“The plaintiff shall appear on the date shown in the notice of hearing and have all books, papers, and witnesses necessary to prove the claim.” MCL 600.8406(1).
“If the parties appear, the court shall hear the claim as provided in MCL 600.8411. In accordance with MCR 2.407,[8] the court may allow the use of videoconferencing technology by any participant . . . . The trial may be adjourned to a later date for good cause.” MCR 4.304(A).
“If a defendant fails to appear, judgment may be entered by default if the claim is liquidated, or on the ex parte proofs the court requires if the claim is unliquidated.” MCR 4.304(B)(1).
See the Michigan Judicial Institute’s checklist regarding small claims procedures, including default judgments.
“If the plaintiff fails to appear, the claim may be dismissed for want of prosecution, the defendant may proceed to trial on the merits, or the action may be adjourned, as the court directs.” MCR 4.304(B)(2).
C.Nonappearance of Both Parties
“If all parties fail to appear, the claim may be dismissed for want or prosecution or the court may order another disposition, as justice requires.” MCR 4.304(B)(3).