DISCLAIMER: The answers provided are not meant to be considered as legal advice.
1. How do I contact MOAHR?
For the main office please call 517-335-2484 or email MOAHR-GA@michigan.gov.
2. How do I submit a FOIA request?
LARA FOIA Request
3. How does the media request to attend a hearing?
MOAHR Media Policy
4. Who will hear my appeal?
An Administrative Law Judge from MOAHR will hear your appeal.
5. How will I be notified of a hearing date after I have filed my Request for Hearing?
A Notice of Hearing will be sent to you at the contact information you provide on your appeal. The Notice of Hearing will include the date, time and location of the scheduled hearing. It is your responsibility to notify MOAHR if your contact information changes.
6. Where will my hearing be held?
Your Notice of Hearing will indicate whether your hearing will be conducted via telephone, Microsoft Teams, Zoom or held in-person at a specific hearing location.
7. What if I cannot attend my hearing?
If you cannot attend your hearing or need to reschedule it, check the Notice of Hearing you received for instructions on how to reschedule a hearing. Your Notice will tell you the rules for your type of case, whether an adjournment may be allowed, and how to request a different hearing date.
8. Do I need an attorney for my hearing?
Individuals, as opposed to a business entity, may represent themselves at the hearing or hire, at their own expense, an attorney. In some cases, individuals may also have a non-attorney authorized representative represent them or assist them in the hearing. Please review your Notice of Hearing for information on whether you can represent yourself or have an authorized representative or attorney represent you at the hearing.
9. What should I bring to the hearing? Do I bring witnesses, documents, or both?
Each case type has different rules governing their processes. Please consult the rules for your case type regarding this question.
10. How will I be notified of the Decision?
In most cases the Administrative Law Judge will not make a decision regarding your case at the hearing. You will receive a written Proposal for Decision, Final Order, or a Decision and Order from MOAHR.
11. What if I disagree with the Proposal for Decision, Final Order or a Decision and Order?
Please refer to the instructions at the end of the order to determine what your next steps would be if you disagree with the decision made in your case.
12. What if I need a disability accommodation to effectively participate in a hearing or the hearing process?
Requests for accommodation may be made in writing, including on MOAHR’s Disability Accommodation Request Form, or verbally. Written requests for accommodation may be mailed, emailed, or faxed to the contact information for MOAHR as provided on the individual’s Notice of Hearing. Additionally, written requests for accommodation may also be sent to the following:
MOAHR – Disability Accommodation Request
P.O. Box 30695
Lansing, MI 48909
Fax: (517) 763-0148
Email: MOAHR-GA@michigan.gov
Verbal requests for accommodation can be made by calling the contact number provided on the Notice of Hearing or (517) 335-2484.
13. What if I need a subpoena?
A subpoena is an order requiring a person or entity to appear at the hearing and provide testimony, or produce documents or evidence. Not every case type held before MOAHR allows subpoenas to be issued. Please review your Notice of Hearing for information on your type of case and whether subpoenas are allowed. If subpoenas are allowed in your case, you can fill out this form and send it to MOAHR. Request for Subpoena Form
14. I want to request a Transcript or Hearing Recording, what should I do?
A MOAHR Certified Record will not include a transcript of the hearing recording. The Michigan Court Rules specify that the appellant is responsible for obtaining and filing the transcript of the hearing recording. MCR 7.109(B). MOAHR does not produce or pay for transcripts. All questions regarding the processing, pricing, and certification of the transcript should be directed to the certified transcription/court reporting firm that you choose to use. For a digital copy of an administrative hearing recording, please visit the LARA Website, go to Quick Links, and click on "Submit a FOIA Request." Steps outlined in the Hearing Recording Fact Sheet. Please note that a digital recording is not considered an official transcript.
15. What is a Notice of Hearing?
A Notice of Hearing is an official legal document sent to you by the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules (MOAHR). The Notice will include the date, time, and format for the hearing, such as whether it will be by telephone, videoconference, or in person.
The Notice will also include:
- Instructions on how to join the telephone or video hearing and what number to call.
- A statement of the issues or subject of the hearing.
- Instructions on how to request accommodations, such as an interpreter or assistive equipment.
- Instructions on documents or witnesses you may bring and how to submit proposed exhibits or evidence to MOAHR before the hearing date.
- Information about representation, including whether you may have an attorney or another type of representative.
- What happens if you do not attend the hearing (failure to appear), or have a conflict with the scheduled hearing and would like to request a different hearing date.
- Because every case type has different rules, your Notice of Hearing is the best place to look for the specific instructions that apply to your case. It is important to read it carefully.
