Judge Susan A. Dabaja
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Emergency Motion
- 1 copy • Email
Motion
- 1 copy
Trial Brief
- 1 copy • Email • At Least 7 Days Before Trial
Adjournments
- Adjournments require Court permission, requests must be made at least 7 days before the hearing, and stipulated requests may be considered without a formal motion if they do not conflict with other scheduled dates.
Communication
Chambers
Document Filing Requirements11 rules
The Judge will only sign orders that contain the original or electronic signatures of all parties and attorneys.
NOTE: THE COURT DOES NOT GRANT EX PARTE ORDERS RELATING TO CUSTODY ISSUES. PLEASE SUBMIT A PRAECIPE TO THE FRIEND OF THE COURT ON ALL MOTIONS REGARDING CUSTODY.
MCR 3.606 requires that an ex parte motion alleging contempt be supported by an affidavit. No orders to show cause will be granted without supporting affidavits.
Ex parte orders must be supported by an affidavit or verified pleading establishing a proper basis and sufficient facts.
Court's wording
MCR 3.207 requires that the moving party submit an affidavit or verified pleading that establishes a proper basis for the entry of an Ex Parte Order. The affidavit or verified pleading must allege sufficient facts to justify issuance of an Ex Parte Order, which should mirror the verified allegations.
Ex parte order submissions must include a signed proposed order, attached complaint, and case number and Judge's name on both documents; otherwise the order will be returned without review.
Court's wording
IMPORTANT: When submitting an ex parte order to the Court, please ensure the following: (1) the proposed order is signed by the party/attorney presenting it; (2) the complaint is also attached; and (3) a case number and the Judge’s name are included on both, the proposed order and complaint. Failure to follow these instructions will result in the Court returning your proposed order without review.
All proposed final judgments should include a hearing date in the preamble (i.e. the hearing at which proofs were taken, the hearing at which the order was given on the record, etc.)
Motions regarding spousal support must address the factors set out in Sparks v. Sparks , 440 Mich 141; 485 NW2d 893 (1992) with specificity.
Always attach a copy of the current support/custody/or parenting time Order to the Motion.
Further, all motions seeking attorney fees should include supporting documents as to the issue of needs/ability to pay.
Change of domicile motions must address the factors set out in MCL 722.31.
Calculations must be submitted with each proposed Uniform Child Support Order and/or Uniform Spousal Support Order.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
A praecipe must be filed through the Court's online system to schedule a motion for hearing.
a praecipe is filed through the Court’s online system.
Page 1 | Motion Practice
Final documents should be submitted to the Courtroom email, not filed.
Final documents should be submitted to the Courtroom email, not filed.
Page 1 | Orders Presented for Judge's Signature
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Responses to motions are due three business days before the hearing.
Response due date: Three business days prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Motion Practice
Motions in limine are heard at least 2 weeks before the trial date.
Motions in limine (when heard): At least 2 weeks prior to the trial date.
Page 1 | Trial Practice
Service and Proof of Service Rules
During virtual hearings, all orders are emailed to litigants and attorneys through Odyssey; no hard copies are provided.
So long as matters are being heard virtually, all orders will be emailed to the litigants and respective attorneys through the Court’s Odyssey program. No hard copies will be provided.
Page 1 | Orders Presented for Judge's Signature
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A motion is scheduled for hearing only when a Judge's copy is emailed to the Courtroom email and a praecipe is filed online; otherwise the motion will not be heard.
The motion is given a hearing date when the judge’s copy is emailed to the Courtroom email (JudgeDabaja-Court@3rdcc.org) and a praecipe is filed through the Court’s online system. Failure to praecipe a motion and submit a Judge's Copy to the Courtroom email means the motion will not be scheduled or heard.
Page 1 | Motion Practice
Emergency motions should be filed in the Clerk's Office and the Judge's copy emailed without a hearing date; the Court sets a hearing if it deems the motion a true emergency.
Emergency motions should be filed in the Clerk’s Office and then the Judge’s copy should be emailed to the Judge without a hearing date. If the Court determines the motion to be a true emergency, a date and time for hearing of the emergency motion will be set by the Court.
Page 1 | Motion Practice
A Judge's copy of the trial brief must be emailed to the Courtroom at least 7 days before trial.
A Judge’s copy of the trial brief must be emailed to the courtroom email (JudgeDabaja-Court@3rdcc.org) at least 7 days before the scheduled trial date.
Page 1 | Trial Practice
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Adjournments require Court permission, requests must be made at least 7 days before the hearing, and stipulated requests may be considered without a formal motion if they do not conflict with other scheduled dates.
No adjournments will be granted without permission of the Court and requests must be made 7 days prior to the hearing date. While adjournments should be requested only when absolutely necessary, the Court will consider stipulated requests without the necessity of a formal motion provided the adjournment does not interfere with any other scheduled dates. The stipulation and order should state the reason for the adjournment and further comply with MCR 2.503.
Page 1 | Motion Practice
Chambers Communication Rules
Emails to the Courtroom must include the case number and case name in the subject line and renamed attachments, or they will not be answered.
A case number and case name are required in the subject line of any email sent to the Courtroom. Emails will not be answered otherwise. Attachments must be renamed to reflect was is being submitted.
Page 1 | Orders Presented for Judge's Signature
Courtroom phone calls are answered only during specified hours and not while Court is in session; emailing the Courtroom is faster.
Phone calls to the Courtroom will only be answered between 8:30am – 12:30pm, and 2:00pm – 4:30pm. Calls will not be taken while Court is in session. Please email the Courtroom for quicker response times.
Page 1 | Other Courtroom Procedures