Rule 2.310.Requests for Production of Documents and Other Things; Entry on Land for Inspection and Other Purposes
Current through May 1, 2026 · Last verified July 6, 2026
Full Text of Rule 2.310
Amendment History
Michigan tracks the orders that adopt and amend its Court Rules in a separate administrative record rather than printing a history note beneath each rule in the compiled rules text reproduced here. The text above is verified current through the source’s own May 1, 2026 update; for the full order-by-order history of this rule, see the Michigan Supreme Court’s rules and orders page.
Plain-English Summary
A request for production covers a lot of ground: documents in nearly any format, including electronically stored information, tangible things that hold evidence, and entry onto land to inspect, measure, photograph, test, or sample something on it. A party can serve this kind of request on another party, and can also serve a narrower version on a non-party seeking only inspection, testing, or entry — not full production. Requests against a party can go out once the case begins (for a plaintiff) or with the summons and complaint (for a defendant), and must describe what's being sought with reasonable particularity and specify a reasonable time, place, and manner for the inspection, including the format wanted for any electronically stored information.
The responding party gets 28 days (42 for a defendant, counted from service of the summons and complaint) to respond in writing, agreeing to each item or category or objecting with reasons; a partial objection has to identify exactly which part is objectionable. If the request doesn't specify a format for electronic information, the responding party can produce it in the form it's normally kept or another reasonably usable form, but only has to produce each piece of information once. Documents generally have to be produced as they're normally kept in the ordinary course of business, or organized and labeled to match the categories requested, and unless the court orders otherwise, the producing party pays to assemble the documents while the requesting party pays for copies. A party who can't get what it's owed can move to compel under Rule 2.313 after trying in good faith to resolve the dispute first, while the party facing the request can instead ask for a protective order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I demand through a request for production?
Documents in any format (including electronically stored information), tangible things, and entry onto land to inspect, measure, photograph, test, or sample something there.
Can I get documents from someone who isn't a party to my case?
Yes, but only a narrower request limited to inspecting, testing, or sampling tangible things and entering land — not full document production, which the rule reserves for requests to parties.
How long does the other side have to respond to my document request?
Generally 28 days, or 42 days for a defendant measured from being served the summons and complaint, unless the court sets a different deadline.
Who pays the costs of producing documents for inspection?
Unless the court orders otherwise for good cause, the producing party bears the cost of assembling the documents, and the requesting party bears the cost of copying them.