Interpreting Services

Interpreting Services

Mission Statement:   Interpreting Services receives requests and coordinates the assignment of language interpreters including those with hearing, speech and visual impairment to ensure that all persons have equal access to justice and the services and programs provided by the Court.

Interpreting Services operates in accordance with and as outlined in Local Administrative Order 2013-09, Language Access Plan and Local Administrative Order 2018-03-Requests for Accommodations By Persons With Disabilities.

Requests should be made as soon as the need is identified, preferably fourteen (14) days in advance of the court date.  Once approved, an interpreter will be assigned or accommodations for hearing, speech, or visual impairment will be made with notification provided to the individual making the request.  

To request an interpreter, you may complete and submit a Request and Order for Interpreter form electronically.  To request an accommodation for hearing, speech or visual aid, you may complete and submit a Request for Accommodations form electronically.  You may also submit as follows:

Fax:                  Language Access Coordinator (LAC) 313-967-7559
In Person:       Trial Services, 4th Floor, Suite 418A, or directly to the Courtroom Clerk

For assistance completing either form, please contact the Language Access Coordinator at 313-965-6654 or the ADA Coordinator at 313-965-5232.

It is neither required nor mandatory to submit your request prior to your court date.  You may request an interpreter or accommodation for hearing, speech or visual impairment at your court date.

 Grievance Process – Request for Interpreter Denied

If your request for language interpreter was denied, please complete and submit a Review of Request for Interpreter and Order form electronically, by fax or in person.  A review of your request will be conducted by the LAC or designee and you will be contacted regarding the resolution. 

Grievance Process – Request for Reasonable Accommodation for Hearing, Speech or Vision Impairment Denied

If your request for a reasonable accommodation for hearing, speech or vision impairment was denied, please complete and submit a Review of Request for Reasonable Accommodations and Response form electronically, by fax or in person.  A review of your request will be conducted by the ADA Coordinator or designee and you will be contacted regarding the resolution.

Complaint Process - Interpreter

 Allegations of misconduct by an interpreter may be made in writing by completing a Complaint form and sent to FLBR@courts.mi.gov or the Foreign Language Board of Review, P.O. Box 30048, Lansing, MI 48909.  A complaint should describe, in detail, the incident and the alleged incompetence, misconduct, or omission.