Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan Chambers Communication Rules

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Parties may not file a motion without first obtaining a date from the court.

Parties are not allowed to file a motion without first obtaining a date from the court.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers

Emergency preliminary-injunction requests require a call and email notice to the judicial attorney and a Word-format judge's copy for review.

All requests for an emergency preliminary injunction shall be accompanied by a telephone call and email notice to Judge Allen's Judicial Attorney.  Please provide a Judge's copy in word format for review.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers

TRO requests require a call and email notice to the judicial attorney by noon on the filing day, earlier if possible.

All requests for a TRO shall be accompanied by a telephone call and email notice to Judge Allen's Judicial Attorney no later than 12:00 p.m./noon on the day of filing (earlier if possible).

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026CRITICAL

Contact

Email to clerk

If a translator is required, email court staff as soon as known but at least 3 weeks before the hearing, including language and dialect.

Translators:If a translator is required, please email court staff as soon as this is known, but no less than 3 weeks prior to the scheduled hearing date. Include the language and dialect of the party needing a translator.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

For a scheduling conflict, the moving party must contact the Judicial Law Clerk within 14 days of the Scheduling Order; later changes require leave of court and good cause.

If there is a scheduling conflict, the moving party must contact the Judicial Law Clerk within 14 days of the entry of the Scheduling Order for a different hearing date. After 14 days, hearing dates will only be changed by leave of the Court upon a showing of good cause.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

To withdraw a motion, the moving party must email the Court Clerk and the court's general email as soon as possible before the hearing date.

If the motion is going to be withdrawn, the moving party must email the Court Clerk (deborah.royal@3rdcc.org) and the Court's general email (judgeharb-court@3rdcc.org) to cancel the motion as soon as possible prior to the hearing date.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Email is the preferred method of communication; do not call the courtroom and leave voicemails.

Please email the court as the preferred method of communication. The Judicial Attorney may be reached via email at jennifer.swanson@3rdcc.org . The Court Clerk, Deborah Royal may be reached at deborah.royal@3rdcc.org . Please do not call the courtroom and leave voicemails.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

If the case settles or issues are resolved, the moving party must inform the court immediately.

If the case settles or the issues in the motion are resolved, the moving party must inform the court immediately.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Email April Sutton when a Motion for Reconsideration is filed.

Please email April Sutton (JudgeBerry-Court@3rdcc.org) when a Motion for Reconsideration is filed.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

For questions, contact the Court Clerk directly; do not seek information from court staff.

For questions regarding Court matters, please contact the Court Clerk directly. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SEEK INFORMATION FROM COURT STAFF.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Use the general court email only for the listed purposes and copy counsel for all parties.

Please use this email only for the following purposes – Please copy counsel for all parties on emails to this address - Judge’s copies of motions and responses - Email notification that a motion has been resolved - Email notification a motion or other hearing needs to be adjourned - Email notification that a case has settled - Interpreter requests (see below)

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

While court operations are remote, email is the preferred communication method; do not leave courtroom voicemails.

While the court is operating remotely, please email the court as the preferred method of communication.   The Judicial Attorney can be reached via email at Rola.Khanafer@3rdcc.org.  The Court Clerk, Rod Byrd can be reached at Roderick.Byrd@3rdcc.org.  Please do not call the courtroom and leave voicemails.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Requests for informal email or phone communication with the judge must be coordinated through the judicial attorney or law clerk.

Any requests for informal communication with the Judge by way of email or phone conference shall be coordinated by and through Judge Allen's Judicial Attorney/Law Clerk.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

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 20, 2026WARNING

Contact

Email to chambers

Do not call the courtroom for a motion date; email JudgeFarhat-Court@3rdcc.org instead.

Please do not call the courtroom for a motion date. Court Staff will instruct you to email JudgeFarhat-Court@3rdcc.org.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to clerk

Phone

313-224-5510

Check Odyssey Public Access before asking chambers about filing status; direct filing-issue questions to the County Clerk using the listed email or phone number.

Check Odyssey Public Access before contacting the Courtroom with questions about filings. If a document is not on the Register of Actions, the Clerk's office has not processed it. Contact the Wayne County Clerk's office at helpdesk@3rdcc.org or 313-224-5510 with any questions regarding filing issues.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026WARNING

Chambers must be contacted as soon as possible when an interpreter is needed; failure to provide at least 7 days' notice may result in an adjournment.

