Sec. 1653.

If a party brings a motion for a change of venue in an action based on tort alleging improper venue, the court shall award expenses and costs as follows:

(a) If the motion is granted, the court shall, after opportunity for a hearing, require the party who opposed the motion to pay to the moving party the reasonable expenses, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred in obtaining the order and to pay the statutory filing fee applicable to the court to which the action is transferred unless the court orders the change of venue for the convenience of the parties and witnesses or when an impartial trial cannot be had where the action is pending.

(b) If the motion is denied, the court shall, after opportunity for a hearing, require the moving party to pay to the party who opposed the motion the reasonable expenses, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred in opposing the motion, unless the court maintains venue for the convenience of the parties and witnesses.

History: Add. 1986, Act 178, Eff. Oct. 1, 1986 Compiler's Notes: Section 3 of Act 178 of 1986 provides:“(1) Sections 2925b, 5805, 5838, and 5851 of Act No. 236 of the Public Acts of 1961, as amended by this amendatory act, shall not apply to causes of action arising before October 1, 1986.“(2) Sections 1483, 5838a, and 6304 of Act No. 236 of the Public Acts of 1961, as added by this amendatory act, shall apply to causes of action arising on or after October 1, 1986.“(3) Sections 1629, 1653, 2169, 2591, 2912c, 2912d, 2912e, 6098, 6301, 6303, 6305, 6306, 6307, 6309, and 6311 of Act No. 236 of the Public Acts of 1961, as added by this amendatory act, shall apply to cases filed on or after October 1, 1986.“(4) Sections 1651 and 6013 of Act No. 236 of the Public Acts of 1961, as amended by this amendatory act, shall not apply to cases filed before October 1, 1986.“(5) Chapter 49 of Act No. 236 of the Public Acts of 1961, as added by this amendatory act, shall apply to cases filed on or after January 1, 1987.“(6) Chapter 49a of Act No. 236 of the Public Acts of 1961, as added by this amendatory act, shall apply to cases filed in judicial circuits which are comprised of more than 1 county on or after July 1, 1990 and shall apply to cases filed in judicial circuits which are comprised of 1 county on or after October 1, 1988.”