Michigan Legal Help has tools to fill many kinds of forms but we do not cover all areas. You may have a blank form that you need to fill out on your own.Personally served with a complaint in Michigan. Must serve and file an answer or take other action, as permitted, within 21 days of being served with notice. Civil cases are private disputes between one or more people, businesses, or organizations. This article will address only civil cases, and not criminal cases. Pleadings. Self-represented litigants must file their pleadings electronically. As a self-represented litigant, you must add yourself as a service contact. Consult the rules and caselaw that govern in the court where you are filing the pleading. That is a meeting between your attorney (if you have one) and the prosecutor assigned to your case.