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16th Judicial Circuit Court
40 N Main, Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-7171

Honorable Teri Lynn Dennings

Judge Teri Lynn Dennings was appointed by Governor Whitmer in December 2021 and elected in November 2022.  Her experience includes over 15 years representing individuals, corporations, labor unions, and government in civil litigation and administrative law.  She has also taught as an adjunct professor at Eastern Michigan University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Michigan Law School.

Judge Dennings is a member of various professional and civic organizations.  Shortly after joining the bench, she was recognized as a Top Circuit Court Judge by DBusiness Magazine and a Woman of Excellence by the Michigan Chronicle.

Judge Dennings strives to have a courtroom that encompasses preparation, impartiality, and respect. 

Judge Dennings is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University (B.S.) and Wayne State University Law School (J.D.). 

 

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Macomb County Court Building
40 N. Main St, 3rd Floor
Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
 

STAFF:

Position Name Number
Secretary Vera Shouneyia (586) 469-5135
Clerk Danielle Groppi (586) 469-2573
Court Reporter Video Courtroom (Rebecca Russell) rebeccatranscripts@gmail.com
Court Officer Deputy Anthony Allegrina (586) 469-5709

 

"As of January 18, 2022, all matters scheduled in front of Judge Dennings are held via Zoom, with the exception of Trial Certain dates or other hearings or events as agreed to by the Court or the parties."

The moving party (the party requesting the hearing) must provide a current email address to the court
for themselves and opposing party/parties so that Judge's staff may send out Zoom notices. If no email
address is available the moving party will be responsible for serving the Zoom notices.

SCHEDULING DAYS & TIMES

Please provide a "Judge's Copy" of all Motion and Responsive Pleadings and Trial Briefs if the
brief and combined exhibits exceed 20 pages. Copies of motion, briefs and answers must be
delivered directly to the Judge’s office, prior to hearing, as required by MCR 2.119(A)(2).

MOTION DAY

Day/Time: Monday, 9:00 a.m. via Zoom and 1:30 p.m. via Zoom

Brief Required: Yes

Motions Heard Other Than Regular Motion Days: To be scheduled with clerk / secretary

Motion Adjournments: Must be done with clerk prior to motion day

DIVORCE

Taking of Pro Confesso Judgments / Consent Judgments: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday,
9:00 a.m.  Request for hearing required for date and time.

Judgments of Divorce and all required accompanying Orders MUST be e- filed no later than the
Tuesday of the week before the Hearing.

Note: Contact Judge's Secretary for an available hearing date prior to filing the Request for Hearing on
a Motion form.

Policy of Waiving Statutory Six-Month Waiting Period:  Yes, when reconciliation is not possible and is in
the best interest of the children

Friend of the Court Recommendation Required for:

         Spousal Support: Preferred   

         Custody: Yes     

         Child Support: Yes    

         Parenting Time: Preferred

Utilization of Psychodiagnostics & Family Services Clinic Policy: Custody and parenting time disputes

Policy on Case Evaluation: Mediation and arbitration are encouraged

General Panel: No

Single-Person Panel: Yes

Taking of Pro Confesso's of Pro Per's (Self-Representing): Thursday, 10:00 a.m.

PPO hearings: Monday. 1:30 p.m.

PPO violation hearings:  Date and time to be determined, in person.

Friend of the Court (FOC) Monday Motions in front of the Referee will be held in accordance with
each Referee’s rules and procedures.  You will receive those notices directly from the FOC.

STATUS CONFERENCES

Status Conferences are held with the Friend of the Court referee on Thursday at 9:00 a.m.  Clients do not
need to appear.

SETTLEMENT  CONFERENCE

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. 

NAME CHANGE HEARINGS

Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. and Friday at 9:00 a.m.

TRIALS, SHOW CAUSE, AND EVIDENTIARY HEARINGS

Trials and hearings are scheduled to best utilize the Court’s resources. Date certain trials must be held in
person unless the parties and Court agree to a trial via zoom.

Judge Teri Lynn Dennings' Trial Procedural Order - Click here.
Judge Teri Lynn Dennings' Jury Trial Procedural Order - Click here.