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:

Effective January 1, 2024, the Judge's staff will no longer send Zoom notices.  The parties are responsible to access Zoom and docket information via the Judge's page.

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 waiver is in the best interest of the children.

Friend of the Court Recommendation Required for:

         Spousal Support: Preferred   

         Custody: Preferred

         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. 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 different from settlement conferences. Status conferences are handled by either Referee Nicholas or Referee Spryszak-Hanna, they are not handled by the judge.  Status conferences are scheduled by the FOC. The judge's clerk does not schedule FOC status conferences. Status conferences are via conference call and are initiated by the Friend of the Court's Referee.  Status conferences are not accessed via the judge's Zoom Access ID. 

The attorneys, or the parties if unrepresented, will receive an email a few days before the status conference call confirming the details.  Please make sure the FOC and your case file has a telephone number where you can be reached between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Parties who are represented by attorneys are not required to attend the status conference.

SETTLEMENT  CONFERENCE

Settlement Conferences are held via Zoom before Judge Dennings.

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

NAME CHANGE HEARINGS

Tuesday at 1:30 p.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.