Arbitration/Mediation/summons

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Question
Hi. I have two questions. First, what is the difference between a summons and subpeona? Also, when someone receives a summons letter that basically orders them to show up court because they have not paid a overdue bill, how is the summons delivered? Is it in person or in the mail? I'm in Michigan if that helps. Thanks

Answer
Danielle,

A summons is an Order to appear in Court.  Appearance can be mandated in-person, by counsel, or by a pleading.  A subpoeana is to appear at deposition or hearing or for the production of documents with a verification signature.  In either case, failure to follow the summons or subpoeana can result in a civil arrest warrant.

Generally a summons must be delivered, however, the Court can recoup its costs if it has to serve the person if they do not show up by mailed certification.  However, I do not know the laws in the State of Michigan since I am not licensed to practice there so I suggest you speak to an attorney in Michigan.

Very truly yours,

Paul D. Friedman, M.A., Ph.D., J.D.

Arbitration/Mediation

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Paul D. Friedman, M.A., Ph.D., J.D.

Expertise

I am a licensed attorney and Judge Pro Tempore who has conducted and been involved in hundreds of mediations and thousands of arbitrations. I can answer questions regarding settlement conferences, mediations or arbitrations. I do not give legal advice over the internet and it would be helpful to list your location such as country or state.

For more information, you can view my website at WWW.EXPERTETHICS.COM

Experience

I am a licensed attorney, Judge Pro Tempore and adjunct professor.

Experience in the area
I have been a licensed attorney since 1989 and a Judge Pro Tempore since 2005. Additionally, I have a masters degree in bioethics and a doctorate of philosophy regarding comparative ethics

Organizations
State Bar of Arizona
State Bar of Colorado (inactive)
District of Columbia Bar (inactive)
Federal Bar
Licensed in Arizona District Court
Licensed in Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Licensed in the United States Supreme Court
American Bar Association
National Board of Trial Advocacy
American Association for Justice
Arizona Trial Lawyers Association
American Society for Bioethics and Humanities
Kennedy Institute of Ethics
National Association of Realtors

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts 1985
Juris Doctorate 1989
Master of Arts in Bioethics 2004
Doctorate of Philosphy 2006

Awards and Honors
Phi Beta Kappa
Multiple Who's Who

Publications
A list of my copyrighted publications and presentations is contained at WWW.EXPERTETHICS.COM

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