Subchapter 3.000 General Provisions Rule 3.001 Applicability The rules in this chapter apply in circuit court and in other courts as provided by law or by these rules. Rule 3.002 Indian Children For purposes of applying the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 USC 1901 et seq., to proceedings under the Juvenile Code, the Adoption Code, and the Estates and Protected Individuals Code, the following definitions taken from 25 USC 1903 and 25 USC 1911(a) shall apply. (1) “Child custody proceeding” shall mean and include (a) “foster-care placement,” which shall mean any action removing an Indian child from his or her parent or Indian custodian for temporary placement in a foster home or institution or the home of a guardian or conservator where the parent or Indian custodian cannot have the child returned upon demand, but where parental rights have not been terminated, (b) “termination of parental rights,” which shall mean any action resulting in the termination of the parent-child relationship, (c) “preadoptive placement,” which shall mean the temporary placement of an Indian child in a foster home or institution after the termination of parental rights, but before or in lieu of adoptive placement, and (d) “adoptive placement,” which shall mean the permanent placement of an Indian child for adoption, including any action resulting in a final decree of adoption. Such term or terms shall not include a placement based upon an act that, if committed by an adult, would be deemed a crime or upon an award, in a divorce proceeding, of custody to one of the parents. (2) “Exclusive jurisdiction” shall mean that an Indian tribe has jurisdiction exclusive as to any state over any child custody proceeding as defined above involving an Indian child who resides or is domiciled within the reservation of such tribe, except where such jurisdiction is otherwise vested in the state by existing federal law. Where an Indian child is a ward of a tribal court, the Indian tribe shall retain exclusive jurisdiction, notwithstanding the residence or domicile of the child. 25 USC 1911[a]. (3) “Extended family member” shall be as defined by the law or custom of the Indian child’s tribe or, in the absence of such law or custom, shall be a person who has reached the age of 18 years and who is the Indian child’s grandparent, aunt or uncle, brother or sister, brother-in-law or sister-in-law, niece or nephew, first or second cousin, or stepparent. (4) “Indian” means any person who is a member of an Indian tribe, or who is an Alaska Native and a member of a Regional Corporation as defined in 43 USC 1606. (5) “Indian child” means any unmarried person who is under age 18 and is either (a) a member of an Indian tribe, or (b) is eligible for membership in an Indian tribe and is the biological child of a member of an Indian tribe. (6) “Indian child’s tribe” means (a) the Indian tribe of which an Indian child is a member or eligible for membership, or (b) in the case of an Indian child who is a member of or eligible for membership in more than one tribe, the Indian tribe with which the Indian child has the more significant contacts. (7) “Indian custodian” means any Indian person who has legal custody of an Indian child under tribal law or custom or under state law, or to whom temporary physical care, custody, and control has been transferred by the parent of such child. (8) “Indian organization” means any group, association, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity owned or controlled by Indians, or a majority of whose members are Indians. (9) “Indian tribe” means any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community of Indians recognized as eligible for the services provided to Indians by the Secretary because of their status as Indians, including any Alaska Native village as defined in section 43 USC 1602(c). (10) “Parent” means any biological parent or parents of an Indian child or any Indian person who has lawfully adopted an Indian child, including adoptions under tribal law or custom. It does not include an unwed father whose paternity has not been acknowledged or established. (11) “Reservation” means Indian country as defined in section 18 USC 1151 and any lands not covered under such section, for which title is either held by the United States in trust for the benefit of any Indian tribe or individual or held by any Indian tribe or individual subject to a restriction by the United States against alienation. (12) “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Interior. (13) “Tribal court” means a court with jurisdiction over child custody proceedings and that is either a Court of Indian Offenses, a court established and operated under the code or custom of an Indian tribe, or any other administrative body of a tribe that is vested with authority over child custody proceedings. Subchapter 3.100 Debtor-Creditor Rule 3.101 Garnishment After Judgment (A) Definitions. In this rule, (1) "plaintiff" refers to any judgment creditor, (2) "defendant" refers to any judgment debtor, (3) "garnishee" refers to the garnishee defendant, (4) "periodic payments" includes but is not limited to, wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, and other income paid to the defendant during the period of the writ; land contract payments; rent; and other periodic debt or contract payments. Interest payments and other payments listed in MCL 600.4012(4)(a)-(d) are not periodic payments. (B) Postjudgment Garnishments. (1) Periodic garnishments are garnishments of periodic payments, as provided in this rule. (a) Unless otherwise ordered by the court, a writ of periodic garnishment served on a garnishee who is obligated to make periodic payments to the defendant is effective until the first to occur of the following events: (i) the amount withheld pursuant to the writ equals the amount of the unpaid judgment, interest, and costs stated in the verified statement in support of the writ; (ii) the expiration of 91 days after the date the writ was issued; (iii) the plaintiff files and serves on the defendant and the garnishee a notice that the amount withheld exceeds the remaining unpaid judgment, interest, and costs, or that the judgment has otherwise been satisfied. (b) The plaintiff may not obtain the issuance of a second writ of garnishment on a garnishee who is obligated to make periodic payments to the defendant while a prior writ served on that garnishee remains in effect relating to the same judgment. The plaintiff may seek a second writ after the first writ expires under subrule (B)(1)(a). (c) If a writ of periodic garnishment is served on a garnishee who is obligated to make periodic payments to the defendant while another order that has priority under MCL 600.4012(2) is in effect, or if a writ or order with higher priority is served on the garnishee while another writ is in effect, the garnishee is not obligated to withhold payments pursuant to the lower priority writ until the expiration of the higher priority one. However, in the case of garnishment of earnings, the garnishee shall withhold pursuant to the lower priority writ to the extent that the amount being withheld pursuant to the higher priority order is less than the maximum that could be withheld by law pursuant to the lower priority writ (see, e.g., 15 USC 1673). Upon the expiration of the higher priority writ, the lower priority one becomes effective until it would otherwise have expired under subrule (B)(1)(a). The garnishee shall notify the plaintiff of receipt of any higher priority writ or order and provide the information required by subrule (H)(2)(c). (2) Nonperiodic garnishments are garnishments of property or obligations other than periodic payments. (C) Forms. The state court administrator shall publish approved forms for use in garnishment proceedings. Separate forms shall be used for periodic and nonperiodic garnishments. The verified statement, writ, and disclosure filed in garnishment proceedings must be substantially in the form approved by the state court administrator. (D) Request for and Issuance of Writ. The clerk of the court that entered the judgment shall review the request. The clerk shall issue a writ of garnishment if the writ appears to be correct, complies with these rules and the Michigan statutes, and if the plaintiff, or someone on the plaintiff's behalf, makes and files a statement verified in the manner provided in MCR 2.114(A) stating: (1) that a judgment has been entered against the defendant and remains unsatisfied; (2) the amount of the judgment; the total amount of the postjudgment interest accrued to date; the total amount of the postjudgment costs accrued to date; the total amount of the postjudgment payments made to date, and the amount of the unsatisfied judgment now due (including interest and costs); (3) that the person signing the verified statement knows or has good reason to believe that (a) a named person has control of property belonging to the defendant, (b) a named person is indebted to the defendant, or (c) a named person is obligated to make periodic payments to the defendant. (E) Writ of Garnishment. (1) The writ of garnishment must have attached or must include a copy of the verified statement requesting issuance of the writ, and must include information that will permit the garnishee to identify the defendant, such as the defendant's address, social security number, employee identification number, federal tax identification number, employer number, or account number, if known. (2) Upon issuance of the writ, it shall be served upon the garnishee as provided in subrule (F)(1). The writ shall include the date on which it was issued and the last day by which it must be served to be valid, which is 91 days after it was issued. (3) The writ shall direct the garnishee to: (a) serve a copy of the writ on the defendant as provided in subrule (F)(2); (b) within 14 days after the service of the writ, file with the court clerk a verified disclosure indicating the garnishee's liability (as specified in subrule [G][1]) to the defendant and mail or deliver a copy to the plaintiff and the defendant; (c) deliver no tangible or intangible property to the defendant, unless allowed by statute or court rule; (d) pay no obligation to the defendant, unless allowed by statute or court rule; and (e) in the discretion of the court and in accordance with subrule (J), order the garnishee either to (i) make all payments directly to the plaintiff or (ii) send the funds to the court in the manner specified in the writ. (4) The writ shall direct the defendant to refrain from disposing of (a) any negotiable instrument representing a debt of the garnishee (except the earnings of the defendant), or (b) any negotiable instrument of title representing property in which the defendant claims an interest held in the possession or control of the garnishee. (5) The writ shall inform the defendant that unless the defendant files objections within 14 days after the service of the writ on the defendant, (a) without further notice the property or debt held pursuant to the garnishment may be applied to the satisfaction of the plaintiff's judgment, and (b) periodic payments due to the defendant may be withheld for as long as 91 days after the issuance of the writ and in the discretion of the court paid directly to the plaintiff. (6) The writ shall direct the plaintiff to serve the garnishee as provided in subrule (F)(1), and to file a proof of service. (F) Service of Writ. (1) The plaintiff shall serve the writ of garnishment, a copy of the writ for the defendant, the disclosure form, and any applicable fees, on the garnishee within 91 days after the date the writ was issued in the manner provided for the service of a summons and complaint in MCR 2.105. (2) The garnishee shall within 7 days after being served with the writ deliver a copy of the writ to the defendant or mail a copy to the defendant at the defendant's last known address by first class mail. (G) Liability of Garnishee. (1) Subject to the provisions of the garnishment statute and any setoff permitted by law or these rules, the garnishee is liable for (a) all tangible or intangible property belonging to the defendant in the garnishee's possession or control when the writ is served on the garnishee, unless the property is represented by a negotiable document of title held by a bona fide purchaser for value other than the defendant; (b) all negotiable documents of title and all goods represented by negotiable documents of title belonging to the defendant if the documents of title are in the garnishee's possession when the writ is served on the garnishee; (c) all corporate share certificates belonging to the defendant in the garnishee's possession or control when the writ is served on the garnishee; (d) all debts, whether or not due, owing by the garnishee to the defendant when the writ is served on the garnishee, except for debts evidenced by negotiable instruments or representing the earnings of the defendant; (e) all debts owing by the garnishee evidenced by negotiable instruments held or owned by the defendant when the writ of garnishment is served on the defendant, as long as the instruments are brought before the court before their negotiation to a bona fide purchaser for value; (f) the portion of the defendant's earnings that are not protected from garnishment by law (see, e.g., 15 USC 1673) as provided in subrule (B); (g) all judgments in favor of the defendant against the garnishee in force when the writ is served on the garnishee; (h) all tangible or intangible property of the defendant that, when the writ is served on the garnishee, the garnishee holds by conveyance, transfer, or title that is void as to creditors of the defendant, whether or not the defendant could maintain an action against the garnishee to recover the property; and (i) the value of all tangible or intangible property of the defendant that, before the writ is served on the garnishee, the garnishee received or held by conveyance, transfer, or title that was void as to creditors of the defendant, but that the garnishee no longer held at the time the writ was served, whether or not the defendant could maintain an action against the garnishee for the value of the property. (2) The garnishee is liable for no more than the amount of the unpaid judgment, interest, and costs as stated in the verified statement requesting the writ of garnishment. Property or debts exceeding that amount may be delivered or paid to the defendant notwithstanding the garnishment. (H) Disclosure. The garnishee shall mail or deliver to the court, the plaintiff, and the defendant, a verified disclosure within 14 days after being served with the writ. (1) Nonperiodic Garnishments. (a) If indebted to the defendant, the garnishee shall file a disclosure revealing the garnishee's liability to the defendant as specified in subrule (G)(1) and claiming any setoff that the garnishee would have against the defendant, except for claims for unliquidated damages for wrongs or injuries (b) If not indebted to the defendant, the garnishee shall file a disclosure so indicating. (c) If the garnishee is indebted to the defendant, but claims that withholding is exempt under MCR 3.101(I)(6), the garnishee shall indicate on the disclosure the specific exemption. If the garnishee is indebted, but claims that withholding is exempt for some reason other than those set forth in MCR 3.101(I)(6), the garnishee shall indicate on the disclosure the basis for its claim of exemption and cite the legal authority for the exemption. (2) Periodic Garnishments. (a) If not obligated to make periodic payments to the defendant, the disclosure shall so indicate, and the garnishment shall be considered to have expired. (b) If obligated to make periodic payments to the defendant, the disclosure shall indicate the nature and frequency of the garnishee's obligation. The information must be disclosed even if money is not owing at the time of the service of the writ. (c) If a writ or order with a higher priority is in effect, in the disclosure the garnishee shall specify the court that issued the writ or order, the file number of the case in which it was issued, the date it was issued, and the date it was served. (I) Withholding. This subrule applies only if the garnishee is indebted to or obligated to make periodic payments to the defendant. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subrule, the writ shall be effective as to obligations owed and property held by the garnishee as of the time the writ is served on the garnishee. (2) In the case of periodic earnings, withholding shall commence according to the following provisions: (a) For garnishees with weekly, biweekly, or semimonthly pay periods, withholding shall commence with the first full pay period after the writ was served. (b) For garnishees with monthly pay periods, if the writ is served on the garnishee within the first 14 days of the pay period, withholding shall commence on the date the writ is served. If the writ is served on the garnishee on or after the 15th day of the pay period, withholding shall commence the first full pay period after the writ was served. (3) In the case of periodic earnings, withholding shall cease according to the following provisions: (a) For garnishees with weekly, biweekly, or semimonthly pay periods, withholding shall cease upon the end of the last full pay period prior to the expiration of the writ. (b) For garnishees with monthly pay periods, withholding shall continue until the writ expires. (4) At the time that a periodic payment is withheld, the garnishee shall provide the following information to the plaintiff and defendant: (a) the name of the parties; (b) the case number; (c) the date and amount withheld; (d) the balance due on the writ. The information shall also be provided to the court if funds are sent to the court. (5) If funds have not been withheld because a higher priority writ or order was in effect, and the higher priority writ ceases to be effective before expiration of the lower priority one, the garnishee shall begin withholding pursuant to the lower priority writ as of the date of the expiration of the higher priority writ. (6) A bank or other financial institution, as garnishee, shall not withhold exempt funds of the debtor from an account into which only exempt funds are directly deposited and where such funds are clearly identifiable upon deposit as exempt Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits, Black Lung benefits, or Veterans Assistance benefits. (J) Payment. (1) After 28 days from the date of the service of the writ on the garnishee, the garnishee shall transmit all withheld funds to the plaintiff or the court as directed by the court pursuant to subrule (E)(3)(e) unless notified that objections have been filed. (2) For periodic garnishments, all future payments shall be paid as they become due as directed by the court pursuant to subrule (E)(3)(e) until expiration of the garnishment. (3) Upon receipt of proceeds from the writ, the court shall forward such proceeds to the plaintiff. (4) Payment to the plaintiff may not exceed the amount of the unpaid judgment, interest, and costs stated in the verified statement requesting the writ of garnishment. If the plaintiff claims to be entitled to a larger amount, the plaintiff must proceed by motion with notice to the defendant. (5) In the case of earnings, the garnishee shall maintain a record of all payment calculations and shall make such information available for review by the plaintiff, the defendant, or the court, upon request. (6) For periodic garnishments, within 14 days after the expiration of the writ or after the garnishee is no longer obligated to make periodic payments, the garnishee shall file with the court and mail or deliver to the plaintiff and the defendant, a final statement of the total amount paid on the writ. If the garnishee is the defendant's employer, the statement is to be filed within 14 days after the expiration of the writ, regardless of changes in employment status during the time that the writ was in effect. The statement shall include the following information: (a) the names of the parties and the court in which the case is pending; (b) the case number; (c) the date of the statement; (d) the total amount withheld; (e) the difference between the amount stated in the verified statement requesting the writ and the amount withheld. (7) If the disclosure states that the garnishee holds property other than money belonging to the defendant, the plaintiff must proceed by motion (with notice to the defendant and the garnishee) to seek an appropriate order regarding application of the property to satisfaction of the judgment. If there are no pending objections to the garnishment, and the plaintiff has not filed such a motion within 56 days after the filing of the disclosure, the garnishment is dissolved and the garnishee may release the property to the defendant. (K) Objections. (1) Objections shall be filed with the court within 14 days of the date of service of the writ on the defendant. Objections may be filed after the time provided in this subrule but do not suspend payment pursuant to subrule (J) unless ordered by the court. Objections may only be based on defects in or the invalidity of the garnishment proceeding itself, and may not be used to challenge the validity of the judgment previously entered. (2) Objections shall be based on one or more of the following: (a) the funds or property are exempt from garnishment by law; (b) garnishment is precluded by the pendency of bankruptcy proceedings; (c) garnishment is barred by an installment payment order; (d) garnishment is precluded because the maximum amount permitted by law is being withheld pursuant to a higher priority garnishment or order; (e) the judgment has been paid; (f) the garnishment was not properly issued or is otherwise invalid. (3) Within 7 days of the filing of objections, notice of the date of hearing on the objections shall be sent to the plaintiff, the defendant, and the garnishee. The hearing date shall be within 21 days of the date the objections are filed. In district court, notice shall be sent by the court. In circuit and probate court, notice shall be sent by the objecting party. (4) The court shall notify the plaintiff, the defendant, and the garnishee of the court's decision. (L) Steps After Disclosure; Third Parties; Interpleader; Discovery. (1) Within 14 days after service of the disclosure, the plaintiff may serve the garnishee with written interrogatories or notice the deposition of the garnishee. The answers to the interrogatories or the deposition testimony becomes part of the disclosure. (2) If the garnishee's disclosure declares that a named person other than the defendant and the plaintiff claims all or part of the disclosed indebtedness or property, the court may order that the claimant be added as a defendant in the garnishment action under MCR 2.207. The garnishee may proceed under MCR 3.603 as in interpleader actions, and other claimants may move to intervene under MCR 2.209. (3) The discovery rules apply to garnishment proceedings. (4) The filing of a disclosure, the filing of answers to interrogatories, or the personal appearance by or on behalf of the garnishee at a deposition does not waive the garnishee's right to question the court's jurisdiction, the validity of the proceeding, or the plaintiff's right to judgment. (M) Determination of Garnishee's Liability. (1) If there is a dispute regarding the garnishee's liability or if another person claims an interest in the garnishee's property or obligation, the issue shall be tried in the same manner as other civil actions. (2) The verified statement acts as the plaintiff's complaint against the garnishee, and the disclosure serves as the answer. The facts stated in the disclosure must be accepted as true unless the plaintiff has served interrogatories or noticed a deposition within the time allowed by subrule (L)(1) or another party has filed a pleading or motion denying the accuracy of the disclosure. Except as the facts stated in the verified statement are admitted by the disclosure, they are denied. Admissions have the effect of admissions in responsive pleadings. The defendant and other claimants added under subrule (L)(2) may plead their claims and defenses as in other civil actions. The garnishee's liability to the plaintiff shall be tried on the issues thus framed. (3) Even if the amount of the garnishee's liability is disputed, the plaintiff may move for judgment against the garnishee to the extent of the admissions in the disclosure. The general motion practice rules govern notice (including notice to the garnishee and the defendant) and hearing on the motion. (4) The issues between the plaintiff and the garnishee will be tried by the court unless a party files a demand for a jury trial within 7 days after the filing of the disclosure, answers to interrogatories, or deposition transcript, whichever is filed last. The defendant or a third party waives any right to a jury trial unless a demand for a jury is filed with the pleading stating the claim. (5) On the trial of the garnishee's liability, the plaintiff may offer the record of the garnishment proceeding and other evidence. The garnishee may offer evidence not controverting the disclosure, or in the discretion of the court, may show error or mistakes in the disclosure. (6) If the court determines that the garnishee is indebted to the defendant, but the time for payment has not arrived, a judgment may not be entered until after the time of maturity stated in the verdict or finding. (N) Orders for Installment Payments. (1) An order for installment payments under MCL 600.6201 et eq. suspends the effectiveness of a writ of garnishment of periodic payments for work and labor performed by the defendant from the time the order is served on the garnishee. An order for installment payments does not suspend the effectiveness of a writ of garnishment of nonperiodic payments or of an income tax refund or credit. (2) If an order terminating the installment payment order is entered and served on the garnishee, the writ again becomes effective and remains in force until it would have expired if the installment payment order had never been entered. (O) Judgment and Execution. (1) Judgment may be entered against the garnishee for the payment of money or the delivery of specific property as the facts warrant. A money judgment against the garnishee may not be entered in an amount greater than the amount of the unpaid judgment, interest, and costs as stated in the verified statement requesting the writ of garnishment. Judgment for specific property may be enforced only to the extent necessary to satisfy the judgment against the defendant. (2) The judgment against the garnishee discharges the garnishee from all demands by the defendant for the money paid or property delivered in satisfaction of the judgment. If the garnishee is sued by the defendant for anything done under the provisions of these garnishment rules, the garnishee may introduce as evidence the judgment and the satisfaction. (3) If the garnishee is chargeable for specific property that the garnishee holds for or is bound to deliver to the defendant, judgment may be entered and execution issued against the interest of the defendant in the property for no more than is necessary to satisfy the judgment against the defendant. The garnishee must deliver the property to the officer serving the execution, who shall sell, apply, and account as in other executions. (4) If the garnishee is found to be under contract for the delivery of specific property to the defendant, judgment may be entered and execution issued against the interest of the defendant in the property for no more than is necessary to satisfy the judgment against the defendant. The garnishee must deliver the property to the officer serving the execution according to the terms of the contract. The officer shall sell, apply, and account as in ordinary execution. (5) If the garnishee is chargeable for specific property and refuses to expose it so that execution may be levied on it, the court may order the garnishee to show cause why general execution should not issue against the garnishee. Unless sufficient cause is shown to the contrary, the court may order that an execution be issued against the garnishee in an amount not to exceed twice the value of the specifically chargeable property (6) The court may issue execution against the defendant for the full amount due the plaintiff on the judgment against the defendant. Execution against the garnishee may not be ordered by separate writ, but must always be ordered by endorsement on or by incorporation within the writ of execution against the defendant. The court may order additional execution to satisfy the plaintiff's judgment as justice requires. (7) Satisfaction of all or part of the judgment against the garnishee constitutes satisfaction of a judgment to the same extent against the defendant. (P) Appeals. A judgment or order in a garnishment proceeding may be set aside or appealed in the same manner and with the same effect as judgments or orders in other civil actions. (Q) Receivership. (1) If on disclosure or trial of a garnishee's liability, it appears that when the writ was served the garnishee possessed, (a) a written promise for the payment of money or the delivery of property belonging to the defendant, or (b) personal property belonging to the defendant, the court may order the garnishee to deliver it to a person appointed as receiver. (2) The receiver must (a) collect the written promise for payment of money or for the delivery of property and apply the proceeds on any judgment in favor of the plaintiff against the garnishee and pay any surplus to the garnishee, and (b) dispose of the property in an amount greater than any encumbrance on it can be obtained, and after paying the amount of the encumbrance, apply the balance to the plaintiff's judgment against the garnishee and pay any surplus to the garnishee. (3) If the garnishee refuses to comply with the delivery order, the garnishee is liable for the amount of the written promise for the payment of money, the value of the promise for the delivery of property, or the value of the defendant's interest in the encumbered personal property. The facts of the refusal and the valuation must be included in the receiver's report to the court. (4) The receiver shall report all actions pertaining to the promise or property to the court. The report must include a description and valuation of any property, with the valuation to be ascertained by appraisal on oath or in a manner the court may direct. (R) Costs and Fees. (1) Costs and fees are as provided by law or these rules. (2) If the garnishee is not indebted to the defendant, does not hold any property subject to garnishment, and is not the defendant's employer, the plaintiff is not entitled to recover the costs of that garnishment. (S) Failure to Disclose or to Do Other Acts; Default; Contempt. (1) If the garnishee fails to disclose or do a required act within the time limit imposed, a default may be taken as in other civil actions. A default judgment against a garnishee may not exceed the amount of the garnishee's liability as provided in subrule (G)(2). (2) If the garnishee fails to comply with the court order, the garnishee may be adjudged in contempt of court. (3) In addition to other actions permitted by law or these rules, the court may impose costs on a garnishee whose default or contempt results in expense to other parties. Costs imposed shall include reasonable attorney fees and shall not be less than $100. (T) Judicial Discretion. On motion the court may by order extend the time for: (1) the garnishee's disclosure; (2) the plaintiff's filing of written interrogatories; (3) the plaintiff's filing of a demand for oral examination of the garnishee; (4) the garnishee's answer to written interrogatories; (5) the garnishee's appearance for oral examination; and (6) the demand for jury trial. The order must be filed with the court and served on the other parties. Rule 3.102 Garnishment Before Judgment (A) Availability of Prejudgment Garnishment. (1) After commencing an action on a contract, the plaintiff may obtain a prejudgment writ of garnishment under the circumstances and by the procedures provided in this rule. (2) Except