Mich. Comp. Laws » Michigan Compiled Laws / Chapter 600 / Act 236 of 1961
Michigan Compiled Laws

Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.1901 (2026)

Civil action; commencement; filing of complaint.

✓ current as of July 2026
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REVISED JUDICATURE ACT OF 1961


Act 236 of 1961


600.1901 Civil action; commencement; filing of complaint.

Sec. 1901.

    A civil action is commenced by filing a complaint with the court.

History: 1961, Act 236, Eff. Jan. 1, 1963

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 34 cases (8 in the last 5 years), 1965–2026 · leading case: Gladych v. New Fam. Homes, Inc, 664 N.W.2d 705 (Mich. 2003).
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Gladych v. New Fam. Homes, Inc, 664 N.W.2d 705 (Mich. 2003). · cites it 4× “MCL 600.1901 defines "commenced" as the filing of a complaint with the court.”
Ligons v. Crittenton Hosp., 803 N.W.2d 271 (Mich. 2011). · cites it 4× “’”61 Then plaintiff notes that, pursuant to MCL 600.1901, which applies generally to all civil actions, “[a] civil action is commenced by filing a complaint with the court.”
Lisa Tyra v. Organ Procurement Agency of Michigan, 498 Mich. 68 (Mich. 2015). · cites it 4× “Plaintiffs argue that these decisions should be overruled because they are inconsistent with MCL 600.1901, which states that “[a] civil action is commenced by filing a complaint with the court.”
Cameron v. Auto Club Ins. Ass'n, 718 N.W.2d 784 (Mich. 2006). · cites it 2× “Specifically, at MCL 600.1901, the RJA states, `a civil action is commenced by filing a complaint with the court.”
Old Orchard by the Bay Assocs. v. Hamilton Mut. Ins., 454 N.W.2d 73 (Mich. 1990). · cites it 2× “[19] The two interest statutes simply do not contain any textual clues as to how one would decide which of the two provisions should be given priority in what circumstances.”
Van Reken v. Darden, Neef & Heitsch, 674 N.W.2d 731 (Mich. Ct. App. 2004). · cites it 2× “Defendants argue that pursuant to MCL 600.1901 and MCR 2.101, plaintiffs ex parte motion was not an action within the meaning of the statute because it was not commenced by filing a complaint with the court.”
Gordon Sel-Way, Inc. v. Spence Bros., 475 N.W.2d 704 (Mich. 1991). “101(B), MCL 600.1901; MSA 27A.1901. The procedure to obtain a money judgment on an arbitration award is governed by the rules applicable to civil actions and commences with the filing of a complaint with a court.”
Klida v. Braman, 748 N.W.2d 244 (Mich. Ct. App. 2008). “Specifically, at MCL 600.1901, the RJA states, ‘a civil action is commenced by filing a complaint with the court.”
Moultrie v. Detroit Auto. Inter-Ins. Exch., 333 N.W.2d 298 (Mich. Ct. App. 1983). · cites it 2× “GCR 1963, 101; MCL 600.1901; MSA 27A.1901. In the instant case the arbitration proceedings were instituted by a filing of a claim for arbitration with the insurance company — not a complaint with the court.”
Morgan v. Kamil, 375 N.W.2d 378 (Mich. Ct. App. 1985). · cites it 2× “See also MCL 600.1901; MSA 27A.1901. "An arbitration agreement is a contract whereby all the parties thereto agree to forego their rights to proceed with a court action and, instead, to submit their disputes to a panel of arbiters.”
Sam v. Balardo, 270 N.W.2d 522 (Mich. Ct. App. 1978). · cites it 2× “[8] MCL 600.1901; MSA 27A.1901. See also GCR 1963, 101.”
Dep't of Civil Rights v. Horizon Tube Fabricating, Inc, 385 N.W.2d 685 (Mich. Ct. App. 1986). “GCR 1963, 101, MCL 600.1901; MSA 27A.1901.” Because §6013 is in derogation of the common law, which does not generally allow interest on judgments, it must be strictly construed.”
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