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Court Rules
Judge Tricia Dare
Judge

Judge Tricia Dare

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan, Oakland County

Limits & Logistics

Courtesy Copies

Exhibits

  • One Week Before Hearing

Filings > 20 pages

  • Chambers Drop Off

Motion

  • Chambers Drop Off • No Later Than Friday Before Adjourned Motion Call

Adjournments

  • Parties must obtain chambers’ approval and a new date before seeking an adjournment by stipulation.
  • A stipulated request to adjourn trial must be made no later than the final pretrial and will not be granted afterward.
  • Stipulated trial adjournments are limited to cases meeting the stated one-year guideline, scheduled mediation, and stipulation conditions; other requests require a formal motion.
  • +7 more

Request must include

Reason for RequestProposed Rescheduled Date
Filters:

Document Format Requirements1 rule

FormattingImportantCivil cases

When labeling exhibits, Plaintiff is to use numbers and Defendant is to use letters.

Document Filing Requirements48 rules

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Attorneys or litigants must prepare an order to present to the Judge before leaving the Courtroom (unless otherwise stated, the Judge’s staff will not prepare the order).

Oakland:d2917d61616c581c19024116
|SectionMOTION CALL — Orders Following Motion Call
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

All judgments involving minor children must be accompanied by a Uniform Child Support Order, even if the parties are seeking to deviate support to a zero sum.

Oakland:d2917d61616c581c19024116
|SectionUNIFORM CHILD SUPPORT ORDERS
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

All unrepresented litigants must appear for statutory proofs, regardless of whether they are the plaintiff or the defendant.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Proposed ex parte orders must contain any rule-required affidavit or verification and the specified notice language.

Court's wording

All proposed Ex Parte Orders must have the required affidavit and/or verification as required by the court rules and must include the following notice, pursuant to MCR 3.207(B)(6): “This Order 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.”

Oakland:d2917d61616c581c19024116
|SectionEX PARTE ORDERS
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Parties (litigants and attorneys) are expected to appear in person for all motions, including procedural motions, unless prior approval is given by the Court for an absence or a remote appearance.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

All parties and witnesses must appear in person for the hearing unless given prior leave by the Court to appear remotely by Zoom.

Oakland:d2917d61616c581c19024116
|SectionTRIAL AND EVIDENTIARY HEARING WITNESSES
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Unless excused by the Court, the moving party must appear for the motion.

Oakland:d2917d61616c581c19024116
|SectionMOTION CALL — Abandoned Motions
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Any deviation in child support must be accompanied by the UCSO Deviation Addendum.

Oakland:d2917d61616c581c19024116
|SectionUNIFORM CHILD SUPPORT ORDERS
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Proposed Ex Parte Orders providing for child support, custody, or visitation must also comply with MCR 3.207(B).

Oakland:d2917d61616c581c19024116
|SectionEX PARTE ORDERS
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Answers/Replies to Responses must be approved for filing by chambers pursuant to MCR 2.119(2)(b).

Oakland:d2917d61616c581c19024116
|SectionRESPONSES TO MOTIONS
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Motions must be properly noticed in front of the Court to be heard as part of the Court’s Wednesday motion call.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

All motions for entry of default judgments MUST include an attached copy of the proposed judgment (and support orders, if applicable).

Document
Default judgment motion

Must include

  • Proposed order
Oakland:d2917d61616c581c19024116
|SectionDEFAULT JUDGMENTS
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

If you have an issue that involves a factual dispute, you must file a motion to request an evidentiary hearing before the Judge.

Oakland:d2917d61616c581c19024116
|SectionREQUESTS FOR EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

If the parties are seeking to take statutory proofs and obtain a return of judgment date in lieu of submitting a signed judgment in conjunction with the statutory proofs, all parties are required to appear unless there is a signed acknowledgment of settlement in place or the settlement was recorded.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

All motions and orders for adjournment must state the reason for the adjournment, the requesting party or parties, and be labeled as “First Adjournment,” “Second Adjournment,” etc.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Attorneys or litigants must prepare an order to present to the Judge before leaving the Courtroom (unless otherwise stated, the Judge’s staff will not prepare the order).

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

The Court will accept electronic signatures (i.e. /s/NAME) in addition to wet signatures. On consent judgments, all parties (litigants and attorneys) must sign the final orders.

dare-tricia-pro · p. 2
|SectionOrders Presented for the Judge’s Signature
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

A withdrawal or substitution stipulation must be signed by all parties, except that represented opposing parties need only have their counsel sign.

