ADM File No. 2023-38
Amendment of Rules 9.110, 9.111, 9.115, 9.117, 9.118, 9.125, 9.128, 9.129, 9.131, 9.201, 9.211, 9.221, 9.224, 9.231, 9.232, 9.233, 9.234, 9.235, 9.236, 9.240, 9.241, 9.242, 9.243, 9.244, 9.245, 9.251, 9.261, and 9.263 of the Michigan Court Rules and Rules 1.12 and 3.5 of the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct
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ADM File No. 2025-08
Amendment of Administrative Order No. 2022-1
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ADM File No. 2025-31
Appointment Of Chief Judges Of Michigan Courts
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ADM File No. 2025-01
Appointment to the Court Reporting and Recording Board of Review
On order of the Court, pursuant to MCR 8.108(G)(2)(a) and effective immediately, Honorable Todd E. Briggs (Probate Court Judge) is appointed to serve on the Michigan Court Reporting and Recording Board of Review for the remainder of a term expiring on March 31, 2027.
ADM File No. 2025-01
Appointments to the Committee on Model Civil Jury Instructions
On order of the Court, pursuant to Administrative Order No. 2001- 6, the following members are reappointed to serve on the Committee on Model Civil Jury Instructions for full terms commencing on January 1, 2026 and expiring on December 31, 2028:
- Matthew M. Aneese (Attorney – Plaintiff)
- Honorable Annette M. Jurkiewicz-Berry (Circuit Court Judge)
- Honorable Charles T. LaSata (Circuit Court Judge)
- Richard J. Suhrheinrich (Attorney – Defense)
- Emily G. Thomas (Attorney – Plaintiff)
- Adam Winn (Attorney – Plaintiff)
- Honorable Christopher P. Yates (Court of Appeals Judge)
Additionally, the following individuals are appointed to serve on the Committee on Model Civil Jury Instructions for first full terms commencing on January 1, 2026 and expiring on December 31, 2028:
- John Hohmeier (Attorney – Defense)
- Elaine Sawyer (Attorney – Defense)
Further, Commissioner Liza Moore will serve as reporter of the Committee on Model Civil Jury Instructions until further order of the Court.
ADM File No. 2025-01
Appointments to the Committee on Model Criminal Jury Instructions
On order of the Court, pursuant to Administrative Order No. 2013- 13, the following members are reappointed to serve on the Committee on Model Criminal Jury Instructions for full terms commencing on January 1, 2026 and expiring on December 31, 2028:
- Honorable Michael C. Brown (District Court Judge)
- Sara Swanson (Prosecutor)
- Honorable Margaret M. Van Houten (Circuit Court Judge)
Additionally, the following individuals are appointed to serve on the Committee on Model Criminal Jury Instructions for first full terms commencing on January 1, 2026 and expiring on December 31, 2028:
- Honorable Anica Letica (Court of Appeals Judge)
- Mikayla Hamilton (Attorney – Defense/Trial)
- ImeIme Umana (Attorney – Defense/Appellate)
- Christopher Wickman (Attorney – Defense/Trial)
In addition, Commissioner Christopher Smith will serve as reporter of the Committee on Model Criminal Jury Instructions until further order of the Court.
ADM File No. 2025-01
Appointments to the Michigan Judicial Council
On order of the Court, pursuant to MCR 8.128, the following members are reappointed to serve on the Michigan Judicial Council for full terms commencing on January 1, 2026 and expiring on December 31, 2028:
- Justice Elizabeth M. Welch (sitting Michigan Supreme Court Justice)
- Nora Ryan (on behalf of the Justice for All Commission)
- Dr. Sheryl Kubiak (Member of the Public)
- Honorable Aaron Gauthier (At-Large Judge)
The following members are appointed to serve on the Michigan Judicial Council for first full terms commencing on January 1, 2026 and expiring on December 31, 2028:
- Honorable Angela Sherigan (on behalf of the Tribal State Federal Judicial Forum)
- Honorable Daniel Korobkin (At-Large Judge)
ADM File No. 2025-01
Assignment of Judge to the Court of Claims and Appointment of Chief Judge
On order of the Court, effective January 1, 2026, Honorable Michael F. Gadola is assigned to serve as a Court of Claims judge for the remainder of a term expiring on May 1, 2027 and is appointed to serve as chief judge of the Court of Claims for a term expiring on May 1, 2027.
ADM File No. 2025-03
Amendment of Rule 1.111 of the Michigan Court Rules
On order of the Court, notice of the proposed changes and an opportunity for comment in writing and at a public hearing having been provided, and consideration having been given to the comments received, the following amendment of Rule 1.111 of the Michigan Court Rules is adopted, effective January 1, 2026.
