Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I file a complaint?

   A complaint may be filed in person or by mail at any Clerk's Office location within the Eastern District of Michigan. Complaints cannot be filed electronically at this time. Filing requirements are:

   • 2 Civil Cover Sheets
   • Summonses directed to each defendant
   • 2 Complaints
   • Check made payable to Clerk, U.S. District Court. (Click here for filing fee)

   Also refer to E.D.Mich LR 5.1

2. How do I file a Notice of Removal?

   A Notice of Removal may be filed in person or by mail at any Clerk's Office location within the Eastern District of Michigan. Notices of Removal cannot be filed electronically at this time. The filing requirements are:

   • 2 Civil Cover Sheets
   • 2 Notices of Removal with copies of state court record
   • Check made payable to Clerk, U.S. District Court. (Click here for filing fee)

   See E.D. Mich LR 5.1

3. How do I proceed without prepayment of filing fees?

   To proceed without prepayment of filing fees, click here to fill out the application form (*.pdf format).

4. How do I file a lawsuit in Federal Court?

   For more information please view Filing your Lawsuit in Federal Courts (*.pdf format)

5. How do I file an Appeal?

   An appeal may be filed in person or by mail at any Clerk's Office location within the Eastern District of Michigan. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals will send out a package upon receipt of the Notice of Appeal with the appeal case number and briefing schedule. If you are an attorney you must register for electronic filing and file your Notice of Appeal electronically. You can pay the appeals fee online with a credit card. See Electronic Filing Information for more information and to register.

   Filing requirements are:

   • 2 Notices of Appeal
   • Check made payable to Clerk, U.S. District Court (Click here for filing fee)

   See E.D. Mich LR 5.1

6. How do I register a foreign judgment?

   To register a foreign judgment, a certified copy of the judgment and a document prepared by the foreign court entitled, Certification of Judgment for Registration in Another District are required. (Click here for filing fee)

7. How do I arrange for service by the U.S. Marshal?

   Under certain circumstances, a motion requesting service by a U.S. Marshal must be filed. If the motion is granted and upon the order of a judge, the U.S. Marshal will serve process.

8. How do I arrange for service of a complaint in a foreign country?

   For service upon defendants in countries that are party to the Hague Convention, you must obtain and prepare a Request for Service Abroad form (USM-94), available from the U.S. Marshal's website. Forward two completed Request for Service Abroad forms to the Clerk's Office. The Clerk will sign the forms and return them to you for mailing to the appropriate foreign central authority. For complete information reqarding foreign service, visit the U.S. Department of State website

   For service upon defendants in countries that are not party to the Hague Convention, you must determine the method of service acceptable based on internationally agreed means or the manner prescribed by the laws of the foreign country (Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(f))

9. How do I file papers?

   All paper documents filed with the Clerk must include an original and one copy. The copy should be clearly marked JUDGE'S COPY. E.D. Mich LR 5.1

   If you are an attorney, you must register for electronic filing and file all papers electronically. See Electronic Filing Information for more information and to register. Consult E.D. Mich LR 26.2 for the rules governing the filing of discovery material.

10. How do I schedule a hearing on a motion?

    E.D. Mich L.R. 7.1 governs this Court's motion practice. All hearings will be scheduled by the judge, if appropriate.

11. What is the motion fee?

    There is no motion fee in this court.

12. How do I review a Court File?

    Most court records are now in electronic form. You have several options to view court records. The most convenient way is to view them online using a PACER account. PACER stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records. You will need to sign up for an account. To find out more about PACER, visit their website.

    If you do not have a PACER account, you may come to the Clerk's Office in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Flint, or Bay City between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are public terminals in which you can access court records. There is a per page fee for any page you print. (Click here for filing fee)

    Older case records generally need to be retrieved from the Federal Records Center. You may request a file online through our website. You will be notified when the file arrives so that you may come to the Clerk's Office to view it. For more information about ordering a file, please click here.

13. How do I file a document under seal?

    Documents subject to a protective order must be filed pursuant to E.D. Mich LR 5.3. In addition, each document subject to a protective order must be placed in a separate 9 ½ x 12 inch envelope and sealed closed. Each envelope must plainly state the full case caption, title of the document enclosed and the text, "FILED UNDER SEAL PURSUANT TO A PROTECTIVE ORDER" in bold, capital letters not less than one inch high.

    Only those documents specifically referenced in the protective order should be sealed. If the sealed documents are exhibits to a motion, only the exhibits are to be filed under seal. Sealed and public documents should not be fastened, stapled or bound together when they are filed.

    If a protective order has not been issued in the case, documents cannot be filed under seal.