If a foreign language interpreter or sign language interpreter is needed, chambers must be contacted as soon as possible. Failure to provide at least seven (7) days' notice may result in an adjournment.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

No appearance is required for status conferences scheduled at 8:00 or 8:30 a.m.; otherwise, appearance by Zoom is required unless in-person attendance is specifically required.

If your status conference is scheduled for 8 a.m. or 8:30 a.m., no appearance is required. If your status conference is scheduled for any other time, appearance by Zoom is required (unless you have been specifically notified to appear in person).

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

The first settlement conference is set 42 days after case evaluation; later conferences are scheduled at the preceding conference, generally by Zoom, with attorneys attending by Zoom and clients available by phone and ready to join.

Scheduled:   First settlement conference set for 42 days after case evaluation. All subsequent settlement conferences are set by the Court and the parties at the previous settlement conference. Settlement conferences are via Zoom unless the parties are specifically notified to appear in person. Attorneys must Zoom in; clients must be available by phone and ready to Zoom in.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

After e-filing a summary disposition motion, email a copy to the Judicial Law Clerk to obtain a hearing date and allow up to seven days for a response.

After you have e-filed a Motion for Summary Disposition, email a copy of the motion to the Judicial Law Clerk for a hearing date. Please allow up to (7) days for a response.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to clerk

Parties may email the court clerk or judicial law clerk, but not the judge.

Parties may communicate with the court clerk or judicial law clerk (not judge) via email.

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

Civil cases

Court staff cannot provide legal advice or e-filing navigation help; direct e-filing questions to the County Clerk’s Office or E-filing Helpdesk.

COURT STAFF is not allowed to give legal advice or directions on how to navigate the e-file system. E-filing questions should be directed to the County Clerk’s Office or the E-filing Helpdesk.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to clerk

To dismiss or adjourn a motion, email the Court Clerk.

If you wish to dismiss or adjourn your motion, please email the Court Clerk at Kimberly.Davis@3rdcc.org.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026INFO

Civil cases

Check the public odyssey at 3rdcc.org before contacting the Courtroom with questions; if a document is not on the ROA it has not been processed, so contact the Clerk's office.

*Check public odyssey at 3rdcc.org before contacting the Courtroom with questions. If a document is not on the ROA, that means the Clerk's office has not processed it. Contact the Clerk's office with any questions.*

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026INFO

Civil cases

Contact

Phone to clerk

To schedule a summary disposition motion, call the court clerk to request a hearing date.

To schedule a hearing on a Motion for Summary Disposition, you must call the court clerk to request an available hearing date.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026INFO

Civil cases

Contact

Phone to clerk

Phone

(313) 224-4679

Contact the Courtroom Clerk via phone to schedule a hearing date.

Contact the Courtroom Clerk via phone for a hearing date (313) 224-4679.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026INFO

Civil cases

Contact the County Clerk's office (Records Department) for copies of orders.

Please contact the County Clerk’s office – Records Department for copies of orders.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026INFO

Civil cases

Contact

Phone to clerk

Phone

(313) 224-2447

Parties may request in-person motions, conferences, and trials by calling the Court's clerk at (313) 224-2447.

Parties can request In-Person motions, conferences and trials matter by calling the Court's clerk at (313) 224-2447.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026INFO

Contact

Phone to chambers

Phone

313-224-7430

Call Judge Testani's staff after 11:00am for best availability.

Should you need to speak with a member of Judge Testani's staff, please call after 11:00am when the staff is likely to have attended the morning case call.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026INFO

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Dispositive motions are scheduled by contacting the Judge's Judicial Attorney by email.

To schedule a dispositive motion, the moving party is to contact the Judge's Judicial Attorney at lorri.cary@3rdcc.org.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026INFO

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Questions, comments, or concerns should be directed to Judicial Attorney Lorri A. Cary at lorri.cary@3rdcc.org.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact the Judicial Attorney, Lorri A. Cary at lorri.cary@3rdcc.org.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 21, 2026INFO

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

The preferred way to reach chambers with questions is to email JudgeMcCarthy-Court@3rdcc.org.

The preferred method of communication for all questions is to email JudgeMcCarthy-Court@3rdcc.org.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Email is the preferred method for all inquiries to the court.

The preferred method of communication for all inquiries is to email JudgeMACox-Court@3rdcc.org.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers

Phone

313-224-2240

For difficulties connecting, contact the Court by phone or email.