as provided in subrule (A)(3), a prejudgment garnishment may not be used (a) unless the defendant is subject to the jurisdiction of the court under chapter 7 of the Revised Judicature Act, MCL 600.701 et seq.; (b) to garnish a defendant's earnings; or (c) to garnish property held or an obligation owed by the state or a governmental unit of the state. (3) This rule also applies to a prejudgment garnishment in an action brought to enforce a foreign judgment. However, the following provisions apply: (a) The defendant need not be subject to the court's jurisdiction; (b) The request for garnishment must show that (i) the defendant is indebted to the plaintiff on a foreign judgment in a stated amount in excess of all setoffs; (ii) the defendant is not subject to the jurisdiction of the state, or that after diligent effort the plaintiff cannot serve the defendant with process; and (iii) the person making the request knows or has good reason to believe that a named person (A) has control of property belonging to the defendant, or (B) is indebted to the defendant. (c) Subrule (H) does not apply. (B) Request for Garnishment. After commencing an action, the plaintiff may seek a writ of garnishment by filing an ex parte motion supported by a verified statement setting forth specific facts showing that: (1) the defendant is indebted to the plaintiff on a contract in a stated amount in excess of all setoffs; (2) the defendant is subject to the jurisdiction of the state; (3) after diligent effort the plaintiff cannot serve the defendant with process; and (4) the person signing the statement knows or has good reason to believe that a named person (a) has control of property belonging to the defendant, or (b) is indebted to the defendant. On a finding that the writ is available under this rule and that the verified statement states a sufficient basis for issuance of the writ, the judge to whom the action is assigned may issue the writ. (C) Writ of Garnishment. The writ of garnishment must have attached or include a copy of the verified statement, and must: (1) direct the garnishee to: (a) file with the court clerk within 14 days after the service of the writ on him or her a verified disclosure indicating his or her liability (as specified in subrule [E]) to the defendant; (b) deliver no tangible or intangible property to the defendant, unless allowed by statute or court rule; (c) pay no obligation to the defendant, unless allowed by statute or court rule; and (d) promptly provide the defendant with a copy of the writ and verified statement by personal delivery or by first class mail directed to the defendant's last known address; (2) direct the defendant to refrain from disposing of any negotiable instrument representing a debt of the garnishee or of any negotiable instrument of title representing property in which he or she claims an interest held in the possession or control of the garnishee; (3) inform the defendant that unless the defendant files objections within 14 days after service of the writ on the defendant, or appears and submits to the jurisdiction of the court, an order may enter requiring the garnishee to deliver the garnished property or pay the obligation to be applied to the satisfaction of the plaintiff's claim; and (4) command the process server to serve the writ and to file a proof of service. (D) Service of Writ. MCR 3.101(F) applies to prejudgment garnishment. (E) Liability of Garnishee. MCR 3.101(G) applies to prejudgment garnishment except that the earnings of the defendant may not be garnished before judgment. (F) Disclosure. The garnishee shall file and serve a disclosure as provided in MCR 3.101(H). (G) Payment or Deposit Into Court. MCR 3.101(I) and (J) apply to prejudgment garnishment, except that payment may not be made to the plaintiff until after entry of judgment, as provided in subrule (I). (H) Objection; Dissolution of Prejudgment Garnishment. Objections to and dissolution of a prejudgment garnishment are governed by MCR 3.101(K) and MCR 3.103(H). (I) Proceedings After Judgment. (1) If the garnishment remains in effect until entry of judgment in favor of the plaintiff against the defendant, the garnished property or obligation may be applied to the satisfaction of the judgment in the manner provided in MCR 3.101(I), (J), (M), and (O). (2) MCR 3.101(P) and (Q) and MCR 3.103(I)(2) apply to prejudgment garnishment. (J) Costs and Fees; Default; Contempt; Judicial Discretion. MCR 3.101(R), (S), and (T) apply to prejudgment garnishment. Rule 3.103 Attachment (A) Availability of Writ. After commencing an action, the plaintiff may obtain a writ of attachment under the circumstances and by the procedures provided in this rule. Except in an action brought on a foreign judgment, attachment may not be used unless the defendant is subject to the jurisdiction of the court under chapter 7 of the Revised Judicature Act. MCL 600.701 et seq. (B) Motion for Writ. (1) The plaintiff may seek a writ of attachment by filing an ex parte motion supported by an affidavit setting forth specific facts showing that (a) at the time of the execution of the affidavit the defendant is indebted to the plaintiff in a stated amount on a contract in excess of all setoffs, (b) the defendant is subject to the judicial jurisdiction of the state, and (c) after diligent effort the plaintiff cannot serve the defendant with process. In an action brought on a tort claim or a foreign judgment, subrules (B)(2) and (3), respectively, apply. (2) In a tort action the following provisions apply: (a) Instead of the allegations required by subrule (B)(1)(a), the affidavit in support of the motion must describe the injury claimed and state that the affiant in good faith believes that the defendant is liable to the plaintiff in a stated amount. The other requirements of subrule (B)(1) apply. (b) If the writ is issued the court shall specify the amount or value of property to be attached. (3) In an action brought on a foreign judgment, instead of the allegations required by subrule (B)(1), the affidavit in support of the motion must show that (a) the defendant is indebted to the plaintiff on a foreign judgment in a stated amount in excess of all setoffs, (b) the defendant is not subject to the jurisdiction of the state or that after diligent effort the plaintiff cannot serve the defendant with process. (C) Issuance of Writ. (1) On a finding that the writ is available under this rule and that the affidavit states a sufficient basis for issuance of the writ, the judge to whom the action is assigned may issue the writ. (2) The judge's order shall specify what further steps, if any, must be taken by the plaintiff to notify the defendant of the action and the attachment. (D) Contents of Writ. The writ of attachment must command the sheriff or other officer to whom it is directed (1) to attach so much of the defendant's real and personal property not exempt from execution as is necessary to satisfy the plaintiff's demand and costs, and (2) to keep the property in a secure place to satisfy any judgment that may be recovered by the plaintiff in the action until further order of the court. (E) Execution of Writ; Subsequent Attachments. (1) The sheriff or other officer to whom a writ of attachment is directed shall execute the writ by seizing and holding so much of the defendant's property not exempt from execution, wherever found within the county, as is necessary to satisfy the plaintiff's demand and costs. If insufficient property is seized, then the officer shall seize other property of the defendant not exempt from execution, wherever found within Michigan, as is necessary when added to that already seized, to satisfy the plaintiff's demand and costs. The property seized must be inventoried by the officer and appraised by two disinterested residents of the county in which the property was seized. After being sworn under oath to make a true appraisal, the appraisers shall make and sign an appraisal. The inventory and appraisal must be filed and a copy served on the parties under MCR 2.107. (2) In subsequent attachments of the same property while in the hands of the officer, the original inventory and appraisal satisfy the requirement of subrule (E)(1). (F) Attachment of Realty; Stock. (1) The officer may seize an interest in real estate by depositing a certified copy of the writ of attachment, including a description of the land affected, with the register of deeds for the county in which the land is located. It is not necessary that the officer enter on the land or be within view of it. (2) Shares of stock or the interest of a stockholder in a domestic corporation must be seized in the manner provided for the seizure of that property on execution. (G) Animals or Perishable Property; Sale; Distribution of Proceeds. (1) When any of the property attached consists of animals or perishable property, the court may order the property sold and the money from the sale brought into court, to await the order of the court. (2) After the order for a sale is entered, the officer having the property shall advertise and sell it in the manner that personal property of like character is required to be advertised and sold on execution. The officer shall deposit the proceeds with the clerk of the court in which the action is pending. (3) If the plaintiff recovers judgment, the court may order the money paid to the plaintiff. If the judgment is entered against the plaintiff or the suit is dismissed or the attachment is dissolved, the court shall order the money paid to the defendant or other person entitled to it. (H) Dissolution of Attachment. (1) Except in an action brought on a foreign judgment, if the defendant submits to the jurisdiction of the court, the court shall dissolve the attachment. (2) A person who owns, possesses, or has an interest in attached property may move at any time to dissolve the attachment. The defendant may move to dissolve the attachment without submitting to the jurisdiction of the court. (a) When a motion for dissolution of attachment is filed, the court shall enter an order setting a time and place for hearing the motion, and may issue subpoenas to compel witnesses to attend. (b) The plaintiff must be served with notice under MCR 2.107 at least 3 days before the hearing unless the court's order prescribes a different notice requirement. (c) At the hearing, the proofs are heard in the same manner as in a nonjury trial. If the court decides that the defendant was not subject to the jurisdiction of the state or that the property was not subject to or was exempt from attachment, it shall dissolve the attachment and restore the property to the defendant, and the attachment may be dissolved for any other sufficient reason. The court may order the losing party to pay the costs of the dissolution proceeding. (3) If the action is dismissed or judgment is entered for the defendant, the attachment is dissolved. (I) Satisfaction of Judgment. (1) If the attachment remains in effect until the entry of judgment against the defendant, the attached property may be applied to the satisfaction of the judgment, including interest and costs, in the same manner as in the case of an execution. (2) If the court does not acquire personal jurisdiction over the defendant, either by service or by the defendant's appearance, a judgment against the defendant is not binding beyond the value of the attached property. Rule 3.104 Installment Payment Orders (A) Motion for Installment Payment Order. A party against whom a money judgment has been entered may move for entry of an order permitting the judgment to be paid in installments in accordance with MCL 600.6201 et seq. A copy of the motion must be served on the plaintiff, by the clerk of the court in district court and by the party who filed the objection in circuit or probate court. (B) Consideration of Motion. The motion will be granted without further hearing unless the plaintiff files, and serves on the defendant, written objections within 14 days after the service date of the defendant's motion. If objections are filed, the clerk must promptly present the motion and objections to the court. The court will decide the motion based on the papers filed or notify the parties that a hearing will be required. Unless the court schedules the hearing, the moving party is responsible for noticing the motion for hearing. (C) Failure to Comply with Installment Order. If the defendant fails to make payments pursuant to the order for installment payments, the plaintiff may file and serve on the defendant a motion to set aside the order for installment payments. Unless a hearing is requested within 14 days after service of the motion, the order to set aside the order for installment payments will be entered. (D) Request After Failure to Comply with Previous Order. If the defendant moves for an order for installment payments within 91 days after a previous installment order has been set aside, unless good cause is shown the court shall assess costs against the defendant as a condition of entry of the new order. Rule 3.105 Claim and Delivery (A) Nature of Action; Replevin. Claim and delivery is a civil action to recover (1) possession of goods or chattels which have been unlawfully taken or unlawfully detained, and (2) damages sustained by the unlawful taking or unlawful detention. A statutory reference to the action of replevin is to be construed as a reference to the action of claim and delivery. (B) Rules Applicable. A claim and delivery action is governed by the rules applicable to other civil actions, except as provided in MCL 600.2920, and this rule. (C) Complaint; Joinder of Claims; Interim Payments. A claim and delivery complaint must: (1) specifically describe the property claimed; (2) state the value of the property claimed (which will be used only to set the amount of bond and not as an admission of value); (3) state if the property claimed is an independent piece of property or a portion of divisible property of uniform kind, quality, and value; and (4) specifically describe the nature of the claim and the basis for the judgment requested. If the action is based on a security agreement, a claim for the debt may be joined as a separate count in the complaint. If the plaintiff, while the action is pending, receives interim payments equal to the amount originally claimed, the action must be dismissed. (D) Answer. An answer to a claim and delivery complaint may concede the claim for possession and yet contest any other claim. (E) Possession Pending Final Judgment. (1) Motion for Possession Pending Final Judgment. After the complaint is filed, the plaintiff may file a verified motion requesting possession pending final judgment. The motion must (a) describe the property to be seized, and (b) state sufficient facts to show that the property described will be damaged, destroyed, concealed, disposed of, or used so as to substantially impair its value, before final judgment unless the property is taken into custody by court order. (2) Court Order Pending Hearing. After a motion for possession pending final judgment is filed, the court, if good cause is shown, must order the defendant to (a) refrain from damaging, destroying, concealing, disposing of, or using so as to substantially impair its value, the property until further order of the court; and (b) appear before the court at a specified time to answer the motion. (3) Hearing on Motion for Possession Pending Final Judgment. (a) At least 7 days before a hearing on a motion filed under this subrule, the defendant must be served with (i) a copy of the motion; and (ii) an order entered under subrule (E)(2). (b) At the hearing, each party may present proofs. To obtain possession before judgment, the plaintiff must establish (i) that the plaintiff's right to possession is probably valid; and (ii) that the property will be damaged, destroyed, concealed, disposed of, or used so as to substantially impair its value, before trial. (c) Adjournment. A court may not (i) grant an adjournment of this hearing on the basis that a defendant has not yet answered the complaint or the motion filed under this subrule; or (ii) allow a hearing on this motion if the hearing date has been adjourned more than 56 days with the assent of the plaintiff, unless the plaintiff files a new motion which includes recitations of any payments made by the defendant after the original motion was filed. (4) Order for Custody Pending Final Judgment. After proofs have been taken on the plaintiff's motion for possession pending final judgment, the court may order whatever relief the evidence requires. This includes: (a) denying the motion; (b) leaving the defendant in possession of the property and restraining the defendant from damaging, destroying, concealing, or disposing of the property. The court may condition the defendant's continued possession by requiring the defendant to (i) furnish a penalty bond, payable to the plaintiff, of not less than $100 and at least twice the value of the property stated in the complaint; and (ii) agree that he or she will surrender the property to the person adjudged entitled to possession and will pay any money that may be recovered against him or her in the action; (c) ordering the sheriff or court officer to seize the property within 21 days and either hold it or deliver it to the plaintiff. The court may condition the plaintiff's possession by requiring the plaintiff to (i) furnish a penalty bond payable to the defendant, and to the sheriff or court officer, of not less than $100 and at least twice the value of the property stated in the complaint; and (ii) agree that he or she will surrender the property to the person adjudged entitled to possession, diligently prosecute the suit to final judgment, and pay any money that may be recovered against him or her in the action. A bond required in a claim and delivery action must be approved by and filed with the court within the time the order provides. (F) Seizure. A copy of an order issued under subrule (E)(4)(c) must be delivered to the sheriff or court officer, who must (1) seize the property described in the order; (2) serve a copy of the order on the defendant, under MCR 2.107; and (3) file a return with the court showing seizure and service. (G) Custody; Delivery. After seizing the property, the sheriff or court officer shall keep it in a secure place and deliver it in accordance with the court order. The sheriff or court officer is entitled to receive the lawful fees for seizing the property and the necessary expenses for seizing and keeping it. (H) Judgment. (1) The judgment must determine (a) the party entitled to possession of the property, (b) the value of the property, (c) the amount of any unpaid debt, and (d) any damages to be awarded. (2) If the property is not in the possession of the party who is entitled to possession, a judgment must order the property to be immediately delivered to that party. (3) If the action is tried on the merits, the value of the property and the damages are determined by the trier of fact. (4) If the defendant has been deprived of the property by a prejudgment order and the main action is dismissed, the defendant may apply to the court for default judgment under MCR 2.603. (5) If the plaintiff takes a default judgment, the value of the property and the damages are determined under MCR 2.603. A defendant who appeared at a show-cause proceeding is deemed to have filed an appearance. (6) The party adjudged entitled to possession of the property described may elect to take judgment for the value of the property instead of possession. The judgment value may not exceed the unpaid debt, if any, secured by such property. (7) The liability of a surety on a bond given under this rule may be determined on motion under MCR 3.604. (I) Costs. Costs may be taxed in the discretion of the court. Costs may include the cost of a bond required by the court, and the costs of seizing and keeping the property. (J) Execution. (1) The execution issued on a judgment in a claim and delivery action must command the sheriff or court officer (a) to levy the prevailing party's damages and costs on the property of the opposite party, as in other executions against property; and (b) if the property described in the judgment is found in the possession of the defendant, to seize the property described in the judgment and deliver it to the prevailing party; or, if the property is not found in the possession of the defendant, to levy the value of it. The value may not exceed the total of the unpaid debt, costs, and damages. (2) Execution may not issue on a judgment in a claim and delivery action if more than 28 days have passed from the signing of the judgment, unless (a) the plaintiff files a motion for execution which must include, if money has been paid on the judgment, the amount paid and the conditions under which it was accepted; and (b) a hearing is held after the defendant has been given notice and an opportunity to appear. Rule 3.106 Procedures Regarding Orders for the Seizure of Property and Orders of Eviction (A) Scope of Rule. This rule applies to orders for the seizure of property and orders of eviction. (B) Persons Who May Seize Property or Conduct Evictions. The persons who may seize property or conduct evictions are those persons named in MCR 2.103(B), and they are subject to the provisions of this rule unless a provision or a statute specifies otherwise. (1) A court may provide that property shall be seized and evictions conducted only by (a) court officers and bailiffs serving that court; (b) sheriffs and deputy sheriffs; (c) officers of the Department of State Police in an action in which the state is a party; and (d) police officers of an incorporated city or village in an action in which the city or village is a party. (2) Each court must post, in a public place at the court, a list of those persons who are serving as court officers or bailiffs. The court must provide the State Court Administrative Office with a copy of the list, and must notify the State Court Administrative Office of any changes. (C) Appointment of Court Officers. Court officers may be appointed by a court for a term not to exceed 2 years. (1) The appointment shall be made by the chief judge. Two or more chief judges may jointly appoint court officers for their respective courts. (2) The appointing court must specify the nature of the court officer's employment relationship at the time of appointment. (3) The appointing court must maintain a copy of each court officer's application, as required by the State Court Administrative Office. (4) The State Court Administrative Office shall develop a procedure for the appointment and supervision of court officers, including a model application form. Considerations shall include, but are not limited to, an applicant's character, experience, and references. (D) Conditions of Service as a Court Officer or Bailiff. Court officers and bailiffs must (1) post a surety bond pursuant to MCR 8.204; (2) provide the names and addresses of all financial institutions in which they deposit funds obtained under this rule, and the respective account numbers; and (3) provide the names and addresses of those persons who regularly provide services to them in the seizure of property or evictions. (E) Forms. The State Court Administrative Office shall publish forms approved for use with regard to the procedures described in this rule. (F) Procedures Generally. (1) All persons specified in MCR 2.103(B) must carry and display identification authorized by the court or the agency that they serve. (2) A copy of the order for seizure of property or eviction shall be served on the defendant or the defendant's agent, or left or posted on the premises in a conspicuous place. If property is seized from any other location, a copy of the order shall be mailed to the defendant's last known address. (G) Procedures Regarding Orders for Seizure of Property. (1) Orders for seizure of property shall be issued pursuant to statute and endorsed upon receipt. (2) No funds may be collected pursuant to an order for seizure of property prior to service under subrule (F)(2). (3) An inventory and receipt shall be prepared upon seizure of property or payment of funds. (a) The original shall be filed with the court within 7 days of the seizure or payment. (b) A copy shall be (i) provided to the parties or their respective attorneys or agents and posted on the premises in a conspicuous place; if the property is seized from any other location, a copy shall be mailed to the nonprevailing party's last known address, and (ii) retained by the person who seized the property. (4) Property seized shall be disposed of according to law. (5) Within 21 days, and as directed by the court, any money that is received shall be paid to the court or deposited in a trust account for payment to the prevailing party or that party's attorney. (6) Costs allowed by statute shall be paid according to law. (a) Copies of all bills and receipts for service shall be retained for one year by the person serving the order. (b) Statutory collection fees shall be paid in proportion to the amount received. (c) There shall be no payment except as provided by law. (7) Within 14 days after the expiration of the order or satisfaction of judgment, whichever is first, the following shall be filed with the court and a copy provided to the prevailing party or that party's attorney: (a) a report summarizing collection activities, including an accounting of all money or property collected, (b) a report that collection activities will continue pursuant to statute, if applicable, or (c) a report that no collection activity occurred. (H) Procedures Regarding Orders of Eviction. Copies of all bills and receipts for services shall be retained by the person serving the order for one year. Rule 3.110 Stockholders' Liability Proceedings (A) Scope of Rule. This rule applies to actions brought under MCL 600.2909. (B) When Action May Be Brought. An action against stockholders in which it is claimed that they are individually liable for debts of a corporation may not be brought until: (1) a judgment has been recovered against the corporation for the indebtedness; (2) an execution on the judgment has been issued to the county in which the corporation has its principal office or carries on its business; and (3) the execution has been returned unsatisfied in whole or in part. (C) Order for List of Stockholders. When the conditions set out in subrule (B) are met, the plaintiff may apply to the court that entered the judgment to order a list of stockholders. The court shall enter an order to be served on the secretary or other proper officer of the corporation, requiring the officer, within the time provided in the order, to file a statement under oath listing the names and addresses of all persons who appear by the corporation books to have been, or who the officer has reason to believe were, stockholders when the debt accrued, and the amount of stock held by each of them. (D) Commencement of Action; Complaint. An action against the stockholders to impose personal liability on them for the debt of the corporation may be commenced and carried on as other civil actions under these rules. The complaint must, among other things, state: (1) that the plaintiff has obtained a judgment against the corporation and the amount; (2) that execution has been issued and returned unsatisfied in whole or in part, and the amount remaining unpaid; (3) that the persons named as defendants are the persons listed in the statement filed by the officer of the corporation under subrule (C); (4) the amount of stock held by each defendant, or that the plaintiff could not, with reasonable diligence, ascertain the amounts; (5) the consideration received by the corporation for the debt on which judgment was rendered; (6) a request for judgment against the stockholders in favor of the plaintiff for the amount alleged to be due from the corporation. (E) Judgment Against Corporation As Evidence. At the trial the judgment against the corporation and the amount remaining unpaid are prima facie evidence of the amount due to the plaintiff but are not evidence that the debt on which the judgment was rendered is one for which the defendants are personally liable. (F) Entry of Judgment Against Defendant. If a defendant admits the facts set forth in the complaint or defaults by failing to answer, or if the issues are determined against the defendant, judgment may be entered against him or her for the amount of the judgment against the corporation remaining unpaid, on proof that the debt is one for which that defendant is personally liable as a stockholder. (G) Order of Apportionment; Execution. After judgment has been entered against all or some of the defendants, the court may apportion among these defendants the sum for which they have been adjudged liable pro rata according to the stock held by each. If any defendant fails to pay the amount apportioned against that defendant within 21 days, execution may issue as in other civil actions. (H) Reapportionment. If execution is returned unsatisfied in whole or in part against any of the defendants as to whom apportionment has been made, the court has the power and the duty on application by the plaintiff to reapportion the sum remaining uncollected on the basis of subrule (G) among the remaining defendants adjudged liable. Execution may issue for the collection of these amounts. (I) Contribution Among Stockholders. A stockholder who has been compelled to pay more than his or her pro rata share of the debts of the corporation, according to the amount of stock held, is entitled to contribution from other stockholders who are also liable for the debt and who have not paid their portions. Subchapter 3.200 Domestic Relations Actions Rule 3.201 Applicability of Rules (A) Subchapter 3.200 applies to (1) actions for divorce, separate maintenance, the annulment of marriage, the affirmation of marriage, paternity, family support under MCL 552.451 et seq., the custody of minors under MCL 722.21 et seq., and visitation with minors under MCL 722.27b, and to (2) proceedings that are ancillary or subsequent to the actions listed in subrule (A)(1) and that relate to (a) the custody of minors, (b) visitation with minors, or (c) the support of minors and spouses or former spouses. (B) As used in this subchapter with regard to child support, the terms "minor" or "child" may include children who have reached the age of majority, in the circumstances where the legislature has so provided. (C) Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, practice and procedure in domestic relations actions is governed by other applicable provisions of the Michigan Court Rules. (D) When used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates: (1) "Case" means an action initiated in the family division of the circuit court by: (a) submission of an original complaint, petition, or citation; (b) acceptance of transfer of an action from another court or tribunal; or (c) filing or registration of a foreign judgment or order. (2) "File" means the repository for collection of the pleadings and other documents and materials related to a case. A file may include more than one case involving a family. (3) "Jurisdiction" means the authority of the court to hear cases and make decisions and enter orders on cases. Rule 3.202 Capacity to Sue (A) Minors and Incompetent Persons. Except as provided in subrule (B), minors and incompetent persons may sue and be sued as provided in MCR 2.201. (B) Emancipated Minors. An emancipated minor may sue and be sued in the minor's own name, as provided in MCL 722.4e(1)(b). Rule 3.203 Service of Notice and Court Papers in Domestic Relations Cases (A) Manner of Service. Unless otherwise required by court rule or statute, the summons and complaint must be served pursuant to MCR 2.105. In cases in which the court retains jurisdiction (1) notice must be provided as set forth in the statute requiring the notice. Unless otherwise required by court rule or statute, service by mail shall be to a party's last known mailing address, and (2) court papers and notice for which the statute or court rule does not specify the manner of service must be served as provided in MCR 2.107, except that service by mail shall be to a party's last known mailing address. (B) Place of Service; After Entry of Judgment or Order. When a domestic