Court's wording

When filing a withdrawal or substitution of counsel, all parties must sign the stipulation including withdrawing counsel’s client and opposing party/parties. If the opposing party is represented by counsel, only counsel’s signature is needed on the stipulation.

dare-tricia-pro · p. 2
|SectionOrders Presented for the Judge’s Signature
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

The Court will not enter a consent judgment that reserves the issue of child support or simply refers the issue of support to Friend of the Court.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

If the parties are seeking to take statutory proofs and obtain a return of judgment date in lieu of submitting a signed judgment in conjunction with the statutory proofs, all parties are required to appear unless there is a signed acknowledgment of settlement in place or the settlement was recorded.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Unless notified otherwise by court staff or on the Domestic Scheduling Order, clients and attorneys must appear at all subsequent hearings even if their appearance was excused for the Settlement Conference.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Proposed Ex Parte Orders providing for child support, custody, or visitation must also comply with MCR 3.207(B).

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

The party moving for a default judgment must comply with MCR 3.210(B) before appearing for the default judgment hearing.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

A party must file and obtain a default against the non-moving party from the County Clerk prior to presenting a default judgment to the Court (see MC 07).

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Chambers must be provided with the correct spelling of the prisoner’s name, his/her date of birth, and his/her identifying inmate number.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

All judgments involving minor children must be accompanied by a Uniform Child Support Order, even if the parties are seeking to deviate support to a zero sum.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

For all other conferences, attorneys and parties must attend any scheduled conference or hearing unless excused by the Court.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Any deviation in child support must be accompanied by the UCSO Deviation Addendum.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

All motions for entry of default judgments MUST include an attached copy of the proposed judgment (and support orders, if applicable).

Document
Default judgment

Must include

  • Proposed order
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

All parties and witnesses must appear in person for the hearing unless given prior leave by the Court to appear remotely by Zoom.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

All unrepresented litigants must appear for statutory proofs, regardless of whether they are the plaintiff or the defendant.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Please verify entry of default with the Clerk’s Office and proper service before moving for entry of a default judgment.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Every proposed ex parte order must include the court-rule-required affidavit or verification and the specified notice.

Court's wording

All proposed Ex Parte Orders must have the required affidavit and/or verification as required by the court rules and must include the following notice, pursuant to MCR 3.207(B)(6): • “This Order 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.”

Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

Only the moving party may cancel or re-notice a motion to another Motion Call.

Oakland:d2917d61616c581c19024116
|SectionMOTION CALL — Adjourned or Cancelled Motions
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

Cases where mediation has not been excused and where the parties fail to mediate prior to trial may be dismissed by the Court for failing to comply with the requirements in the scheduling order.

Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

Failure to follow requirements of the Scheduling Order may result in rejection of the trial brief.

Oakland:d2917d61616c581c19024116
|SectionTRIAL AND EVIDENTIARY HEARING BRIEFS
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

Be sure to also identify uncontested issues.

Oakland:d2917d61616c581c19024116
|SectionTRIAL AND EVIDENTIARY HEARING BRIEFS
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

Chambers must be provided with the correct spelling of the prisoner’s name, his/her date of birth, and his/her identifying inmate number.

Oakland:d2917d61616c581c19024116
|SectionREMOTE PRISONER PARTICIPATION
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

Motions heard by the judge will be heard in person in Courtroom 3C unless the Court gives prior approval for one or both parties to appear by Zoom.

Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

Do not file a praecipe or Notice of Hearing.

Oakland:d2917d61616c581c19024116
|SectionMOTIONS FOR RECONSIDERATION
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

For e-filing cases, pleading and document captions should include email addresses for counsel of record and/or in pro per parties (if applicable).

Document
Pleading or document
Placement
Caption
dare-tricia-pro · p. 2
|SectionOrders Presented for the Judge’s Signature
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

Failure to provide any of the above information may prevent chambers from arranging for the prisoner’s participation in the hearing.

Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

Be sure to also identify uncontested issues.

Include

  • Identify uncontested issues
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

In those instances, only Plaintiff and Plaintiff’s counsel need to appear (but see the above requirement regarding unrepresented litigants).

Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

Any party in need of an interpreter must let chambers know as soon as possible, and must be made using the appropriate SCAO form.

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

If the parties are submitting signed final orders in advance of taking statutory proofs, and the defendant is represented by counsel, then the defendant and defendant’s counsel are excused from appearing for proofs.

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

If the parties are submitting signed final orders in advance of taking statutory proofs, and the defendant is represented by counsel, then the defendant and defendant’s counsel are excused from appearing for proofs.

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

When possible, calculations should be attached to the order.

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Consent judgments must be submitted through MiFILE at least three days before statutory proofs.

Consent judgments must be submitted via MiFILE at least three days prior to appearing for statutory proofs.

Civil cases

Page 1 | CONSENT JUDGMENTS

A motion for reconsideration must be filed through MiFILE, with a Judge’s Copy directed to the staff attorney.

File the original motion with MiFILE and direct a Judge’s Copy to the staff attorney’s attention.

Civil cases

Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR RECONSIDERATION

Emergency motions must be written and properly filed through MiFILE before the Court will review them.

