Judge Edward J. Joseph
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Filings > 75 pages
Motion For Reconsideration, Jury Instructions, Trial Brief, Appeal
Motion, Joint Final Pretrial Order, Trial Brief, Jury Instructions, Appeal, Motion For Reconsideration
Communication
Chambers
Clerk
Page & Word Limits2 rules
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Mandatory
Motions and responses are limited to 20 pages; reply briefs are limited to 5 pages.
Pursuant to MCR 2.119(A)(2)(a), a 20-page limit applies to each motion and response, which includes the accompanying brief. Reply briefs are limited to 5 pages.
Motion
20 pages
Response
20 pages
Reply
5 pages
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Mandatory
The Judge's Copy filed for motions or responses over 75 pages is limited to 75 pages including exhibits.
For Motions and Responses that exceed 75 pages an additional Judge's Copy of such Motion or Response shall be filed which is limited to 75 pages including any exhibits submitted with the Motion.
Judge Copy
75 pages
Document Filing Requirements7 rules
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Mandatory
A praecipe and notice of hearing must be submitted for each motion and each adjourned date.
A praecipe and notice of hearing must be submitted for each motion and adjourned date.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Mandatory
Motions for Reconsideration require that an e-Praecipe be filed.
In addition, Motions for Reconsideration also require that an e-Praecipe is filed.
Document Type
Motion For Reconsideration
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Mandatory
After receiving a motion date, file the praecipe and notice of hearing.
When a date has been given, please file the praecipe and notice of hearing.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026Important
Exhibits must include only the specific pages needed for review, not entire transcripts or pleadings.
Regarding exhibits, only include the specific pages needed for review in connection with the motion, not an entire transcript or pleading.
Document Type
Exhibits
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Orders for Alternate Service submitted for electronic signature should have a copy of the postal check and affidavit attached.
Summary: Orders for Alternate Service submitted for electronic signature must have a copy of the postal check and affidavit attached.
Document Type
Alternate Service Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
As no hearing is scheduled for such motions, please enter the next business day as the motion date and a motion time of 9:00am.
Summary: When filing a motion for reconsideration, enter the next business day as the motion date and the motion time as 9:00am.
Document Type
E Praecipe
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Praecipe and Notice of Hearing date will be the first day of trial.
Summary: For Motions in Limine, the praecipe and notice of hearing will have the first day of trial as the hearing date.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
Filing & Service rules
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
All Motions in Limine must be filed 30 days before trial.
All Motions in Limine must be filed 30 days prior to trial date.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTION PRACTICE
Confidential exhibits and GAL reports must be submitted to the Court at least 7 days before the hearing.
Any Confidential Exhibits and GAL Reports are to be submitted to the Court no later than 7 days prior to the hearing date.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT
Motions for Summary Disposition must be filed within 30 days after the close of discovery.
All Motions for Summary Disposition shall be filed within 30 days after close of discovery.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTION PRACTICE
Courtesy Copy Requirements
If a motion or response exceeds 75 pages, an additional Judge's Copy must be filed.
For Motions and Responses that exceed 75 pages an additional Judge's Copy of such Motion or Response shall be filed which is limited to 75 pages including any exhibits submitted with the Motion.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTION PRACTICE
All motions, joint final pretrial orders, trial briefs, jury instructions, appeals, and motions for reconsideration must be emailed to the courtroom in addition to e-filing.
In addition to e-file, copies of all motions, joint final pretrial orders, trial briefs, jury instructions, appeals and motions for reconsideration should be emailed to the courtroom at JudgeJoseph-Court@3rdcc.org.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE COURT
Paper copies to the Court are required for motions for reconsideration, jury instructions, trial briefs, and appeals; other motions do not require paper copies.
In addition, paper copies should be sent to the Court for motions for reconsideration, jury instructions, trial briefs and appeals. All other motions do not require a paper copy.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE COURT
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Change from Track #1 to Track #2 may be submitted by stipulation and order.
Adjournment from Track #1 to Track #2 may be submitted by stipulation and order.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | STATUS CONFERENCE
Chambers Communication Rules
All parties must immediately notify the Court of any settlement reached.
All parties should immediately notify the Court of any settlement reached.
Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES
After filing an MSD, email the Judicial Assistant to obtain a motion date and include a copy of the motion.
After filing the MSD please email the Judicial Assistant for a motion date and include a copy of the motion as well.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTION PRACTICE
The courtroom email is only for submitting the specified documents; other correspondence must go to the admin assistant or courtroom clerk.
PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS EMAIL FOR ANY OTHER CORRESPONDENCE, BUT RATHER, USE THE EMAILS LISTED ABOVE FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AND COURTROOM CLERK.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE COURT
For default judgments not based on a sum certain, contact the court clerk to obtain a hearing date.
If your motion seeks a Default Judgment which is not based on a sum certain, please contact the court clerk, Katrina Ross at Katrina.Ross@3rdcc.org to obtain a hearing date.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR DEFAULT JUDGMENT
Contact the Administrative Assistant immediately upon filing an appeal or motion for reconsideration.
Please contact the Administrative Assistant immediately upon filing, to ensure that the Court receives notice of the filing.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | APPEALS AND MOTIONS FOR RECONSIDERATION