Yes! You can use AI to fill out Form MC 280, Mediation Status Report

Users often enter the case number in an incorrect format, omitting dashes, using the wrong year, or leaving it partially blank. Since the case number is the primary identifier for the court's filing system, any error can lead to significant delays, misfiling of the report, or rejection by the clerk. To avoid this, double-check the case number against other court documents and ensure the full, correct format (e.g., YY-######-CZ) is used. AI-powered tools like Instafill.ai can help by saving and correctly formatting previously used case numbers to prevent re-entry errors.

The form provides fields for District, Circuit, and County Probate courts, but a case belongs to only one. A common mistake is filling in the wrong court type or entering information in multiple fields, creating confusion about the case's jurisdiction. This can cause the document to be routed to the wrong department or court entirely. Before filling, confirm the exact court and judge assigned to the case and enter the information only in the appropriate fields.

The form requires the name, address, and telephone number for all parties and their attorneys, but filers frequently provide only a name. This incomplete information hinders communication, making it difficult for the court or opposing counsel to follow up if questions arise. It is essential to fill out all contact details completely and accurately for every individual listed. Using a tool like Instafill.ai can help by securely storing and auto-populating contact information for recurring parties and attorneys, ensuring completeness every time.

A frequent error is checking mutually exclusive boxes, such as selecting both "Mediation was completed" and "Mediation was determined inappropriate" in section 1, or both "settled" and "not settled" in section 3. This logical contradiction invalidates the report's core purpose and requires clarification, causing delays. Carefully read each option and select only one choice per section that accurately reflects the outcome. AI-powered form fillers can be designed with rules to flag or prevent such contradictory selections.

When a mediator checks the box for "Mediation was completed," they often forget to fill in the corresponding date in section 1. This date is a critical piece of information that establishes the timeline for the report's submission (within 7 days) and other potential deadlines. An absent date makes the report technically incomplete and can raise questions about compliance with court rules. Always ensure a date is entered whenever you indicate that the mediation was completed.

In section 2, which lists the participants, mediators sometimes write generic titles like "Plaintiff" or "Defense Counsel" instead of the actual names of the individuals who attended. The purpose of this section is to create a formal record of who was physically or virtually present during the proceedings. Using specific names is crucial for accountability and record-keeping. Always list the full name of each attendee and the party they were representing in the "on behalf of" column.

If a case is marked as "settled" (section 3a), the form requires the mediator to specify the date by which final documents will be filed and the name of the person responsible for filing them. It is a very common oversight to leave these fields blank. Without this information, the court has no way of tracking compliance or knowing who to contact about the final settlement paperwork, which can jeopardize the resolution.

After checking "not settled" in section 3b, many filers miss the final required selection in section 3c, which asks if "Further alternative dispute resolution proceedings" are or are not contemplated. This information is important for the court and parties to understand the potential next steps in the case. Leaving it blank creates ambiguity and may require a follow-up inquiry. Always make a selection in 3c if the case did not settle.

The mediator's signature and the date of signing are what make the report an official, valid document. Forgetting to sign or date the form is a simple but critical error that renders it invalid upon submission, leading to immediate rejection by the court clerk. This mistake often happens when rushing to meet the 7-day deadline. Always perform a final review to ensure the signature and date fields are completed before distributing the form.

The form explicitly asks for the mediator's name to be typed or printed next to the signature line, yet many filers simply scribble an illegible signature and a similarly unreadable printed name. If the court cannot clearly identify the mediator, it becomes difficult to verify their credentials or contact them for clarification. To avoid this, always type or print your name clearly. If you receive the form as a non-fillable PDF, a tool like Instafill.ai can convert it into a fillable version, allowing you to type your name for perfect clarity.