If you have difficulties connecting call 313-224-2240 or email JudgeLillard-Court@3rdcc.org

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

Criminal cases

Contact

Email to chambers

Email communications with the Court should be directed to JudgeRDThomas-Court@3rdcc.org.

Communication- Email Communications with the Court should be directed to JudgeRDThomas-Court@3rdcc.org

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Failure to appear may result in the dismissal of the case or motion, unless you contact the Court by phone or email prior to 4PM the day of the hearing with an explanation.

Summary: Failure to appear may result in dismissal unless the Court is contacted by phone or email before 4 PM on the hearing day with an explanation.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Ex Parte Communication with the Court: please note the Court cannot accept emails, letters, phone calls, etc. that are about the substantive issues in your case or give legal advice. Please refrain from ex parte communication as it is against the ethical and court rules. Please make sure the other party is CC’d on any communication with the court that is not simply administrative.

Summary: The Court cannot accept substantive ex parte communications or give legal advice; the other party must be CC'd on any non-administrative communication with the Court.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Documents submitted to the Court must be sent via email to JudgeElassal-Court@3rdcc.org in PDF format.

Summary: Documents submitted to the Court must be emailed to the Courtroom in PDF format.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Contact

Phone to clerk ?

Phone

(313) 224-2415

Emergency motions- to be heard before the above date - contact court clerk at (313) 224-2415

Summary: Emergency motions to be heard before the next motion date require contacting the court clerk at (313) 224-2415.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Contact

Letter ecf to chambers ?

Ex-parte communication with the Court is inappropriate and will not be considered. All parties to a case must be included on all written communications with Court staff.

Summary: Ex-parte communication with the Court is prohibited; all parties must be included on all written communications with Court staff.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

Movants seeking emergency or ex parte relief should contact chambers staff prior to filing to ensure staff is aware of the motion being filed, and should also be brought to the Judicial Attorney's attention.

Summary: Movants seeking emergency or ex parte relief should contact chambers staff prior to filing and bring the motion to the Judicial Attorney's attention.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Emergency motion: You must contact the court clerk to schedule a hearing date.

Summary: For emergency motions, you must contact the court clerk to schedule a hearing date.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Contact

Letter ecf to clerk ?

Ex parte communication with the Court is inappropriate and will not be considered. All parties to a case must be included on all written communications with Court staff.

Summary: Ex parte communications with the Court are prohibited; all written communications with Court staff must include all parties.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Electronic copes of the exhibit and trial briefs must also be submitted to the Court at JudgeAbraham-Court@3rdcc.org no later than one week prior to your scheduled trial or evidentiary hearing.

Summary: Electronic copies of exhibit and trial briefs must be emailed to JudgeAbraham-Court no later than one week before trial or evidentiary hearing.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Parties will receive a hearing date from chambers once the motion is filed and judge's copies are submitted to JudgeGlendening-Court@3rdcc.org.

Summary: Chambers will email a hearing date once the motion is filed and judge's copies are submitted.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

If JOD and ROD are submitted PRIOR TO the scheduled hearing date, please indicate the upcoming hearing date in the email.

Summary: When JOD and ROD are submitted before the scheduled hearing date, the email must indicate the upcoming hearing date.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

If JOD and ROD are submitted AFTER the scheduled hearing date, please indicate the date the proofs were taken.

Summary: When JOD and ROD are submitted after the scheduled hearing date, the email must indicate the date the proofs were taken.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

At least one week prior to the Case Management Conference, the parties must efile with the Court (with a copy to the Judicial Attorney at Karen.Liddle@3rdcc.org) a Joint Case Management Plan.

Summary: A copy of the Joint Case Management Plan must be emailed to the Judicial Attorney at Karen.Liddle@3rdcc.org.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Interpreters: If either party needs an interpreter for a hearing, please email JudgeCholack-Court@3rdcc.org at least two weeks prior to the hearing or the hearing may need to be adjourned.

Summary: Interpreter requests must be emailed to chambers at least two weeks before the hearing or the hearing may be adjourned.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Dates: If you would like a date, please email or call the Courtroom AFTER you have filed your motion. Motions are usually heard on Mondays or Thursdays. However, please note we are usually scheduling at least 2-3 months ahead and we do not have control over FOC scheduling.

