- MCR 2.401 (MCR 2.401) (opens in a new tab)
Pretrial procedures requiring exhibit lists. A joint final pretrial order may provide for a list of exhibits with stipulations or objections to admissibility.
Source links open in a new tab.
Michigan Court Exhibit Requirements
Review this Michigan exhibit guidance alongside current court instructions and orders in your case. Citations support their stated claims and scope, not the entire page.
Choose your exhibit labels, prepare the set, and inspect the result before downloading. You can return to the saved job to make a change.
Opens the tool set up for Michigan — plaintiff: Prefix: "P-", Numbers starting at 1; defendant: Prefix: "D-", Numbers starting at 1.
- Confirm the labels, sequence, and placement for your matter.
- Check the receiving system’s file format and size instructions.
- Review case orders and applicable rules before setting a deadline.
- Open the finished PDF and check contents links, bookmarks, and page references.
Before you file
ExhibitPrep formats documents. It does not provide legal advice, submit filings, or determine whether evidence is admissible or a filing meets court requirements.
Some guidance has not been verified against current official sources. A citation supports only its stated claim and scope. Compare the finished PDF with current court instructions and orders in your case. Follow the filing review checklist.
Quick Reference
Updated 2026-07- Primary Rule
- MCR 2.401(H)(2)(i)… (opens in a new tab)
- E-Filing
- MiFILE (opens in a new tab)
- Size Limit
25 MB per document in MiFILE; courts not on MiFILE may differ — confirm Source (opens in a new tab)
- Plaintiff
P-1, P-2 (tool default) — confirm with the judge
- Defendant
D-1, D-2 (tool default) — confirm with the judge
- Deadline
Set by the court's scheduling or final pretrial order
Source links open in a new tab.
Source citations apply to the statement beside them, not the whole page. Check current court instructions and your case orders before filing.
Applicable Rules & Citations
Primary Rule
Pretrial procedures requiring exhibit lists. A joint final pretrial order may provide for a list of exhibits with stipulations or objections to admissibility.
Formatting Requirements
MCR 2.401(H)
Final pretrial order includes stipulations regarding documents and exhibits. Check the assigned judge's pretrial order for exhibit marking requirements.
E-Filing System
Statewide electronic filing system. PDF format. Mandatory for attorneys for required case types in courts where e-filing is implemented. Trial exhibits are not filed with the clerk (MCR 2.518(A)) — e-filing limits apply to pleadings.
Key Deadlines
MCR 2.401(D)
Set by the court's scheduling or final pretrial order (MCR 2.401(B)(2), (H)(2)(i)); the Michigan Court Rules set no days-before-trial exhibit deadline — confirm the judge's order.
Overview
Start with the sources cited beside each statement. Compare the court, proceeding, timing trigger, and exceptions with your matter. If the source does not cover your situation, check the relevant court instructions before relying on it.
Key principle: Always verify your specific court's local rules, as individual counties may have additional requirements beyond the statewide rules.
Michigan Exhibit Conventions
- MiFile statewide e-filing system
- Case evaluation process for settlement
- Business Courts in major counties
- Strong summary disposition practice
Michigan Exhibit Marking
Labels to Confirm
Plaintiff Exhibits
P-1, P-2 (tool default) — confirm with the judge
Defendant Exhibits
D-1, D-2 (tool default) — confirm with the judge
Check Local Court Rules
Individual courts within Michigan may have specific local rules regarding exhibit marking, numbering sequences, and formatting. Always verify with your specific court before filing.
Court-Specific Requirements
Wayne County (Detroit)
Largest county. Has Business Court division. The court list shows Wayne County's Third Circuit on a non-statewide pilot MiFILE solution, with all attorneys and all other filers mandated.
Wayne County Local RulesOakland County
Second largest. Business Court for commercial disputes. Strict pretrial scheduling.
Oakland County Local RulesMacomb County
Third largest. Standard pretrial procedures.
Macomb County Local RulesMichigan County Guides
Check the Receiving System’s Instructions
File Format & Size
Document Specifications
- Confirm the permitted document format
- 25 MB per document in MiFILE; courts not on MiFILE may differ — confirm Source (opens in a new tab)
- Check searchability in the final file
Best Practices
- Include bookmarks for multi-exhibit PDFs
- Check whether passwords or restrictions are permitted
- Clear, legible exhibit stamps
Review Before Filing
Check the Final File Size
Compare each finished PDF with the receiving system’s limit. Individual export separates source documents; it does not split or compress an oversized source document.
Missing or Illegible Exhibit Stamps
Inspect the pages you selected for stamping. Adjust placement if a stamp covers text or falls outside the visible page.
Incorrect Exhibit Numbering
Compare the prepared sequence with your intended labels. Return to the saved job to correct labels and review the revised output.
Late Exhibit Exchange
Check the timing and delivery instructions for your case. Preparing or downloading a PDF does not submit or serve it.
Need to adjust the output? Open your saved job, choose Make a change, and review the revised copy. Prepare and preview exhibits →
How ExhibitPrep Helps with Michigan Requirements
Time Savings
Apply the labels you choose across a set of documents and inspect the prepared pages.
Cost Effective
Preview the result before paying. Choose the access option that fits your work.
Prepared for Court Review
Prepare a combined PDF with contents and bookmarks, then check the actual output before filing.
Opens the tool set up for Michigan — plaintiff: Prefix: "P-", Numbers starting at 1; defendant: Prefix: "D-", Numbers starting at 1.
Take the Michigan Requirements With You
Save the Michigan preparation guide as a PDF for reference. Review its source citations and confirm the instructions that apply to your matter before relying on it.
Free Michigan Exhibit Guide
Enter your email to download
Use the guide as a preparation checklist
- Check the instructions for your assigned court.
- Confirm labels, deadlines, and delivery method.
- Review the finished files before submitting.
ExhibitPrep Configuration for Michigan Courts
Settings to Review
Stamp Format
Choose the labels and party designation that match the instructions for your matter. Review the sequence before preparing the set.
Position
Choose a position that keeps the document readable. Use drag-and-drop positioning to adjust if needed.
Export Format
Compare separate and combined output with the receiving instructions. Check the final file size, contents, and bookmarks in the downloaded copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I start when reviewing Michigan exhibit guidance?
Pretrial procedures requiring exhibit lists. A joint final pretrial order may provide for a list of exhibits with stipulations or objections to admissibility.
What electronic filing guidance should I review?
Statewide electronic filing system. PDF format. Mandatory for attorneys for required case types in courts where e-filing is implemented. Trial exhibits are not filed with the clerk (MCR 2.518(A)) — e-filing limits apply to pleadings.
How should I choose exhibit labels?
Compare your chosen labels with the instructions for your court, judge, and case. Review the sequence and placement in the finished PDF.
Where should I check the exchange deadline?
Set by the court's scheduling or final pretrial order (MCR 2.401(B)(2), (H)(2)(i)); the Michigan Court Rules set no days-before-trial exhibit deadline — confirm the judge's order.
Does choosing a template establish that my exhibits will be accepted?
No. ExhibitPrep formats documents; it does not submit filings or determine whether your evidence is admissible. Review the finished PDF before filing.
Prepare and Review Your Exhibit Set
Prepare labels, inspect the pages, and revise your saved job when needed. Preview your stamped exhibits before paying.
Opens the tool set up for Michigan — plaintiff: Prefix: "P-", Numbers starting at 1; defendant: Prefix: "D-", Numbers starting at 1.
Preview free · $4.99 to save this set
Related Court Guides
Exhibit Conventions Explained
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