relations judgment or order requires the parties to inform the friend of the court office of any changes in their mailing address, a party's last known mailing address means the most recent address (1) that the party provided in writing to the friend of the court office, or (2) set forth in the most recent judgment or order entered in the case, or (3) the address established by the friend of the court office pursuant to subrule (D). (C) Place of Service; Before Entry of Judgment or Order. After a summons and complaint has been filed and served on a party, but before entry of a judgment or order that requires the parties to inform the friend of the court of any changes in their mailing address, the last known mailing address is the most recent address (1) set forth in the pleadings, or (2) that a party provides in writing to the friend of the court office. (D) Administrative Change of Address. The friend of the court office shall change a party's address administratively pursuant to the policy established by the state court administrator for that purpose when: (1) a party's address changes in another friend of the court office pursuant to these rules, or (2) notices and court papers are returned to the friend of the court office as undeliverable. (E) Service on Nonparties. Notice to a nonparty must be provided as set forth in the statute requiring the notice. Absent statutory direction, the notice may be provided by regular mail. Absent statutory direction, court papers initiating an action against nonparties to enforce a notice must be served in the same manner as a summons and complaint pursuant to MCR 2.105. (F) Confidential Addresses. When a court order makes a party's address confidential, the party shall provide an alternative address for service of notice and court papers. (G) Notice to Friend of the Court. If a child of the parties or a child born during the marriage is under the age of 18, or if a party is pregnant, or if child support or spousal support is requested, the parties must provide the friend of the court with a copy of all pleadings and other papers filed in the action. The copy must be marked "friend of the court" and submitted to the court clerk at the time of filing. The court clerk must send the copy to the friend of the court. (H) Notice to Prosecuting Attorney. In an action for divorce or separate maintenance in which a child of the parties or a child born during the marriage is under the age of 18, or if a party is pregnant, the plaintiff must serve a copy of the summons and complaint on the prosecuting attorney when required by law. Service must be made at the time of filling by providing the court clerk with an additional copy marked "prosecuting attorney". The court clerk must send the copy to the prosecuting attorney. (I) Service of Informational Pamphlet. If a child of the parties or a child born during the marriage is under the age of 18, or if a party is pregnant, or if child support or spousal support is requested, the plaintiff must serve with the complaint a copy of the friend of the court informational pamphlet required by MCL 552.505(a). The proof of service must state that service of the informational pamphlet has been made. Rule 3.204 Proceedings Affecting Children (A) Unless the court orders otherwise for good cause, if a circuit court action involving child support, custody, or parenting time is pending, or if the circuit court has continuing jurisdiction over such matters because of a prior action: (1) A new action concerning support, custody or parenting time of the same child must be filed as a motion or supplemental complaint in the earlier action. The new action shall be filed as a motion if the relief sought would have been available in the original cause of action. If the relief sought was not available in the original action, the new action must be filed as a supplemental complaint. (2) A new action for the support, custody, or parenting time of a different child of the same parents must be filed as a supplemental complaint in the earlier action if the court has jurisdiction and the new action is not an action for divorce, annulment, or separate maintenance. (3) A new action for divorce, annulment, or separate maintenance that also involves the support, custody, or parenting time of that child must be filed in the same county if the circuit court for that county has jurisdiction over the new action and the new case must be assigned to the same judge to whom the previous action was assigned. (4) A party may file a supplemental pleading required by this subrule without first seeking and obtaining permission from the court. The supplemental pleading must be served as provided in MCR 3.203(A)(2), and an answer must be filed within the time allowed by MCR 2.108. When this rule requires a supplemental pleading, all filing and judgment entry fees must be paid as if the action was filed separately. (B) When more than one circuit court action involving support, custody, or parenting time of a child is pending, or more than one circuit court has continuing jurisdiction over those matters because of prior actions, an original or supplemental complaint for the support, custody, or parenting time of a different child of the same parents must be filed in whichever circuit court has jurisdiction to decide the new action. If more than one of the previously involved circuit courts would have jurisdiction to decide the new action, or if the action might be filed in more than one county within a circuit: (1) The new action must be filed in the same county as a prior action involving the parents’ separate maintenance, divorce, or annulment. (2) If no prior action involves separate maintenance, divorce, or annulment, the new action must be filed: (a) in the county of the circuit court that has issued a judgment affecting the majority of the parents’ children in common, or (b) if no circuit court for a county has issued a judgment affecting a majority of the parents’ children in common, then in the county of the circuit court that has issued the most recent judgment affecting a child of the same parents. (C) The court may consolidate actions administratively without holding a consolidation hearing when: (1) the cases involve different children of the same parents but all other parties are the same, or (2)more than one action involves the same child and parents. (D) If a new action for support is filed in a circuit court in which a party has an existing or pending support obligation, the new case must be assigned to the same judge to whom the other case is assigned, pursuant to MCR 8.111(D). (E) In a case involving a dispute regarding the custody of a minor child, the court may, on motion of a party or on its own initiative, for good cause shown, appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child and assess the costs and reasonable fees against the parties involved in full or in part. Rule 3.205 Prior and Subsequent Orders and Judgments Affecting Minors (A) Jurisdiction. If an order or judgment has provided for continuing jurisdiction of a minor and proceedings are commenced in another Michigan court having separate jurisdictional grounds for an action affecting that minor, a waiver or transfer of jurisdiction is not required for the full and valid exercise of jurisdiction by the subsequent court. (B) Notice to Prior Court, Friend of the Court, Juvenile Officer, and Prosecuting Attorney. (1) As used in this rule, "appropriate official" means the friend of the court, juvenile officer, or prosecuting attorney, depending on the nature of the prior or subsequent court action and the court involved. (2) If a minor is known to be subject to the prior continuing jurisdiction of a Michigan court, the plaintiff or other initiating party must mail written notice of proceedings in the subsequent court to the attention of (a) the clerk or register of the prior court, and (b) the appropriate official of the prior court. (3) The notice must be mailed at least 21 days before the date set for hearing. If the fact of continuing jurisdiction is not then known, notice must be given immediately when it becomes known. (4) The notice requirement of this subrule is not jurisdictional and does not preclude the subsequent court from entering interim orders before the expiration of the 21-day period, if required by the best interests of the minor. (C) Prior Orders. (1) Each provision of a prior order remains in effect until the provision is superseded, changed, or terminated by a subsequent order. (2) A subsequent court must give due consideration to prior continuing orders of other courts, and may not enter orders contrary to or inconsistent with such orders, except as provided by law. (D) Duties of Officials of Prior and Subsequent Courts. (1) Upon receipt of the notice required by subrule (B), the appropriate official of the prior court (a) must provide the subsequent court with copies of all relevant orders then in effect and copies of relevant records and reports, and (b) may appear in person at proceedings in the subsequent court, as the welfare of the minor and the interests of justice require. (2) Upon request of the prior court, the appropriate official of the subsequent court (a) must notify the appropriate official of the prior court of all proceedings in the subsequent court, and (b) must send copies of all orders entered in the subsequent court to the attention of the clerk or register and the appropriate official of the prior court. (3) If a circuit court awards custody of a minor pursuant to MCL 722.26b, the clerk of the circuit court must send a copy of the judgment or order of disposition to the probate court that has prior or continuing jurisdiction of the minor as a result of the guardianship proceedings, regardless whether there is a request. (4) Upon receipt of an order from the subsequent court, the appropriate official of the prior court must take the steps necessary to implement the order in the prior court. Rule 3.206 Pleading (A) Information in Complaint. (1) Except for matters considered confidential by statute or court rule, in all domestic relations actions, the complaint must state (a) the allegations required by applicable statutes; (b) the residence information required by statute; (c) the complete names of all parties; and (d) the complete names and dates of birth of any minors involved in the action, including all minor children of the parties and all minor children born during the marriage. (2) In a case that involves a minor, or if child support is requested, the complaint also must state whether any Michigan court has prior continuing jurisdiction of the minor. If so, the complaint must specify the court and the file number. (3) In a case in which the custody of a minor is to be determined, the complaint or an affidavit attached to the complaint also must state the information required by MCL 722.1209. (4) The caption of the complaint must also contain either (a) or (b) as a statement of the attorney for the plaintiff or petitioner, or of a plaintiff or petitioner appearing without an attorney: (a) There is no other pending or resolved action within the jurisdiction of the family division of the circuit court involving the family or family members of the person[s] who [is/are] the subject of the complaint or petition. (b) An action within the jurisdiction of the family division of the circuit court involving the family or family members of the person[s] who [is/are] the subject of the complaint or petition has been previously filed in [this court]/[______Court], where it was given docket number ______ and was assigned to Judge ________. The action [remains]/[is no longer] pending. (5) In an action for divorce, separate maintenance, annulment of marriage, or affirmation of marriage, regardless of the contentions of the parties with respect to the existence or validity of the marriage, the complaint also must state (a) the names of the parties before the marriage; (b) whether there are minor children of the parties or minor children born during the marriage; (c) whether a party is pregnant; (d) the factual grounds for the action, except that in an action for divorce or separate maintenance the grounds must be stated in the statutory language, without further particulars; and (e) whether there is property to be divided. (6) A party who requests spousal support in an action for divorce, separate maintenance, annulment, affirmation of marriage, or spousal support, must allege facts sufficient to show a need for such support and that the other party is able to pay. (7) A party who requests an order for personal protection or for the protection of property, including but not limited to restraining orders and injunctions against domestic violence, must allege facts sufficient to support the relief requested. (B) Verified Statement. (1) In an action involving a minor, or if child support or spousal support is requested, the party seeking relief must attach a verified statement to the copies of the papers served on the other party and provided to the friend of the court, stating (a) the last known telephone number, post office address, residence address, and business address of each party; (b) the social security number and occupation of each party; (c) the name and address of each party's employer; (d) the estimated weekly gross income of each party; (e) the driver's license number and physical description of each party, including eye color, hair color, height, weight, race, gender, and identifying marks; (f) any other names by which the parties are or have been known; (g) the name, age, birth date, social security number, and residence address of each minor involved in the action, as well as of any other minor child of either party; (h) the name and address of any person, other than the parties, who may have custody of a minor during the pendency of the action; (i) the kind of public assistance, if any, that has been applied for or is being received by either party or on behalf of a minor, and the AFDC and recipient identification numbers; if public assistance has not been requested or received, that fact must be stated; and (j) the health care coverage, if any, that is available for each minor child; the name of the policyholder; the name of the insurance company, health care organization, or health maintenance organization; and the policy, certificate, or contract number. (2) The information in the verified statement is confidential, and is not to be released other than to the court, the parties, or the attorneys for the parties, except on court order. For good cause, the addresses of a party and minors may be omitted from the copy of the statement that is served on the other party. (3) If any of the information required to be in the verified statement is omitted, the party seeking relief must explain the omission in a sworn affidavit, to be filed with the court. (C) Attorney Fees and Expenses. (1) A party may, at any time, request that the court order the other party to pay all or part of the attorney fees and expenses related to the action or a specific proceeding, including a post-judgment proceeding. (2) A party who requests attorney fees and expenses must allege facts sufficient to show that (a) the party is unable to bear the expense of the action, and that the other party is able to pay, or (b) the attorney fees and expenses were incurred because the other party refused to comply with a previous court order, despite having the ability to comply. Rule 3.207 Ex Parte, Temporary, and Protective Orders (A) Scope of Relief. The court may issue ex parte and temporary orders with regard to any matter within its jurisdiction, and may issue protective orders against domestic violence as provided in subchapter 3.700. (B) Ex Parte Orders. (1) Pending the entry of a temporary order, the court may enter an ex parte order if the court is satisfied by specific facts set forth in an affidavit or verified pleading that irreparable injury, loss, or damage will result from the delay required to effect notice, or that notice itself will precipitate adverse action before an order can be issued. (2) The moving party must arrange for the service of true copies of the ex parte order on the friend of the court and the other party. (3) An ex parte order is effective upon entry and enforceable upon service. (4) An ex parte order remains in effect until modified or superseded by a temporary or final order. (5) An ex parte order providing for child support, custody, or visitation pursuant to MCL 722.27a, must include the following notice: "Notice: "1. You may file a written objection to this order or a motion to modify or rescind this order. You must file the written objection or motion with the clerk of the court within 14 days after you were served with this order. You must serve a true copy of the objection or motion on the friend of the court and the party who obtained the order. "2. If you file a written objection, the friend of the court must try to resolve the dispute. If the friend of the court cannot resolve the dispute and if you wish to bring the matter before the court without the assistance of counsel, the friend of the court must provide you with form pleadings and written instructions and must schedule a hearing with the court. "3. The ex parte order will automatically become a temporary order if you do not file a written objection or motion to modify or rescind the ex parte order and a request for a hearing. Even if an objection is filed, the ex parte order will remain in effect and must be obeyed unless changed by a later court order." (6) In all other cases, the ex parte order must state that it 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. (a) If there is a timely objection or motion and a request for a hearing, the hearing must be held within 21 days after the objection or motion and request are filed. (b) A change that occurs after the hearing may be made retroactive to the date the ex parte order was entered. (7) The provisions of MCR 3.310 apply to temporary restraining orders in domestic relations cases. (C) Temporary Orders. (1) A request for a temporary order may be made at any time during the pendency of the case by filing a verified motion that sets forth facts sufficient to support the relief requested. (2) A temporary order may not be issued without a hearing, unless the parties agree otherwise or fail to file a written objection or motion as provided in subrules (B)(5) and (6). (3) A temporary order may be modified at any time during the pendency of the case, following a hearing and upon a showing of good cause. (4) A temporary order must state its effective date and whether its provisions may be modified retroactively by a subsequent order. (5) A temporary order remains in effect until modified or until the entry of the final judgment or order. (6) A temporary order not yet satisfied is vacated by the entry of the final judgment or order, unless specifically continued or preserved. This does not apply to support arrearages that have been assigned to the state, which are preserved unless specifically waived or reduced by the final judgment or order. Rule 3.208 Friend of the Court (A) General. The friend of the court has the powers and duties prescribed by statute, including those duties in the Friend of the Court Act, MCL 552.501 et seq., and the Support and Visitation Enforcement Act, MCL 552.601 et seq. (B) Enforcement. The friend of the court is responsible for initiating proceedings to enforce an order or judgment for support, visitation, or custody. (1) If a party has failed to comply with an order or judgment, the friend of the court may petition for an order to show cause why the party should not be held in contempt. (2) The order to show cause must be served personally or by ordinary mail at the party's last known address. (3) The hearing on the order to show cause may be held no sooner than seven days after the order is served on the party. If service is by ordinary mail, the hearing may be held no sooner than nine days after the order is mailed. (4) If the party fails to appear in response to the order to show cause, the court may issue an order for arrest. (5) The relief available under this rule is in addition to any other relief available by statute. (6) The friend of the court may petition for an order of arrest at any time, if immediate action is necessary. (C) Allocation and Distribution of Payments. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subrule, all payments shall be allocated and distributed as required by the guidelines established by the state court administrator for that purpose. (2) If the court determines that following the guidelines established by the state court administrator would produce an unjust result in a particular case, the court may order that payments be made in a different manner. The order must include specific findings of fact that set forth the basis for the court's decision, and must direct the payer to designate with each payment the name of the payer and the payee, the case number, the amount, and the date of the order that allows the special payment. (3) If a payer with multiple cases makes a payment directly to the friend of the court rather than through income withholding, the payment shall be allocated among all the cases unless the payer requests a different allocation in writing at the time of payment and provides the following information about each case for which payment is intended: (a) the name of the payer, (b) the name of the payee, (c) the case number, and (d) the amount designated for that case. Rule 3.208 Friend of the Court (A) General. The friend of the court has the powers and duties prescribed by statute, including those duties in the Friend of the Court Act, MCL 552.501 et seq., and the Support and Visitation Enforcement Act, MCL 552.601 et seq. (B) Enforcement. The friend of the court is responsible for initiating proceedings to enforce an order or judgment for support, visitation, or custody. (1) If a party has failed to comply with an order or judgment, the friend of the court may petition for an order to show cause why the party should not be held in contempt. (2) The order to show cause must be served personally or by ordinary mail at the party's last known address. (3) The hearing on the order to show cause may be held no sooner than seven days after the order is served on the party. If service is by ordinary mail, the hearing may be held no sooner than nine days after the order is mailed. (4) If the party fails to appear in response to the order to show cause, the court may issue an order for arrest. (5) The relief available under this rule is in addition to any other relief available by statute. (6) The friend of the court may petition for an order of arrest at any time, if immediate action is necessary. (C) Allocation and Distribution of Payments. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subrule, all payments shall be allocated and distributed as required by the guidelines established by the state court administrator for that purpose. (2) If the court determines that following the guidelines established by the state court administrator would produce an unjust result in a particular case, the court may order that payments be made in a different manner. The order must include specific findings of fact that set forth the basis for the court's decision, and must direct the payer to designate with each payment the name of the payer and the payee, the case number, the amount, and the date of the order that allows the special payment. (3) If a payer with multiple cases makes a payment directly to the friend of the court rather than through income withholding, the payment shall be allocated among all the cases unless the payer requests a different allocation in writing at the time of payment and provides the following information about each case for which payment is intended: (a) the name of the payer, (b) the name of the payee, (c) the case number, and (d) the amount designated for that case. (3) If a party is in default, proofs may not be taken unless the judgment fee has been deposited with the court clerk and the proposed judgment has been given to the court. (4) If the court determines that the proposed judgment is inappropriate, the party who prepared it must, within 14 days, present a modified judgment in conformity with the court's opinion. (5) If the court determines not to enter the judgment, the court must direct that the judgment fee be returned to the person who deposited it. (C) Custody of a Minor. (1) When the custody of a minor is contested, a hearing on the matter must be held within 56 days (a) after the court orders, or (b) after the filing of notice that a custody hearing is requested, unless both parties agree to mediation under MCL 552.513 and mediation is unsuccessful, in which event the hearing must be held within 56 days after the final mediation session. (2) If a custody action is assigned to a probate judge pursuant to MCL 722.26b, a hearing on the matter must be held by the probate judge within 56 days after the case is assigned. (3) The court must enter a decision within 28 days after the hearing. (4) The notice required by this subrule may be filed as a separate document, or may be included in another paper filed in the action if the notice is mentioned in the caption. (5) The court may interview the child privately to determine if the child is of sufficient age to express a preference regarding custody, and, if so, the reasonable preference of the child. The court shall focus the interview on these determinations, and the information received shall be applied only to the reasonable preference factor. (6) If a report has been submitted by the friend of the court, the court must give the parties an opportunity to review the report and to file objections before a decision is entered. (7) The court may extend for good cause the time within which a hearing must be held and a decision rendered under this subrule. (8) In deciding whether an evidentiary hearing is necessary with regard to a postjudgment motion to change custody, the court must determine, by requiring an offer of proof or otherwise, whether there are contested factual issues that must be resolved in order for the court to make an informed decision on the motion. (D) The court must make findings of fact as provided in MCR 2.517, except that (1) findings of fact and conclusions of law are required on contested postjudgment motions to modify a final judgment or order, and (2) the court may distribute pension, retirement, and other deferred compensation rights with a qualified domestic relations order, without first making a finding with regard to the value of those rights. Rule 3.211 Judgments and Orders (A) Each separate subject in a judgment or order must be set forth in a separate paragraph that is prefaced by an appropriate heading. (B) A judgment of divorce, separate maintenance, or annulment must include (1) the insurance and dower provisions required by MCL 552.101; (2) a determination of the rights of the parties in pension, annuity, and retirement benefits, as required by MCL 552.101(4); (3) a determination of the property rights of the parties; and (4) a provision reserving or denying spousal support, if spousal support is not granted; a judgment silent with regard to spousal support reserves it. (C) A judgment or order awarding custody of a minor must provide that (1) the domicile or residence of the minor may not be moved from Michigan without the approval of the judge who awarded custody or the judge's successor, (2) the person awarded custody must promptly notify the friend of the court in writing when the minor is moved to another address, and (3) a parent whose custody or parenting time of a child is governed by the order shall not change the legal residence of the child except in compliance with section 11 of the Child Custody Act, MCL 722.31. (D) Uniform Support Orders (1) Any provisions regarding child support or spousal support must be prepared on the latest version of the Uniform Support Order drafted by the state court administrative office and approved by the Supreme Court. This order must accompany any judgment or order affecting child support or spousal support, and both documents must be signed by the judge. If only child support or spousal support is ordered, then only the Uniform Support Order must be submitted to the court for entry. The Uniform Support Order shall govern if the terms of the judgment or order conflict with the Uniform Support Order. (2) No judgment or order concerning a minor or a spouse shall be entered unless either: (a) the final judgment or order incorporates by reference a Uniform Support Order, or (b) the final judgment or order states that no Uniform Support Order is required because support is reserved or spousal support is not ordered. (3) The clerk shall charge a single judgment entry fee when a Uniform Support Order is submitted for entry along with a judgment or order that incorporates it by reference. (E) Unless otherwise ordered, all support arrearages owing to the state are preserved upon entry of a final order or judgment. Upon a showing of good cause and notice to the friend of the court, the prosecuting attorney, and other interested parties, the court may waive or reduce such arrearages. (F) Entry of Judgment or Order (1) Within 21 days after the court renders an opinion or the settlement agreement is placed on the record, the moving party must submit a judgment, order, or a motion to settle the judgment or order, unless the court has granted an extension. (2) The party submitting the first temporary order awarding child custody, parenting time, or support and the party submitting any final proposed judgment awarding child custody, parenting time, or support must: (a) serve the friend of the court office and, unless the court orders otherwise, all other parties, with a completed copy of the latest version of the state court administrative office's domestic relations Judgment Information Form, and (b) file a proof of service certifying that the Judgment Information Form has been provided to the friend of the court office and, unless the court orders otherwise, to all other parties. (3) If the court modifies the proposed judgment or order before signing it, the party submitting the judgment or order must, within 7 days, submit a new Judgment Information Form if any of the information previously submitted changes as a result of the modification. (4) Before it signs a judgment or order awarding child support or spousal support, the court must determine that: (a) the party submitting the judgment or order has certified that the Judgment Information Form in subrule (F)(2) has been submitted to the friend of the court, and (b) pursuant to subrule (D)(2) any judgment or order concerning a minor or a spouse is accompanied by a Uniform Support Order or explains why a Uniform Support Order is unnecessary. (5) The Judgment Information Form must be filed in addition to the verified statement that is required by MCR 3.206. (G) Friend of the Court Review. For all judgments and orders containing provisions identified in subrules (C), (D), (E), and (F), the court may require that the judgment or order be submitted to the friend of the court for review. (H) Service of Judgment or Order. (1) When a judgment or order is obtained for temporary or permanent spousal support, child support, or separate maintenance, the prevailing party must immediately deliver one copy to the court clerk. The court clerk must write or stamp "true copy" on the order or judgment and file it with the friend of the court. (2) The party securing entry of a judgment or order that provides for child support or spousal support must serve a copy on the party ordered to pay the support, as provided in MCR 2.602(D)(1), even if that party is in default. (3) The record of divorce and annulment required by MCL 333.2864 must be filed at the time of the filing of the judgment. Rule 3.212 Postjudgment Transfer of Domestic Relations Cases (A) Motion. (1) A party, court-ordered custodian, or friend of the court may move for the postjudgment transfer of a domestic relations action in accordance with this rule, or the court may transfer such an action on its own motion. A transfer includes a change of venue and a transfer of all friend of the court responsibilities. The court may enter