Effective August 10, 2026, the 36th District Court will resume conducting all first hearings in landlord-tenant cases in person.
The decision follows the Court’s successful return to in-person second hearings, which demonstrated that litigants continued to appear and participate without an increase in default judgments or missed appearances.
Returning first hearings to the courtroom will allow parties to meet with counsel face-to-face, present relevant documents at the earliest stage of the case, and identify issues sooner. The Court expects the change to improve communication among litigants, attorneys, and court staff while reducing unnecessary delays and helping cases move more efficiently through the judicial process.
“In-person first hearings create opportunities for more meaningful communication, earlier review of important documents, and a clearer understanding of the issues before the Court,” said Chief Judge William C. McConico. “Our experience has shown that these benefits lead to a more efficient process while ensuring every party has a full and fair opportunity to be heard.”
The Court remains committed to providing accessible, fair, and efficient proceedings for all litigants while continuously evaluating practices that improve the administration of justice.
For additional information, please visit http://www.36thdistrictcourtmi.gov.
The decision follows the Court’s successful return to in-person second hearings, which demonstrated that litigants continued to appear and participate without an increase in default judgments or missed appearances.
Returning first hearings to the courtroom will allow parties to meet with counsel face-to-face, present relevant documents at the earliest stage of the case, and identify issues sooner. The Court expects the change to improve communication among litigants, attorneys, and court staff while reducing unnecessary delays and helping cases move more efficiently through the judicial process.
“In-person first hearings create opportunities for more meaningful communication, earlier review of important documents, and a clearer understanding of the issues before the Court,” said Chief Judge William C. McConico. “Our experience has shown that these benefits lead to a more efficient process while ensuring every party has a full and fair opportunity to be heard.”
The Court remains committed to providing accessible, fair, and efficient proceedings for all litigants while continuously evaluating practices that improve the administration of justice.
For additional information, please visit http://www.36thdistrictcourtmi.gov.
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