Summary: To request a hearing date, email or call the Courtroom after filing the motion; motions are usually heard on Mondays or Thursdays and scheduling is 2-3 months ahead.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Include the case number and party names in the subject line of your email.

Summary: Emails to the Court must include the case number and party names in the subject line.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Please indicate the upcoming hearing date in the email

Summary: Emails to the Court must indicate the upcoming hearing date.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Contact

Phone ?

Calling the Court Please have your case number ready when calling the courtroom. Court Staff will not assist otherwise.

Summary: Callers must have their case number ready when calling the courtroom.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Contact

Email to clerk ?

All emails to the court must include the complete case number in the subject line (ex: 23-123456-DO).

Summary: All emails to the court must include the complete case number in the subject line.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

A case number and case name are required in the subject line of any email sent to the Courtroom. Emails will not be answered otherwise. Attachments must be renamed to reflect was is being submitted.

Summary: Emails to the Courtroom must include the case number and case name in the subject line and renamed attachments, or they will not be answered.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

As a courtesy to the court, if the case settles or issues are resolved, the moving party must inform the court immediately.

Summary: If a summary disposition case settles or issues are resolved, the moving party must inform the court immediately.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

If a party needs an interpreter for a hearing or trial, please contact the Court at JudgeAbraham-Court@3rdcc.org at least 14 days before the hearing with the case number, case name, party requesting the interpreter, and language requested. Failure to request an interpreter in a timely manner will result in an adjournment of the Court hearing.

Summary: Interpreter requests must be emailed to the Court at least 14 days before the hearing with specified information, or the hearing may be adjourned.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

If your motion is resolved or you wish to remove your motion from the Court’s Docket, the parties must notify Chambers staff via email, JudgeAbraham-Court@erdcc.org, as soon as feasible.

Summary: Parties must email Chambers staff as soon as feasible if a motion is resolved or is to be removed from the docket.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

MOTIONS FOR RECONSIDERATION: Motions for Reconsideration that are filed must be brought to the attention of the Judicial Attorney, Hiba Mukhal, hiba.mukhal@3rdcc.org. Motions for Reconsideration do not require oral argument. A ruling will be issued when the Court is available.

Summary: Filed motions for reconsideration must be brought to the Judicial Attorney's attention by email; they do not require oral argument.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Movants seeking emergency or ex parte relief should contact chambers staff prior to filing to ensure staff is aware of the motion being filed, and should also be brought to the Judicial Attorney, Maya Younis’s, attention.

Summary: Emergency/ex parte movants must contact chambers staff before filing and bring the motion to Judicial Attorney Maya Younis's attention.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Phone

(313) 224-5531

Chambers email: JudgeGlendening-Court@3rdcc.org Chambers phone: (313) 224-5531 Hours of operation: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Lunch break taken from 12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m.

Summary: Chambers may be contacted by email or phone during business hours (9:00 am – 4:30 pm).

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Judicial Attorney: Alexandria Moore [Alexandria.Moore@3rdcc.org]

Summary: The judicial attorney, Alexandria Moore, may be contacted by email at Alexandria.Moore@3rdcc.org.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

JudgeEwell-Court@3rdcc.org

Summary: Chambers may be contacted by email at JudgeEwell-Court@3rdcc.org.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

Phone

313-224-5195

Phone #: 313-224-5195

Summary: Chambers may be contacted by phone at 313-224-5195.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Contact

Email to clerk ?

Courtroom Clerk: Brian Pitko [Brian.Pitko@3rdcc.org]

Summary: The courtroom clerk, Brian Pitko, may be contacted by email at Brian.Pitko@3rdcc.org.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.INFO?

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

Operating Hours: 8:30AM to 4:30PM Monday through Friday, except during holidays. Please note: Lunch is between 12:30PM to 2PM, so court staff may not be available.

Summary: Court operating hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday, with staff unavailable during lunch from 12:30 PM to 2 PM.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.INFO?

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Phone

313-224-2430

If you cannot access electronic copies please contact us at 313-224-2430 or email JudgeCholack-Court@3rdcc.org

Summary: Parties who cannot access electronic copies should contact the Court by phone or email.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.INFO?

Contact

Letter ecf to clerk ?

REMINDER: Court staff is prohibited from providing legal advice. If you choose not to be represented by counsel, there are resources available to you, which can be found here: http://3rdcc.org/general-information/self-represented-litigants/resources.

Summary: Court staff is prohibited from providing legal advice; self-represented litigants are directed to available resources.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.INFO?

