Effective as of January 1, 2020, the Michigan Court Rules have notably changed. Most of the changes affect the discovery process—the process of exchanging information and documents before trial. Some examples of the changes:
- Limits to the number of interrogatories (written questions) that can be sent to another party (20 including subparts)
- Limits on the length of a deposition (7 hours)
- Exchange of initial disclosures of basic information about claims and defenses
- Broadens when mediation can be used
- Modification to what is discoverable (old standard—”reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence”; new standard—“proportional to the needs of the case”)
These changes affect probate court cases, but in unique ways unlike other types of lawsuits. It is important to work with a probate litigator for an inheritance issue or a family issue because a deep understanding of the special rules that apply in probate court gives you a strategic advantage. Laura and David are well versed in all the rules that apply to probate court issues.
