You cannot have your case tried until the defendant is served. The defendant must be served within 91 days from the date of filing or the case will automatically be dismissed. Personal service may be made by any legally competent adult who is not a party to the suit. However, please be advised that if you select this option, service must be in accordance with the Michigan Court Rules or the service will be considered invalid. Such Court will generally schedule a mediation date within 30 to 45 days after the claim has been filed.
Parties receive notice of the court date by mail within one to two weeks of filing.
However, note that if the defendant has not been served within 7 days of the hearing date originally set, the mediation may have to be rescheduled. Parties are expected to appear on time. The case will be assigned to a mediator, an experienced attorney, who will attempt to assist the parties in reaching a settlement. Mediation offers parties an opportunity to discuss the case in a more relaxed, informal setting than going before a Judge or Magistrate. Both sides will have an opportunity to discuss their views about the claim with the mediator.