Judge Nanci J. Grant
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Brief
Reconsideration Motions
Summary Disposition Pleading
Adjournments
- All trial counsel must attend motions to adjourn, including unopposed motions.
- Discovery deadlines set by the scheduling order may be extended by stipulation before the cutoff and by motion after the cutoff.
- Adjournments are allowed by motion, with all parties present, upon a showing of good cause.
- +3 more
Request must include
- A 45-day extension may be considered when appropriate for a motion for second summons.
Communication
Clerk
Clerk
Clerk
Phone
Court-wideClerk
Phone
Court-wideClerk
Phone
Court-wideClerk
Document Format Requirements4 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Preliminary jury instructions must be on plain paper, 14-point font, one instruction per page, and double-spaced.
Preliminary jury instructions must be submitted to the Court on plain paper, 14 point font, one instruction per page, double spaced, without citation to case law, no later than noon of the business day preceding the scheduled date of trial.
Paper
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Dispositive motions follow Michigan Court Rules without a scheduling order; exceeding the page limit requires prior permission, judge’s copies of summary-disposition pleadings are requested, and pleadings must comply with Michigan Court Rules format requirements.
Dispositive Motions: Judge Grant follows the Michigan Court Rules for the scheduling of dispositive motions (no scheduling order will be issued.) Prior permission must be given by the Court to exceed page limit (see MCR 2.119(A)(2). A judge’s copy is requested of all summary disposition pleadings. The pleadings' format must comply with the Michigan Court Rules.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Preliminary jury instructions must be submitted on plain paper in 14-point font, one per page, double-spaced, without case citations, by noon on the business day before trial.
Preliminary jury instructions must be submitted to the Court on plain paper, 14 point font, one instruction per page, double spaced, without citation to case law, no later than noon of the business day preceding the scheduled date of trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
Plaintiff exhibits must be labeled with numbers and defense exhibits with letters.
Exhibits shall be labeled as follows: Plaintiff - numbers; Defense - letters.
Document Filing Requirements17 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A motion for second summons must be submitted on the approved SCAO form.
Motions for Second Summons: Must be submitted on approved SCAO form.
Document Type
Motion For Second Summons
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Each criminal bond motion must include the district court bond order and a proposed order stating the requested relief and all bond conditions.
All Criminal Bond Motions must be accompanied by a copy of the district court bond order and a proposed order granting the relief requested, including all bond conditions.
Document Type
Criminal Bond Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Preliminary jury instructions must be submitted on plain paper, in 14-point font, one instruction per double-spaced page, without case-law citations, by noon on the business day before trial.
Preliminary jury instructions must be submitted to the Court on plain paper, 14 point font, one instruction per page, double spaced, without citation to case law, no later than noon of the business day preceding the scheduled date of trial.
Document Type
Preliminary Jury Instructions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A bench book of exhibits is required for bench trials.
The Court requires a bench book of exhibits for bench trials.
Document Type
Bench Trial Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Proposed findings are required in bench trials.
The Court requires proposed findings in bench trials.
Document Type
Proposed Findings
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Oral bond motions are prohibited during Criminal Call; file a written motion and praecipe it to the motion docket instead.
Oral bond motions are not permitted during Criminal Call. Instead, file a written motion and praecipe the matter to the Court's motion docket.
Document Type
Bond Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
All exhibits must be marked and agreed to by the parties.
all exhibits must be marked and agreed to by the parties.
Document Type
Trial Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
The proposed alternate-service order must provide for certified mail with return receipt, posting or affixing at the last known address, and publication in the Oakland County Legal News for three consecutive weeks.
Specific requirements of proposed order include: (1) Certified mail (return receipt requested) to the last known address; (2) Posting/affixing to the last known address; and (3) Publication in the Oakland County Legal News for 3 consecutive weeks.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A motion for alternate service must be submitted on the approved SCAO form.
Motions for Alternate Service: Must be submitted on approved SCAO form.
Document Type
Motion For Alternate Service
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A joint final pretrial order is due one week before trial and is filed shortly after the scheduling order issues.
The Court utilizes a joint final pretrial order, filed shortly after issuance of scheduling order; due one week before trial.
