Law of Civil Procedure

The date of appearance before a general court shall not be less than eight days from the date of service of the statement of claim. The date of appearance before labor, commercial and family courts shall not be less than four days from the date of service of the statement of claim. The four-day period shallapply to labor, commercial and family cases brought before the general court in a county or township. Such period may be reduced to 24 hours in lawsuits arising from traffic accidents, or when necessary, provided that the litigant is served in person and is able to reach the court in time. Reduction of such period shall be with the permission of the court before which the lawsuit is filed.