Court of Appeals, Detroit in Detroit: How to Reach Them

06 Courts and self-help

Michigan (Detroit office)

Government agency

Business hours

Accepts and processes appeals from Wayne County trial court decisions and answers procedural questions about filing deadlines, fees and forms.

What it is

The Court of Appeals is Michigan's intermediate appellate court. Its Detroit clerk's office in the Cadillac Place state building serves Wayne County and the surrounding districts.

Why it matters

If a Wayne County judge dismissed your case or ruled against you, the appeal is filed here. Missing the filing window usually ends the right to appeal.

What to know first

Most filings are made electronically through MiFILE, and the court publishes a free Guide to Handling a Civil Appeal. Because the deadlines are so short, talk to a lawyer as soon as a final order is entered.

Limits and eligibility

Clerk staff can explain procedure but cannot give legal advice; appeal deadlines are short and strict, often 21 days from the order.

What to have ready

Copy of the trial court order or judgment
Lower court case number
Filing fee or fee waiver request
Transcript order information

How to reach them