All emergency motions must be in writing and properly filed with the Court using MiFILE prior to review.

Civil cases

Page 1 | EMERGENCY MOTIONS

Consent judgments must be submitted through MiFILE at least three days before the statutory-proofs appearance.

Consent judgments must be submitted via MiFILE at least three days prior to appearing for statutory proofs.

Civil cases

Before the hearing, an additional copy of the proposed judgment and applicable support orders should be e-filed for the judge’s signature or provided in hard copy at the hearing.

An additional copy of the proposed judgment and any applicable support orders should be e-filed prior to the hearing for the Judge’s signature or a hard copy provided to the Court on the day of the hearing.

Civil cases

Page 1 | DEFAULT JUDGMENTS

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

A motion order filed after 4:30 p.m. on the hearing day is untimely and must instead be submitted as a stipulated order or under MCR 2.602(B)(3).

Orders on motions that are filed with the Court after 4:30 p.m. the day the motion was heard are considered untimely; an order received after this time must be submitted as a stipulated order, or pursuant to MCR 2.602(B)(3).

Civil cases

Page 1 | MOTION CALL — Orders Following Motion Call

Final orders generally must be submitted at least three days before the parties appear or plan to take statutory proofs.

Generally, the Court requires final orders to be submitted at least three days in advance of when the parties are scheduled to appear or otherwise plan to take statutory proofs.

Civil cases

Page 1 | SETTLEMENTS

Responses must be filed through MiFILE by noon on the Monday before the scheduled motion call.

Responses must be filed with MiFILE no later than 12:00 p.m. the Monday before the scheduled call;

Civil cases

Page 1 | RESPONSES TO MOTIONS

Trial and evidentiary-hearing briefs must be filed at least one week before the hearing unless the scheduling order provides otherwise.

Trial and Evidentiary Hearing briefs must be filed in all cases no less than one week prior to the hearing date, unless otherwise indicated in the scheduling order.

Civil cases

Page 1 | TRIAL AND EVIDENTIARY HEARING BRIEFS

The Court will not review an emergency motion until the Clerk’s Office accepts it and it is added to the court file.

Please note that the Court will not review an emergency motion until it has been accepted for filing by the Clerk’s Office and the motion is added to the court file.

Civil cases

Page 1 | EMERGENCY MOTIONS

The Court will not review responses that are not in the court file by 9:00 a.m. Tuesday before motion call.

Responses not in the court file by 9:00 a.m. the Tuesday prior to motion call will not be reviewed by the Court.

Civil cases

Page 1 | RESPONSES TO MOTIONS

Trial and evidentiary hearing briefs must be filed at least one week before the hearing unless the scheduling order provides otherwise.

TRIAL AND EVIDENTIARY HEARING BRIEFS: Trial and Evidentiary Hearing briefs must be filed in all cases no less than one week prior to the hearing date, unless otherwise indicated in the scheduling order.

Civil cases

Consent judgments must be submitted through MiFILE at least three days before the statutory-proofs appearance.

Consent judgments must be submitted via MiFILE at least three days prior to appearing for statutory proofs.

Civil cases

Final orders generally must be submitted at least three days before the parties’ scheduled appearance or planned statutory proofs.

Generally, the Court requires final orders to be submitted at least three days in advance of when the parties are scheduled to appear or otherwise plan to take statutory proofs.

Civil cases

Remote prisoner participation requests must be made no later than one week before the hearing, or as soon as practical based on the incarceration date.

To make the necessary arrangements, requests for remote prisoner participation must be made to chambers no later than one week prior to the hearing date or as soon as practical based on the date of incarceration.

Civil cases

A motion that was not timely or properly filed cannot be added to the current motion call and may be re-praeciped for a later motion day.

If you were unable to timely or properly file a motion, we cannot add it to the motion call. You may re-praecipe the motion for hearing on a subsequent motion day.

Civil cases

Page 1 | MOTION CALL — Praecipes Filed Late

If no consent judgment is ready at statutory proofs, the Court generally allows 21 days to submit a signed judgment based on the recorded settlement if no substantive disagreement remains and only signatures are outstanding.

If the consent judgment has not been prepared when the parties appear before the Court to take statutory proofs, the Court will generally allow the parties 21 days to submit a signed consent judgment based on a recorded settlement so long as there are no pending disagreements over the judgment and it is only a matter of obtaining signatures.

Civil cases

Page 1 | CONSENT JUDGMENTS

If a signed consent judgment is not received within 21 days, the Court may rescind proofs and dismiss the case.

If the Court does not receive a signed consent judgment within 21 days, it is within the Court’s discretion to rescind proofs and dismiss the case.

Civil cases

Page 1 | CONSENT JUDGMENTS

When the stated conditions are met, the Court generally allows 21 days after the statutory-proofs appearance to submit a signed consent judgment based on the recorded settlement.

