Controlled-access buildings
Many Downtown and Midtown buildings have a front desk or key-fob entry. A unit number, buzzer name, or the person’s usual hours helps a lot.
PROCESS SERVER · WAYNE COUNTY, MI
Process server in
Detroit, MI
From Downtown high-rises to houses in Rosedale Park and East English Village, Detroit addresses each come with their own challenges. We serve papers throughout the city for law firms, landlords, and individuals.
Most Detroit civil and family cases go through the Third Circuit Court or the 36th District Court. We serve the people in those cases, and in cases from any other Michigan court, wherever they are in the city.
Photo: Mbrickn / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped and resized
WHERE WE SERVE
Detroit and nearby
- Downtown
- Midtown
- Corktown
- New Center
- Southwest Detroit
- Mexicantown
- Boston-Edison
- Indian Village
- Palmer Park
- Rosedale Park
- Brightmoor
- East English Village
- Hamtramck
- Highland Park
- Dearborn
COURTS
Courts for Detroit cases
- Third Judicial Circuit CourtDetroit. Civil and domestic relations cases are at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center.
- Wayne County Probate CourtColeman A. Young Municipal Center, Detroit.
- 36th District CourtCity of Detroit.
Filing in a court outside this list? We can still serve a defendant who lives or works here. Service follows the person, not the court.
LOCAL DETAILS
Serving papers in Detroit.
Landlord-tenant volume
The 36th District Court handles a large number of eviction cases. Service in those cases has its own rules under MCR 4.201(D), separate from a regular summons.
WHAT WE SERVE
Papers we deliver
in Detroit.
Most assignments are one of these. Have something else? Send the details and we’ll let you know.
Summons and complaints
Personal delivery to individuals, and service on businesses through an officer or registered agent.
Subpoenas
Witness and records subpoenas. Tell us the appearance or production date and whether a witness fee is enclosed.
Divorce and family law papers
Divorce complaints, custody and support filings, and motions, handled with discretion.
Eviction and landlord-tenant papers
Summons and complaints in summary proceedings for landlords, property managers, and their attorneys.
Small claims
Small claims affidavits and summonses when you’d rather not rely on certified mail.
Send the request
Use the online form or email the documents with the name, address, and your deadline.
We confirm the details
We review the address and timing, then confirm pricing and instructions before starting.
Service attempts
Attempts follow the plan and instructions agreed for your assignment.
Proof of service
You receive a signed proof of service stating when, where, how, and on whom the papers were served.
FAQ
Serving papers in Detroit: common questions.
General information about Michigan court rules, not legal advice. Your attorney or the court clerk can answer questions about your specific case.
How are eviction papers served in Detroit?
Landlord-tenant cases follow MCR 4.201(D). The summons and complaint must be mailed and also delivered in one of three ways: in person, to a household member of suitable age at the unit, or, after diligent attempts, securely attached to the main entrance of the unit.
Can you leave the papers with someone who answers the door?
For a regular civil summons, no. MCR 2.105(A) calls for delivery to the defendant personally or restricted-delivery mail. Eviction cases are the exception, where a household member of suitable age can receive them.
How many attempts will you make?
Michigan’s rules don’t set a minimum number of attempts. We agree on the number and timing with you before we start.
Can you serve someone at work in Detroit?
Yes. Personal service can be made wherever the person can be found, including at work. Some employers restrict access, so tell us what you know about the workplace.