[Additions to the text are indicated in underlining and deleted text is shown by strikeover.]
Rule 1.111 Foreign Language Interpreters
(A) Definitions. When used in this rule, the following words and phrases have the following definitions:
(1)-(3) [Unchanged.]
(4) “Certified foreign language interpreter” means a person who meets all of the following criteriahas:
(a) has passed a foreign language interpreter test administered by the State Court Administrative Office or a similar state or federal test approved by the state court administrator,
(b) has met all the requirements established by the state court administrator for this interpreter classification, and
(c) is registered with the State Court Administrative Office, and.
(d) provides foreign language interpreter services independently or on behalf of a registered interpreter firm.
(5) “Interpret” and “interpretation” mean the oral rendering of spoken or written communication from one language to another without change in meaning.
(6) “Qualified foreign language interpreter” means a person who meets all of the following criteria:
(a) has passed the written English proficiency exam administered by the State Court Administrative Office or a similar state or federal test approved by the state court administrator,
(b) within the two calendar years preceding their registration application to become a qualified foreign language interpreter, has passed the consecutive or simultaneous portion of a foreign language interpreter test administered by the State Court Administrative Office or a similar state or federal test approved by the state court administrator (if testing exists for the language),
(c) is actively engaged in becoming certified by continuing to test on each portion of the oral examination in each calendar year,
(d) has been determined by the court after voir dire to be competent to provide interpretation services for the proceeding in which the interpreter is providing services,
(e) meets the requirements established by the state court administrator for this interpreter classification,
(f) is registered with the State Court Administrative Office, and
(g) provides foreign language interpretation services independently or on behalf of a registered interpreter firm.
(a) A person who provides interpretation services, provided that the person has:
(i) registered with the State Court Administrative Office; and
(ii) passed the consecutive portion of a foreign language interpreter test administered by the State Court Administrative Office or a similar state or federal test approved by the state court administrator (if testing exists for the language), and is actively engaged in becoming certified; and
(iii) met the requirements established by the state court administrator for this interpreter classification; and
(iv) been determined by the court after voir dire to be competent to provide interpretation services for the proceeding in which the interpreter is providing services, or
(b) A person who works for an entity that provides in-person interpretation services provided that:
(i)both the entity and the person have registered with the State Court Administrative Office; and
(ii)the person has met the requirements established by the state court administrator for this interpreter classification; and
(iii) the person has been determined by the court after voir dire to be competent to provide interpretation services for the proceeding in which the interpreter is providing services, or
(c) A person who works for an entity that provides interpretation services by telecommunication equipment, provided that:
(i) the entity has registered with the State Court Administrative Office; and
(ii) the entity has met the requirements established by the state court administrator for this interpreter classification; and
(iii) the person has been determined by the court after voir dire to be competent to provide interpretation services for the proceeding in which the interpreter is providing services
(7) “Registered interpreter firm” means an entity that employs or contracts with certified or qualified foreign language interpreters to provide foreign language interpretation services and that is registered with the State Court Administrative Office as required by MCR 8.127(C)(2).
(B) [Unchanged.]
(C) Waiver of Appointment of Foreign Language Interpreter. A person may waive the right to a foreign language interpreter established under subrule (B)(1) unless the court determines that the interpreter is required for the protection of the person’s rights and the integrity of the case or court proceeding. The court must find on the record that a person’s waiver of an interpreter is knowing and voluntary. When accepting the person’s waiver, the court may use a foreign language interpreter. For purposes of this waiver, the court is not required to comply with the requirements of subrule (F) and the foreign language interpreter may participate remotely.
(D) Recordings. The court may make a recording of anything said by a foreign language interpreter or a limited English proficient person while testifying or responding to a colloquy during those portions of the proceedings.
(E) [Unchanged.]
(F) Appointment of Foreign Language Interpreters
(1)-(4) [Unchanged.]
(5) Except as otherwise provided in this subrule, iIf a party is financially able to pay for interpretation costs, the court may order the party to reimburse the court for all or a portion of interpretation costs. Reimbursement is prohibited in criminal cases.
(6)-(7) [Unchanged.]
(G) Administration of Oath or Affirmation to Interpreters. The court shall administer an oath or affirmation to a foreign language interpreter substantially conforming to the following: “Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will truly, accurately, and impartially interpret in the matter now before the court and not divulge confidential communications, so help you God?”
(H) [Unchanged.]
