitting.

  • Applies to
    Document
    Must include
    caption, case number

    The first page of each document must include the case number, case names, and document title.

  • Applies to
    Judgment of divorce

    File the Record of Divorce or Annulment form before or with the Judgment of Divorce; if filed together, submit them as separate documents in the same bundle, not as an attachment.

E-Filing

All 10
  • Applies to
    Pleading or document

    Separate each pleading or document into its own file before uploading; do not combine distinct documents into one PDF.

  • Applies to
    Civil case filing

    E-filing is mandatory for civil cases when starting a new case and when filing in an existing case.

  • Applies to
    Pleading or document

    Submit each pleading or document as its own document, not as separate individual pages.

Communication

All 5
  • Contact
    Email to clerk

    If a case number cannot be found in MiFILE, email the listed address to have the case added.

  • Contact
    Phone to clerk
    Phone
    248-858-5831

    Questions about ePraecipe may be directed to Oakland County Case Management by telephone.

  • Phone
    855-959-8868

    MiFILE technical and customer care support is available by telephone or email.

More categories

View all Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan, Oakland County rules
About Judge Lisa Gorcyca

Elected to the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, November 2008Graduate of Michigan State University, 1989, and Michigan State University - Detroit College of Law, with honors, 1993Former Oakland County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, 1993-2008Founder, Former Chair and Member, Oakland County's Domestic Violence Fatality Review TeamFormer Co-Chair and Member, Oakland County Coordinating Council Against Domestic ViolenceFormer Member, Royal Oak Task Force Against Domestic ViolenceBoard Member, Troy Community Coalition for the Prevention of Drug and Alcohol AbusePast Instructor, Oakland Police AcademyPast Lecturer, Prosecuting Attorney Association of Michigan's statewide Domestic Violence course and Basic TrainingNamed "A Crime Fighting Mom" by United States Senator Carl Levin for 2008 for outstanding work in crime prevention and creating a safer communityProtocolIn order to better serve the attorneys and litigants appearing in Judge Gorcyca's courtroom, we have adopted the following guidelines. Please advise your clients and staff so that there are no misunderstandings. Obtain a copy of the

Circuit Court Judge, Family Div In person courtroom: W1 Chambers: 248-858-0360

Common questions about Judge Lisa Gorcyca's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Lisa Gorcyca?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for emergency motions. Details: delivery after filing, by email. After e-filing an emergency motion, email a Judge’s Copy to the Staff Attorney.

View ruleSource: page 2, section EMERGENCY MOTIONS

Does Judge Lisa Gorcyca require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Lisa Gorcyca's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Replies to responses will not be accepted unless the Court decides otherwise and notifies the parties.

View ruleSource: page 1, section ORDER SCHEDULING EVIDENTIARY HEARING

What must be included with order filings before Judge Lisa Gorcyca?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. All orders must include signatures.

View ruleSource: page 2, section SIGNATURES

What must be included with ex parte order filings before Judge Lisa Gorcyca?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. The attorney or party preparing an Ex Parte Order must sign it.

View ruleSource: page 2, section SIGNATURES

How may parties contact Judge Lisa Gorcyca's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Lisa Gorcyca's clerk. The rule lists email eFiling@oakgov.com. If a case is not already in MiFILE, request its addition to e-filing by emailing the Clerk’s Office at the specified address.

View ruleSource: page 2, section EMERGENCY MOTIONS

Is electronic filing required before Judge Lisa Gorcyca?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Emergency motions must be submitted through the e-filing system.

View ruleSource: page 2, section EMERGENCY MOTIONS

What filing deadlines does Judge Lisa Gorcyca set?

Each party must file a hearing brief, including exhibits and supporting law, at least 7 days before the hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section ORDER SCHEDULING EVIDENTIARY HEARING

What rule applies to serving the opposing party before Judge Lisa Gorcyca?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: the opposing party. Parties must serve briefs, lists, and motions on opposing parties or counsel.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Domestic Scheduling Order
Complete rules summary for Judge Lisa Gorcyca

If a case is not already in MiFILE, request its addition to e-filing by emailing the Clerk’s Office at the specified address.

Emergency motions must be submitted through the e-filing system.

After e-filing an emergency motion, email a Judge’s Copy to the Staff Attorney.

Questions about the e-File system should be sent to the specified e-filing email address.

Specific questions about an emergency motion may be emailed to either listed staff address.

Personal protection order petitions must be emailed to the specified address.

All orders must include signatures.

When applicable, both the client and attorney must sign orders.

The attorney or party preparing an Ex Parte Order must sign it.

Cases set for trial before Judge Gorcyca must complete and e-file a scheduling order.

Chambers staff may be contacted by phone at (248) 858-0360.

Urgent case questions may be emailed to either listed address.

Each party must file lay and expert witness lists and proposed exhibit lists, and exchange exhibits, no later than seven days before trial.

Each party must file a trial brief, including supporting law, no later than seven days before the scheduled hearing.

Motions in limine and other motions relating to the pending trial must be filed no later than seven days before trial.

Responses to motions in limine or other motions relating to the pending trial must be filed no later than two business days before the scheduled hearing.

The Court will not accept replies to responses unless it decides otherwise and notifies the parties.

Parties must file an original of briefs, lists, and motions with the County Clerk’s Office, serve opposing parties or counsel, and deliver two judge’s copies to Chambers at Courtroom W1.

Parties must serve briefs, lists, and motions on opposing parties or counsel.

Each party must file a hearing brief, including exhibits and supporting law, at least 7 days before the hearing.

Discovery must be completed and exchanged by the date specified in the order.

Stipulated exhibits must be marked with numbers for the Plaintiff and letters for the Defendant before trial starts.

Each party must file lay and expert witness lists and a proposed exhibit list, and exchange exhibits, at least 7 days before the hearing.

Motions in limine and other motions related to the evidentiary hearing must be filed for a Wednesday motion call before the hearing date.

All briefs and motions must comply with MCR 2.119(A)(2).

Replies to responses will not be accepted unless the Court decides otherwise and notifies the parties.

The parties must file an original with the County Clerk’s Office, serve opposing counsel, and deliver two judge’s copies to Chambers at Courtroom W1, unless the case is an e-filing case, when judge’s copies are not required.

The parties must file an original of the specified briefs, lists, and motions with the County Clerk’s Office.

The parties must serve the opposing party or counsel with the specified briefs, lists, and motions.

More Judges in Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan, Oakland County

Amanda J. Shelton
Judge
Cheryl A. Matthews
Judge
Daniel P. O'Brien
Judge
David M. Cohen
Judge
Jacob James Cunningham
Judge
Jeffery S. Matis
Judge
Julie A. McDonald
Judge
Kameshia D. Gant
Judge