a consent order transferring a postjudgment domestic relations action, provided the conditions under subrule (B) are met. (2) The postjudgment transfer of an action initiated pursuant to MCL 780.151 et seq., is controlled by MCR 3.214. (B) Conditions. (1) A motion filed by a party or court-ordered custodian may be granted only if all of the following conditions are met: (a) the transfer of the action is requested on the basis of the residence and convenience of the parties, or other good cause consistent with the best interests of the child; (b) neither party nor the court-ordered custodian has resided in the county of current jurisdiction for at least 6 months prior to the filing of the motion; (c) at least one party or the court-ordered custodian has resided in the county to which the transfer is requested for at least 6 months prior to the filing of the motion; and (d) the county to which the transfer is requested is not contiguous to the county of current jurisdiction. (2) When the court or the friend of the court initiates a transfer, the conditions stated in subrule (B)(1) do not apply. (C) Unless the court orders otherwise for good cause, if a friend of the court becomes aware of a more recent final judgment involving the same parties issued in a different county, the friend of the court must initiate a transfer of the older case to the county in which the new judgment was entered if neither of the parents, any of their children who are affected by the judgment in the older case, nor another party resides in the county in which the older case was filed. (D) Transfer Order. (1) The court ordering a postjudgment transfer must enter all necessary orders pertaining to the certification and transfer of the action. The transferring court must send to the receiving court all court files and friend of the court files, ledgers, records, and documents that pertain to the action. Such materials may be used in the receiving jurisdiction in the same manner as in the transferring jurisdiction. (2) The court may order that any past-due fees and costs be paid to the transferring friend of the court office at the time of transfer. (3) The court may order that one or both of the parties or the court-ordered custodian pay the cost of the transfer. (E) Filing Fee. An order transferring a case under this rule must provide that the party who moved for the transfer pay the statutory filing fee applicable to the court to which the action is transferred, except where MCR 2.002 applies. If the parties stipulate to the transfer of a case, they must share equally the cost of transfer unless the court orders otherwise. In either event, the transferring court must submit the filing fee to the court to which the action is transferred, at the time of transfer. If the court or the friend of the court initiates the transfer, the statutory filing fee is waived. (F) Physical Transfer of Files. Court and friend of the court files must be transferred by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by another secure method of transfer. (G) Upon completion of the transfer, the transferee friend of the court must review the case and determine whether the case contains orders specific to the transferring court or county. The friend of the court must take such action as is necessary, which may include obtaining ex parte orders to transfer court- or county-specific actions to the transferee court. Rule 3.213 Postjudgment Motions and Enforcement Postjudgment motions in domestic relations actions are governed by MCR 2.119. Rule 3.214 Actions Under Uniform Acts (A) Governing Rules. Actions under the Revised Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act (RURESA), MCL 780.151 et seq., the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), MCL 552.1101 et seq., and the Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), MCL 722.1101 et seq., are governed by the rules applicable to other civil actions, except as otherwise provided by those acts and this rule. (B) RURESA Actions. (1) Definition. As used in this subrule, "support order" is defined by MCL 780.153b(8). (2) Transfer; Initiating and Responding RURESA Cases. (a) If a Michigan court initiates a RURESA action and there exists in another Michigan court a prior valid support order, the initiating court must transfer to that other court any RURESA order entered in a responding state. The initiating court must inform the responding court of the transfer. (b) If a court in another state initiates a RURESA action and there exists in Michigan a prior valid support order, the responsive proceeding should be commenced in the court that issued the prior valid support order. If the responsive proceeding is commenced erroneously in any other Michigan court and a RURESA order enters, that court, upon learning of the error, must transfer the RURESA order to the court that issued the prior valid support order. The transferring court must inform the initiating court of the transfer. (c) A court ordering a transfer must send to the court that issued the prior valid support order all pertinent papers, including all court files and friend of the court files, ledgers, records, and documents. (d) Court files and friend of the court files must be transferred by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by other secure method. (e) The friend of the court office that issued the prior valid support order must receive and disburse immediately all payments made by the obligor or sent by a responding state. (C) Sending Notices in UIFSA cases. The friend of the court office shall send all notices and copies of orders required to be sent by the tribunal under MCL 552.1101 et seq. (D) Registration of Child Custody Determinations Under UCCJEA. The procedure for registration and enforcement of a child custody determination by the court of another state is as provided in MCL 722.1304. There is no fee for the registration of such a determination. Rule 3.215 Domestic Relations Referees (A) Qualifications of Referees. A referee appointed pursuant to MCL 552.507(1) must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan. A non-attorney friend of the court who was serving as a referee when this rule took effect on May 1, 1993, may continue to serve. (B) Referrals to the Referee. (1) The chief judge may, by administrative order, direct that specified types of domestic relations motions be heard initially by a referee. (2) To the extent allowed by law, the judge to whom a domestic relations action is assigned may refer other motions in that action to a referee (a) on written stipulation of the parties, (b) on a party's motion, or (c) on the judge's own initiative. (3) In domestic relations matters, the judge to whom an action is assigned, or the chief judge by administrative order, may authorize referees to conduct settlement conferences and, subject to judicial review, scheduling conferences. (C) Scheduling of the Referee Hearing. (1) Within 14 days after receiving a motion referred under subrule (B)(1) or (B)(2), the referee must arrange for service of a notice scheduling a referee hearing on the attorneys for the parties, or on the parties if they are not represented by counsel. The notice of hearing must clearly state that the matter will be heard by a referee (2) The referee may adjourn a hearing for good cause without preparing a recommendation for an order, except that if the adjournment is subject to any terms or conditions, the referee may only prepare a recommendation for an adjournment order to be signed by a judge. (D) Conduct of Referee Hearings. (1) The Michigan Rules of Evidence apply to referee hearings. (2) A referee must provide the parties with notice of the right to request a judicial hearing by giving (a) oral notice during the hearing, and (b) written notice in the recommendation for an order. (3) Testimony must be taken in person, except that, for a good cause, a referee may allow testimony to be taken by telephone or other electronically reliable means. (4) An electronic or stenographic record must be kept of all hearings. (a) The parties must be allowed to make contemporaneous copies of the record if the referee's recording equipment can make multiple copies simultaneously and if the parties supply the recording media. A recording made under this rule may be used solely to assist the parties during the proceeding recorded or, at the discretion of the trial judge, in any judicial hearing following an objection to the referee's recommended order; it may not be used publicly. (b) If ordered by the court, or if stipulated by the parties, the referee must provide a transcript, verified by oath, of each hearing held. The cost of preparing a transcript must be apportioned equally between the parties, unless otherwise ordered by the court. (c) At least 7 days before the judicial hearing, a party who intends to offer evidence from the record of the referee hearing must provide notice to the court and each other party. If a stenographic transcript is necessary, except as provided in subrule (4)(b), the party offering the evidence must pay for the transcript. (d) If the court on its own motion uses the record of the referee hearing to limit the judicial hearing under subrule (F), the court must make the record available to the parties and must allow the parties to file supplemental objections within 7 days of the date the record is provided to the parties. Following the judicial hearing, the court may assess the costs of preparing a transcript of the referee hearing to one or more of the parties. This subrule does not apply when a party requests the court to limit the judicial hearing under subrule (F) or when the court orders a transcript to resolve a dispute concerning what occurred at the referee hearing. (E) Posthearing Procedures. (1) Within 21 days after a hearing, the referee must either make a statement of findings on the record or submit a written, signed report containing a summary of testimony and a statement of findings. In either event, the referee must make a recommendation for an order and arrange for it to be submitted to the court and the attorneys for the parties, or the parties if they are not represented by counsel. A proof of service must be filed with the court. (a) The referee must find facts specially and state separately the law the referee applied. Brief, definite, and pertinent findings and conclusions on the contested matters are sufficient, without overelaboration of detail or particularization of facts. (b) The referee's recommended order must include: (i) a signature line for the court to indicate its approval of the referee's recommended order; (ii) notice that if the recommended order is approved by the court and no written objection is filed with the court clerk within 21 days after the recommended order is served, the recommended order will become the final order; (iii) notice advising the parties of any interim effect the recommended order may have; and (iv) prominent notice of all available methods for obtaining a judicial hearing. (c) If the court approves the referee's recommended order, the recommended order must be served within 7 days of approval, or within 3 days of approval if the recommended order is given interim effect, and a proof of service must be filed with the court. If the recommendation is approved by the court and no written objection is filed with the court clerk within 21 days after service, the recommended order will become a final order. (2) If the hearing concerns income withholding, the referee must arrange for a recommended order to be submitted to the court forthwith. If the recommended order is approved by the court, it must be given immediate effect pursuant to MCL 552.607(4). (3) The recommended order may be prepared using any of the following methods: (a) the referee may draft a recommended order; (b) the referee may approve a proposed recommended order prepared by a party and submitted to the referee at the conclusion of the referee hearing; (c) within 7 days of the date of the referee's findings, a party may draft a proposed recommended order and have it approved by all the parties and the referee; or (d) within 7 days after the conclusion of the referee hearing, a party may serve a copy of a proposed recommended order on all other parties with a notice to them that it will be submitted to the referee for approval if no written objections to its accuracy or completeness are filed with the court clerk within 7 days after service of the notice. The party must file with the court clerk the original of the proposed recommended order and proof of its service on the other parties. (i) If no written objections are filed within 7 days, the clerk shall submit the proposed recommended order to the referee for approval. If the referee does not approve the proposed recommended order, the referee may notify the parties to appear on a specified date for settlement of the matter. (ii) To object to the accuracy or completeness of a proposed recommended order, the party must within 7 days after service of the proposed order, file written objections with the court clerk that state with specificity the inaccuracy or omission in the proposed recommended order, and serve the objections on all parties as required by MCR 2.107, together with a notice of hearing and an alternative proposed recommended order. Upon conclusion of the hearing, the referee shall sign the appropriate recommended order. (4) A party may obtain a judicial hearing on any matter that has been the subject of a referee hearing and that resulted in a statement of findings and a recommended order by filing a written objection and notice of hearing within 21 days after the referee's recommendation for an order is served on the attorneys for the parties, or the parties if they are not represented by counsel. The objection must include a clear and concise statement of the specific findings or application of law to which an objection is made. Objections regarding the accuracy or completeness of the recommendation must state with specificity the inaccuracy or omission. (5) The party who requests a judicial hearing must serve the objection and notice of hearing on the opposing party or counsel in the manner provided in MCR 2.119(C). (6) A circuit court may, by local administrative order, establish additional methods for obtaining a judicial hearing. (7) The court may hear a party's objection to the referee's recommendation for an order on the same day as the referee hearing, provided that the notice scheduling the referee hearing advises the parties that a same-day judicial hearing will be available and the parties have the option of refusing a same-day hearing if they have not yet decided whether they will object to the referee's recommendation for an order. (8) The parties may waive their right to object to the referee's recommendation for an order by consenting in writing to the immediate entry of the recommended order. (F) Judicial Hearings. (1) The judicial hearing must be held within 21 days after the written objection is filed, unless the time is extended by the court for good cause. (2) To the extent allowed by law, the court may conduct the judicial hearing by review of the record of the referee hearing, but the court must allow the parties to present live evidence at the judicial hearing. The court may, in its discretion: (a) prohibit a party from presenting evidence on findings of fact to which no objection was filed; (b) determine that the referee's finding was conclusive as to a fact to which no objection was filed; (c) prohibit a party from introducing new evidence or calling new witnesses unless there is an adequate showing that the evidence was not available at the referee hearing; (d) impose any other reasonable restrictions and conditions to conserve the resources of the parties and the court. (3) If the court determines that an objection is frivolous or has been interposed for the purpose of delay, the court may assess reasonable costs and attorney fees. (G) Interim Effect for Referee's Recommendation for an Order. (1) Except as limited by subrules (G)(2) and (G)(3), the court may, by an administrative order or by an order in the case, provide that the referee's recommended order will take effect on an interim basis pending a judicial hearing. The court must provide notice that the referee's recommended order will be an interim order by including that notice under a separate heading in the referee's recommended order, or by an order adopting the referee's recommended order as an interim order. (2) The court may not give interim effect to a referee's recommendation for any of the following orders: (a) An order for incarceration; (b) An order for forfeiture of any property; (c) An order imposing costs, fines, or other sanctions. (3) The court may not, by administrative order, give interim effect to a referee's recommendation for the following types of orders: (a) An order under subrule (G)(2); (b) An order that changes a child's custody; (c) An order that changes a child's domicile; (d) An order that would render subsequent judicial consideration of the matter moot. Rule 3.216 Domestic Relations Mediation (A) Scope and Applicability of Rule, Definitions. (1) All domestic relations cases, as defined in MCL 552.502(l), are subject to mediation under this rule, unless otherwise provided by statute or court rule. (2) Domestic relations mediation is a nonbinding process in which a neutral third party facilitates communication between parties to promote settlement. If the parties so request, and the mediator agrees to do so, the mediator may provide a written recommendation for settlement of any issues that remain unresolved at the conclusion of a mediation proceeding. This procedure, known as evaluative mediation, is governed by subrule (I). (3) This rule does not restrict the Friend of the Court from enforcing custody, parenting time, and support orders. (4) The court may order, on stipulation of the parties, the use of other settlement procedures. (B) Mediation Plan. Each trial court that submits domestic relations cases to mediation under this rule shall include in its alternative dispute resolution plan adopted under MCR 2.410(B) provisions governing selection of domestic relations mediators, and for providing parties with information about mediation in the family division as soon as reasonably practical. (C) Referral to Mediation. (1) On written stipulation of the parties, on written motion of a party, or on the court's initiative, the court may submit to mediation by written order any contested issue in a domestic relations case, including postjudgment matters. (2) The court may not submit contested issues to evaluative mediation unless all parties so request. (3) Parties who are subject to a personal protection order or who are involved in a child abuse and neglect proceeding may not be referred to mediation without a hearing to determine whether mediation is appropriate. (D) Objections to Referral to Mediation. (1) To object to mediation, a party must file a written motion to remove the case from mediation and a notice of hearing of the motion, and serve a copy on the attorneys of record within 14 days after receiving notice of the order assigning the action to mediation. The motion must be set for hearing within 14 days after it is filed, unless the hearing is adjourned by agreement of counsel or unless the court orders otherwise. (2) A timely motion must be heard before the case is mediated. (3) Cases may be exempt from mediation on the basis of the following: (a) child abuse or neglect; (b) domestic abuse, unless attorneys for both parties will be present at the mediation session; (c) inability of one or both parties to negotiate for themselves at the mediation, unless attorneys for both parties will be present at the mediation session; (d) reason to believe that one or both parties' health or safety would be endangered by mediation; or (e) for other good cause shown. (E) Selection of Mediator. (1) Domestic relations mediation will be conducted by a mediator selected as provided in this subrule. (2) The parties may stipulate to the selection of a mediator. A mediator selected by agreement of the parties need not meet the qualifications set forth in subrule (G). The court must appoint a mediator stipulated to by the parties, provided the mediator is willing to serve within a period that would not interfere with the court's scheduling of the case for trial. (3) If the parties have not stipulated to a mediator, the parties must indicate whether they prefer a mediator who is willing to conduct evaluative mediation. Failure to indicate a preference will be treated as not requesting evaluative mediation. (4) If the parties have not stipulated to a mediator, the judge may recommend, but not appoint one. If the judge does not make a recommendation, or if the recommendation is not accepted by the parties, the ADR clerk will assign a mediator from the list of qualified mediators maintained under subrule (F). The assignment shall be made on a rotational basis, except that if the parties have requested evaluative mediation, only a mediator who is willing to provide an evaluation may be assigned. (5) The rule for disqualification of a mediator is the same as that provided in MCR 2.003 for the disqualification of a judge. The mediator must promptly disclose any potential basis for disqualification. (F) List of Mediators. (1) Application. An eligible person desiring to serve as a domestic relations mediator may apply to the ADR clerk to be placed on the court's list of mediators. Application forms shall be available in the office of the ADR clerk. (a) The form shall include a certification that (i) the applicant meets the requirements for service under the court's selection plan; (ii) the applicant will not discriminate against parties or attorneys on the basis of race, ethnic origin, gender, or other protected personal characteristic; and (iii) the mediator will comply with the court's ADR plan, orders of the court regarding cases submitted to mediation, and the standards of conduct adopted by the State Court Administrator under subrule (K). (b) The applicant shall indicate on the form whether the applicant is willing to offer evaluative mediation, and the applicant's hourly rate for providing mediation services. (c) The form shall include an optional section identifying the applicant's gender and racial/ethnic background; however, this section shall not be made available to the public. (2) Review of Applications. The court's ADR plan shall provide for a person or committee to review applications annually, or more frequently if appropriate, and compile a list of qualified mediators. (a) Persons meeting the qualifications specified in this rule shall be placed on the list of approved mediators. Approved mediators shall be placed on the list for a fixed period, not to exceed 5 years, and must reapply at the end of that time in the same manner as persons seeking to be added to the list. (b) Selections shall be made without regard to race, ethnic origin, or gender. Residency or principal place of business may not be a qualification. (c) The approved list and the applications of approved mediators, except for the optional section identifying the applicant's gender and racial/ethnic background, shall be available to the public in the office of the ADR clerk. (3) Rejection; Reconsideration. Applicants who are not placed on the list shall be notified of that decision. Within 21 days of notification of the decision to reject an application, the applicant may seek reconsideration of the ADR clerk's decision by the presiding judge of the family division. The court does not need to provide a hearing. Documents considered in the initial review process shall be retained for at least the period during which the applicant can seek reconsideration of the original decision. (4) Removal from List. The ADR clerk may remove from the list mediators who have demonstrated incompetence, bias, made themselves consistently unavailable to serve as a mediator, or for other just cause. Within 21 days of notification of the decision to remove a mediator from the list, the mediator may seek reconsideration of the ADR clerk's decision by the presiding judge of the family division. The court does not need to provide a hearing. (G) Qualification of Mediators. (1) To be eligible to serve as a domestic relations mediator under this rule, an applicant must meet the following minimum qualifications: (a) The applicant must (i) be a licensed attorney, a licensed or limited licensed psychologist, a licensed professional counselor, or a licensed marriage and family therapist; (ii) have a masters degree in counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy; (iii) have a graduate degree in a behavioral science; or (iv) have 5 years experience in family counseling. (b) The applicant must have completed a training program approved by the State Court Administrator providing the generally accepted components of domestic relations mediation skills. (c) The applicant must have observed two domestic relations mediation proceedings conducted by an approved mediator, and have conducted one domestic relations mediation to conclusion under the supervision and observation of an approved mediator. (2) An applicant who has specialized experience or training, but does not meet the specific requirements of subrule (G)(1), may apply to the ADR clerk for special approval. The ADR clerk shall make the determination on the basis of criteria provided by the State Court Administrator. (3) Approved mediators are required to obtain 8 hours of advanced mediation training during each 2-year period. Failure to submit documentation establishing compliance is grounds for removal from the list under subrule(F)(4). (4) Additional qualifications may not be imposed upon mediators. (H) Mediation Procedure. (1) The mediator must schedule a mediation session within a reasonable time at a location accessible by the parties. (2) A mediator may require that no later than 3 business days before the mediation session, each party submit to the mediator, and serve on the opposing party, a mediation summary that provides the following information, where relevant: (a) the facts and circumstances of the case; (b) the issues in dispute; (c) a description of the marital assets and their estimated value, where such information is appropriate and reasonably ascertainable; (d) the income and expenses of the parties; (e) a proposed settlement; and (f) such documentary evidence as may be available to substantiate information contained in the summary. Failure to submit these materials to the mediator within the designated time may subject the offending party to sanctions imposed by the court. (3) The parties must attend the mediation session in person unless excused by the mediator. (4) Except for legal counsel, the parties may not bring other persons to the mediation session, whether expert or lay witnesses, unless permission is first obtained from the mediator, after notice to opposing counsel. If the mediator believes it would be helpful to the settlement of the case, the mediator may request information or assistance from third persons at the time of the mediation session. (5) The mediator shall discuss with the parties and counsel, if any, the facts and issues involved. The mediation will continue until a settlement is reached, the mediator determines that a settlement is not likely to be reached, the end of the first mediation session, or until a time agreed to by the parties. (6) Within 7 days of the completion of mediation, the mediator shall so advise the court, stating only the date of completion of the process, who participated in the mediation, whether settlement was reached, and whether further ADR proceedings are contemplated. If an evaluation will be made under subrule (I), the mediator may delay reporting to the court until completion of the evaluation process. (7) If a settlement is reached as a result of the mediation, to be binding, the terms of that settlement must be reduced to a signed writing by the parties or acknowledged by the parties on an audio or video recording. After a settlement has been reached, the parties shall take steps necessary to enter judgment as in the case of other settlements. (8) Confidentiality in the mediation process is governed by MCR 2.412. (I) Evaluative Mediation. (1) This subrule applies if the parties requested evaluative mediation, or if they do so at the conclusion of mediation and the mediator is willing to provide an evaluation. (2) If a settlement is not reached during mediation, the mediator, within a reasonable period after the conclusion of mediation shall prepare a written report to the parties setting forth the mediator's proposed recommendation for settlement purposes only. The mediator's recommendation shall be submitted to the parties of record only and may not be submitted or made available to the court. (3) If both parties accept the mediator's recommendation in full, the attorneys shall proceed to have a judgment entered in conformity with the recommendation. (4) If the mediator's recommendation is not accepted in full by both parties and the parties are unable to reach an agreement as to the remaining contested issues, mediator shall report to the court under subrule (H)(6), and the case shall proceed toward trial. (5) A court may not impose sanctions against either party for rejecting the mediator's recommendation. The court may not inquire and neither the parties nor the mediator may inform the court of the identity of the party or parties who rejected the mediator's recommendation. (6) The mediator's report and recommendation may not be read by the court and may not be admitted into evidence or relied upon by the court as evidence of any of the information contained in it without the consent of both parties. The court shall not request the parties' consent to read the mediator's recommendation. (J) Fees. (1) A mediator is entitled to reasonable compensation based on an hourly rate commensurate with the mediator's experience and usual charges for services performed. (2) Before mediation, the parties shall agree in writing that each shall pay onehalf of the mediator's fee no later than: (a) 42 days after the mediation process is concluded or the service of the mediator's report and recommendation under subrule (I)(2), or (b) the entry of judgment, or (c) the dismissal of the action, whichever occurs first. If the court finds that some other allocation of fees is appropriate, given the economic circumstances of the parties, the court may order that one of the parties pay more than one-half of the fee. (3) If acceptable to the mediator, the court may order an arrangement for the payment of the mediator's fee other than that provided in subrule (J)(2). (4) The mediator's fee is deemed a cost of the action, and the court may make an appropriate judgment under MCL 552.13(1) to enforce the payment of the fee. (5) In the event either party objects to the total fee of the mediator, the matter may be scheduled before the trial judge for determination of the reasonableness of the fee. (K) Standards of Conduct. The State Court Administrator shall develop and approve standards of conduct for domestic relations mediators designed to promote honesty, integrity, and impartiality in providing court-connected dispute resolution services. These standards shall be made a part of all training and educational requirements for court-connected programs, shall be provided to all mediators involved in court-connected programs, and shall be available to the public. Rule 3.217 Actions Under the Paternity Act (A) Governing Law. Procedure in actions under the Paternity Act, MCL 722.711 et seq. is governed by the rules applicable to other civil actions except as otherwise provided by this rule and the act. (B) Blood or Tissue Typing Tests. A petition for blood or tissue typing tests under MCL 722.716 must be filed at or before the pretrial conference or, if a pretrial conference is not held, within the time specified by the court. Failure to timely petition waives the right to such tests, unless the court, in the interest of justice, permits a petition at a later time. (C) Advice Regarding Right to an Attorney. (1) The summons issued under MCL 722.714 must include a form advising the alleged father of the right to an attorney