Staff Comment (ADM File No. 2025-03): The amendment of MCR 1.111 prohibits reimbursement for interpretation costs in criminal cases; allows an individual to become a “qualified foreign language interpreter” if they, among other things, have passed the consecutive or simultaneous portion of the oral exam within the last two calendar years; updates the definitions for “interpret,” “certified foreign language interpreter,” and “qualified foreign language interpreter”; and adds a new definition for a “registered interpreter firm.”
The staff comment is not an authoritative construction by the Court. In addition, adoption of a new rule or amendment in no way reflects a substantive determination by this Court.
ADM File No. 2025-03
Proposed Amendment of Rule 1.111 of the Michigan Court Rules
On order of the Court, this is to advise that the Court is considering an amendment of Rule 1.111 of the Michigan Court Rules. Before determining whether the proposal should be adopted, changed before adoption, or rejected, this notice is given to afford interested persons the opportunity to comment on the form or the merits of the proposal or to suggest alternatives. The Court welcomes the views of all. This matter will also be considered at a public hearing. The notices and agendas for each public hearing are posted on the Public Administrative Hearings page.
Publication of this proposal does not mean that the Court will issue an order on the subject, nor does it imply probable adoption of the proposal in its present form.
[Additions to the text are indicated in underlining and deleted text is shown by strikeover.]
Rule 1.111 Foreign Language Interpreters
(A)-(E) [Unchanged.]
(E) Appointment of Foreign Language Interpreters
(1)-(3) [Unchanged.]
(4) Interpretation costs are at no charge to the individual receiving the services, and reimbursement to the court is prohibited. The court may set reasonable compensation for interpreters who are appointed by the court. Court-appointed interpreter costs are to be paid out of funds provided by law or by the court.
(5) Except as otherwise provided in this subrule, if a party is financially able to pay for interpretation costs, the court may order the party to reimburse the court for all or a portion of interpretation costs. Reimbursement is prohibited in criminal cases.
(6)-(7) [Renumbered (5)-(6) but otherwise unchanged.]
(C)-(H) [Unchanged.]
Staff Comment (ADM File No. 2025-03): The proposed amendment of MCR 1.111 would expand free foreign language interpretation services to civil cases as suggested by several commenters on the Court’s initial proposal in this ADM file, which was adopted by the Court with some revisions. The initial proposal only contemplated free interpretation services in criminal cases. The Court is now interested in receiving additional comments regarding its proposal to expand free interpretation services to civil cases. Please note that subrule (F)(5), which would be struck under this proposal, reflects the version of subrule (F)(5) adopted by the Court in its initial proposal that becomes effective on January 1, 2026.
The staff comment is not an authoritative construction by the Court. In addition, adoption of a new rule or amendment in no way reflects a substantive determination by this Court.
ZAHRA, J., would have declined to publish the proposal for comment.
A copy of this order will be given to the Secretary of the State Bar and to the State Court Administrator so that they can make the notifications specified in MCR 1.201. Comments on the proposal may be submitted by March 1, 2026 by clicking on the “Comment on this Proposal” link under this proposal on the Court’s Proposed & Adopted Orders on Administrative Matters page. You may also submit a comment in writing at P.O. Box 30052, Lansing, MI 48909 or via email at ADMcomment@courts.mi.gov. When submitting a comment, please refer to ADM File No. 2025-03. Your comments and the comments of others will be posted under the chapter affected by this proposal.
ADM File No. 2025-04
Amendment of Rule 3.613 of the Michigan Court Rules
On order of the Court, notice of the proposed changes and an opportunity for comment in writing and at a public hearing having been provided, and consideration having been given to the comments received, the following amendment of Rule 3.613 of the Michigan Court Rules is adopted, effective January 1, 2026.
Additions to the text are indicated in underlining and deleted text is shown by strikeover.]
Rule 3.613 Change of Name
(A) [Unchanged.]
(B) Published Notice; Contents. Unless otherwise provided in this rule, the court must order publication of the notice of the proceeding to change a name in a newspaper in the county where the action is pending. If the court has waived fees under MCR 2.002, it must pay the cost of any ordered publication, including any affidavit fee charged by the publisher or the publisher’s agent for preparing the affidavit pursuant to MCR 2.106(G). Any case record reflecting court payment must be nonpublic. A published notice of a proceeding to change a must include the name of the petitioner; the current name of the subject of the petition; the proposed name; and the time, date, and place of the hearing, or alternatively, the date by which a person with the same or similar name to the petitioner’s proposed name must file a motion to intervene. Proof of service must be made as provided by MCR 2.106(G)(1).
