What is Case Evaluation?
The purpose of Case Evaluation is to provide party's with an opportunity to present their argument before a panel of three case evaluators, who will examine and consider the interest of all parties to determine a numeric recommendation for the parties to consider and/or settle upon prior to the case being reviewed before the judge assigned to the case.
The management of Michigan's 36th District Court Case Evaluation Program is handled by the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association. Pursuant to an Administrative Order of the 36th District Court, all general civil cases, in which the money damages exceeds $5,000 are to be evaluated under Michigan Court Rule (Case Evaluation) 2.403.
Approximately 45 days after an Answer to the complaint has been filed with the Court Parties, will receive a Notice to Litigants from the Court stating that the case is being forward to the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association on a specified date for scheduling of a hearing date.
Once the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association has performed its monthly download, parties will be assigned a hearing date and the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association will issue Notice of Hearings according to the information provided by the Court at least 42 days in advance of the hearing date.
The Notice of Case Evaluation Hearing will contain the following information:
u Date, Time and Location of the Case Evaluation Hearing
u Memo explaining each party's responsibility in preparing and participating in the case evaluation process
u Deadlines for submitting documents and fees
u Definition of legal terms
u Case Evaluation Summary form to be completed by the in-pro-per parties (not represented by an attorney).
u Memo explaining the process for removing a case from the case evaluation hearing docket due to the following:
- Summary Disposition
- Administrative Closing
- Settlement
- Dismissal
- Adjournment
u Checklist to assist each party or party's attorney in complying with the hearing notice.
Confused about the legal ramifications of Case Evaluation Hearings? Interested in hiring an attorney?
Well, call the Lawyer Referral and Information Service of the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association. If you are in a position to pay for an attorney, you can call our Lawyer Referral and Information Service at phone: 313-961-3545. If an agent is not available to take your call you must follow the instructions given on the recording to receive the name of an attorney to provide you with assistance.