as described in subrule (C)(2), and the procedure for requesting the appointment of an attorney. The form must be served with the summons and the complaint, and the proof of service must so indicate. (2) If the alleged father appears in court following the issuance of a summons under MCL 722.714, the court must personally advise him that he is entitled to the assistance of an attorney, and that the court will appoint an attorney at public expense, at his request, if he is financially unable to retain an attorney of his choice. (3) If the alleged father indicates that he wants to proceed without an attorney, the record must affirmatively show that he was given the advice required by subrule (C)(2) and that he waived the right to counsel. (4) If the alleged father does not appear in court following the issuance of a summons under MCL 722.714, subrule (C)(3) does not apply. (D) Visitation Rights of Noncustodial Parent. (1) On the petition of either party, the court may provide in the order of filiation for such reasonable visitation by the noncustodial parent as the court deems justified and in the best interests of the child. (2) Absent a petition from either party, the right of reasonable visitation is reserved. Rule 3.218 Access to Friend of the Court Records (A) General Definitions. When used in this subrule, unless the context indicates otherwise, (1) "records" means paper files, computer files, microfilm, microfiche, audio tape, video tape, and photographs; (2) "access" means inspection of records, obtaining copies of records upon receipt of payment for costs of reproduction, and oral transmission by staff of information contained in friend of the court records; (3) "confidential information" means (a) staff notes from investigations, mediation sessions, and settlement conferences; (b) Family Independence Agency protective services reports; (c) formal mediation records; (d) communications from minors; (e) friend of the court grievances filed by the opposing party and the responses; (f) a party's address or any other information if release is prohibited by a court order; (g) except as provided in MCR 3.219, any information for which a privilege could be claimed, or that was provided by a governmental agency subject to the express written condition that it remain confidential; and (h) all information classified as confidential by the laws and regulations of title IV, part D of the Social Security Act, 42 USC 651 et seq. (B) A party, third-party custodian, guardian, guardian ad litem or counsel for a minor, lawyer-guardian ad litem, and an attorney of record must be given access to friend of the court records related to the case, other than confidential information. (C) A citizen advisory committee established under the Friend of the Court Act, MCL 552.501 et seq., (1) shall be given access to a grievance filed with the friend of the court, and to information related to the case, other than confidential information; (2) may be given access to confidential information related to a grievance if the court so orders, upon clear demonstration by the committee that the information is necessary to the performance of its duties and that the release will not impair the rights of a party or the well-being of a child involved in the case. When a citizen advisory committee requests information that may be confidential, the friend of the court shall notify the parties of the request and that they have 14 days from the date the notice was mailed to file a written response with the court. If the court grants access to the information, it may impose such terms and conditions as it determines are appropriate to protect the rights of a party or the well-being of a child. (D) Protective services personnel from the Family Independence Agency must be given access to friend of the court records related to the investigation of alleged abuse and neglect. (E) The prosecuting attorney and personnel from the Office of Child Support and the Family Independence Agency must be given access to friend of the court records required to perform the functions required by title IV, part D of the Social Security Act, 42 USC 651 et seq. (F) Auditors from state and federal agencies must be given access to friend of the court records required to perform their audit functions. (G) Any person who is denied access to friend of the court records or confidential information may file a motion for an order of access with the judge assigned to the case or, if none, the chief judge. (H) A court, by administrative order adopted pursuant to MCR 8.112(B), may make reasonable regulations necessary to protect friend of the court records and to prevent excessive and unreasonable interference with the discharge of friend of the court functions. Rule 3.219 Dissemination of a Professional Report If there is a dispute involving custody, visitation, or change of domicile, and the court uses a community resource to assist its determination, the court must assure that copies of the written findings and recommendations of the resource are provided to the friend of the court and to the attorneys of record for the parties, or the parties if they are not represented by counsel. The attorneys for the parties, or the parties if they are not represented by counsel, may file objections to the report before a decision is made. Rule 3.221 Hearings on Support and Parenting Time Enforcement Act Bench Warrants (A) Definitions. (1) Unless the context indicates otherwise, the term "bond" means the performance bond required by MCL 552.631. (2) The term "cash" means money or the equivalent of money, such as a money order, cashier's check, or negotiable check or a payment by debit or credit card, which equivalent is accepted as cash by the agency accepting the payment. (3) Unless the context indicates otherwise, the term "person," when used in this rule, means a party who has been arrested on a bench warrant issued pursuant to MCL 552.631. (B) Hearing on the Merits. The court shall hold a hearing in connection with the matter in which the warrant was issued within 21 days of the date of arrest. Except as provided in this rule, a person who does not post a bond, within 48 hours of arrest excluding weekends and holidays, shall be brought before the court that issued the warrant for further proceedings on the matter in which the warrant was issued. The hearing may be adjourned when necessary to give notice of the proceedings to another party or to receive additional evidence. In the event the hearing is adjourned, the court shall set terms of release under subrule (F). Failure to hold a hearing within 21 days will not deprive the court of jurisdiction to proceed. (C) Bond Review Hearing. A person who has not posted a bond, and whose case cannot be heard as provided in subrule (B), must without unnecessary delay be brought before a judge, magistrate, or referee for a review of the bond. (D) Place of Bond Review Hearing. Except as otherwise provided in this subrule, a bond review hearing under subrule (E) must be held in the circuit court specified in the warrant. If a person is arrested in a circuit other than the one specified in the warrant, the arresting agency must make arrangements to assure that the person is promptly transported to the court specified in the warrant for a hearing in accordance with the provisions of this rule. If prompt transportation cannot be arranged, the bond review hearing must be held in the jurisdiction in which the individual is being held. (E) Conduct of Bond Review Hearing. At the bond review hearing, the person must be advised of the purpose of the hearing on the merits and a determination must be made of what form of prehearing release is appropriate. A verbatim record must be made of the bond review hearing. Pending the hearing required under subrule (B), the person must be released on conditions under subrule (F). (F) Conditional Release. The person must be released on condition that the person will appear for a hearing under subrule (B) and any other conditions that are appropriate to ensure that the person will appear as required for a hearing under subrule (B), including requiring the person to: (1) make reports to a court agency as required by the court or the agency; (2) comply with restrictions on personal associations, place of residence, place of employment, or travel; (3) surrender driver's license or passport; (4) comply with a specified curfew; (5) continue or seek employment or participate in a work program; (6) continue or begin an educational program; (7) remain in the custody of a responsible member of the community who agrees to monitor the person and report any violation of any release condition to the court; (8) post a bond as described in subrule (G). In the event the person cannot satisfy a condition of release, the arresting agency must make arrangements with the authorities in the county of the court specified in the warrant to have the person promptly transported to that county for a hearing in accordance with the provisions of this rule. (G) Performance Bond Modification. If it is determined for reasons stated on the record that the person's appearance cannot otherwise be assured, the person, in addition to any conditions described in subrule (F), may be required to post a bond at the person's option, executed: (1) by the person, or by another who is not a licensed surety, and secured by a cash deposit for the full bond amount, or (2) by a surety approved by the court. (H) Decision; Statement of Reasons. (1) In deciding what terms and conditions to impose under subrule (F), relevant information, including the following shall be considered: (a) the person's record for reporting information to the friend of the court and complying with court orders; (b) the person's record of appearance or nonappearance at court proceedings; (c) the person's history of substance abuse or addiction; (d) the amount of support owed; (e) the person's employment status and history and financial history insofar as these factors relate to the ability to post bond; (f) the availability of responsible members of the community who would vouch for or monitor the person; (g) facts indicating the person's ties to the community, including family ties and relationships, and length of residence; and (h) any other facts bearing on the risk of nonappearance. (2) The reasons for requiring a bond under subrule (F), must be stated on the record. A finding on each of the enumerated factors is not necessary. (3) Nothing in this rule may be construed to sanction the determination of prehearing release on the basis of race, religion, gender, economic status, or other impermissible criteria. (I) Review; Modification of Release Decision. (1) Review. A party seeking review of a release decision may file a motion in the court having appellate jurisdiction over the decision maker. If the decision was made by a magistrate or referee, a party is entitled to a new hearing. Otherwise, the reviewing court may not stay, vacate, modify, or reverse the release decision except on finding an abuse of discretion. (2) Emergency Release. If a person is ordered released from custody as a result of a court order or law requiring the release of prisoners to relieve jail conditions, the court ordering the release shall impose conditions of release in accordance with this rule to ensure the appearance of the individual as required. If such conditions of release are imposed, the court must inform the person of the conditions on the record or by furnishing to the person or the person's lawyer a copy of the release order setting forth the conditions. (J) Termination of Release Order. (1) After a bond is set pursuant to subrule (G), if the person appears for the hearing in subrule (B) the court must vacate the release order, discharge a third party who has posted the bond, and return the cash posted in the full amount of a bond. At the court's discretion, an arrested person who has deposited money with the court may be required to forfeit all or a portion of the amount to pay support, fines, fees, costs, and sanctions. (2) If the person fails to comply with any conditions of release, the court that issued the original bench warrant may issue a new bench warrant for the person's arrest and enter an order revoking the release order and declaring the bond, if any, forfeited. (a) The court must mail notice of any revocation order immediately to the person at the person's last known address and, if forfeiture of bond has been ordered, to anyone who posted bond. (b) If the person does not appear and surrender to the court within 28 days after the revocation date or does not within the period satisfy the court that there was compliance with the conditions of release or that compliance was impossible through no fault of the person, the court may continue the revocation order and enter judgment forfeiting the bond against the individual and anyone who posted bond for the entire amount of the bond and costs of the court proceedings and costs associated with the arrest. (K) Plan for Remote Bond Review Hearings. In each county, the court with trial jurisdiction over friend of the court cases must adopt and file with the State Court Administrator a plan for conducting bond review hearings on bench warrants issued as a result of a show cause hearing when the person is arrested in another county and cannot be transported immediately. The plan shall provide for the use of available technology for a person's appearance and the transmission and presentation of evidence in hearings under this rule. Subchapter 3.300 Extraordinary Writs Rule 3.301 Extraordinary Writs in General (A) Applicability and Scope of Rules. (1) A civil action or appropriate motion in a pending action may be brought to obtain (a) superintending control, (b) habeas corpus, (c) mandamus, or (d) quo warranto. Unless a particular rule or statute specifically provides otherwise, an original action may not be commenced in the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals if the circuit court would have jurisdiction of an action seeking that relief. (2) These special rules govern the procedure for seeking the writs or relief formerly obtained by the writs, whether the right to relief is created by statute or common law. If the right to relief is created by statute, the limitations on relief in the statute apply, as well as the limitations on relief in these rules. (3) The general rules of procedure apply except as otherwise provided in this subchapter. (B) Joinder of Claims. More than one kind of writ may be sought in an action either as an independent claim or as an alternative claim. Subject to MCR 2.203, other claims may be joined in an action for a writ or writs. (C) Process; Service of Writs. Process must be issued and served as in other civil actions. However, if a writ, order, or order to show cause is issued before service of process, then service of the writ, order, or order to show cause in the manner prescribed in MCR 2.105, accompanied by a copy of the complaint, makes service of other process unnecessary. (D) Assignment for Trial. Actions brought under these special rules may be given precedence under MCR 2.501(B). (E) Records. The action taken on applications for writs or orders to show cause must be noted in court records in the same manner as actions taken in other civil actions. (F) No Automatic Stay. The automatic stay provisions of MCR 2.614(A) do not apply to judgments in actions brought under this subchapter. (G) Procedure Where Relief Is Sought in Supreme Court or Court of Appeals. (1) MCR 7.304 applies to original proceedings brought in the Supreme Court to obtain relief under this subchapter. (2) MCR 7.206 applies to original proceedings brought in the Court of Appeals to obtain relief under this subchapter. Rule 3.302 Superintending Control (A) Scope. A superintending control order enforces the superintending control power of a court over lower courts or tribunals. (B) Policy Concerning Use. If another adequate remedy is available to the party seeking the order, a complaint for superintending control may not be filed. See subrule (D)(2), and MCR 7.101(A)(2), and 7.304(A). (C) Writs Superseded. A superintending control order replaces the writs of certiorari and prohibition and the writ of mandamus when directed to a lower court or tribunal. (D) Jurisdiction. (1) The Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and the circuit court have jurisdiction to issue superintending control orders to lower courts or tribunals. In this rule the term "circuit court" includes the Recorder's Court of the City of Detroit as to superintending control actions of which that court has jurisdiction. (2) When an appeal in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, the circuit court, or the recorder's court is available, that method of review must be used. If superintending control is sought and an appeal is available, the complaint for superintending control must be dismissed. (E) Procedure for Superintending Control in Circuit Court. (1) Complaint. A person seeking superintending control in the circuit court must file a complaint with the court. Only the plaintiff's name may appear in the title of the action (for example, In re Smith). The plaintiff must serve a copy of the complaint on the court or tribunal over which superintending control is sought. If the superintending control action arises out of a particular action, a copy of the complaint must also be served on each other party to the proceeding in that court or tribunal. (2) Answer. Anyone served under subrule (E)(1) may file an answer within 21 days after the complaint is served. (3) Issuance of Order; Dismissal. (a) After the filing of a complaint and answer or, if no answer is filed, after expiration of the time for filing an answer, the court may (i) issue an order to show cause why the order requested should not be issued, (ii) issue the order requested, or (iii) dismiss the complaint. (b) If a need for immediate action is shown, the court may enter an order before an answer is filed. (c) The court may require in an order to show cause that additional records and papers be filed. (d) An order to show cause must specify the date for hearing the complaint. Rule 3.303 Habeas Corpus to Inquire Into Cause of Detention (A) Jurisdiction and Venue; Persons Detained on Criminal Charges. (1) An action for habeas corpus to inquire into the cause of detention of a person may be brought in any court of record except the probate court. (2) The action must be brought in the county in which the prisoner is detained. If it is shown that there is no judge in that county empowered and available to issue the writ or that the judicial circuit for that county has refused to issue the writ, the action may be brought in the Court of Appeals. (3) A prisoner detained in a county jail for a criminal charge, who has not been sentenced to detention by a court of competent jurisdiction, may be removed from detention by a writ of habeas corpus to inquire into the cause of detention only if the writ is issued by the court in which the prisoner would next appear if the criminal process against the prisoner continued, or by the judicial circuit for the county in which the prisoner is detained. This subrule does not limit the power of the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court to issue the writ. (B) Who May Bring. An action for habeas corpus may be brought by the prisoner or by another person on the prisoner's behalf. (C) Complaint. The complaint must state: (1) that the person on whose behalf the writ is applied for (the prisoner) is restrained of his or her liberty; (2) the name, if known, or the description of the prisoner; (3) the name, if known, or the description of the officer or person by whom the prisoner is restrained; (4) the place of restraint, if known; (5) that the action for habeas corpus by or on behalf of the prisoner is not prohibited; (6) the cause or pretense of the restraint, according to the plaintiff's best knowledge and belief; and (7) why the restraint is illegal. (D) Issuance of the Writ or Order to Show Cause. (1) On the filing of the complaint, the court may issue (a) a writ of habeas corpus directed to the person having custody of the prisoner, or that person's superior, ordering him or her to bring the prisoner before the court forthwith; or (b) an order to show cause why the writ should not be issued, unless it appears that the prisoner is not entitled to relief. (2) On the showing required by MCL 600.4337, the court may issue a warrant in lieu of habeas corpus. (3) Duplicate original writs may be issued. (E) Certification of Record. When proceedings in another court or agency are pertinent to a determination of the issue raised in a habeas corpus action, the court may order the transcript of the record and proceedings certified to the court within a specified time. The order must identify the records to be certified with sufficient specificity to allow them to be located. (F) Issuance Without Application or Before Filing. (1) A judge of a court of record, except the probate court, may issue a writ of habeas corpus or order to show cause if (a) the judge learns that a person within the judge's jurisdiction is illegally restrained, or (b) an application is presented to the judge before or after normal court hours. (2) If the prisoner is being held on criminal charges, the writ or order may only be issued by a judge of a court authorized to issue a writ of habeas corpus under subrule (A)(3). (3) If a complaint is presented to a judge under the provisions of subrule (F)(1)(b), it need not be filed with the court before the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus. The complaint must subsequently be filed with the court whether or not the writ is granted. (G) Endorsement of Allowance of Writ. Every writ issued must be endorsed with a certificate of its allowance and the date of the allowance. The endorsement must be signed by the judge issuing the writ, or, if the writ is issued by a panel of more than 1 judge, by a judge of the court. (H) Form of Writ. A writ of habeas corpus must be substantially in the form approved by the state court administrator. (I) Service of Writ. (1) Person to be Served. The writ or order to show cause must be served on the defendant in the manner prescribed in MCR 2.105. If the defendant cannot be found, or if the defendant does not have the prisoner in custody, the writ or order to show cause may be served on anyone having the prisoner in custody or that person's superior, in the manner and with the same effect as if that person had been made a defendant in the action. (2) Tender of Fees. If the Attorney General or a prosecuting attorney brings the action, or if a judge issues the writ on his or her own initiative, there is no fee. In other actions, to make the service of a writ of habeas corpus effective, the person making service must give the fee provided by law or this rule to the person having custody of the prisoner or to that person's superior. (a) If the prisoner is in the custody of a sheriff, coroner, constable, or marshal, the fee is that allowed by law to a sheriff for bringing up a prisoner. (b) If the prisoner is in the custody of another person, the fee is that, if any, allowed by the court issuing the writ, not exceeding the fee allowed by law to a sheriff for similar services. (J) Sufficiency of Writ. The writ or order to show cause may not be disobeyed because of a defect in form. The writ or order to show cause is sufficient if the prisoner is designated by name, if known, or by a description sufficient to permit identification. The writ or order may designate the person to whom it is directed as the person having custody of the prisoner. Anyone served with the writ or order is deemed the person to whom it is directed and is considered a defendant in the action. (K) Time for Answer and Hearing. (1) If the writ is to be answered and the hearing held on a specified day and hour, the answer must be made and the prisoner produced at the time and place specified in the writ. (2) If an order to show cause is issued, it must be answered as provided in subrule (N), and the hearing must be held at the time and place specified in the order. (L) Notice of Hearing Before Discharge. (1) When the answer states that the prisoner is in custody on process under which another person has an interest in continuing the custody, an order of discharge may not be issued unless the interested person or that person's attorney has had at least 4 days' notice of the time and place of the hearing. (2) When the answer states that the prisoner is detained on a criminal charge, the prisoner may not be discharged until sufficient notice of the time and place of the hearing is given to the prosecuting attorney of the county within which the prisoner is detained or, if there is no prosecuting attorney within the county, to the Attorney General. (M) Habeas Corpus to Obtain Custody of Child. (1) A complaint seeking a writ of habeas corpus to inquire into a child's custody must be presented to the judicial circuit for the county in which the child resides or is found. (2) An order to show cause, not a writ of habeas corpus, must be issued initially if the action is brought by a parent, foster parent, or other relative of the child, to obtain custody of a child under the age of 16 years from a parent, foster parent, or other relative of the child. The court may direct the friend of the court to investigate the circumstances of the child's custody. (N) Answer. (1) Contents of Answer; Contempt. The defendant or person served must obey the writ or order to show cause or show good cause for not doing so, and must answer the writ or order to show cause within the time allowed. Failure to file an answer is contempt. The answer must state plainly and unequivocally (a) whether the defendant then has, or at any time has had, the prisoner under his or her control and, if so, the reason; and (b) if the prisoner has been transferred, to whom, when the transfer was made, and the reason or authority for the transfer. (2) Exhibits. If the prisoner is detained because of a writ, warrant, or other written authority, a copy must be attached to the answer as an exhibit, and the original must be produced at the hearing. If an order under subrule (E) requires it, the answer must be accompanied by the certified transcript of the record and proceedings. (3) Verification. The answer must be signed by the person answering, and, except when the person is a sworn public officer and answers in his or her official capacity, it must be verified by oath. (O) Answer May Be Controverted. In a reply or at a hearing, the plaintiff or the prisoner may controvert the answer under oath, to show either that the restraint is unlawful or that the prisoner is entitled to discharge. (P) Prisoner; When Bailed. Because a habeas corpus action must be decided promptly with no more than the brief delay provided by subrule (Q)(2), release of a prisoner on bail will not normally be considered until after determination that legal cause exists for the detention. Thereafter, if the prisoner is entitled to bail, the court issuing the writ or order may set bail. (Q) Hearing and Judgment. (1) The court shall proceed promptly to hear the matter in a summary manner and enter judgment. (2) In response to the writ of habeas corpus or order to show cause, the defendant may request adjournment of the hearing. Adjournment may be granted only for the brief delay necessary to permit the defendant (a) to prepare a written answer (unless waived by the plaintiff); or (b) to present to the court or judge issuing the writ or order testimonial or documentary evidence to establish the cause of detention at the time for answer. (3) In the defendant's presence, the court shall inform the prisoner that he or she has the right to an attorney and the right to remain silent. (4) From the time the prisoner is produced in response to the writ or order until judgment is entered, the judge who issued the writ or order has custody of the prisoner and shall make certain that the prisoner's full constitutional rights are protected. (5) The hearing on the return to a writ of habeas corpus or an order to show cause must be recorded verbatim, unless a court reporter or recorder is not available. If the hearing is conducted without a verbatim record being made, as soon as possible the judge shall prepare and certify a narrative written report. The original report is part of the official record in the action, and copies must be sent forthwith to the parties or their attorneys. (6) If the prisoner is restrained because of mental disease, the court shall consider the question of the prisoner's mental condition at the time of the hearing, rather than merely the legality of the original detention. Rule 3.304 Habeas Corpus to Bring Prisoner to Testify or for Prosecution (A) Jurisdiction; When Available. A court of record may issue a writ of habeas corpus directing that a prisoner in a jail or prison in Michigan be brought to testify (1) on the court's own initiative; or (2) on the ex parte motion of a party in an action before a court or an officer or body authorized to examine witnesses. A writ of habeas corpus may also be issued to bring a prisoner to court for prosecution. Subrules (C)-(G) apply to such a writ. (B) Contents of Motion. The motion must be verified by the party and must state (1) the title and nature of the action in which the testimony of the prisoner is desired; and (2) that the testimony of the prisoner is relevant and necessary to the party in that proceeding. (C) Direction to Surrender Custody for Transportation. The writ may direct that the prisoner be placed in the custody of a designated officer for transportation to the place where the hearing or trial is to be held, rather than requiring the custodian to bring the prisoner to that place. (D) Form of Writ. A writ of habeas corpus to produce a prisoner to testify or for prosecution must be substantially in the form approved by the state court administrator. (E) Answer and Hearing. If the prisoner is produced or delivered to the custody of a designated officer as ordered, the person served with the writ need not answer the writ, and a hearing on the writ is unnecessary. (F) Remand. When a prisoner is brought on a writ of habeas corpus to testify or for prosecution, the prisoner must be returned to the original custodian after testifying or prosecution. (G) Applicability of Other Rules. MCR 3.303(G), (I), (J), and (K)(1) apply to habeas corpus to produce a prisoner to testify or for prosecution. Rule 3.305 Mandamus (A) Jurisdiction. (1) An action for mandamus against a state officer may be brought in the Court of Appeals or the circuit court. (2) All other actions for mandamus must be brought in the circuit court unless a statute or rule requires or allows the action to be brought in another court. (B) Venue. (1) The general venue statutes and rules apply to actions for mandamus unless a specific statute or rule contains a special venue provision. (2) In addition to any other county in which venue is proper, an action for mandamus against a state officer may be brought in Ingham County. (C) Order to Show Cause. On ex parte motion and a showing of the necessity for immediate action, the court may issue an order to show cause. The motion may be made in the complaint. The court shall indicate in the order when the defendant must answer the order. (D) Answer. If necessity for immediate action is not shown, and the action is not dismissed, the defendant must answer the complaint as in an ordinary civil action. (E) Exhibits. A party may attach to the pleadings, as exhibits, certified or authenticated copies of record evidence on which the party relies. (F) Hearings in Circuit Court. The court may hear the matter or may allow the issues to be tried by a jury. (G) Writ Contained in Judgment. If the judgment awards a writ of mandamus, the writ may be contained in the judgment in the form of an order, and a separate writ need not be issued or served. Rule 3.306 Quo Warranto (A) Jurisdiction. (1) An action for quo warranto against a person who usurps, intrudes into, or unlawfully holds or exercises a state office, or against a state officer who does or suffers an act that by law works a forfeiture of the office, must be brought in the Court of Appeals. (2) All other actions