Rule 2.502 – Dismissal for Lack of Progress

May 13, 2021 | Civil Procedure, Michigan

(A) Notice of Proposed Dismissal.

(1) On motion of a party or on its own initiative, the court may order that an action in which no steps or proceedings appear to have been taken within 91 days be dismissed for lack of progress unless the parties show that progress is being made or that the lack of progress is not attributable to the party seeking affirmative relief.

(2) A notice of proposed dismissal may not be sent with regard to a case

(a) in which a scheduling order has been entered under MCR 2.401(B)(2) and the times for completion of the scheduled events have not expired,

(b) which is set for a conference, an alternative dispute resolution process, hearing, or trial.

(3) The notice shall be given in the manner provided in MCR 2.501(C) for notice of trial.

(B) Action by Court.

(1) If a party does not make the required showing, the court may direct the clerk to dismiss the action for lack of progress. Such a dismissal is without prejudice unless the court specifies otherwise.

(2) If an action is not dismissed under this rule, the court shall enter orders to facilitate the prompt and just disposition of the action.

(C) Reinstatement of Dismissed Action. On motion for good cause, the court may reinstate an action dismissed for lack of progress on terms the court deems just. On reinstating an action, the court shall enter orders to facilitate the prompt and just disposition of the action.

Mich. R. Civil. Proc. 2.502