Small Claims Court - Are the defendants permitted to bring an attorney
into small claims court?
Question
Are the defendants permitted to bring an attorney into small claims court?
I have searched the internet for Michigan Small Claims Court information
and I am finding conflicting information. Some information says they
are permitted, some sites say the defendants must obtain permission from
the Magistrate to bring an attorney and other sites say no attorneys allowed
for small claims cases.
What is the current law on this? If the defendants are granted
permission to bring an attorney (if this is allowable according to Michigan
law), am I notified they are bringing an attorney?
Answer
It is my understanding that a party to a small claims action may not be
represented by an attorney. If the defendant wishes to be represented
by an attorney, they would need to file a motion to have the matter removed
from small claims court to the general civil docket.
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Last Updated: 3-21-08
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