for quo warranto must be brought in the circuit court. (B) Parties. (1) Actions by Attorney General. An action for quo warranto is to be brought by the Attorney General when the action is against: (a) a person specified in subrule (A)(1); (b) a person who usurps, intrudes into, or wrongfully holds or exercises an office in a public corporation created by this state's authority; (c) an association, or number of persons, acting as a corporation in Michigan without being legally incorporated; (d) a corporation that is in violation of a provision of the act or acts creating, offering, or renewing the corporation; (e) a corporation that has violated the provisions of a law under which the corporation forfeits its charter by misuse; (f) a corporation that has forfeited its privileges and franchises by nonuse; (g) a corporation that has committed or omitted acts that amount to a surrender of its corporate rights, privileges, and franchises, or has exercised a franchise or privilege not conferred on it by law. (2) Actions by Prosecutor or Citizen. Other actions for quo warranto may be brought by the prosecuting attorney of the proper county, without leave of court, or by a citizen of the county by special leave of the court. (3) Application to Attorney General. (a) A person may apply to the Attorney General to have the Attorney General bring an action specified in subrule (B)(1). The Attorney General may require the person to give security to indemnify the state against all costs and expenses of the action. The person making the application, and any other person having the proper interest, may be joined as parties plaintiff. (b) If, on proper application and offer of security, the Attorney General refuses to bring the action, the person may apply to the appropriate court for leave to bring the action himself or herself. (C) Person Alleged to be Entitled to Office. If the action is brought against the defendant for usurping an office, the complaint may name the person rightfully entitled to the office, with an allegation of his or her right to it, and that person may be made a party. (D) Venue. The general venue statutes and rules apply to actions for quo warranto, unless a specific statute or rule contains a special venue provision applicable to an action for quo warranto. (E) Hearing. The court may hear the matter or may allow the issues to be tried by a jury. Rule 3.310 Injunctions (A) Preliminary Injunctions. (1) Except as otherwise provided by statute or these rules, an injunction may not be granted before a hearing on a motion for a preliminary injunction or on an order to show cause why a preliminary injunction should not be issued. (2) Before or after the commencement of the hearing on a motion for a preliminary injunction, the court may order the trial of the action on the merits to be advanced and consolidated with the hearing on the motion. Even when consolidation is not ordered, evidence received at the hearing for a preliminary injunction that would be admissible at the trial on the merits becomes part of the trial record and need not be repeated at the trial. This provision may not be used to deny the parties any rights they may have to trial by jury. (3) A motion for a preliminary injunction must be filed and noticed for hearing in compliance with the rules governing other motions unless the court orders otherwise on a showing of good cause. (4) At the hearing on an order to show cause why a preliminary injunction should not issue, the party seeking injunctive relief has the burden of establishing that a preliminary injunction should be issued, whether or not a temporary restraining order has been issued. (5) If a preliminary injunction is granted, the court shall promptly schedule a pretrial conference. The trial of the action on the merits must be held within 6 months after the injunction is granted, unless good cause is shown or the parties stipulate to a longer period. The court shall issue its decision on the merits within 56 days after the trial is completed. (B) Temporary Restraining Orders. (1) A temporary restraining order may be granted without written or oral notice to the adverse party or the adverse party's attorney only if (a) it clearly appears from specific facts shown by affidavit or by a verified complaint that immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage will result to the applicant from the delay required to effect notice or from the risk that notice will itself precipitate adverse action before an order can be issued; (b) the applicant's attorney certifies to the court in writing the efforts, if any, that have been made to give the notice and the reasons supporting the claim that notice should not be required; and (c) a permanent record or memorandum is made of any nonwritten evidence, argument, or other representations made in support of the application. (2) A temporary restraining order granted without notice must: (a) be endorsed with the date and time of issuance; (b) describe the injury and state why it is irreparable and why the order was granted without notice; (c) except in domestic relations actions, set a date for hearing at the earliest possible time on the motion for a preliminary injunction or order to show cause why a preliminary injunction should not be issued. (3) Except in domestic relations actions, a temporary restraining order granted without notice expires by its terms within such time after entry, not to exceed 14 days, as the court sets unless within the time so fixed the order, for good cause shown, is extended for a like period or unless the party against whom the order is directed consents that it may be extended for a longer period. The reasons for the extension must be stated on the record or in a document filed in the action. (4) A temporary restraining order granted without notice must be filed forthwith in the clerk's office and entered in the court records. (5) A motion to dissolve a temporary restraining order granted without notice takes precedence over all matters except older matters of the same character, and may be heard on 24 hours' notice. For good cause shown, the court may order the motion heard on shorter notice. The court may set the time for the hearing at the time the restraining order is granted, without waiting for the filing of a motion to dissolve it, and may order that the hearing on a motion to dissolve a restraining order granted without notice be consolidated with the hearing on a motion for a preliminary injunction or an order to show cause why a preliminary injunction should not be issued. At a hearing on a motion to dissolve a restraining order granted without notice, the burden of justifying continuation of the order is on the applicant for the restraining order whether or not the hearing has been consolidated with a hearing on a motion for a preliminary injunction or an order to show cause. (C) Form and Scope of Injunction. An order granting an injunction or restraining order (1) must set forth the reasons for its issuance; (2) must be specific in terms; (3) must describe in reasonable detail, and not by reference to the complaint or other document, the acts restrained; and (4) is binding only on the parties to the action, their officers, agents, servants, employees, and attorneys, and on those persons in active concert or participation with them who receive actual notice of the order by personal service or otherwise. (D) Security. (1) Before granting a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order, the court may require the applicant to give security, in the amount the court deems proper, for the payment of costs and damages that may be incurred or suffered by a party who is found to have been wrongfully enjoined or restrained. (2) Security is not required of the state or of a Michigan county or municipal corporation or its officer or agency acting in an official capacity. As to other parties, if security is not required the order must state the reason. (3) If the party enjoined deems the security insufficient and has had no prior opportunity to be heard, the party may object to the sufficiency of the surety in the manner provided in MCR 3.604(E). The procedures provided in MCR 3.604(F) apply to the objection. (4) When a bond is required before the issuance of an injunction or temporary restraining order, the bond must be filed with the clerk before the sealing and delivery of the injunction or restraining order. (E) Stay of Action. An injunction or temporary restraining order may not be granted in one action to stay proceedings in another action pending in another court if the relief requested could be sought in the other pending action. (F) Denial of Application. When an application for a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order is denied, but an order is not signed, an endorsement of the denial must be made on the complaint or affidavit, and the complaint or affidavit filed. (G) Later Application After Denial of Injunction. (1) If a circuit judge has denied an application for an injunction or temporary restraining order, in whole or in part, or has granted it conditionally or on terms, later application for the same purpose and in relation to the same matter may not be made to another circuit judge. (2) If an order is entered on an application in violation of subrule (G)(1), it is void and must be revoked by the judge who entered it, on due proof of the facts. A person making the later application contrary to this rule is subject to punishment for contempt. (H) Motion for Injunction in Pending Actions. An injunction may also be granted before or in connection with final judgment on a motion filed after an action is commenced. (I) Application to Special Actions. This rule applies to a special statutory action for an injunction only to the extent that it does not conflict with special procedures prescribed by the statute or the rules governing the special action. Subchapter 3.400 Proceedings Involving Real Property Rule 3.401 Partition (A) Matters to be Determined by Court. On the hearing of an action or proceeding for partition, the court shall determine (1) whether the premises can be partitioned without great prejudice to the parties; (2) the value of the use of the premises and of improvements made to the premises; and (3) other matters the court considers pertinent. (B) Partition or Sale in Lieu of Partition. If the court determines that the premises can be partitioned, MCR 3.402 governs further proceedings. If the court determines that the premises cannot be partitioned without undue prejudice to the owners, it may order the premises sold in lieu of partition under MCR 3.403. (C) Joinder of Lienholders. A creditor having a lien on all or part of the premises, by judgment, mortgage, or otherwise, need not be made a party to the partition proceedings. However, the plaintiff may join every creditor having a specific lien on the undivided interest or estate of a party. If the creditors are made parties, the complaint must state the nature of every lien or encumbrance. Rule 3.402 Partition Procedure (A) Determination of Parties' Interests. In ordering partition the court shall determine the rights and interests of the parties in the premises, and describe parts or shares that are to remain undivided for owners whose interests are unknown or not ascertained. (B) Appointment of Partition Commissioner. (1) The court shall appoint a disinterested person as partition commissioner to make the partition according to the court's determination of the rights and interests of the parties. If the parties agree, three commissioners may be appointed who shall meet together to perform their duties and act by majority vote. (2) The partition commissioner must be sworn before an officer authorized to administer oaths to honestly and impartially partition the property as directed by the court. The oath must be filed with the clerk of the court. (3) If the partition commissioner dies, resigns, or neglects to serve, the court may appoint a replacement. (C) Proceedings Before Partition Commissioner. (1) The partition commissioner (a) may apply to the court for instructions; (b) must give notice of the meeting to consider the problems of the partition to the parties so that they may be heard if they wish to be; and (c) may take evidence at the meeting concerning the problems of partition. (2) The partition commissioner shall divide the premises and allot the respective shares according to the terms in the court's judgment or separate order, and shall designate the several shares and portions by reference to a plat or survey prepared by a land surveyor or engineer licensed by the state. (3) The partition commissioner must report to the court, specifying the procedures followed, describing the land divided and the shares allotted to each party, and listing the commissioner's charges. The parties shall not be present during the preparation of the report or during the deliberations of a panel of three commissioners. A copy of the report must be sent to each party who has appeared in the action. (D) Setting Aside, Modification, or Confirmation of Partition Commissioner's Report. (1) The court may modify or set aside the report and may refer the action to either the same or a newly appointed partition commissioner as often as necessary. (2) On confirming the report, the court shall enter a judgment binding and conclusive on: (a) all parties named in the action who (i) have an interest in the partitioned premises as owners in fee or tenants for years, (ii) are entitled to the reversion, remainder, or inheritance of the premises after the termination of a particular estate in the premises, (iii) are or will become entitled to a beneficial interest in the premises, or (iv) have an interest in an undivided share of the premises as tenants for years, for life, or in dower; (b) the legal representatives of the parties listed in subrule (D)(2)(a); (c) all persons interested in the premises who were unknown at the time the action was commenced and were given sufficient notice either by publication or personally; and (d) all other persons claiming from any of the above parties or persons. (3) The judgment and partition do not affect persons who have claims as tenants in dower or for life to the entire premises subject to the partition; nor do they preclude a person, except those specified in subrule (D)(2), from claiming title to the premises in question or from controverting the title or interest of the parties among whom the partition was made. (4) An authenticated copy of the report, the judgment confirming it, and any incorporated surveys may be recorded with the register of deeds of the county in which the land is located. Copies of subdivision plats already of record need not be recorded. (E) Expenses and Costs. The court may order that the expenses and costs, including attorney fees, be paid by the parties in accordance with their respective rights and equities in the premises. An order requiring a party to pay expenses and costs may be enforced in the same manner as a judgment. (F) Setting Off of Interests in Special Cases. (1) The court may by order set off the interest that belonged to a deceased party, without subdivision, to those claiming under that party when it is expedient to do so. Those legally entitled under or through the deceased party must be mentioned by name in the judgment. (2) If the original parties in interest were fully known, but death, legal proceedings, or other operation of law has caused uncertainty about the identity of the present parties in interest, the interests originally owned by known parties but now owned by unknown persons may be separated as provided in this rule, instead of being left undivided. The division and judgment operate to convey the title to the persons claiming under the known party, according to their legal rights. (3) If an interest in the premises belongs to known or unknown parties who have not appeared in the action, the court shall order partition of the ascertained interests of the known parties who have appeared in the action. The residue of the premises remains for the parties whose interests have not been ascertained, subject to future division. Rule 3.403 Sale of Premises and Division of Proceeds as Substitute for Partition (A) Order of Sale. (1) If a party has a dower interest or life estate in all or a part of the premises at the time of the order for sale, the court shall determine whether, under all the circumstances and with regard for the interests of all the parties, that interest should be excepted from the sale or be sold with the premises. If the court orders that the sale include that party's interest, the sale conveys that interest. (2) In the order of sale the court shall designate: (a) which premises are to be sold; (b) whether the premises are to be sold in separate parcels or together; (c) whether there is a minimum price at which the premises may be sold; (d) the terms of credit to be allowed and the security to be required; and (e) how much of the proceeds will be invested, as required by this rule, for the benefit of unknown owners, infants, parties outside Michigan, and parties who have dower interests or life estates. (B) Specific Procedures and Requirements of Sale. (1) The person appointed by the court to conduct the sale shall give notice of the sale, including the terms. Notice must be given in the same manner as required by MCL 600.6052. (2) Neither the person conducting the sale nor anyone acting in his or her behalf may directly or indirectly purchase or be interested in the purchase of the premises sold. The conservator of a minor or legally incapacitated individual may not purchase or be interested in the purchase of lands that are the subject of the proceedings, except for the benefit of the ward. Sales made contrary to this provision are voidable, except as provided by MCL 700.5421. (3) The part of the price for which credit is allowed must be secured at interest by a mortgage of the premises sold, a note of the purchaser, and other security the court prescribes. (a) The person conducting the sale may take separate mortgages and other securities in the name of the clerk of the court and the clerk's successors for the shares of the purchase money the court directs to be invested, and in the name of a known owner, 18 years of age or older, who desires to have his or her share so invested. (b) When the sale is confirmed, the person conducting the sale must deliver the mortgages and other securities to the clerk of the court, or to the known owners whose shares are invested. (4) After completing the sale, the person conducting the sale shall file a report with the court, stating (a) the name of each purchaser, (b) a description of the parcels of land sold to each purchaser, and (c) the price paid for each parcel. A copy of the report must be sent to each party who has appeared in the action. (5) If the court confirms the sale, it shall enter an order authorizing and directing the person conducting the sale to execute conveyances pursuant to the sale. (6) Conveyances executed according to these rules shall be recorded in the county where the land is located. These conveyances are a bar against (a) all interested persons who were made parties to the proceedings; (b) all unknown parties who were ordered to appear and answer by proper publication or personal service of notice; (c) all persons claiming through parties listed in subrules (B)(6)(a) and (b); (d) all persons who have specific liens on an undivided share or interest in the premises, if they were made parties to the proceedings. (7) If the court confirms the sale, and the successful bidder fails to purchase under the terms of the sale, the court may order that the premises be resold at that bidder's risk. That bidder is liable to pay the amount of his or her bid minus the amount received on resale. (C) Costs and Expenses of the Proceeding. The person conducting the sale shall deduct the costs and expenses of the proceeding, including the plaintiff's reasonable attorney fees as determined by the court, from the proceeds of the sale and pay them to the plaintiff or the plaintiff's attorney. (D) Distribution of Proceeds of Sale. (1) When premises that include a dower interest or life estate are sold, the owner of the dower interest or life estate shall be compensated as provided in this subrule. (a) Unless the owner consents to the alternative compensation provided in subrule (D)(1)(b), the court shall order that the following amount be invested in interest-bearing accounts insured by an agency of the United States government, with the interest paid annually for life to the owner of the dower interest or life estate: (i) in the case of a dower interest, one-third of the proceeds of the sale of the premises or of the undivided share of the premises on which the claim of dower existed, after deduction of the owner's share of the expenses of the proceeding; (ii) in the case of a life estate, the entire proceeds of the sale of the premises, or undivided share of the premises in which the life estate existed, after deduction of the proportion of the owner's share of the expenses of the proceeding. If the owner of the dower interest or life estate is unknown, the court shall order the protection of the person's rights in the same manner, as far as possible, as if he or she were known and had appeared. (b) If, before the person conducting the sale files the report of sale, the owner of the dower interest or life estate consents, the court shall direct that the owner be paid an amount that, on the principles of law applicable to annuities, is reasonable compensation for the interest or estate. To be effective the consent must be by a written instrument witnessed and acknowledged in the manner required to make a deed eligible for recording. (2) If there are encumbrances on the estate or interest in the premises of a party to the proceeding, the person conducting the sale must pay to the clerk the portion of the proceeds attributable to the sale of that estate or interest, after deducting the share of the costs, charges, and expenses for which it is liable. The party who owned that estate or interest may apply to the court for payment of his or her claim out of these proceeds. The application must be accompanied by (a) an affidavit stating the amount due on each encumbrance and the name and address of the owner of each encumbrance, as far as known; and (b) proof by affidavit that notice was served on each owner of an encumbrance, in the manner prescribed in MCR 2.107. The court shall hear the proofs, determine the rights of the parties, and direct who must pay the costs of the trial. fter ascertaining the amount of existing encumbrances, the court shall order the distribution of the money held by the clerk among the creditors having encumbrances, according to their priority. When paying an encumbrance the clerk must procure satisfaction of the encumbrance, acknowledged in the form required by law, and must record the satisfaction of the encumbrance. The clerk may pay the expenses of these services out of the portion of the money in court that belongs to the party by whom the encumbrance was payable. The proceedings under this subrule to ascertain and settle the amounts of encumbrances do not affect other parties to the proceedings for partition and do not delay the payment to a party whose estate in the premises is not subject to an encumbrance or the investing of the money for the benefit of such a person. (3) The proceeds of a sale, after deducting the costs, must be divided among the parties whose rights and interests have been sold, in proportion to their respective rights in the premises. (a) The shares of the parties who are 18 years of age or older must be paid to them or to their legal representatives (or brought into court for their use) by the person conducting the sale. (b) The court may direct that the share of a minor or a legally incapacitated individual be paid to his or her conservator or be invested in interestbearing accounts insured by an agency of the United States government in the name and for the benefit of the minor or legally incapacitated individual. (c) If a party whose interest has been sold is absent from the state and has no legal representative in the state or is not known or named in the proceedings, the court shall direct that his or her share be invested in interest-bearing accounts insured by the United States government for the party's benefit until claimed. (4) The court may require that before receiving a share of the proceeds of a sale a party give a note to secure refund of the share, with interest, if the party is later found not entitled to it. (5) When the court directs that security be given or investments be made, or the person conducting the sale takes security on the sale of real estate, the bonds, notes, and investments must be taken in the name of the clerk of the court and the clerk's successors in office, unless provision is made to take them in the name of a known owner. The clerk must hold them and deliver them to his or her successor, and must receive the interest and principal as they become due and apply or reinvest them, as the court directs. The clerk shall annually give to the court a written, sworn account of the money received and the disposition of it. A security, bond, note, mortgage, or other evidence of the investment may not be discharged, transferred, or impaired by an act of the clerk without the order of the court. A person interested in an investment, with the leave of the court, may prosecute it in the name of the existing clerk, and an action is not abated by the death, removal from office, or resignation of the clerk to whom the instruments were executed or the clerk's successors. Rule 3.410 Foreclosure of Mortgages and Land Contracts (A) Rules Applicable. Except as prescribed in this rule, the general rules of procedure apply to actions to foreclose mortgages and land contracts. (B) Pleading. (1) A plaintiff seeking foreclosure or satisfaction of a mortgage on real estate or a land contract must state in the complaint whether an action has ever been brought to recover all or part of the debt secured by the mortgage or land contract and whether part of the debt has been collected or paid. (2) In a complaint for foreclosure or satisfaction of a mortgage or a land contract, it is not necessary to set out in detail the rights and interests of the defendants who are purchasers of, or who have liens on, the premises, subsequent to the recording of the mortgage or land contract. It is sufficient for the plaintiff, after setting out his or her own interest in the premises, to state generally that the defendants have or claim some interest in the premises as subsequent purchasers, encumbrancers, or otherwise. (C) Time for Sale. A sale under a judgment of foreclosure may not be ordered on less than 42 days' notice. Publication may not begin until the time set by the judgment for payment has expired, and (1) until 6 months after an action to foreclose a mortgage is begun; (2) until 3 months after an action to foreclose a land contract is begun. (D) Disposition of Surplus. When there is money remaining from a foreclosure sale after paying the amount due the plaintiff, a party to the action may move for the disposition of the surplus in accordance with the rights of the parties entitled to it. (E) Administration of Mortgage Trusts in Equity. (1) Proceedings of the kind described in MCL 600.3170 are governed by the procedures prescribed by MCL 451.401-451.405, except as modified by this subrule. (2) A bond, other obligation, or beneficial interest held by or for the benefit of the mortgagor or the mortgagor's successor in estate, or subject to an agreement or option by which the mortgagor or the mortgagor's successor in estate may acquire it or an interest in it, may not be considered in determining a majority of such obligations or beneficial interests, either as part of the majority or as part of the whole number of which the majority is required. Rule 3.411 Civil Action to Determine Interests in Land (A) This rule applies to actions to determine interests in land under MCL 600.2932. It does not apply to summary proceedings to recover possession of premises under MCL 600.5701-600.5759. (B) Complaint. (1) The complaint must describe the land in question with reasonable certainty by stating (a) the section, township, and range of the premises; (b) the number of the block and lot of the premises; or (c) another description of the premises sufficiently clear so that the premises may be identified. (2) The complaint must allege (a) the interest the plaintiff claims in the premises; (b) the interest the defendant claims in the premises; and (c) the facts establishing the superiority of the plaintiff's claim. (C) Written Evidence of Title to be Referred to in Pleadings. (1) Written evidence of title may not be introduced at trial unless it has been sufficiently referred to in the pleadings in accordance with this rule. (2) The plaintiff must attach to the complaint, and the defendant must attach to the answer, a statement of the title on which the pleader relies, showing from whom the title was obtained and the page and book where it appears of record. (3) Within a reasonable time after demand for it, a party must furnish to the adverse party a copy of an unrecorded conveyance on which he or she relies or give a satisfactory reason for not doing so. (4) References to title may be amended or made more specific in accordance with the general rules regarding amendments and motions for more definite statement. (D) Findings As to Rights in and Title to Premises. (1) After evidence has been taken, the court shall make findings determining the disputed rights in and title to the premises. (2) If a party not in possession of the premises is found to have had a right to possession at the time the action was commenced, but that right expired before the trial, that party must prove the damages sustained because the premises were wrongfully withheld, and the court shall enter judgment in the amount proved. (E) Claim for Reasonable Value of Use of Premises. (1) Within 28 days after the finding of title, the party found to have title to the premises may file a claim against the party who withheld possession of the premises for the reasonable value of the use of the premises during the period the premises were withheld, beginning 6 years before the action was commenced. (2) The court shall hear evidence and make findings, determining the value of the use of the premises. (a) The findings must be based on the value of the use of the premises in their condition at the time the withholding party, or those through whom that party claims, first went into possession. The use of the buildings or improvements put on the land by the party who withheld possession may not be considered. (b) The findings must be based on the general value of the use of the premises, not on a peculiar value the use of the premises had to the party who withheld possession or might have had to the party who had title. (F) Claim for Value of Buildings Erected and Improvements Made on Premises. (1) Within 28 days after the finding of title, a party may file a claim against the party found to have title to the premises for the amount that the present value of the premises has been increased by the erection of buildings or the making of improvements by the party making the claim or those through whom he or she claims. (2) The court shall hear evidence as to the value of the buildings erected and the improvements made on the premises, and the value the premises would have if they had not been improved or built upon. The court shall determine the amount the premises would be worth at the time of the claim had the premises not been improved, and the amount the value of the premises was increased at the time of the claim by the buildings erected and improvements made. (3) The party claiming the value of the improvements may not recover their value if they were made in bad faith. (G) Election by Party in Title. (1) The person found to have title to the premises may elect to abandon them to the party claiming the value of the improvements and to take a judgment against that party for the value the premises would have had at the time of the trial if they had not been improved. The election