If the consent judgment has not been prepared when the parties appear before the Court to take statutory proofs, the Court will generally allow the parties 21 days to submit a signed consent judgment based on a recorded settlement so long as there are no pending disagreements over the judgment and it is only a matter of obtaining signatures.

Civil cases

If the Court does not receive the signed consent judgment within 21 days, it may rescind proofs and dismiss the case.

If the Court does not receive a signed consent judgment within 21 days, it is within the Court’s discretion to rescind proofs and dismiss the case.

Civil cases

Interpreter requests made less than one week before the hearing may leave the Court unable to provide an interpreter or may result in an adjournment.

Any requests for interpreter made with less than one weeks’ notice may result an inability for the Court to provide an interpreter for the hearing or the adjournment of the hearing.

Civil cases

Emergency motions may be filed at any time.

An emergency motion may be filed at any time.

Civil cases

Page 1 | EMERGENCY MOTIONS

Service and Proof of Service Rules

The moving party must immediately notify opposing counsel or parties of a motion cancellation or adjournment.

The moving party must immediately contact opposing counsel/parties to inform them of the cancellation or adjournment – the Court is not responsible for informing the non-moving party of the cancellation.

Civil cases

Page 1 | MOTION CALL — Adjourned or Cancelled Motions

After a PPO motion is filed, court staff email the moving party a completed hearing notice, and the moving party must arrange service of the motion.

Upon the filing of a motion, court staff will email a completed notice of hearing to the moving party – the moving party is responsible for arranging service of the motion.

Civil cases

Page 1 | MOTIONS TO TERMINATE/MODIFY/EXTEND

For a PPO motion hearing, follow the PPO Office webpage instructions; after filing, the moving party receives a completed hearing notice and must arrange service of the motion.

To schedule a motion hearing regarding a PPO, please refer to the instructions provided on the Rev: 9/2025 ===== PAGE 8 ===== PPO Office’s webpage. Upon the filing of a motion, court staff will email a completed notice of hearing to the moving party – the moving party is responsible for arranging service of the motion.

Civil cases

Filing Fees and Waivers

Failure of the moving party to appear may result in a $100 penalty.

Failure to appear may result in a $100.00 assessed penalty to the moving party, pursuant to MCR 2.119.

Civil cases

Page 1 | MOTION CALL — Abandoned Motions

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Printed Judge’s Copies must be delivered to chambers for motions, briefs, and responses exceeding 20 pages, including exhibits.

Motions, briefs, and responses that exceed twenty pages in length (including exhibits) must have a printed Judge’s Copy delivered to chambers.

Civil cases

Page 1 | JUDGE’S COPIES

A Judge’s Copy of proposed and stipulated exhibits must be delivered to chambers in a tabbed binder at least one week before the hearing.

A Judge’s Copy of proposed and stipulated exhibits must be delivered to chambers in a tabbed binder no later than one week prior to the hearing.

Civil cases

Page 1 | TRIAL AND EVIDENTIARY HEARING EXHIBITS

When a motion is adjourned, another Judge’s Copy must be delivered to chambers by the Friday before the adjourned motion call.

If adjourning a motion, another Judge’s Copy of the motion must be delivered to chambers no later than the Friday prior to the adjourned motion call.

Civil cases

Page 1 | MOTION CALL — Adjourned or Cancelled Motions

Summary-judgment motions must be filed and a Judge’s Copy directed to the staff attorney.

Please file the motion and direct a Judge’s Copy to the staff attorney’s attention.

Civil cases

Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT

Motions, briefs, and responses exceeding 20 pages, including exhibits, require a printed Judge’s Copy delivered to chambers.

Motions, briefs, and responses that exceed twenty pages in length (inclusive of exhibits) must have a printed Judge’s Copy delivered to chambers.

Civil cases

Page 2 | Motions

A Judge’s Copy of proposed and stipulated exhibits must be delivered to chambers in a tabbed binder at least one week before the hearing.

A Judge’s Copy of proposed and stipulated exhibits must be delivered to chambers in a tabbed binder no later than one week prior to the hearing.

Civil cases

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Motions to enter judgment cannot be heard on return-of-judgment dates and must be noticed for regular motion call.

The Court will not entertain motions to enter judgment on return of judgment dates – such motions must be noticed for hearing on the Court’s regular Motion Call.

Civil cases

Page 1 | RETURN OF JUDGMENT DATES

A stipulated FOC reference order is accepted only if FOC recommended the referral at a pre-motion conference; otherwise the parties must file a motion and notice it for motion call.

Orders of Reference to Friend of the Court will not be accepted by stipulation unless the referral is recommended by Friend of the Court during a pre-motion conference; the parties must file a motion and notice the same for hearing on the Court’s Motion Call.

Civil cases

Page 1 | ORDERS OF REFERENCE TO FOC

A case must undergo court-ordered mediation before the judge proceeds to trial.