Contact

Phone

Phone calls to the Courtroom will only be answered between 8:30am – 12:30pm, and 2:00pm – 4:30pm. Calls will not be taken while Court is in session. Please email the Courtroom for quicker response times.

Summary: Courtroom phone calls are answered only during specified hours and not while Court is in session; emailing the Courtroom is faster.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

All parties must be included in emails with the Court/Judge in order to avoid ex parte communications. Please provide cell numbers for the attorney handling the matter whenever possible if the court staff need to reach out to the parties. Always include case number and case name in the subject line.

Summary: All parties must be included in emails with the Court to avoid ex parte communications, and case number and case name must always be in the subject line.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

Phone

(313) 224-2447

The moving party must advise the Court the motion is ready for decision and to ensure all documents necessary for decision are in possession of the court, by calling the Court's Judicial Assistant at (313) 224-2447, as required by the order.

Summary: The moving party must call the Judicial Assistant to advise the Court the summary disposition motion is ready for decision and that all necessary documents are in the court's possession.

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

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

Unless excused by the court, the moving party must appear for the motion. Failure to appear may result in a monetary penalty assessed penalty to the moving party. To be excused by the court, the moving party must call chambers by 3:00 p.m. the day before the hearing to advise the court clerk that the motion has been withdrawn.

Summary: Moving party must appear for motions or call chambers by 3:00 p.m. the day before to be excused.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

All parties must be included in emails with the Court/Judge in order to avoid ex parte communications.

Summary: All parties must be copied on emails to the court or judge to avoid ex parte communications.

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

If a party requires an interpreter/translator, the party or counsel for said party must contact the court one (1) week prior to the next hearing date and advise of the need for an interpreter/translator and the language required.

Summary: If an interpreter/translator is needed, the party or counsel must contact the court one week before the next hearing and specify the need and language.

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

Contact

Email to chambers ?

For all motions to approve on behalf of an estate, a legally incapacitated adult, or a minor where the minor is receiving more than $5000, a copy of the Letters of Authority must be emailed to the court no less than one week prior to hearing.

Summary: For certain motions to approve settlements on behalf of estates, incapacitated adults, or minors over $5000, a copy of Letters of Authority must be emailed to the court at least one week before hearing.

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

Contact

Email to clerk ?

Adjournment of Motion: Email the Lisa Rutledge at least 48 hours prior to the hearing date regarding all motions without oral argument. Erin Deschamps needs to be contacted if adjourning motions with oral arguments.

Summary: Adjournment requests for motions without oral argument must be emailed to Lisa Rutledge at least 48 hours prior; for motions with oral argument, contact Erin Deschamps.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to clerk ?

After a Motion for Summary Disposition has been e-filed, please email a copy of the motion to the Judicial Law Clerk at Seth.Atisha@3rdcc.org. (313-224-2241)

Summary: After e-filing a Motion for Summary Disposition, email a copy to the Judicial Law Clerk.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

After filing, email the Court's Judicial Attorney at brian.hodgman@3rdcc.org to request a hearing. Do NOT email the Judicial Attorney until the motion has been accepted for filing by the Mi-filing system.

Summary: After the summary-disposition motion is filed and accepted by Mi-filing, email the Judicial Attorney to request a hearing; do not email before acceptance.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Nonetheless, the moving party may email the court's Judicial Attorney to seek approval of a later hearing date. If approved, a re-notice of hearing must be filed.

Summary: The moving party may email the Judicial Attorney to seek a later hearing date; if approved, a re-notice of hearing must be filed.

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

Civil cases

Withdrawals of motions for summary disposition are thus permitted, however counsel for the moving party SHALL immediately contact the court's Judicial Attorney once it is apparent a hearing will not proceed.

Summary: Summary-disposition motions may be withdrawn, but moving counsel must immediately contact the Judicial Attorney once it becomes apparent that the hearing will not proceed.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Phone to clerk ?

AS OF 01/02/2026, THE COURT WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT EMAIL REGARDING ADJOURNMENTS OR CASE STATUS FROM ATTORNEYS OR THIER STAFF. PARTIES MUST CALL THE COURT.

Summary: The Court no longer accepts email regarding adjournments or case status from attorneys or their staff; parties must call the court instead.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to clerk ?