(C) No Publication of Notice; Confidential Record. Upon receiving a petition showingestablishing good cause, the court must order that no publication of notice of the proceeding take place and that the record of the proceeding be confidential. Good cause includes but is not limited to evidence that publication or availability of thea record of the proceeding could place the petitioner or another individual in physical danger, at an or increased the likelihood of such danger, orsuch as evidence that the petitioner or another individual has been the victim of stalking, domestic violence, human trafficking, harassment, or an assaultive crime, or evidence that publication or the availability of a record of the proceeding could place the petitioner or another individual at risk of unlawful retaliation or discrimination. Good cause must be presumed as provided in MCL 711.3.
(1) Evidence supporting good cause must include the petitioner’s or the endangered individual’s sworn statement stating the reason supporting good cause, including but not limited to fear of physical danger, if the record is published or otherwise available. The court must not require proof of an arrest or prosecution to find that a petition showsreach a finding of good cause.
(2) [Unchanged.]
(3) If a petition requesting nonpublication under this subrule is granted, the court must:
(a) [Unchanged.]
(b) notify the petitioner of its decision and the time, date, and place of the hearing, if any, on the requested name change under subrule (A); and
(c) [Unchanged.]
(4) If a petition requesting nonpublication under this subrule is denied, the court must issue a written order that states the reasons for denying relief and advises the petitioner of the right to
(a)-(b) [Unchanged.]
(c) proceed with a hearing on the name change petition by submitting a publication of notice of hearing for name change form with the court within 14 days of entry of the order denying the petition requesting nonpublication. If the petitioner submits such form, in accordance with subrule (B) the court maymust set a time, date, and place of a hearing and must order publication in accordance with subrule (B).
(5)-(9) [Unchanged.]
(10) If a petition requesting nonpublication under this subrule is denied, and the petitioner or the court proceed with thesetting a time, date, and place of a hearing on the petition for a name change as provided in subrules (4)(c) or (6), the court must order that the record is no longer confidential.
(D) Minor’s Signature. A petition for a change of name by a minor need not be signed in the presence of a judge. However, the separate written consent that must be signed by a minor 14 years of age or older shall be signed in the presence of the judge.
(E)-(G) [Unchanged.]
Staff Comment (ADM File No. 2025-04): The amendment of MCR 3.613 realigns the rule with recent amendments of MCL 711.1 and MCL 711.3 regarding name change proceedings.
The staff comment is not an authoritative construction by the Court. In addition, adoption of a new rule or amendment in no way reflects a substantive determination by this Court.
ADM File No. 2025-14
Proposed Amendment of Rule 8.115 of the Michigan Court Rules
On order of the Court, this is to advise that the Court is considering an amendment of Rule 8.115 of the Michigan Court Rules. Before determining whether the proposal should be adopted, changed before adoption, or rejected, this notice is given to afford interested persons the opportunity to comment on the form or the merits of the proposal or to suggest alternatives. The Court welcomes the views of all. Please note that the written comment period for this proposal is shortened and will expire on December 22, 2025. This matter will also be considered at a public hearing. The notices and agendas for each public hearing are posted on the Public Administrative Hearings page.
Publication of this proposal does not mean that the Court will issue an order on the subject, nor does it imply probable adoption of the proposal in its present form.
[Additions to the text are indicated in underlining and deleted text is shown by strikeover.]
Rule 8.115 CourthouseCourtroom Decorum; Policy Regarding Use of Cell Phones or Other Portable Electronic Communication Devices; Civil Arrests
(A)-(C) [Unchanged.]
(D) Civil Arrests in Courthouses.
(1) No person shall be subject to civil arrest in a courthouse while attending a court proceeding or having legal business in the courthouse. See MCL 600.1821.
(2) This subrule does not apply to arrests made pursuant to a valid warrant that a judge has authorized.
Staff Comment (ADM File No. 2025-14): The proposed amendment of MCR 8.115 would prohibit the civil arrest of a person while attending a court proceeding or having legal business in the courthouse. See MCL 600.1821.
The staff comment is not an authoritative construction by the Court. In addition, adoption of a new rule or amendment in no way reflects a substantive determination by this Court.
A copy of this order will be given to the Secretary of the State Bar and to the State Court Administrator so that they can make the notifications specified in MCR 1.201. Comments on the proposal may be submitted by December 22, 2025 by clicking on the “Comment on this Proposal” link under this proposal on the Court’s Proposed & Adopted Orders on Administrative Matters page. You may also submit a comment in writing at P.O. Box 30052, Lansing, MI 48909 or via email at ADMcomment@courts.mi.gov. When submitting a comment, please refer to ADM File No. 2025-14. Your comments and the comments of others will be posted under the chapter affected by this proposal.
ZAHRA, J., would have declined to publish the proposal for comment.