Document Type
Joint Final Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
The Court uses a joint final pretrial order, filed shortly after the scheduling order issues and due one week before trial.
The Court utilizes a joint final pretrial order, filed shortly after issuance of scheduling order; due one week before trial.
Document Type
Final Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A motion for alternate service must use the approved SCAO form, include an affidavit describing at least three service attempts at varying times and days, and propose the listed service methods.
Motions for Alternate Service: Must be submitted on approved SCAO form. A process server affidavit indicating the specific attempts at service (minimum of three attempts, varied in time and day of week) is required. Specific requirements of proposed order include: (1) Certified mail (return receipt requested) to the last known address; (2) Posting/affixing to the last known address; and (3) Publication in the Oakland County Legal News for 3 consecutive weeks.
Document Type
Motion For Alternate Service
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Trial adjournments require a motion, all parties’ presence, and good cause; trial briefs are due one week before trial, exhibits must be marked and agreed upon and labeled by party as specified, and a bench trial requires a bench book of exhibits.
The docket is computer-generated. Adjournments are allowed by motion with all parties present for good cause. A trial brief is due one week prior to trial; all exhibits must be marked and agreed to by the parties. Exhibits shall be labeled as follows: Plaintiff - numbers; Defense - letters. The Court requires a bench book of exhibits for bench trials.
Document Type
Trial Brief
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Each criminal bond motion must include the district court bond order and a proposed order stating the requested relief and all bond conditions.
All Criminal Bond Motions must be accompanied by a copy of the district court bond order and a proposed order granting the relief requested, including all bond condtions.
Document Type
Criminal Bond Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Proposed findings are required in bench trials.
The Court requires proposed findings in bench trials.
Document Type
Proposed Findings Conclusions
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important
A motion for second summons must use the approved SCAO form; a 45-day extension may be considered when appropriate.
Motions for Second Summons: Must be submitted on approved SCAO form. A 45-day extension will be considered when appropriate.
Document Type
Motion For Second Summons
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
A process server affidavit indicating the specific attempts at service (minimum of three attempts, varied in time and day of week) is required.
Summary: A process server affidavit must specify at least three service attempts made at varied times and on different days of the week.
Document Type
Motion For Alternate Service
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
An arraignment-by-mail submission will be considered only upon a showing of good cause.
Arraignment by mail (ABM) submission will be considered only with good cause showing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Scheduling/Conference — CRIMINAL
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
A motion is considered unopposed if its response is not received by noon on the Monday before the hearing, except for dispositive motions.
If a Motion Response is not received by 12:00 p.m. on the Monday prior to the scheduled motion hearing, the motion will be considered unopposed (excepting dispositive motions).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Criminal
A motion is considered unopposed if no response is received by close of business on the Monday before the hearing, except for dispositive motions.
If a Motion Response is not received by close of business on the Monday prior to the scheduled motion hearing, the motion will be considered unopposed (excepting dispositive motions).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 2 | Motion Practice
Preliminary jury instructions are due by noon on the business day preceding trial.
Preliminary jury instructions must be submitted to the Court on plain paper, 14 point font, one instruction per page, double spaced, without citation to case law, no later than noon of the business day preceding the scheduled date of trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 2 | Trial
A trial brief is due one week before trial, and the parties must mark and agree to all exhibits.
A trial brief is due one week prior to trial; all exhibits must be marked and agreed to by the parties.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Trial
The joint final pretrial order is due one week before trial.
The Court utilizes a joint final pretrial order, filed shortly after issuance of scheduling order; due one week before trial.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Civil
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A judge’s copy is required for reconsideration motions; unless the Court directs otherwise, no hearing is scheduled and no response is permitted.
Motion for Reconsideration: A judge’s copy is required. Unless the Court otherwise indicates, no hearing is scheduled and no response is permitted. (See MCR 2.119(F))
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 2 | Motion Practice
A judge’s copy of all summary disposition pleadings is requested.
A judge’s copy is requested of all summary disposition pleadings.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Dispositive Motions
A judge’s copy is required for a motion for reconsideration.
A judge’s copy is required.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Motion for Reconsideration
The Court requests a judge’s copy of all summary-disposition pleadings.