Please email both the Court Clerk and to have your motion withdrawn.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

If a party needs an interpreter for a hearing or trial, please contact the court at JudgeElder-Court@3rdcc.orgat least 14 days before the hearing with the case name, case number, party requesting the interpreter, and language requested.

Summary: Interpreter requests must be emailed at least 14 days before the hearing and include the specified case and language information.

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

Civil cases

Include date of hearing and case number in the subject line of all communication.

Summary: All communications must include the hearing date and case number in the subject line.

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

Civil cases

Copy opposing counsel on all communication with the Court.

Summary: Opposing counsel must be copied on all communications with the Court.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

If you are informing the Court that a case has settled or a motion has been withdrawn, a confirmation email to JudgeElder-Court@3rdcc.org with all parties copied is required. Please do not call the Courtroom, as we will still ask for a confirming email.

Summary: Settlement and motion-withdrawal notices require a confirmation email to the Court with all parties copied; a phone call does not replace the email.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

The Court is generally agreeable to informal communication (email, phone conferences, etc.) on non-dispositive matters such as scheduling, discovery management and settlement.  All such communication shall be conducted with ALL counsel present.  No ex parte communication is contemplated absent the advanced consent of all counsel, i.e. such as in instances to settle a case when speaking to one side may be necessary.

Summary: The court generally permits informal communication about non-dispositive matters with all counsel present; ex parte communication is contemplated only with advance consent of all counsel.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS EMAIL FOR ANY OTHER CORRESPONDENCE, BUT RATHER, USE THE EMAILS LISTED ABOVE FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AND COURTROOM CLERK.

Summary: The courtroom email is only for submitting the specified documents; other correspondence must go to the admin assistant or courtroom clerk.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to clerk ?

After filing the MSD please email the Judicial Assistant for a motion date and include a copy of the motion as well.

Summary: After filing an MSD, email the Judicial Assistant to obtain a motion date and include a copy of the motion.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to clerk ?

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.

Summary: For default judgments not based on a sum certain, contact the court clerk to obtain a hearing date.

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

Civil cases

Please contact the Administrative Assistant immediately upon filing, to ensure that the Court receives notice of the filing.

Summary: Contact the Administrative Assistant immediately upon filing an appeal or motion for reconsideration.

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

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Adjournment requests will not be accepted via telephone. Please email the courtroom for available dates before submitting the order.

Summary: Adjournment requests must be made by email (not telephone) to obtain available dates before submitting an adjournment order.

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

Contact

Email to clerk ?

Canceling a motion: Email Lisa Rutledge unless it is a trial-related motion. For those, email Erin Deschamps.

Summary: To cancel a motion, email Lisa Rutledge, except for trial-related motions which go to Erin Deschamps.

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

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

Adjournments may be requested by contacting the Court’s law clerk via telephone or email.

Summary: Adjournments in appeals may be requested by contacting the court's law clerk via telephone or email.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Mi-file motion with notice of hearing as a date and time to be determined by the Court. After filing, email the court's Judicial Attorney at brian.hodgman@3rdcc.org to request a hearing. Do NOT email the Judicial Attorney until the motion has been accepted for filing by the Mi-filing system. ***EXPECT CONSIDERABLE DELAYS DUE TO BACKLOG***.

Summary: For summary disposition motions, email the judicial attorney to request a hearing, but only after the motion has been accepted for filing.

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

Civil cases

Non-appearance on a motion for summary disposition without contacting the court's Judicial Attorney may subject the moving party's counsel to monetary sanctions. See MCR 2.119(E)(4)(b).

Summary: Non-appearance on a summary disposition motion without contacting the judicial attorney may result in monetary sanctions against counsel.

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

Civil cases

Withdrawals of motions for summary disposition are thus permitted, however counsel for the moving party SHALL immediately contact the court's Judicial Attorney once it is apparent a hearing will not proceed. Late withdrawals of motions for summary disposition are extremely discouraged, as they needlessly consume already limited judicial resources.

Summary: Counsel withdrawing a summary disposition motion must immediately contact the judicial attorney once it is apparent the hearing will not proceed.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

When emailing, include your date of hearing and case number in the subject line.

Summary: Emails to the court must include the hearing date and case number in the subject line.

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

Civil cases

Include date of hearing and case number in the subject line of all communications. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT PHYSICAL COPIES.

Summary: All communications must state the hearing date and case number in the subject line, and physical copies will not be accepted.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

To withdraw a Motion/request dismissal of Motion, the moving party must email JudgeMACox-Court@3rdcc.org as soon as possible.