Before the judge will proceed to trial on a case, it must be mediated if it has been ordered by the Court.

Civil cases

Page 1 | MEDIATION

Default-judgment motions must be noticed for regular Wednesday motion call and will not be heard on the scheduled trial date.

Motions for entry of a default judgment must be noticed for the Court’s regular Wednesday Motion Call and will not be heard on a case’s scheduled trial date.

Civil cases

Page 1 | DEFAULT JUDGMENTS

A motion must be properly noticed before it can be heard during the Court’s Wednesday motion call.

Motions must be properly noticed in front of the Court to be heard as part of the Court’s Wednesday motion call.

Civil cases

Page 2 | Motions

Proposed exhibits should be stipulated to prior to trial or evidentiary hearing, with objections raised by formal motion and noticed for no later than the Court’s last regular motion call preceding the trial/evidentiary hearing.

Proposed exhibits should be stipulated to prior to trial or evidentiary hearing, with objections raised by formal motion and noticed for no later than the Court’s last regular motion call preceding the trial/evidentiary hearing.

Civil cases

A case must undergo court-ordered mediation before the judge proceeds to trial.

Before the judge will proceed to trial on a case, it must be mediated if it has been ordered by the Court.

Civil cases

PPO motions are not heard Wednesday mornings and should not be set on the regular motion call.

Motions relating to PPOs are not heard on Wednesday mornings and should not be scheduled for the Court’s regular motion call.

Civil cases

Page 1 | MOTIONS TO TERMINATE/MODIFY/EXTEND

A reconsideration hearing will not be held unless the Court orders one.

Pursuant to the Court Rules, a hearing will not be held unless ordered by the Court.

Civil cases

Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR RECONSIDERATION

Proposed exhibits should be stipulated before trial or an evidentiary hearing; objections require a formal motion noticed by the last regular motion call before the hearing.

Proposed exhibits should be stipulated to prior to trial or evidentiary hearing, with objections raised by formal motion and noticed for no later than the Court’s last regular motion call preceding the trial/evidentiary hearing.

Civil cases

Page 1 | TRIAL AND EVIDENTIARY HEARING EXHIBITS

Litigants and attorneys are expected to appear in person for all motions, including procedural motions, unless the Court gives prior approval for absence or remote appearance.

Parties (litigants and attorneys) are expected to appear in person for all motions, including procedural motions, unless prior approval is given by the Court for an absence or a remote appearance.

Civil cases

Page 2 | Motions

Default-judgment motions must be noticed for the regular Wednesday Motion Call and cannot be heard on the scheduled trial date.

Motions for entry of a default judgment must be noticed for the Court’s regular Wednesday Motion Call and will not be heard on a case’s scheduled trial date.

Civil cases

To schedule a PPO motion hearing, follow the PPO Office webpage instructions.

To schedule a motion hearing regarding a PPO, please refer to the instructions provided on the PPO Office’s webpage.

Civil cases

Page 1 | MOTIONS TO TERMINATE/MODIFY/EXTEND

The Court will set further briefing dates and a hearing date for a summary-judgment motion by scheduling order.

The Court will issue a scheduling order with further briefing dates and a hearing date for the motion.

Civil cases

Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

A stipulated request to adjourn trial must be made no later than the final pretrial and will not be granted afterward.

Any requests to adjourn trial by stipulation must be made prior to or at the final pretrial – such requests will not be granted following the final pretrial.

Civil cases

Page 1 | TRIAL DATES — Final Pretrial

Parties must obtain chambers’ approval and a new date before seeking an adjournment by stipulation.

Parties must first contact chambers to receive approval for adjournment by stipulation and for a new date.

Civil cases

Page 1 | ADJOURNMENTS

Stipulated trial adjournments are limited to cases meeting the stated one-year guideline, scheduled mediation, and stipulation conditions; other requests require a formal motion.

Cases eligible for adjournment by stipulation should meet the following conditions (requests for adjournments outside of these conditions should be made by formal motion): The proposed new date for Trial does not exceed the case’s one-year filing guideline, The parties have an upcoming mediation session scheduled, and The parties are stipulating to the adjournment.

Civil cases

Page 1 | ADJOURNMENTS

Trial and hearing dates remain on the docket until the judge signs a stipulated order, and parties must appear if no stipulated order is submitted before the scheduled date.

Trials and hearing dates will remain on the Court’s docket until a stipulated order is presented to the Court for the Judge’s signature; if parties fail to submit a stipulated order to the Court prior to their scheduled date, it is expected that all parties shall appear for the scheduled trial or hearing.

Civil cases

Page 1 | ADJOURNMENTS

A stipulated adjournment is eligible when the new trial date falls within the case’s one-year filing guideline, mediation is scheduled, and the parties stipulate; other adjournment requests must be made by formal motion.

