Michigan court forms are undergoing their first major redesign in 50 years, with a focus on making them clearer, simpler, and easier to complete. The Forms Redesign Project is led by the Michigan Justice for All Commission, which aims to provide 100 percent access to the civil justice system. With the goal of creating user-friendly and accessible forms, the new form designs will use plain language to better meet public needs and the needs of the court system.
The new forms, which have been tested by members of the public, will have a new and possibly longer format to allow for readable font sizes, adequate writing areas, and short descriptions of each form’s intended usage, among other changes.
This multiyear initiative begins with the release of updated small claims court forms. These new forms can be used immediately, and although the old forms are no longer posted on the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) website, litigants may continue to use them until December 31, 2026. The Michigan Supreme Court has released a memorandum explaining the full list of changes to the small claims forms.
Request forms, including requests for fee waivers and accommodations, can be expected to receive redesigns next. To stay up to date on this initiative, visit the Form Redesign page on the Michigan Courts website.
For more information, see the news release on the Michigan Courts website.