Michigan Compiled Laws

Mich. Comp. Laws § 712A.13 (2026)

Service of summons.

✓ current as of July 2026

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PROBATE CODE OF 1939

Act 288 of 1939

712A.13 Service of summons.

Sec. 13.

Service of summons may be made anywhere in the state personally by the delivery of true copies thereof to the persons summoned: Provided, That if the judge is satisfied that it is impracticable to serve personally such summons or the notice provided for in the preceding section, he may order service by registered mail addressed to their last known addresses, or by publication thereof, or both, as he may direct. It shall be sufficient to confer jurisdiction if (1) personal service is effected at least 72 hours before the date of hearing; (2) registered mail is mailed at least 5 days before the date of hearing if within the state or 14 days if outside of the state; (3) publication is made once in some newspaper printed and circulated in the county in which said court is located at least 1 week before the time fixed in the summons or notice for the hearing.

Service of summons, notices or orders required by this chapter may be made by any peace officer or by any other suitable person designated by the judge. The judge may, in his discretion, authorize the payment of necessary traveling expenses incurred by any person summoned or otherwise required to appear at the time of hearing of any case coming within the provisions of this chapter, and such expenses and the expenses of making service as above provided, when approved by the judge, shall be paid by the county treasurer from the general fund of the county.

If any person so summoned, as herein provided, shall fail without reasonable cause to appear before said court, he may be proceeded against for contempt of court and punished accordingly.

History: Add. 1944, 1st Ex. Sess., Act 54, Imd. Eff. Mar. 6, 1944 ;-- CL 1948, 712A.13

FormerLaw Notes:

See section 17 of Ch. XII of Act 288 of 1939; section 5 of Act 6 of 1907, Ex. Sess.; Act 310 of 1909; Act 164 of 1911; Act 262 of 1911; Act 363 of 1913; Act 308 of 1915; CL 1915, § 2015; Act 24 of 1921, 1st Ex. Sess.; Act 105 of 1923; Act 127 of 1927; and CL 1929, § 12838.

PopularName Notes:

Probate Code

PopularName Notes:

Juvenile Code

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 36 cases (17 in the last 5 years), 1958–2026 · leading case: In re SZ, 686 N.W.2d 520 (Mich. Ct. App. 2004).

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In re SZ, 686 N.W.2d 520 (Mich. Ct. App. 2004). · cites it 16× “MCL 712A.13; MCR 3.920(B)(4)(b). Substituted service is sufficient to confer jurisdiction on the court.”

In Re Mayfield, 497 N.W.2d 578 (Mich. Ct. App. 1993). · cites it 6× “12); MCL 712A.13; MSA 27.3178(598.13). Lack of service before the adjudicative hearing is not cured even though the noncustodial parent is represented by counsel at the hearing, and has received actual notice of the time and place of the hearing.”

In Re Slis, 375 N.W.2d 788 (Mich. Ct. App. 1985). · cites it 2× “12); and MCL 712A.13; MSA 27.3178(598.13); JCR 1969, 4.”

In Re Sz, 686 N.W.2d 520 (Mich. Ct. App. 2004). · cites it 16× “MCL 712A.13; MCR 3.920(B)(4)(b). Substituted service is sufficient to confer jurisdiction on the court.”

In Re Adair, 478 N.W.2d 667 (Mich. Ct. App. 1991). · cites it 2× “While MCL 712A.13; MSA 27.3178(598.13) allows for alternative methods of service of process, it still requires that the trial court first determine that personal service is impracticable.”

In Re Gillespie, 496 N.W.2d 309 (Mich. Ct. App. 1992). “The record also contains a notice of hearing dated September 10, 1990, which indicates that respondent received by "ordinary mail” notice of the time and place of the initial contested adjudication or disposition hearing.”

In Re Jacobs, 444 N.W.2d 789 (Mich. 1989). “[MCL 712A.13(a)(4); MSA 27.3178(598.13a)(4).”

In Re Andeson, 400 N.W.2d 330 (Mich. Ct. App. 1986). “20) and MCL 712A.13; MSA 27.3178(598.13) he was entitled to again be personally served with a petition and a summons for the September 10, 1985, neglect proceedings.”

Harmsen v. Fizzell, 87 N.W.2d 161 (Mich. 1958). “CL 1948, § 712A.13 (Stat Ann 1955 Cum Supp § 27.3178 [598.”

In Re B Clark Minor (Mich. Ct. App. 2022). · cites it 5× “MCL 712A.13; MCR 3.920(B)(4)(b). Substituted service is sufficient to confer jurisdiction on the court.”

In Re anderson/ference Minors (Mich. Ct. App. 2022). · cites it 5× “MCL 712A.13. “Substituted service is sufficient to confer jurisdiction on the court.”

In Re Edwards Minors (Mich. Ct. App. 2022). · cites it 4× “12 and MCL 712A.13] or at a rehearing provided by section 19 of this chapter.”

Show all 36 citing cases →

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 712A.13(1)(j) — 2 cases

in Re a B York Minor (Mich. Ct. App. 2017).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 712A.13(1)(j)(ii) — 1 case

In Re C J McCallum Minor (Mich. Ct. App. 2024).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 712A.13(9) — 1 case

In Re K Naylor Minor (Mich. Ct. App. 2022).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 712A.13(a)(1)(j) — 1 case

In Re J D Robinson Minor (Mich. Ct. App. 2021).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 712A.13(a)(13) — 3 cases

in Re S R Asher Minor (Mich. Ct. App. 2018).

In Re Wilson Minors (Mich. Ct. App. 2024).

In Re C K Anderson Minor (Mich. Ct. App. 2026).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 712A.13(a)(4) — 2 cases

In Re Jacobs, 444 N.W.2d 789 (Mich. 1989). “[MCL 712A.13(a)(4); MSA 27.3178(598.13a)(4).”

Dep't of Soc. Servs. v. Smith, 433 Mich. 24 (Mich. 1989).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 712A.13(a)(9) — 2 cases

In Re K Kucharczyk Minor (Mich. Ct. App. 2024).

In Re D Smith-Taylor Minor (Mich. Ct. App. 2024).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 712A.13(a)(j) — 1 case

In Re Donahue Minors (Mich. Ct. App. 2024).

— Mich. Comp. Laws § 712A.13(a)(j)(ii) — 1 case

In Re McCrary Minors (Mich. Ct. App. 2023).

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