Cases eligible for adjournment by stipulation should meet the following conditions (requests for adjournments outside of these conditions should be made by formal motion): 1. The proposed new date for Trial does not exceed the case’s one-year filing guideline, 2. The parties have an upcoming mediation session scheduled, and 3. The parties are stipulating to the adjournment.

Civil cases

An adjournment request must state its reason and requesting parties and identify whether it is the first, second, or subsequent adjournment.

adjournment must state the reason for the adjournment, the requesting party or parties, and be labeled as “First Adjournment,” “Second Adjournment,” etc.

Civil cases

Trial and hearing dates remain scheduled until the Court receives a stipulated order for the Judge’s signature, and parties are expected to appear if no order is submitted before the scheduled date.

Trials and hearing dates will remain on the Court’s docket until a stipulated order is presented to the Court for the Judge’s signature; if parties fail to submit a stipulated order to the Court prior to their scheduled date, it is expected that all parties shall appear for the scheduled trial or hearing.

Civil cases

Unless the parties stipulate otherwise, only the moving party may adjourn or withdraw a PPO motion.

Unless otherwise stipulated, only the moving party may adjourn or withdraw a PPO motion.

Civil cases

Page 1 | ADJOURNMENTS

Parties may contact chambers to adjourn a return-of-judgment date for additional drafting time; otherwise they must appear.

The parties may contact chambers for an adjournment of this date if additional drafting time is needed, otherwise the parties are expected to appear for the hearing.

Civil cases

Page 1 | RETURN OF JUDGMENT DATES

The Court will adjourn a Zoom hearing and require an in-person continuation if misconduct or technical issues prevent it from effectively hearing the matter.

If the parties are unable to properly conduct themselves during a Zoom hearing or technical issues prevent the Court from effectively hearing the matter, the Court will adjourn the matter and require the parties to appear in person for continuation.

Civil cases

Page 1 | Courtroom Policies

Unless the parties stipulate otherwise, only the moving party may adjourn or withdraw a PPO motion.

ADJOURNMENTS: Unless otherwise stipulated, only the moving party may adjourn or withdraw a PPO motion.

Civil cases

Chambers Communication Rules

To be excused from appearing on an abandoned motion, the moving party must call chambers by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday to advise the clerk of adjournment or withdrawal.

To be excused by the Court, the moving party must call chambers by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday to advise the clerk that the motion has been adjourned or withdrawn.

Civil cases

Page 1 | MOTION CALL — Abandoned Motions

Requests for remote prisoner participation must reach chambers at least one week before the hearing, or as soon as practical given the incarceration date.

To make the necessary arrangements, requests for remote prisoner participation must be made to chambers no later than one week prior to the hearing date or as soon as practical based on the date of incarceration.

Civil cases

Page 1 | REMOTE PRISONER PARTICIPATION

To have a motion adjournment or cancellation excused, the moving party must call chambers by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday and email Case Management to remove the praecipe.

For an adjournment or cancellation to be excused by the Court, the moving party must call chambers by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday to advise the clerk that the motion has been adjourned or withdrawn, and email Case Management at cmo@oaklandcountymi.gov to remove the praecipe from the Court’s Motion Call list.

Civil cases

Page 1 | MOTION CALL — Adjourned or Cancelled Motions

Requests for remote prisoner participation must reach chambers at least one week before the hearing, or as soon as practical based on the incarceration date.

To make the necessary arrangements, requests for remote prisoner participation must be made to chambers no later than one week prior to the hearing date or as soon as practical based on the date of incarceration.

Civil cases

A copy of the motion should be emailed to JudgeDareChambers@oaklandcountymi.gov upon the motion being filed.

A copy of the motion should be emailed to JudgeDareChambers@oaklandcountymi.gov upon the motion being filed.

Civil cases

Page 1 | EMERGENCY MOTIONS

A party needing an interpreter must notify chambers as soon as possible using the appropriate SCAO form; requests made with less than one week’s notice may prevent interpreter availability or result in adjournment.

Any party in need of an interpreter must let chambers know as soon as possible, and must be made using the appropriate SCAO form. Any requests for interpreter made with less than one weeks’ notice may result an inability for the Court to provide an interpreter for the hearing or the adjournment of the hearing.

Civil cases

Page 1 | INTERPRETERS

Motions heard by the judge are in person unless the Court approves Zoom appearances in advance; Zoom requests must be emailed to chambers with opposing counsel or the opposing party copied.

Motions heard by the judge will be heard in person in Courtroom 3C unless the Court gives prior approval for one or both parties to appear by Zoom; all Zoom requests should be made by email to JudgeDareChambers@oakgov.com with the opposing party/counsel copied on the email.

Civil cases

Page 2 | Motions

The parties may contact chambers to seek an adjournment of a return-of-judgment date if additional drafting time is needed; otherwise, they are expected to appear.

