Legal Question in Personal Injury in Michigan

Re: case file redemption

There is no rule or set requirement in Michigan as to how long an attorney must retain files on any case once it closes, although the State Bar recommends attorneys keep their files, either electronically or hard copy, for at least 3 years. Many firms keep them for 5-7.

Your lawyer's file retention policy may have been disclosed on the fee agreement you signed when you hired him, so you could check that language.

If you are looking for pleadings that were file with the court, you can obtain those from the court, even once the case is closed, although you will have to pay for the copying costs.

Re: case file redemption

There is no rule or set requirement in Michigan as to how long an attorney must retain files on any case once it closes, although the State Bar recommends attorneys keep their files, either electronically or hard copy, for at least 3 years. Many firms keep them for 5-7.

Your lawyer's file retention policy may have been disclosed on the fee agreement you signed when you hired him, so you could check that language.

If you are looking for pleadings that were file with the court, you can obtain those from the court, even once the case is closed, although you will have to pay for the copying costs.