International Service of Process & Worldwide Judicial Support — Since 1982 Submit a process service request International Docket: 855-505-9155
Click Here For A Free Quote
HomeAbout Us
Services We ProvideInternational Service of ProcessInternational/Domestic InvestigationsDomestication of Foreign SubpoenasService of Process by PublicationNative American ReservationsU.S. Nationwide Process ServiceTranslation Service
Areas We ServeNationwide Process ServiceInternational Process Service
BlogFAQsContact Us Submit a process service request Click Here For A Free Quote

Process service · Midwest · United States

Michigan Process Server

Service of process in all 83 Michigan counties by legally competent adult process servers, under Michigan Court Rule 2.105.

Request service in Michigan 855-505-9155
SUMMONS VALID
91 days
WHO MAY SERVE
Any adult
COUNTIES
83

Who may serve

Any competent adult non-party

No license required

Household service

Only by court order

No automatic abode service

Certified mail

Restricted delivery

Return receipt to the addressee

Summons valid

91 days

Can be extended for diligence

Overview

Process Server in Michigan: How Service of Process Works

Michigan lets any legally competent adult who isn't a party, or an officer of a corporate party, serve process under Michigan Court Rule 2.103. Michigan is stricter than many states in one way: there's no automatic option to leave papers with a household member. A defendant must be served personally or by certified mail restricted to the addressee, and any other method, such as leaving papers at the home, needs a court order first. A summons expires 91 days after it's issued.

Who may serve

Who Can Serve Legal Papers in Michigan

Under MCR 2.103(A), process may be served by any legally competent adult who is not a party or an officer of a corporate party. Michigan doesn't license process servers.

Michigan has no general 'leave it with someone at home' rule. Unless the defendant is served personally or by restricted-delivery certified mail, a court order for substituted service under MCR 2.105(J) is required, and service made before the order is entered isn't valid.

Typical documents include summonses and complaints, landlord-tenant papers, subpoenas, family law papers and personal protection orders.

Proof you receive

A process server signs a proof of service stating the facts of service; for mail service, the signed return receipt is attached.

Our services

Our Michigan Process Serving Services

01

Personal service statewide

Personal service in all 83 Michigan counties, the method Michigan courts favor, with a proof of service that meets MCR 2.104.

02

Substituted service support

Detailed attempt records to support a verified MCR 2.105(J) motion when the defendant can't be served personally.

03

Detroit, Grand Rapids and statewide

Fast service in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Kent and every Michigan county.

The rules

Michigan Service of Process Rules

The Michigan court rules that matter most for service:

RuleWhat it covers
MCR 2.103(A)Who may serve: any legally competent adult non-party
MCR 2.105(A)Personal service or restricted-delivery certified mail
MCR 2.105(J)Substituted service only by court order
MCR 2.102(D)Summons expires 91 days after issue
MCR 2.104Proof of service
MCR 2.108(A)21 or 28 days to answer, depending on how served

Service methods

How to Serve Legal Documents in Michigan

From the first choice to the last resort, with the rule that allows each one.

1

Personal service

Standard method

Delivering the summons and a copy of the complaint to the defendant personally.

MCR 2.105(A)(1)
2

Certified mail, restricted delivery

Standard method

Mailing with return receipt requested and delivery restricted to the addressee.

MCR 2.105(A)(2)
3

Service on entities

Corporations, partnerships, LLCs

Serving an officer, registered agent or person in charge of an office, often combined with a mailing.

MCR 2.105(C)–(H)
4

Substituted service by court order

When normal service can't reasonably be made

On a verified motion, the court can order another method, such as posting or publication; service can't be attempted before the order.

MCR 2.105(J)

Courts

Michigan Courts for Civil Cases

Contact details for the courts that handle most civil litigation in the state.

Federal Court

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan (Detroit)

Theodore Levin United States Courthouse, 231 West Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48226

(313) 234-5005M-F: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Court website
Federal Court

U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan (Grand Rapids)

110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

(616) 456-2381M-F: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Court website
State Supreme Court

Michigan Supreme Court

Michigan Hall of Justice, 925 W. Ottawa Street, Lansing, MI 48915

(517) 373-0120M-F: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Court website
Family Law Court

Michigan Circuit Courts (Family Division) — By County

Family law matters are handled at the county Circuit Court level; see each county's page for its exact courthouse address

Varies by countyM-F: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (typical)

Court website

Statewide reach

Process Server Coverage in Every Michigan County

Process service in every Michigan county, 83 in all. Choose a region, then click any county to view its courts and local service details.

Southeast Michigan (Detroit Metro)

11 counties
01Wayne County
02Oakland County
03Macomb County
04Washtenaw County
05Livingston County
06Monroe County
07St. Clair County
08Lapeer County
09Genesee County
10Shiawassee County
11Benzie County

Every assignment is completed under this state's rules of civil procedure and returned with a sworn proof of service for your court.

Good to know

Serving Court Papers in Michigan: What to Know

No household service without an order

Leaving papers with a family member at the home isn't valid in Michigan unless the court has ordered substituted service first.

91 days goes fast

A summons expires 91 days after it's issued; ask the judge for a second summons before it expires if you've been diligent.

Restricted delivery is essential

Certified mail counts only if delivery is restricted to the addressee and the receipt shows they signed.

Motions must be fresh

A motion for substituted service must be verified and dated no more than 14 days before it's filed.

FAQs

Process Server Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find your answer? Call 855-505-9155.

Who can serve papers in Michigan?

Any legally competent adult who isn't a party or an officer of a corporate party, under MCR 2.103. Michigan doesn't require a process server license.

Can a family member accept papers for me in Michigan?

Not automatically. Michigan requires personal service or restricted-delivery certified mail. Leaving papers with someone else at the home is allowed only if the court has ordered substituted service under MCR 2.105(J).

How long is a summons valid in Michigan?

91 days from the date it's issued. If the plaintiff has been diligent, the judge can order a second summons for up to one year from the original issue date.

I was served in Michigan. How long do I have to answer?

Generally 21 days if you were personally served in Michigan, and 28 days if served by mail or outside the state. Get advice from a lawyer licensed in Michigan quickly.

How much does a process server cost in Michigan?

In Michigan, cost turns on location, urgency, attempts and any skip tracing; serving in Lansing usually costs less than reaching Upper Peninsula. We quote a fixed price upfront.

Sources and further reading

This page is general information, not legal advice. Court rules change, so we confirm current requirements for every assignment.

Need a Process Server in Michigan?

Send us the documents and the address. We'll confirm cost and timing before we start.

Request service 855-505-9155

Process Servers in Other Midwestern States

IllinoisIndianaIowaKansasMinnesotaMissouriNebraskaNorth DakotaOhioSouth DakotaWisconsin
← All states