The parties may contact chambers for an adjournment of this date if additional drafting time is needed, otherwise the parties are expected to appear for the hearing.

Civil cases

A party needing an interpreter must notify chambers as soon as possible using the appropriate SCAO form.

Any party in need of an interpreter must let chambers know as soon as possible, and must be made using the appropriate SCAO form.

Civil cases

Additional status conferences before final pretrial may be requested by calling or emailing chambers.

Status Conference: Additional status conferences with the Court in advance of the parties’ final pretrial may be requested by calling chambers or sending an email to JudgeDareChambers@oaklandcountymi.gov.

Civil cases

Page 1 | TRIAL DATES — Status Conference

The document lists judicial clerk Mary’s email address.

Mathiakm@oakgov.com

Civil cases

Page 9 | Chamber’s Contact Information

The document lists judicial assistant Tiffany’s email address.

Johnsonta@oakgov.com

Civil cases

Page 9 | Chamber’s Contact Information

The document lists judicial clerk Lily’s email address.

Wallacel@oakgov.com

Civil cases

Page 9 | Chamber’s Contact Information

The document lists judicial clerk Lily’s telephone number.

248-858-0338

Civil cases

Page 9 | Chamber’s Contact Information

The document lists judicial clerk Mary’s telephone number.

248-858-0337

Civil cases

Page 9 | Chamber’s Contact Information

The document lists Judge Dare’s Chambers telephone number.

Telephone: 248-858-0337

Civil cases

Page 9 | Chamber’s Contact Information

The document lists Judge Dare’s Chambers email address.

JudgeDareChambers@oakgov.com

Civil cases

Page 9 | Chamber’s Contact Information

The document lists judicial staff attorney Molly’s email address.

Knappenbergerm@oakgov.com

Civil cases

Page 9 | Chamber’s Contact Information

The document lists Judge Dare’s Chambers fax number.

Fax: 248-858-2919

Civil cases

Page 9 | Chamber’s Contact Information

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 57 rules apply across Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan, Oakland County. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Fees

All 14
  • MiFILE e-filing has no fee except for documents requiring statutory filing fees, which are paid through MiFILE and subject to a credit-card transaction fee of up to 3%.

  • Payment is charged to the filer’s credit card at checkout when the filing is submitted, and refunded if the document is rejected.

  • Applies to
    Complaint

    Select the statutory filing fee type on the complaint.

Filing Requirements

All 12
  • Applies to
    Pleading or document

    Combine pages into a document and combine any attachments with the main pleading or document before submitting.

  • Applies to
    Document
    Must include
    caption, case number

    The first page of each document must include the case number, case names, and document title.

  • Applies to
    Judgment of divorce

    File the Record of Divorce or Annulment form before or with the Judgment of Divorce; if filed together, submit them as separate documents in the same bundle, not as an attachment.

E-Filing

All 10
  • Applies to
    Pleading or document

    Separate each pleading or document into its own file before uploading; do not combine distinct documents into one PDF.

  • Applies to
    Civil case filing

    E-filing is mandatory for civil cases when starting a new case and when filing in an existing case.

  • Applies to
    Pleading or document

    Submit each pleading or document as its own document, not as separate individual pages.

Communication

All 5
  • Contact
    Email to clerk

    If a case number cannot be found in MiFILE, email the listed address to have the case added.

  • Contact
    Phone to clerk
    Phone
    248-858-5831

    Questions about ePraecipe may be directed to Oakland County Case Management by telephone.

  • Contact
    Phone to clerk
    Phone
    248-858-0582

    E-filing questions may be directed to the Oakland County Clerk’s Office by telephone, using the appropriate menu option.

About Judge Tricia Dare

Hon. Tricia Dare was elected to the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in November 2024 and was assigned to the Family Division. Since 1997, Judge Dare has dedicated her legal career to serving Oakland County families as a member of the Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. She has held a number of leadership positions within the Prosecutor's Office, including as Chief Prosecuting Attorney for the Special Victims Unit, the Hate Crimes Unit, the Victim Services Division, and the Juvenile Justice Division. She has extensive experience handling difficult cases involving domestic violence, elder and vulnerable adult abuse, sexual assault, child abuse, hate crimes, and homicides.

Circuit Court Judge, Family Div In person courtroom: 3C Chambers: 248-858-0337 judgedarechambers@oaklandcountymi.gov Virtual hearing: Judge Dare Zoom (https://miscao-6c.zoom.us/j/2488580337)

Common questions about Judge Tricia Dare's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Tricia Dare?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for motions. Details: delivery no later than friday before adjourned motion call, by chambers drop off. When a motion is adjourned, another Judge’s Copy must be delivered to chambers by the Friday before the adjourned motion call.

View ruleSource: page 1, section MOTION CALL — Adjourned or Cancelled Motions

Does Judge Tricia Dare require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

A stipulated FOC reference order is accepted only if FOC recommended the referral at a pre-motion conference; otherwise the parties must file a motion and notice it for motion call.