must be filed with the court within 28 days after the findings on the claim for improvements. The judgment for the value of the premises is a lien against the premises. (2) If the person found to have title does not elect to abandon the premises under subrule (G)(1), the judgment will provide that he or she recover the premises and pay the value of the improvements to the clerk of the court within the time set in the judgment. (a) The person found to have title must pay the amount, plus accrued interest, before taking possession of the premises under the judgment, if that person is not already in possession. (b) If the person found to have title fails to pay the amount of the judgment and the accrued interest within the time set in the judgment, he or she is deemed to have abandoned all claim of title to the premises to the parties in whose favor the judgment for the value of the improvements runs. (H) Judgment Binding Only on Parties to Action. Except for title acquired by adverse possession, the judgment determining a claim to title, equitable title, right to possession, or other interests in lands under this rule, determines only the rights and interests of the known and unknown persons who are parties to the action, and of persons claiming through those parties by title accruing after the commencement of the action. (I) Possession Under Judgment Not to be Affected by Vacation of Judgment Alone. When the judgment in an action under these rules determines that a party is entitled to possession of the premises in dispute, that party's right to possession is not affected by vacation of the judgment and the granting of a new trial, until a contrary judgment is rendered as a result of the new trial. Rule 3.412 Construction Liens In an action to enforce a lien under MCL 570.1101 et seq., or other similar law, if the plaintiff has joined others holding liens or others have filed notice of intention to claim liens against the same property, it is not necessary for the plaintiff to answer the counterclaim or cross-claim of another lien claimant, nor for the other lien claimants to answer the plaintiff's complaint or the cross-claim of another lien claimant, unless one of them disputes the validity or amount of the lien sought to be enforced. If no issue has been raised between lien claimants as to the validity or amount of a lien, the action is ready for hearing when at issue between the lien claimants and the owners, part owners, or lessees of the property. Subchapter 3.500 Representative Actions Rule 3.501 Class Actions (A) Nature of Class Action. (1) One or more members of a class may sue or be sued as representative parties on behalf of all members in a class action only if: (a) the class is so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable; (b) there are questions of law or fact common to the members of the class that predominate over questions affecting only individual members; (c) the claims or defenses of the representative parties are typical of the claims or defenses of the class; (d) the representative parties will fairly and adequately assert and protect the interests of the class; and (e) the maintenance of the action as a class action will be superior to other available methods of adjudication in promoting the convenient administration of justice. (2) In determining whether the maintenance of the action as a class action will be superior to other available methods of adjudication in promoting the convenient administration of justice, the court shall consider among other matters the following factors: (a) whether the prosecution of separate actions by or against individual members of the class would create a risk of (i) inconsistent or varying adjudications with respect to individual members of the class that would confront the party opposing the class with incompatible standards of conduct; or (ii) adjudications with respect to individual members of the class that would as a practical matter be dispositive of the interests of other members not parties to the adjudications or substantially impair or impede their ability to protect their interests; (b) whether final equitable or declaratory relief might be appropriate with respect to the class; (c) whether the action will be manageable as a class action; (d) whether in view of the complexity of the issues or the expense of litigation the separate claims of individual class members are insufficient in amount to support separate actions; (e) whether it is probable that the amount which may be recovered by individual class members will be large enough in relation to the expense and effort of administering the action to justify a class action; and (f) whether members of the class have a significant interest in controlling the prosecution or defense of separate actions. (3) Class members shall have the right to be excluded from the action in the manner provided in this rule, subject to the authority of the court to order them made parties to the action pursuant to other applicable court rules. (4) Class members have the right to intervene in the action, subject to the authority of the court to regulate the orderly course of the action. (5) An action for a penalty or minimum amount of recovery without regard to actual damages imposed or authorized by statute may not be maintained as a class action unless the statute specifically authorizes its recovery in a class action. (B) Procedure for Certification of Class Action. (1) Motion. (a) Within 91 days after the filing of a complaint that includes class action allegations, the plaintiff must move for certification that the action may be maintained as a class action. (b) The time for filing the motion may be extended by order on stipulation of the parties or on motion for cause shown. (2) Effect of Failure to File Motion. If the plaintiff fails to file a certification motion within the time allowed by subrule (B)(1), the defendant may file a notice of the failure. On the filing of such a notice, the class action allegations are deemed stricken, and the action continues by or against the named parties alone. The class action allegations may be reinstated only if the plaintiff shows that the failure was due to excusable neglect. (3) Action by Court. (a) Except on motion for good cause, the court shall not proceed with consideration of the motion to certify until service of the summons and complaint on all named defendants or until the expiration of any unserved summons under MCR 2.102(D). (b) The court may allow the action to be maintained as a class action, may deny the motion, or may order that a ruling be postponed pending discovery or other preliminary procedures. (c) In an order certifying a class action, the court shall set forth a description of the class. (d) When appropriate the court may order that (i) the action be maintained as a class action limited to particular issues or forms of relief, or (ii) a proposed class be divided into separate classes with each treated as a class for purposes of certifying, denying certification, or revoking a certification. (e) If certification is denied or revoked, the action shall continue by or against the named parties alone. (C) Notice to Class Members. (1) Notice Requirement. Notice shall be given as provided in this subrule to persons who are included in a class action by certification or amendment of a prior certification, and to persons who were included in a class action by a prior certification but who are to be excluded from the class by amendment or revocation of the certification. (2) Proposals Regarding Notice. The plaintiff shall include in the motion for certification a proposal regarding notice covering the matters that must be determined by the court under subrule (C)(3). In lieu of such a proposal, the plaintiff may state reasons why a determination of these matters cannot then be made and offer a proposal as to when such a determination should be made. Such a proposal must also be included in a motion to revoke or amend certification. (3) Action by Court. As soon as practicable, the court shall determine how, when, by whom, and to whom the notice shall be given; the content of the notice; and to whom the response to the notice is to be sent. The court may postpone the notice determination until after the parties have had an opportunity for discovery, which the court may limit to matters relevant to the notice determination. (4) Manner of Giving Notice. (a) Reasonable notice of the action shall be given to the class in such manner as the court directs. (b) The court may require individual written notice to all members who can be identified with reasonable effort. In lieu of or in addition to individual notice, the court may require notice to be given through another method reasonably calculated to reach the members of the class. Such methods may include using publication in a newspaper or magazine; broadcasting on television or radio; posting; or distribution through a trade or professional association, union, or public interest group. (c) In determining the manner of notice, the court shall consider, among other factors, (i) the extent and nature of the class, (ii) the relief requested, (iii) the cost of notifying the members, (iv) the resources of the plaintiff, and (v) the possible prejudice to be suffered by members of the class or by others if notice is not received. (5) Content of Notice. The notice shall include: (a) a general description of the action, including the relief sought, and the names and addresses of the representative parties; (b) a statement of the right of a member of the class to be excluded from the action by submitting an election to be excluded, including the manner and time for exercising the election; (c) a description of possible financial consequences for the class; (d) a general description of any counterclaim or notice of intent to assert a counterclaim by or against members of the class, including the relief sought; (e) a statement that the judgment, whether favorable or not, will bind all members of the class who are not excluded from the action; (f) a statement that any member of the class may intervene in the action; (g) the address of counsel to whom inquiries may be directed; and (h) other information the court deems appropriate. (6) Cost of Notice. (a) The plaintiff shall bear the expense of the notification required by subrule (C)(1). The court may require the defendant to cooperate in the notice process, but any additional costs incurred by the defendant in doing so shall be paid by the plaintiff. (b) Upon termination of the action, the court may allow as taxable costs the expenses of notification incurred by the prevailing party. (c) Subrules (C)(6)(a) and (b) shall not apply when a statute provides for a different allocation of the cost of notice in a particular class of actions. (7) Additional Notices. In addition to the notice required by subrule (C)(1), during the course of the action the court may require that notice of any other matter be given in such manner as the court directs to some or all of the members of the class. (D) Judgment. (1) The judgment shall describe the parties bound. (2) A judgment entered before certification of a class binds only the named parties. (3) A motion for judgment (including partial judgment) under MCR 2.116 may be filed and decided before the decision on the question of class certification. A judgment entered before certification in favor of a named party does not preclude that party from representing the class in the action if that is otherwise appropriate. (4) A complaint that does not include class action allegations may not be amended to include such allegations after the granting of judgment or partial judgment under MCR 2.116. (5) A judgment entered in an action certified as a class action binds all members of the class who have not submitted an election to be excluded, except as otherwise directed by the court. (E) Dismissal or Compromise. An action certified as a class action may not be dismissed or compromised without the approval of the court, and notice of the proposed dismissal or compromise shall be given to the class in such manner as the court directs. (F) Statute of Limitations. (1) The statute of limitations is tolled as to all persons within the class described in the complaint on the commencement of an action asserting a class action. (2) The statute of limitations resumes running against class members other than representative parties and intervenors: (a) on the filing of a notice of the plaintiff's failure to move for class certification under subrule (B)(2); (b) 28 days after notice has been made under subrule (C)(1) of the entry, amendment, or revocation of an order of certification eliminating the person from the class; (c) on entry of an order denying certification of the action as a class action; (d) on submission of an election to be excluded; (e) on final disposition of the action. (3) If the circumstance that brought about the resumption of the running of the statute is superseded by a further order of the trial court, by reversal on appeal, or otherwise, the statute of limitations shall be deemed to have been tolled continuously from the commencement of the action. (G) Discovery. Representative parties and intervenors are subject to discovery in the same manner as parties in other civil actions. Other class members are subject to discovery in the same manner as persons who are not parties, and may be required to submit to discovery procedures applicable to parties to the extent ordered by the court. (H) Counterclaims. (1) Right to File Counterclaims. A party to a class action may file counterclaims as in any other action, including counterclaims by or against a class or an individual class member. (2) Notice of Intent to File Counterclaims. The defendant may file notice of intent to assert counterclaims against absent class members before notice of certification is given under subrule (C)(1), identifying or describing the persons against whom counterclaims may be filed and describing the nature of the counterclaims. (3) Time to File. A counterclaim against a class member other than a representative party must be filed and served within 56 days after the class member intervenes or submits a claim for distribution of a share of any award recovered in the action, whichever is earlier, or within such further time as the court allows. (4) Notice to Class Members. If the notice of certification given under subrule (C)(1) did not notify potential class members of the counterclaim, each class member against whom a counterclaim is asserted shall be permitted to elect to be excluded from the action. Notice of this right shall be served with the counterclaim. (5) Control of Action. The court shall take such steps as are necessary to prevent the pendency of counterclaims from making the action unmanageable as a class action. Such steps include but are not limited to severing counterclaims for separate trial under MCR 2.505(B) or ordering that consideration of the counterclaims be deferred until after determination of the issue of the defendant's liability, at which time the court may hear the counterclaims, remove them to a lower court, change venue, dismiss them without prejudice, or take other appropriate action. (I) Defendant Classes. (1) An action that seeks to recover money from individual members of a defendant class may not be maintained as a class action. (2) A representative of a defendant class, other than a public body or a public officer, may decline to defend the action in a representative capacity unless the court finds that the convenient administration of justice otherwise requires. Rule 3.502 Secondary Action by Shareholders (A) Pleading. In an action brought by one or more shareholders in an incorporated or unincorporated association because the association has refused or failed to enforce rights which may properly be asserted by it, the complaint shall set forth under oath and with particularity the efforts of the plaintiff to secure from the managing directors or trustees the action the plaintiff desires and the reasons for the failure to obtain such action, or the reasons for not making such an effort. (B) Security. At any stage of an action under this subrule the court may require such security and impose such terms as shall fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class or association in whose behalf the action is brought or defended. (C) Notice. The court may order that notice be given, in the manner and to the persons it directs, (1) of the right of absent persons to appear and present claims and defenses; (2) of the pendency of the action; (3) of a proposed settlement; (4) of entry of judgment; or (5) of any other proceedings in the action. (D) Inadequate Representation. Whenever the representation appears to the court inadequate to protect the interests of absent persons who may be bound by the judgment, the court may at any time prior to judgment order an amendment of the pleadings to eliminate references to representation of absent persons, and the court shall enter judgment in such form as to affect only the parties to the action and those adequately represented. Rule 3.503 Action by Fiduciary (A) Court Order. When a proceeding is instituted by a fiduciary seeking instruction or authorization with respect to fiduciary duties or the trust property, and it appears that it is impracticable to bring all of the beneficiaries before the court, the court shall enter an order: (1) setting forth the form of and manner for giving notice of the proceedings to the beneficiaries, and (2) selecting representatives of the beneficiaries to act as representatives of the class. (B) Notice. The contents of the notice shall fairly state the purpose of the proceedings and shall specify the time and place of hearing. Where an applicable statute provides for notice, the court may dispense with other notice. Subchapter 3.600 Miscellaneous Proceedings Rule 3.601 Public Nuisances (A) Procedure to Abate Public Nuisance. Actions to abate public nuisances are governed by the general rules of procedure and evidence applicable to nonjury actions, except as provided by the statutes covering public nuisances and by this rule. (B) Default; Hearing; Notice and Time. If a defendant fails to answer within the time provided, his or her default may be taken. On answer of a defendant or entry of a defendant's default, a party other than a defendant in default may notice the action for hearing on 7 days' notice. Hearings in actions under this rule take precedence over actions that are not entitled to priority by statute or rule and may be held at the time they are noticed without further pretrial proceedings. (C) Motions; Hearing. Motions by the defendant filed and served with the answer are heard on the day of the hearing of the action. (D) Entry of Order or Judgment; Preliminary Injunction. (1) On the day noticed for hearing, the court shall hear and determine the disputed issues and enter a proper order and judgment. (2) If the hearing is adjourned at the defendant's request, and the court is satisfied by affidavit or otherwise that the allegations in the complaint are true and that the plaintiff is entitled to relief, an injunction as requested may be granted, to be binding until further order. (3) If service is not obtained on all of the defendants named in the complaint, the court has jurisdiction to hear the action and enter a proper order of abatement and judgment against those defendants who have been served. The order and judgment may not adversely affect the interests of the defendants who have not been served. (E) Temporary Restraining Order. If a preliminary injunction is requested in the complaint and the court is satisfied by affidavit or otherwise that the material allegations are true, and that the plaintiff is entitled to relief, it may issue a temporary restraining order in accordance with MCR 3.310(B), restraining the defendant from conducting, maintaining, and permitting the continuance of the nuisance and from removing or permitting the removal of the liquor, furniture, fixtures, vehicles, or other things used in the maintenance of the nuisance, until the final hearing and determination on the complaint or further order. (F) Substitution for Complaining Party. The court may substitute the Attorney General or prosecuting attorney for the complaining party and direct the substituted officer to prosecute the action to judgment. (G) Further Orders of Court. The court may enter other orders consistent with equity and not inconsistent with the provisions of the statute and this rule. Rule 3.602 Arbitration (A) Applicability of Rule. This rule governs statutory arbitration under MCL 600.5001-600.5035. (B) Proceedings to Compel or to Stay Arbitration. (1) A request for an order to compel or to stay arbitration or for another order under this rule must be by motion, which shall be heard in the manner and on the notice provided by these rules for motions. If there is not a pending action between the parties, the party seeking the requested relief must first file a complaint as in other civil actions. (2) On motion of a party showing an agreement to arbitrate that conforms to the arbitration statute, and the opposing party's refusal to arbitrate, the court may order the parties to proceed with arbitration and to take other steps necessary to carry out the arbitration agreement and the arbitration statute. If the opposing party denies the existence of an agreement to arbitrate, the court shall summarily determine the issues and may order arbitration or deny the motion. (3) On motion, the court may stay an arbitration proceeding commenced or threatened on a showing that there is no agreement to arbitrate. If there is a substantial and good-faith dispute, the court shall summarily try the issue and may enter a stay or direct the parties to proceed to arbitration. (4) A motion to compel arbitration may not be denied on the ground that the claim sought to be arbitrated lacks merit or is not filed in good faith, or because fault or grounds for the claim have not been shown. (C) Action Involving Issues Subject to Arbitration; Stay. Subject to MCR 3.310(E), an action or proceeding involving an issue subject to arbitration must be stayed if an order for arbitration or motion for such an order has been made under this rule. If the issue subject to arbitration is severable, the stay may be limited to that issue. If a motion for an order compelling arbitration is made in the action or proceeding in which the issue is raised, an order for arbitration must include a stay. (D) Hearing; Time; Place; Adjournment. (1) The arbitrator shall set the time and place for the hearing, and may adjourn it as necessary. (2) On a party's request for good cause, the arbitrator may postpone the hearing to a time not later than the day set for rendering the award. (E) Oath of Arbitrator and Witnesses. (1) Before hearing testimony, the arbitrator must be sworn to hear and fairly consider the matters submitted and to make a just award according to his or her best understanding. (2) The arbitrator has the power to administer oaths to the witnesses. (F) Subpoena; Depositions. (1) MCR 2.506 applies to arbitration hearings. (2) On a party's request, the arbitrator may permit the taking of a deposition, for use as evidence, of a witness who cannot be subpoenaed or is unable to attend the hearing. The arbitrator may designate the manner of and the terms for taking the deposition. (G) Representation by Attorney. A party has the right to be represented by an attorney at a proceeding or hearing under this rule. A waiver of the right before the proceeding or hearing is ineffective. (H) Award by Majority; Absence of Arbitrator. If the arbitration is by a panel of arbitrators, the hearing shall be conducted by all of them, but a majority may decide any question and render a final award unless the concurrence of all of the arbitrators is expressly required by the agreement to submit to arbitration. If, during the course of the hearing, an arbitrator ceases to act for any reason, the remaining arbitrator or arbitrators may continue with the hearing and determine the controversy. (I) Award; Confirmation by Court. An arbitration award filed with the clerk of the court designated in the agreement or statute within one year after the award was rendered may be confirmed by the court, unless it is vacated, corrected, or modified, or a decision is postponed, as provided in this rule. (J) Vacating Award. (1) A request for an order to vacate an arbitration award under this rule must be made by motion. If there is not a pending action between the parties, the party seeking the requested relief must first file a complaint as in other civil actions. A complaint to vacate an arbitration award must be filed no later than 21 days after the date of the arbitration award. (2) On motion of a party, the court shall vacate an award if: (a) the award was procured by corruption, fraud, or other undue means; (b) there was evident partiality by an arbitrator appointed as a neutral, corruption of an arbitrator, or misconduct prejudicing a party’s rights; (c) the arbitrator exceeded his or her powers; or (d) the arbitrator refused to postpone the hearing on a showing of sufficient cause, refused to hear evidence material to the controversy, or otherwise conducted the hearing to prejudice substantially a party’s rights. The fact that the relief could not or would not be granted by a court of law or equity is not ground for vacating or refusing to confirm the award. (3) A motion to vacate an award must be filed within 91 days after the date of the award. However, if the motion is predicated on corruption, fraud, or other undue means, it must be filed within 21 days after the grounds are known or should have been known. A motion to vacate an award in a domestic relations case must be filed within 21 days after the date of the award. (4) In vacating the award, the court may order a rehearing before a new arbitrator chosen as provided in the agreement, or, if there is no such provision, by the court. If the award is vacated on grounds stated in subrule (J)(1)(c) or (d), the court may order a rehearing before the arbitrator who made the award. The time within which the agreement requires the award to be made is applicable to the rehearing and commences from the date of the order. (5) If the motion to vacate is denied and there is no motion to modify or correct the award pending, the court shall confirm the award. (K) Modification or Correction of Award. (1) A request for an order to modify or correct an arbitration award under this rule must be made by motion. If there is not a pending action between the parties, the party seeking the requested relief must first file a complaint as in other civil actions. A complaint to correct or modify an arbitration award must be filed no later than 21 days after the date of the arbitration award. (2) On motion made within 91 days after the date of the award, the court shall modify or correct the award if: (a) there is an evident miscalculation of figures or an evident mistake in the description of a person, a thing, or property referred to in the award; (b) the arbitrator has awarded on a matter not submitted to the arbitrator, and the award may be corrected without affecting the merits of the decision on the issues submitted; or (c) the award is imperfect in a matter of form, not affecting the merits of the controversy. (3) If the motion is granted, the court shall modify and correct the award to effect its intent and shall confirm the award as modified and corrected. Otherwise, the court shall confirm the award as made. (4) A motion to modify or correct an award may be joined in the alternative with a motion to vacate the award. (L) Judgment. The court shall render judgment giving effect to the award as corrected, confirmed, or modified. The judgment has the same force and effect, and may be enforced in the same manner, as other judgments. (M) Costs. The costs of the proceedings may be taxed as in civil actions, and, if provision for the fees and expenses of the arbitrator has not been made in the award, the court may allow compensation for the arbitrator’s services as it deems just. The arbitrator’s compensation is a taxable cost in the action. (N) Appeals. Appeals may be taken as from orders or judgments in other civil actions. Rule 3.603 Interpleader (A) Availability. (1) Persons having claims against the plaintiff may be joined as defendants and required to interplead when their claims are such that the plaintiff is or may be exposed to double or multiple liability. It is not a ground for objection to the joinder that the claims of the several claimants or the titles on which their claims depend do not have a common origin or are not identical, but are adverse to and independent of one another, or that the plaintiff denies liability to any or all of the claimants in whole or in part. (2) A defendant exposed to liability as described in subrule (A)(1), may obtain interpleader by counterclaim or cross-claim. A claimant not already before the court may be joined as defendant, as provided in MCR 2.207 or MCR 2.209. (3) If one or more actions concerning the subject matter of the interpleader action have already been filed, the interpleader action must be filed in the court where the first action was filed. (B) Procedure. (1) The court may order the property or the amount of money as to which the plaintiff admits liability to be deposited with the court or otherwise preserved, or to be secured by a bond in an amount sufficient to assure payment of the liability admitted. (2) The court may thereafter enjoin the parties before it from commencing or prosecuting another action regarding the subject matter of the interpleader action. (3) On hearing, the court may order the plaintiff discharged from liability as to property deposited or secured before determining the rights of the claimants. (C) Rule Not Exclusive. The provisions of this rule supplement and do not in any way limit the joinder of parties permitted by MCR 2.206. (D) Disposition of Earlier Action. If another action concerning the subject matter of the interpleader action has previously been filed, the court in which the earlier action was filed may: (1) transfer the action, entirely or in part, to the court in which the interpleader action is pending, (2) hold the action entirely or partially in abeyance, pending resolution of the interpleader action, (3) dismiss the action, entirely or in part, or (4) upon a showing of good cause, proceed with the action, explaining on the record the basis of the decision to proceed. (E) Actual Costs. The court may award actual costs to an interpleader plaintiff. For the purposes of this rule, actual costs are those costs taxable in any civil action, and a reasonable attorney fee as determined by the trial court. (1) The court may order that the plaintiff's actual costs of filing the interpleader request, tendering the disputed property to the court, and participating in the case as a disinterested stakeholder be paid from the disputed property or by another party. (2) If the plaintiff incurs actual costs other than those described in subrule (1) due to another party's unreasonable litigation posture, the court may order that the other party pay those additional actual costs. (3) An award made pursuant to this rule may not include reimbursement for the actual costs of asserting the plaintiff's own claim to the disputed property, or of supporting or opposing another party's claim. Rule 3.604 Bonds (A) Scope of Rule. This rule applies to bonds given under the Michigan Court Rules and the Revised Judicature Act, unless a rule or statute clearly indicates that a different procedure is to be followed. (B) Submission to Jurisdiction of Court by Surety. A surety on a bond or undertaking given under the Michigan Court Rules or the Revised Judicature Act submits to the jurisdiction of the court and consents that further proceedings affecting the surety's liability on the bond or undertaking may be conducted under this rule. (C) Death of Party; Substitution of Surety. If the only plaintiff or the only defendant dies during the pendency of an action, in addition to the parties substituted under MCR 2.202, each surety on a bond given by the deceased party shall be made a party to the action, on notice to the