Yes! You can use AI to fill out Form MC 97r, Request for Redaction of Protected Personal Identifying Information

Users often mistype the case number or omit parts of it, such as the two-letter case type code (e.g., 'SM', 'DC'). Because the case number is the primary identifier for the entire court file, even a small error will prevent the court clerk from locating the case and processing the redaction request. To avoid this, double-check the case number against official court documents and enter it exactly as it appears, including all letters, numbers, and hyphens.

In Section 3, people frequently write generic descriptions like 'motion' or 'complaint' instead of the full, official document title as it appears on the court record (e.g., 'Plaintiff's First Amended Complaint for Damages'). This ambiguity forces the court clerk to guess which document to review, leading to delays or outright rejection of the request. Always use the complete and exact title of the document and the precise date it was filed with the court.

This is one of the most critical errors. Requestors often fail to provide the paragraph number where the sensitive information is located within the specified document. Court clerks will not read through entire documents to find the information. A request without a specific location is considered incomplete and will be denied, forcing the user to refile. To prevent this, you must have a copy of the document and pinpoint the exact paragraph(s) containing the PII.

This form is strictly for redacting PII as defined in MCR 1.109(D)(9)(a), such as birth dates, SSNs, and financial account numbers. A common mistake is to use this form to request the redaction of other personal data like home addresses or phone numbers. Such requests will be rejected, as a different form (MC 97m) and legal standard applies. Carefully review the list in Section 2 and ensure the information you want redacted is covered by this specific form.

Section 3 requires the user to enter the 'PII line number' from Section 2 to specify which piece of information needs redacting from a document. People often get this wrong, for example, putting '1' for a Social Security Number when '1' corresponds to 'Date of birth'. This mismatch creates confusion and can lead to the wrong information being redacted or the request being returned. Carefully match the PII in the document to the corresponding line number in Section 2 before filling out Section 3.

When listing the PII to be redacted in Section 2, some individuals may only provide partial information (e.g., only the last 4 digits of an account number that is fully visible in the court document). This can be problematic if the clerk needs the full number to perform a search and confirm its location for redaction. You should enter the protected information exactly as it appears in the court document you want redacted to ensure it can be found and removed correctly.

Like any official court filing, an unsigned or undated form is legally invalid. It's a simple oversight that occurs frequently when people are focused on the complex details of the form's main sections. An unsigned request will be immediately rejected by the court clerk, causing unnecessary delays. Always perform a final review of the entire form before submission, paying special attention to the signature and date fields at the bottom.

In Section 3, requestors must list the date the document was officially filed with the court. A common error is to use the date the document was created, signed, or mailed. This incorrect date will make it difficult or impossible for the clerk to find the document in the official case management system. The correct date is the one stamped by the court clerk upon receipt, which should be visible on your copy of the filed document.

The top section of the form requires specific court details, including the Judicial District and Circuit. Many people are unsure of this information and may leave it blank or guess incorrectly. This can lead to the form being misrouted or delayed. This information is critical for ensuring the request is handled by the correct court and can be found on previous notices or filings related to the case. AI-powered tools like Instafill.ai can help by auto-populating correct court information based on the case number or county.

Individuals filling out the form for themselves may get confused about the proper legal terminology and list their name and address in the wrong party box (e.g., putting the defendant's information in the plaintiff's field). While it may seem like a small error, it creates confusion in the official record and can slow down processing as the clerk verifies the parties. It is essential to accurately identify your role in the case as either plaintiff, defendant, or nonparty and fill in the corresponding section. If the form is a non-fillable PDF, a tool like Instafill.ai can convert it to a fillable version, making it easier to enter information in the correct fields.