52-3 District Court · Third Division · Rochester Hills, Michigan
You just got sued. Take a breath. You have time.
If you received a summons from a credit card company in Michigan's 52-3 District Court — this page was built by someone who went through the same thing. Here's what I wish I had known on day one.
Court details
52-3 District Court — Rochester Hills
Always verify critical details (filing fees, hearing format, deadlines) directly with the court clerk before relying on them.
- Address
- 700 Barclay Circle
Rochester Hills, MI 48307 - Phone
- (248) 853-5553
- Hours
- Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on legal holidays - Parking
- On-site lot adjacent to the courthouse. Security screening (metal detector and bag check) at entry.
- Official website
- Oakland County Courts — 52nd District
- E-filing
- MiFILE, Michigan's statewide system. Free account at mifile.courts.michigan.gov.
- Filing fees
- Contact the court clerk at (248) 853-5553 for current amounts.
- Online payments
- Traffic tickets and certain fines can be paid through the Oakland County payment portal. A processing fee applies for credit card payments.
You're not alone
This Happens to More People Than You Think
Right now you're probably staring at a legal document full of words you don't understand, wondering if you need a lawyer, what happens if you don't respond, and whether your life is about to fall apart.
I've been there. And I learned something important: the credit card company is counting on you doing nothing.
The majority of debt collection cases filed in district courts across Michigan end in what's called a default judgment. That doesn't mean the defendant lost. It means the defendant never responded. Never filed paperwork. Never showed up. The bank wins without proving anything — because nobody was on the other side.
This page exists to make sure that doesn't happen to you.
Why Every Attorney You Called Said No
If you've already called around looking for a lawyer, you know the frustration. Most attorneys won't take a consumer debt case for $3,000 or $5,000. The economics don't work — they can't justify the time against a bank with a dedicated legal team.
That's not a reflection of your case. It's a reflection of the system. In courts like the 52-3 District Court, the vast majority of defendants in credit card lawsuits represent themselves. You're not the exception — you're the norm.
This site doesn't replace an attorney. If you can find one who will take your case, hire them. But if the answer keeps coming back "no," the information here can help you understand your options so you're not walking in blind.
Important
What Happens If You Ignore the Summons
When you get served, a clock starts. In Michigan, you generally have 21 days to file a written response with the court. If you don't, the plaintiff can ask the court for a default judgment.
A default judgment can mean the full amount plus interest and fees, potential wage garnishment of up to 25% of your disposable income, frozen bank accounts, and a judgment that stays on your record for years.
All of that can happen without you ever getting to say a word. The single most important step you can take is to respond — even if you think you owe the money.
The process
Follow the Process Step by Step
Start wherever you are right now:
Before the Lawsuit
Collectors calling? Threatening to sue? Here's what that means and what your options are before anything is filed.
You Got Served
Summons in hand? Here's what it means, what your deadlines are, and the first thing you should do.
Responding to the Lawsuit
How to prepare and file a response with the court. What the process looks like from a defendant's perspective.
Negotiating a Resolution
When to negotiate, how it typically works, and what options defendants commonly explore.
Going to Court
What the courthouse looks like, what happens in the courtroom, and how to prepare.
Legal help
Find an Attorney for 52-3 District Court — Rochester Hills
Attorneys who practice in this court can be reached directly. If a spot is open, that means we haven't yet confirmed an advertiser for that tier — you can still find legal help through our free resources page.
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Don't know where to start?
The Quick-Start Checklist
The DefendMich Quick-Start Checklist walks you through the first steps after getting served — the critical deadlines, what to gather, and what to do before anything else. Eight pages, printable, built for people who just got sued and need a clear starting point.
Jurisdictional coverage
Communities Served by the 52-3 District Court
The 52-3 District Court serves residents and handles cases arising in northeastern Oakland County, including the following communities. Verify your specific jurisdiction with the court clerk if you're unsure.
- City of Rochester
- City of Rochester Hills
- Village of Lake Orion
- Orion Township
- Oakland Township
- Village of Oxford
- Oxford Township
- Addison Township
DefendMich.com provides legal information, not legal advice. This site is not affiliated with the 52-3 District Court, Oakland County, or any government agency. Nothing on this site creates an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice, consult a licensed attorney or contact a legal aid organization. For the official 52-3 District Court website, visit oakgov.com.