View ruleSource: page 1, section ORDERS OF REFERENCE TO FOC

What must be included with motion order filings before Judge Tricia Dare?

The rule requires proposed order. After motion call, the attorneys or litigants must prepare an order for the judge before leaving the courtroom unless otherwise directed.

View ruleSource: page 1, section MOTION CALL — Orders Following Motion Call

What must be included with uniform child support order filings before Judge Tricia Dare?

A child-support deviation must include the UCSO Deviation Addendum.

View ruleSource: page 1, section UNIFORM CHILD SUPPORT ORDERS

How may parties contact Judge Tricia Dare's chambers?

The rule lists email cmo@oaklandcountymi.gov. To have a motion adjournment or cancellation excused, the moving party must call chambers by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday and email Case Management to remove the praecipe.

View ruleSource: page 1, section MOTION CALL — Adjourned or Cancelled Motions

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Tricia Dare?

Parties must obtain chambers’ approval and a new date before seeking an adjournment by stipulation.

View ruleSource: page 1, section ADJOURNMENTS

Is electronic filing required before Judge Tricia Dare?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Emergency motions must be written and properly filed through MiFILE before the Court will review them.

View ruleSource: page 1, section EMERGENCY MOTIONS

Are filing fees or waivers addressed before Judge Tricia Dare?

A fee is required for covered filings. Failure of the moving party to appear may result in a $100 penalty.

View ruleSource: page 1, section MOTION CALL — Abandoned Motions

When is a filing treated as filed before Judge Tricia Dare?

The rule states a 4:30 p.m. filing cutoff. A motion order filed after 4:30 p.m. on the hearing day is untimely and must instead be submitted as a stipulated order or under MCR 2.602(B)(3).

View ruleSource: page 1, section MOTION CALL — Orders Following Motion Call

What service or proof of service rules apply before Judge Tricia Dare?

The moving party must immediately notify opposing counsel or parties of a motion cancellation or adjournment.

View ruleSource: page 1, section MOTION CALL — Adjourned or Cancelled Motions
Complete rules summary for Judge Tricia Dare

Failure of the moving party to appear may result in a $100 penalty.

After motion call, the attorneys or litigants must prepare an order for the judge before leaving the courtroom unless otherwise directed.

The moving party must immediately notify opposing counsel or parties of a motion cancellation or adjournment.

A copy of the motion should be emailed to JudgeDareChambers@oaklandcountymi.gov upon the motion being filed.

Parties must obtain chambers’ approval and a new date before seeking an adjournment by stipulation.

The Court will set further briefing dates and a hearing date for a summary-judgment motion by scheduling order.

A child-support deviation must include the UCSO Deviation Addendum.

A motion must be properly noticed before it can be heard on the Court’s Wednesday motion call.

Motions before the judge are heard in person unless the Court gives prior approval for a party to appear by Zoom.

Parties and attorneys must appear in person for all motions, including procedural motions, unless the Court approves absence or remote appearance in advance.

A motion that was not timely or properly filed cannot be added to the current motion call and may be re-praeciped for a later motion day.

A motion order filed after 4:30 p.m. on the hearing day is untimely and must instead be submitted as a stipulated order or under MCR 2.602(B)(3).

Only the moving party may cancel or re-notice a motion for another motion call.

When a motion is adjourned, another Judge’s Copy must be delivered to chambers by the Friday before the adjourned motion call.

To have a motion adjournment or cancellation excused, the moving party must call chambers by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday and email Case Management to remove the praecipe.

The moving party must appear for the motion unless excused by the Court.

To be excused from appearing on an abandoned motion, the moving party must call chambers by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday to advise the clerk of adjournment or withdrawal.

Responses must be filed through MiFILE by noon on the Monday before the scheduled motion call.

The Court will not review responses that are not in the court file by 9:00 a.m. Tuesday before motion call.

Answers or replies to responses require chambers’ approval for filing under MCR 2.119(2)(b).

Emergency motions may be filed at any time.

Emergency motions must be written and properly filed through MiFILE before the Court will review them.

The Court will not review an emergency motion until the Clerk’s Office accepts it and it is added to the court file.

Do not file a praecipe or notice of hearing for a motion for reconsideration.

A stipulated FOC reference order is accepted only if FOC recommended the referral at a pre-motion conference; otherwise the parties must file a motion and notice it for motion call.

A motion for reconsideration must be filed through MiFILE, with a Judge’s Copy directed to the staff attorney.

A reconsideration hearing will not be held unless the Court orders one.

A party raising a factual dispute must file a motion requesting an evidentiary hearing before the judge.

Additional status conferences before final pretrial may be requested by calling or emailing chambers.

A stipulated request to adjourn trial must be made no later than the final pretrial and will not be granted afterward.

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