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JC 47

Order for Alternate Service

Michigan · Michigan State Court Administrative Office · Effective March 1, 2023

This form is an order from the court that allows service of legal papers in a special way when it is hard or impossible to serve the papers normally. It lists several ways the court can order the papers to be delivered.

The court describes it as: Court rule / statute: MCL 712A.13, MCR 3.920(B)(4)(b), (5)

Open the official PDFfrom Michigan State Court Administrative Office

Where this fits in a case

Judgment

Stage: Judgment

This form is used in a juvenile court case when the court decides that serving the official summons papers to a person in the usual way is not possible or cannot be done because the person's location is unknown after trying reasonably.

Prepared by the court or clerk.

Common questions

Who fills out this form?
The court issues this order, and the person who serves the papers must file proof of service with the court clerk.
What does this form allow the court to do?
It allows the court to order service through methods like registered mail, taping to a door, or giving it to a household member.
Is there a fee involved?
The form includes sections for calculating service fees, including fees for miles traveled and incorrect addresses.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect March 1, 2023.

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