A judge’s copy is requested of all summary disposition pleadings.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | Motion Practice
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Oral bond motions are prohibited during Criminal Call; bond requests must be made by written motion praeciped to the motion docket.
Oral bond motions are not permitted during Criminal Call. Instead, file a written motion and praecipe the matter to the Court's motion docket.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Scheduling/Conference — CRIMINAL
A scheduling conference is held only when there is a change of venue.
A scheduling conference will be held only in case of change of venue.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Scheduling/Conference — CIVIL
Requests for temporary restraining orders or injunctions must comply with the Michigan Court Rules, including MCR 3.310(B)(1).
The Court strictly adheres to the Michigan Court Rules, including MCR 3.310(B)(1). Please ensure compliance before such a request is brought.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | Temporary Restraining Orders/Injunctions
For a motion for reconsideration, no hearing is scheduled and no response is permitted unless the Court indicates otherwise.
Unless the Court otherwise indicates, no hearing is scheduled and no response is permitted.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Motion for Reconsideration
The Court expects the parties to participate in ADR before trial.
It is the expectation of the Court that the parties participate in ADR prior to trial.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Scheduling/Conference — CIVIL
The Court may intervene during a deposition when compelled to do so upon a showing of good cause.
The Court may intervene during depositions if compelled upon showing of good cause.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | Discovery
Unless the Court indicates otherwise, a reconsideration motion is decided without a scheduled hearing or response.
Motion for Reconsideration: A judge’s copy is required. Unless the Court otherwise indicates, no hearing is scheduled and no response is permitted. (See MCR 2.119(F))
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 2 | Motion Practice
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Adjournments are allowed by motion, with all parties present, upon a showing of good cause.
The docket is computer-generated. Adjournments are allowed by motion with all parties present for good cause.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Trial
All trial counsel must attend motions to adjourn, including unopposed motions.
All trial counsel must be present for motions to adjourn, including those that are unopposed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Motion to Adjourn
All trial counsel must be present for any motion to adjourn, including an unopposed motion.
Motion to Adjourn: All trial counsel must be present for motions to adjourn, including those that are unopposed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 2 | Motion Practice
Trial adjournments are allowed by motion, with all parties present, upon good cause.
The docket is computer-generated. Adjournments are allowed by motion with all parties present for good cause. A trial brief is due one week prior to trial; all exhibits must be marked and agreed to by the parties. Exhibits shall be labeled as follows: Plaintiff - numbers; Defense - letters. The Court requires a bench book of exhibits for bench trials.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 2 | Trial
Discovery deadlines are set by the scheduling order; they may be extended by stipulation before the cutoff and by motion after it.
The scheduling order dictates the time for discovery. It can be extended prior to cutoff by stipulation; after cutoff by motion.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 2 | Discovery
Discovery deadlines set by the scheduling order may be extended by stipulation before the cutoff and by motion after the cutoff.
The scheduling order dictates the time for discovery. It can be extended prior to cutoff by stipulation; after cutoff by motion.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026
Page 1 | Discovery
A 45-day extension may be considered when appropriate for a motion for second summons.
A 45-day extension will be considered when appropriate.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Motions for Second Summons
Chambers Communication Rules
Motion Call is held by Zoom on Wednesdays beginning at 8:30 a.m.; the Court contacts participants the prior afternoon with an appearance time, and parties must enter the waiting room 10 minutes early.
In accordance with the Michigan Supreme Court directives, Judge Grant will continue to hold Motion Call via Zoom, on Wednesdays, beginning at 8:30 a.m. All those with motions being heard will be contacted by the Court the afternoon before, with a specific time for their appearance. Parties must appear in the Zoom waiting room 10 minutes prior to their scheduled motion hearing time.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Motion Practice
Criminal arraignment, pretrial, sentencing, and probation-violation hearings are held Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.; criminal proceedings are in person in Courtroom 4A.
Arraignment, pretrial, sentence, and violation of probation hearings are held weekly on Wednesday, at 11:00 am. All criminal proceedings are held in person, in Courtroom 4A.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.
Page 1 | Scheduling/Conference — CRIMINAL