Michigan: Civil Procedure, Foreclosure & UCC

Civil procedure in Michigan

Civil cases in Michigan state courts follow the Michigan Court Rules of 1985, Chapter 2 (Civil Procedure). Federal courts located in Michigan follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and their own local rules. Individual Michigan courts also publish local rules, and judges may issue standing orders — read all of them before filing.

Our procedure library explains each federal motion and filing; look up the Michigan equivalent in the state rules, because names, deadlines and forms can differ.

Foreclosure in Michigan

The most common foreclosure process in Michigan is nonjudicial: property can be sold under a power-of-sale clause following the state statute, without a lawsuit. Judicial foreclosure is also available. The main statute: MCL § 600.3201 et seq..

Federal mortgage servicing rules also apply to most residential loans — see federal pre-foreclosure protections. Read the current statute for notice periods, redemption rights and deficiency rules.

The Uniform Commercial Code in Michigan

Michigan enacted the Uniform Commercial Code and codified it in Michigan Compiled Laws Chapter 440 (Uniform Commercial Code). When a page on Lawtopolis cites a UCC section such as § 3-301 or § 9-406, read the matching section of Michigan’s enacted code, which may contain state-specific changes.

Research checklist

• Read the current state rules of civil procedure and the local rules of your court.
• Check the state judiciary’s self-help center and official forms.
• Read the state statutes that govern your type of case.
• Find binding decisions from the state’s appellate courts.
• Confirm each source is current before relying on it.

How to research a case in this state

To research your issue for a real matter, start with the primary sources. For example, read the statute, the rule and the documents in your own file. Then look for recent appellate decisions from your state, because they control how local courts read the law. After that, compare what you found with the federal rules that may also apply. Our state procedures guide and the Research Center can help you find and check each source.