surety in the manner prescribed in MCR 2.107. (D) Affidavit of Surety; Notice of Bond. (1) A surety on a bond, except for a surety company authorized to do business in Michigan, must execute an affidavit that he or she has pecuniary responsibility and attach the affidavit to the bond. (2) In alleging pecuniary responsibility, a surety must affirm that he or she owns assets not exempt from execution having a fair market value exceeding his or her liabilities by at least twice the amount of the bond. (3) A copy of a bond and the accompanying affidavit must be promptly served on the party for whose benefit it is given in the manner prescribed in MCR 2.107. Proof of service must be filed promptly with the court in which the bond has been filed. (4) In an action alleging medical malpractice filed on or after October 1, 1986, notice of the filing of security for costs or the affidavit in lieu of such security, required by MCL 600.2912d, 600.2912e, shall be given as provided in MCR 2.109(B). (E) Objections to Surety. A party for whose benefit a bond is given may, within 7 days after receipt of a copy of the bond, serve on the officer taking the bond and the party giving the bond a notice that the party objects to the sufficiency of the surety. Failure to do so waives all objections to the surety. (F) Hearing on Objections to Surety. Notice of objection to a surety must be filed as a motion for hearing on objections to the bond. (1) On demand of the objecting party, the surety must appear at the hearing of the motion and be subject to examination as to the surety's pecuniary responsibility or the validity of the execution of the bond. (2) After the hearing, the court may approve or reject the bond as filed or require an amended, substitute, or additional bond, as the circumstances warrant. (3) In an appeal to the circuit court from a lower court or tribunal, an objection to the surety is heard in the circuit court. (G) Surety Company Bond. A surety company certified by the Commissioner of Insurance as authorized to do business in Michigan may act as surety on a bond. (H) Assignment or Delivery of Bond. If the condition of a bond is broken, or the circumstances require, the court shall direct the delivery or assignment of the bond for prosecution to the person for whose benefit it was given. Proceedings to enforce the bond may be taken in the action pursuant to subrule (I). (I) Judgment Against Surety. (1) Judgment on Motion. In an action in which a bond or other security has been posted, judgment may be entered directly against the surety or the security on motion without the necessity of an independent action on a showing that the condition has occurred giving rise to the liability on the bond or to the forfeiture of the security. (2) Notice. Notice of the hearing on the motion for judgment must be given to the surety or the owner of the security in the manner prescribed in MCR 2.107. The notice may be mailed to the address stated in the bond or stated when the security was furnished unless the surety or owner has given notice of a change of address. (3) Restitution. If in later proceedings in the action, on appeal or otherwise, it is determined that the surety is not liable or that the security should not have been forfeited, the court may order restitution of money paid or security forfeited. (J) Application to Another Judge After Supersedeas Refused. (1) If a circuit judge has denied an application for supersedeas in whole or in part, or has granted it conditionally or on terms, a later application for the same purpose and in the same matter may not be made to another circuit judge if the first judge is available. (2) If an order is entered contrary to the provisions of subrule (J)(1), it is void and must be revoked by the judge who entered it, on proof of the facts. A person making a later application contrary to this rule is subject to punishment for contempt. (K) Cash or Securities Bond. The furnishing of a cash or securities bond under MCL 600.2631 is deemed compliance with these rules. (L) Stay of Proceedings Without Bond. If a party required to give a bond under these rules for supersedeas, appeal, or otherwise is unable to give the bond by reason of poverty, the court may, on proof of the inability, limit or eliminate the requirement for surety on the bond on appropriate conditions and for a reasonable time. Rule 3.605 Collection of Penalties, Fines, Forfeitures, and Forfeited Recognizances (A) Definition. The term "penalty," as used in this rule, includes fines, forfeitures, and forfeited recognizances, unless otherwise provided in this rule. (B) Parties. The civil action for a pecuniary penalty incurred for the violation of an ordinance of a city or village must be brought in the name of the city or village. Other actions to recover penalties must be brought in the name of the people of the State of Michigan. (C) Judgment on Penalty. In an action against a party liable for a penalty, judgment may be rendered directly against the party and in favor of the other party on motion and showing that the condition has occurred giving rise to the penalty. This subrule does not apply to forfeited civil recognizances under MCR 3.604 or to forfeited criminal recognizances under MCL 765.28. (D) Remission of Penalty. An application for the remission of a penalty, including a bond forfeiture, may be made to the judge who imposed the penalty or ordered the forfeiture. The application may not be heard until reasonable notice has been given to the prosecuting attorney (or municipal attorney) and he or she has had an opportunity to examine the matter and prepare to resist the application. The application may not be granted without payment of the costs and expenses incurred in the proceedings for the collection of the penalty. (E) Duty of Clerk When Fine Without Order for Commitment; Duty of Prosecutor. When a fine is imposed by a court on a person, without an order for the immediate commitment of the person until the fine is paid, the clerk of the court shall deliver a copy of the order imposing the fine to the prosecuting attorney of the county in which the court is held, or the municipal attorney in the case of a fine that is payable to a municipality. The prosecuting attorney (or municipal attorney) shall obtain execution to collect the fine. Rule 3.606 Contempts Outside Immediate Presence of Court (A) Initiation of Proceeding. For a contempt committed outside the immediate view and presence of the court, on a proper showing on ex parte motion supported by affidavits, the court shall either (1) order the accused person to show cause, at a reasonable time specified in the order, why that person should not be punished for the alleged misconduct; or (2) issue a bench warrant for the arrest of the person. (B) Writ of Habeas Corpus. A writ of habeas corpus to bring up a prisoner to testify may be used to bring before the court a person charged with misconduct under this rule. The court may enter an appropriate order for the disposition of the person. (C) Bond for Appearance. (1) The court may allow the giving of a bond in lieu of arrest, prescribing in the bench warrant the penalty of the bond and the return day for the defendant (2) The defendant is discharged from arrest on executing and delivering to the arresting officer a bond (a) in the penalty endorsed on the bench warrant to the officer and the officer's successors, (b) with two sufficient sureties, and (c) with a condition that the defendant appear on the return day and await the order and judgment of the court. (3) Return of Bond. On returning a bench warrant, the officer executing it must return the bond of the defendant, if one was taken. The bond must be filed with the bench warrant. (D) Assignment of Bond; Damages. The court may order assignment of the bond to an aggrieved party who is authorized by the court to prosecute the bond under MCR 3.604(H). The measure of the damages to be assessed in an action on the bond is the extent of the loss or injury sustained by the aggrieved party because of the misconduct for which the order for arrest was issued, and that party's costs and expenses in securing the order. The remainder of the penalty of the bond is paid into the treasury of the county in which the bond was taken, to the credit of the general fund. (E) Prosecution on Bond by Attorney General or Prosecutor. If the court does not order an assignment as provided in (D), it shall order the breach prosecuted by the Attorney General or by the prosecuting attorney for the county in which the bond was taken, under MCR 3.604. The penalty recovered is to be paid into the treasury of the county in which the bond was taken, to the credit of the general fund. Rule 3.607 Proceedings to Restore Lost Records or Papers in Courts of Record (A) Application for Order. When a record or paper relating to an action or proceeding pending or determined in a Michigan court of record is lost, a person having an interest in its recovery may apply to the court having jurisdiction of the action or the record for an order that a duplicate of the lost record or paper be prepared and filed in the court. (B) Manner of Proceeding; Notice to Interested Parties. The party making the application must show to the satisfaction of the court that the record or paper once existed and has been lost, without the fault or connivance, directly or indirectly, of the applicant. On that showing, the court shall direct the manner of proceeding to replace the lost item, and the notice to be given to parties interested in the application. (C) Witnesses; Interrogatories. The court before which the application is pending may issue subpoenas for and compel the attendance of witnesses, or may compel witnesses to submit to examination on interrogatories and to establish facts relevant to the proceeding. (D) Order; Effect of Duplicate. If the court is satisfied that the record or paper proposed as a substitute for the lost one exhibits all the material facts of the original, the court shall enter an order providing that the substitute record or paper be filed or recorded with the officer who had custody of the original. During the continuance of the loss, the substituted record or paper has the same effect in all respects and in all places as the original. Rule 3.611 Voluntary Dissolution of Corporations (A) Scope; Rules Applicable. This rule governs actions to dissolve corporations brought under MCL 600.3501. The general rules of procedure apply to these actions, except as provided in this rule and in MCL 600.3501-600.3515. (B) Contents of Complaint; Statements Attached. A complaint seeking voluntary dissolution of a corporation must state why the plaintiff desires a dissolution of the corporation, and there must be attached: (1) an inventory of all the corporation's property; (2) a statement of all encumbrances on the corporation's property; (3) an account of the corporation's capital stock, specifying the names of the stockholders, their addresses, if known, the number of shares belonging to each, the amount paid in on the shares, and the amount still due on them; (4) an account of all the corporation's creditors and the contracts entered into by the corporation that may not have been fully satisfied and canceled, specifying: (a) the address of each creditor and of every known person with whom the contracts were made, if known, and if not known, that fact to be stated; (b) the amount owing to each creditor; (c) the nature of each debt, demand, or obligation; and (d) the basis of and consideration for each debt, demand, or obligation; and (5) the affidavit of the plaintiff that the facts stated in the complaint, accounts, inventories, and statements are complete and true, so far as the plaintiff knows or has the means of knowing. (C) Notice of Action. Process may be served as in other actions, or, on the filing of the complaint, the court may order all persons interested in the corporation to show cause why the corporation should not be dissolved, at a time and place to be specified in the order, but at least 28 days after the date of the order. Notice of the contents of the order must be served by mail on all creditors and stockholders at least 28 days before the hearing date, and must be published once each week for 3 successive weeks in a newspaper designated by the court. (D) Hearing. At a hearing ordered under subrule (C), the court shall hear the allegations and proofs of the parties and take testimony relating to the property, debts, credits, engagements, and condition of the corporation. After the hearing, the court may dismiss the action, order the corporation dissolved, appoint a receiver, schedule further proceedings, or enter another appropriate order. (E) Suits by Receiver. An action may be brought by the receiver in his or her own name and may be continued by the receiver's successor or co-receiver. An action commenced by or against the corporation before the filing of the complaint for dissolution is not abated by the complaint or by the judgment of dissolution, but may be prosecuted or defended by the receiver. The court in which an action is pending may on motion order substitution of parties or enter another necessary order. Rule 3.612 Winding Up of Corporation Whose Term or Charter Has Expired (A) Scope; Rules Applicable. This rule applies to actions under MCL 450.1801 et seq. The general rules of procedure apply to these actions, except as provided in this rule and in MCL 450.1801 et seq. (B) Contents of Complaint. The complaint must include: (1) the nature of the plaintiff's interest in the corporation or its property, the date of organization of the corporation, the title and the date of approval of the special act under which the corporation is organized, if appropriate, and the term of corporate existence; (2) whether any of the corporation's stockholders are unknown to the plaintiff; (3) that the complaint is filed on behalf of the plaintiff and all other persons interested in the property of the corporation as stockholders, creditors, or otherwise who may choose to join as parties plaintiff and share the expense of the action; (4) an incorporation by reference of the statements required by subrule (C); (5) other appropriate allegations; and (6) a demand for appropriate relief, which may include that the affairs of the corporation be wound up and its assets disposed of and distributed and that a receiver of its property be appointed. (C) Statements Attached to Complaint. The complaint must have attached: (1) a copy of the corporation's articles of incorporation, if they are on file with the Department of Commerce, and, if the corporation is organized by special act, a copy of the act; (2) a statement of the corporation's assets, so far as known to the plaintiff; (3) a statement of the amount of capital stock and of the amount paid in, as far as known, from the last report of the corporation on file with the Department of Commerce or, if none has been filed, from the articles of incorporation on file with the Department of Commerce, or the special legislative act organizing the corporation; (4) if the corporation's stock records are accessible to the plaintiff, a list of the stockholders' names and addresses and the number of shares held by each, insofar as shown in the records; (5) a statement of all encumbrances on the corporation's property, and all claims against the corporation, and the names and addresses of the encumbrancers and claimants, so far as known to the plaintiff; and (6) a statement of the corporation's debts, the names and addresses of the creditors, and the nature of the consideration for each debt, so far as known to the plaintiff. (D) Parties Defendant. The corporation must be made a defendant. All persons claiming encumbrances on the property may be made defendants. It is not necessary to make a stockholder or creditor of the corporation a defendant. (E) Process and Order for Appearance; Publication. (1) Process must be issued and served as in other civil actions or, on the filing of the complaint, the court may order the appearance and answer of the corporation, its stockholders, and creditors at least 28 days after the date of the order. (2) The order for appearance must be published in the manner prescribed in MCR 2.106. (3) When proof of the publication is filed and the time specified in the order for the appearance of the corporation, stockholders, and creditors has expired, an order may be entered taking the complaint as confessed by those who have not appeared. (F) Appearance by Defendants. (1) Within the time the order for appearance sets, the following persons may appear and defend the suit as the corporation might have: (a) a stockholder in the corporation while it existed and who still retains rights in its property by owning stock; (b) an assignee, purchaser, heir, devisee, or personal representative of a stockholder; or (c) a creditor of the corporation, whose claim is not barred by the statute of limitations. (2) All persons so appearing must defend in the name of the corporation. (3) If a person other than the corporation has been named as a defendant in the complaint, that person must be served with process as in other civil actions. (G) Subsequent Proceedings. So far as applicable, the procedures established in MCR 3.611 govern hearings and later proceedings in an action under this rule. (H) Continuation of Proceeding for Benefit of Stockholder or Creditor. If the plaintiff fails to establish that he or she is a stockholder or creditor of the corporation, the action may be continued by another stockholder or creditor who has appeared in the action. Rule 3.613 Change of Name (A) Published Notice, Contents. A published notice of a proceeding to change a name shall include the name of the petitioner; the current name of the subject of the petitioner; the proposed name; and the time, date and place of the hearing. (B) Minor's Signature. A petition for a change of name by a minor need not be signed in the presence of a judge. (C) Notice to Noncustodial Parent. Service on a noncustodial parent of a minor who is the subject of a petition for change of name shall be made in the following manner. (1) Address Known. If the noncustodial parent's address or whereabouts is known, that parent shall be served with a copy of the petition and a notice of hearing. (2) Address Unknown. If the noncustodial parent's address or whereabouts is not known and cannot be ascertained after diligent inquiry, that parent shall be served with a notice of hearing by publishing in a newspaper and filing a proof of service as provided by MCR 2.106(F) and (G). The notice must be published one time at least 14 days before the date of the hearing, must include the name of the noncustodial parent and a statement that the result of the hearing may be to bar or affect the noncustodial parent's interest in the matter, and that publication must be in the county where the court is located unless a different county is specified by statute, court rule, or order of the court. A notice published under this subrule need not set out the contents of the petition if it contains the information required under subrule (A). A single publication may be used to notify the general public and the noncustodial parent whose address cannot be ascertained if the notice contains the noncustodial parent's name. (D) Consultation with Minor, Presumption. A child 7 years of age and under is presumed not of sufficient age to be consulted concerning a preference on change of name. (E) Confidential Records. In cases where the court orders that records are to be confidential and that no publication is to take place, records are to be maintained in a sealed envelope marked confidential and placed in a private file. Except as otherwise ordered by the court, only the original petitioner may gain access to confidential files, and no information relating to a confidential record, including whether the record exists, shall be accessible to the general public. Rule 3.614 Health Threats to Others (A) Public Health Code, Application. Except as modified by this rule, proceedings relating to carriers of contagious diseases who pose threats to the health of others under part 52 of the public health code are governed by the rules generally applicable to civil proceedings. (B) Service of Papers. The moving party is responsible for service when service is required. (C) Interested Parties. The interested parties in a petition for treatment of infectious disease are the petitioner and the respondent. (D) Commitment Review Panel. (1) Appointment. On receipt of a petition for treatment of infectious disease which requests that the individual be committed to an appropriate facility, the Court shall forthwith appoint a Commitment Review Panel from a list of physicans prepared by the Department of Public health. (2) Respondent's Choice of Physican. On motion of the respondent requesting that a specific physician be appointed to the Commitment Review Panel, the Court shall appoint the physician so requested, unless the physician refuses. If the individual is unable to pay such physician , the court shall pay such physician a reasonable fee comparable with fees paid to other court appointed experts. On appointment of the requested physician, the Court shall discharge one of the initially appointed physicians. (3) The Commitment Review Panel shall make written recommendations to the Court prior to the date of hearing on the petition. The recommendations shall be substantially in a form approved by the State Court Administrator. (E) Commitment to Facility. (1) Renewal of Order of Commitment. A motion for continuing commitment shall be filed at least 14 days prior to the expiration of the order of commitment. The motion shall be made by the director of the commitment facility or the director's designee. The court shall conduct a hearing on the motion prior to the expiration of the existing order of commitment. Notice shall be given as on the initial petition and to the local department of public health. The court shall reconvene the respondent's Commitment Review Panel. At the hearing, the petitioner must show good cause for continued commitment in the facility. No order of commitment shall exceed 6 months in length. (2) Reevaluation at Request of Respondent. Once within any six-month period or more often by leave of the court, an individual committed to a facility for treatment of an infectious disease may file in the court a petition for a new Commitment Review Panel recommendation on whether the patient's commitment should be terminated. Within 14 days after receipt of the report of the reconvened Commitment Review Panel, the court shall review the panel's report and enter an order. The court may modify, continue or terminate its order of commitment without a hearing. Rule 3.615 Parental Rights Restoration Act Proceedings (A) Applicable Rules. A proceeding by a minor to obtain a waiver of parental consent for an abortion shall be governed by the rules applicable to civil proceedings except as modified by this rule. (B) Confidentiality, Use of Initials, Private File, Reopening. (1) The court shall assure the confidentiality of the file, the assistance given the minor by court personnel, and the proceedings. (2) If requested by the minor, the title of the proceeding shall be by initials or some other means of assuring confidentiality. At the time the petition is filed, the minor shall file a Confidential Information Sheet listing the minor's name, date of birth, permanent residence, title to be used in the proceeding and the method by which the minor may be reached during the pendency of the proceeding. The Confidential Information Sheet and all other documents containing identifying information shall be sealed in an envelope marked confidential on which the case number has been written and placed in a private file. Confidential information shall not be entered into a computer file. (3) The court shall maintain only one file of all papers for each case. The file shall be inspected only by the judge, specifically authorized court personnel, the minor, her attorney, her next friend, the guardian ad litem, and any other person authorized by the minor. After the proceedings are completed, the file may be opened only by order of the court for good cause shown and only for a purpose specified in the order of the court. (4) The file of a completed case shall not be destroyed until two years after the minor has reached the age of majority. The court shall not microfilm or otherwise copy the file. (C) Advice of Rights, Method of Contact. (1) If a minor seeking a waiver of parental consent makes first contact with the court by personal visit to the court, the court shall provide a written notice of rights and forms for a petition for waiver of parental consent, a confidential information sheet, and a request for appointment of an attorney, each substantially in the form approved by the state court administrator. (2) If a minor seeking a waiver of parental consent makes first contact with the court by telephone, the court shall tell the minor that she can receive a notice of rights and forms for a petition, a confidential information sheet, and a request for appointment of an attorney by coming to the court or that the court will mail such forms to the minor. If the minor requests that the court mail the forms, the court shall mail the forms within 24 hours of the telephone contact to an address specified by the minor. (3) Any person on personal visit to the court shall be given, on request, a copy of the notice of rights or any other form. (D) Assistance with Preparation of Petition. On request of the minor or next friend, the court shall provide the minor with assistance in preparing and filing of a petition, confidential information sheet and request for appointment of an attorney, each substantially in the form approved by the state court administrator. (E) Next Friend. If the minor proceeds through a next friend, the petitioner shall certify that the next friend is not disqualified by statute and that the next friend is an adult. The next friend may act on behalf of the minor without prior appointment of the court and is not responsible for the costs of the action. (F) Attorney, Request, Appointment, Duties. (1) At the request of the minor or next friend before or after filing the petition, the court shall immediately appoint an attorney to represent the minor. The request shall be in writing in substantially the form approved by the state court administrator. Except for good cause stated on the record, the court shall appoint an attorney selected by the minor if the minor has secured the attorney's agreement to represent her or the attorney has previously indicated to the court a willingness to be appointed. (2) If it deems necessary, the court may appoint an attorney to represent the minor at any time. (3) The minor shall contact the court appointed attorney within 24 hours of such appointment. The court shall advise the minor of this requirement. (4) If an attorney is appointed to represent a minor prior to filing a petition, the attorney shall consult with the minor within 48 hours of appointment. (G) Guardian Ad Litem, Appointment, Duties. (1) Request of Minor. The court shall immediately appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the minor at the request of the minor or next friend before or after filing the petition. (2) Appointment on Court's Motion. (a) At any time if it deems necessary, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to assist the court. (b) The guardian ad litem may obtain information by contacting the minor and other persons with the consent of the minor, provided the confidentiality of the proceedings is not violated. (H) Filing Petition, Setting Hearing, Notice of Hearing. (1) The petition shall be filed in person by the minor, attorney or next friend. (2) The court shall set a time and place for a hearing and notify the filer at the time the petition is filed. The court shall give notice of the hearing only to the minor, the minor's attorney, next friend and guardian ad litem. Notice of hearing may be oral or written and may be given at any time prior to the hearing. The hearing may be scheduled to commence immediately if the minor and her attorney, if any, are ready to proceed. (3) Insofar as practical, at the minor's request the hearing shall be scheduled at a time and place that will not interfere with the minor's school attendance. (I) Venue, Transfer. Venue is in the county of the minor's residence or where the minor is found at the time of the filing of the petition. Transfer of venue properly laid shall not be made without consent of the minor. (J) Hearing. (1) Burden and Standard of Proof. The petitioner has the burden of proof by preponderance of the evidence and must establish the statutory criteria at a hearing. (2) Closed Hearing. The hearing shall be closed to the public. The court shall limit attendance at the hearing to the minor, the minor's attorney, the next friend, the guardian ad litem, persons who are called to testify by the minor or with the minor's consent, necessary court personnel and one support person who would not be disqualified as a next friend by MCL 722.902(d). (3) All relevant and material evidence may be received. (4) The hearing may be conducted informally in the chambers of a judge. (5) The hearing shall commence and be concluded within 72 hours, excluding Sundays and holidays, of the filing of the petition, unless the minor consents to an adjournment. The order of the court shall be issued within 48 hours, excluding Sundays and holidays, of the conclusion of the hearing. (K) Order. (1) Order Granting Waiver, Duration, Effect. If the petition is granted, the court immediately shall provide the minor with two certified copies of the order granting waiver of parental consent. The order shall be valid for 90 days from the date of entry. Nothing in the order shall require or permit an abortion that is otherwise prohibited by law. (2) Order Denying Waiver, Notice of Appeal, Appointment of Counsel, Preparation of Transcript. If the order denies relief, the court shall endorse the time and date on the order. The order shall be served on the minor's attorney or, if none, the minor along with (a) a unified appellate document substantially in the form approved by the state court administrator which may be used as notice of appeal, claim of appeal, request for appointment of an attorney and order of transcript, and (b) a notice that, if the minor desires to appeal, the minor must file the notice of appeal with the court within 24 hours. (3) Appeal. (a) Upon receipt of a timely notice of appeal, the court must appoint counsel and order that the transcript be prepared immediately and two copies filed within 72 hours. If the minor was represented by counsel in the court proceedings, the court must reappoint the same attorney unless there is good cause for a different appointment. As soon as the transcript is filed, the court shall forward the file to the Court of Appeals. (b) Time for filing notice. (1) If the order was entered at the conclusion of the hearing or at any other time when the minor's attorney or, if none, the minor was in attendance at court, the minor must file the notice of appeal within 24 hours of the date and time stamped on the order, or (2) If the order was entered at any other time, the minor must file the notice of appeal within 24 hours of the time when the order was received by the minor's attorney or, if none, the minor. (c) If a court in which a document is to be filed is closed for business at the end of a filing period, the document will be filed on a timely basis if filed during the morning of the next day when the court is open for business. (d) Perfection of Appeal. The minor's attorney must perfect the appeal by filing in the Court of Appeals a claim of appeal and a copy of the order denying waiver. The appeal must be perfected within 72 hours, excluding Sundays and holidays, of the filing of the notice of appeal. (e) Brief. The minor's attorney shall file at the time of perfecting appeal five copies of the brief on appeal. The brief need not contain citations to the transcript. (f) Oral Argument. There will be no oral argument, unless ordered by the Court of Appeals. |
MCR Special Proceedings and Actions
Subpages (1):
MCR Special Proceedings and Actions (con't)