Criminal Law

A paralegal may state that information about arson is available in Chapter X of the Michigan Penal Code. A paralegal may not advise a mother whether her child's setting the church on fire while acting as an altar server constitutes arson.

Litigation

A paralegal may tell a defendant that her answers to interrogatories are due within 28 days of service, per MCR 2.309(B)(4). A paralegal may not advise a client what to say in those answers or how to say it.

Probate and Estate Law

A paralegal may inform a layperson that "writings intended as a wills" may be treated as wills under Section 700.2503 of the Estates and Protected Individuals Code. A paralegal may not advise a layperson whether a specific document in his possession may be treated as a will.

Adoption

A paralegal may state that there are 55 different adoption forms available through the State Court Administrative Office. A paralegal may not advise a layperson which forms should be used in a specific adoption or how they should be completed.

Landlord-Tenant

A paralegal may tell a landlord that a set of approved forms for use in landlord-tenant matters is available through the State Court Administrative Office. A paralegal may not advise a landlord which form should be used or how to proceed in a specific situation.

Source:

Michigan Compiled Laws

Michigan Court Rules

State Court Administrative Office

Resource:

American Bar Association Standing Committee on Paralegals

National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc.

National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc.