Rule 3.201. Applicability of Rules

(A) Subchapter 3.200 applies to

(1) actions for divorce, separate maintenance, the annulment of marriage, the

affirmation of marriage, paternity, support under MCL 552.451 et seq. or MCL

722.1 et seq., the custody of minors or parenting time under MCL 722.21 et seq. or

MCL 722.1101 et seq.,

(2) an expedited proceeding to determine paternity or child support under MCL

722.1491 et seq., or to register a foreign judgment or order under MCL 552.2101 et

seq. or MCL 722.1101 et seq., and to

(3) proceedings that are ancillary or subsequent to the actions listed in subrules (A)(1)

and (A)(2) and that relate to

(a) the custody of minors,

(b) parenting time with minors, or

(c) the support of minors and spouses or former spouses.

(B) As used in this subchapter with regard to child support, the terms “minor” or “child” may

include children who have reached the age of majority, in the circumstances where the

legislature has so provided.

(C) Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, practice and procedure in domestic

relations actions is governed by other applicable provisions of the Michigan Court Rules,

except the number of interrogatories set forth in MCR 2.309(A)(2) shall be thirty-five.

(D) When used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates:

(1) “Case” means an action commenced in the family division of the circuit court by

filing one of the following case initiating documents:

(a) an original complaint;

(b) transfer of an action from another court or tribunal;

(c) a foreign judgment or order;

(d) a petition under MCR 3.222(C);

(e) a consent judgment under MCR 3.223;

(f)

a complaint and notice under MCR 3.230; or

otherwise indicates:

(1) “Case” means an action commenced in the family division of the circuit court by

filing one of the following case initiating documents:

(a) an original complaint;

(b) transfer of an action from another court or tribunal;

(c) a foreign judgment or order;

(d) a petition under MCR 3.222(C);

(e) a consent judgment under MCR 3.223;

(f)

a complaint and notice under MCR 3.230; or

(g) a request for entry of a consent agreement and a consent judgment or order

under MCR 3.230.

(2) “File” means the repository for collection of the pleadings and other documents and

materials related to a case. A file may include more than one case involving a

family.

(3) “Jurisdiction” means the authority of the court to hear cases and make decisions and

enter orders on cases.

(4) “Case initiating document” includes a statement, letter, or other document filed in

lieu of a complaint to open a case and request relief under the Summary Support and

Paternity Act, MCL 722.1491 et seq., or to register a foreign judgment or order

under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, MCL 552.2101 et seq. or the

Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act, MCL 722.1101 et seq.