Summary: A moving party seeking to withdraw or dismiss a motion must email chambers as soon as possible.

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

Civil cases

Please do not email or mail a copy of a general motion to the Courtroom. Responses/replies also do not need to be provided to the Courtroom.

Summary: Do not email or mail general motions to the Courtroom; responses and replies need not be provided to the Courtroom.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Email is the preferred way to communicate with the Court. Please make sure you include all parties in the case on your email. The subject line of the email should include the case name and case number. Also include the cellphone number of the contact person, in case Court staff needs to speak with the party.

Summary: Email is the preferred communication method and must include all parties, the case name and number in the subject, and the contact person's cellphone number.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to clerk ?

After the claim of appeal or application for leave has been e-filed with the court, email the law clerk at Seth.Atisha@3rdcc.org andJudgeLillard-Court@3rdcc.org what documents have been filed and if there is anything else that needs to be obtained.

Summary: After e-filing a claim of appeal or application for leave, email the law clerk the filed documents and identify anything else that needs to be obtained.

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

Criminal cases

Late Arrivals: If you are unable to be present at your designated time please contact the courtroom as soon as possible to advise of any delays and ETA.

Summary: If unable to arrive at the designated time, contact the courtroom as soon as possible with the delay and estimated arrival time.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

Do you allow telephone conferences? Yes, but only if specially arranged and approved in advance by the Court.

Summary: Telephone conferences are allowed only if specially arranged and approved in advance by the Court.

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

Civil cases

Please include both the Courtroom Clerk and Judicial Attorney on all communications with the court

Summary: All communications with the court must include both the Courtroom Clerk and Judicial Attorney.

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

Civil cases

All dates must be given by the Court Clerk.

Summary: All hearing dates must be given by the Court Clerk.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

If you call into the court and cannot reach April Sutton or Cheryl Bascomb please either leave a voicemail or send both an email with your reason for calling at JudgeBerry-Court@3rdcc.org

Summary: If you cannot reach April Sutton or Cheryl Bascomb, leave a voicemail or email both with your reason for calling.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

The parties can request an in-person conference via email to the Judge's Judicial Attorney at lorri.cary@3rdcc.org. All parties of record must be included on the email to ensure that there is consent to the request.

Summary: Parties may request an in-person settlement conference by email to the Judicial Attorney, including all parties of record for consent.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Any party can request an in-person Final Pre-Trial Conference. The request should be made when the trial is set or should be emailed to the Judge's Judicial Attorney via email at lorri.cary@3rdcc.org. All attorneys of record must be included on the email to ensure consent to the request.

Summary: Parties may request an in-person Final Pre-Trial Conference when trial is set or by email to the Judicial Attorney, including all attorneys of record for consent.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Phone to clerk ?

Phone

313-224-5481

If your question isn't answered by this Protocol, call 313-224-5481 to speak with the Court Clerk. If she is unavailable, include your name, phone number, case number and brief message. Your call will be returned within 24 hours.

Summary: If the protocol does not answer a question, counsel may call the Court Clerk at 313-224-5481 and leave a message that will be returned within 24 hours.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

Phone

313-224-0121

If your inquiry isn't satisfied via email, you may call 313-224-0121. If she is unavailable, include your name, phone number, case number and brief message.

Summary: If email does not resolve an inquiry, callers may call chambers and leave identifying information and a brief message if the judge is unavailable.

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

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Phone

(313) 224-7003

The courtroom phone number is (313) 224-7003. The courtroom email address is JudgeGoodson-Court@3rdcc.org.

Summary: Chambers can be reached by phone at (313) 224-7003 or by email at JudgeGoodson-Court@3rdcc.org.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to clerk ?

Please email the judge's Court Clerk for assistance with adjournments.

Summary: Email the judge's Court Clerk for assistance with adjournments in motion practice.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to clerk ?

Please reach out to the Court Clerk via email for assistance with a hearing date.

Summary: Email the Court Clerk for assistance scheduling a motions in limine hearing date.

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

Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

The Court will entertain special requests for a pre-case evaluation settlement conference via Zoom video, by emailing the Court's judicial attorney with mutually agreeable proposed dates.

Summary: A special request for a pre-case-evaluation Zoom settlement conference may be made by emailing the judicial attorney with mutually agreeable proposed dates.