Small Claims Court in Michigan
Everything you need to know about filing a small claims case in Michigan
Last updated: April 2026 | Reading time: ~5 minutes
⚠ Disclaimer: This page provides general legal information about small claims court in Michigan. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.
The 4 Steps to File a Small Claims Case in Michigan
Small claims in Michigan has a maximum claim limit of $6,500 and is heard in the Small Claims Division of the District Court. The whole process breaks into four stages. Click any card to expand it.
1Before You Start
Confirm your claim is at or under the $6,500 limit and within the statute of limitations. The main form you file is the Affidavit and Claim - Small Claims (Form DC 84).
Send a written demand letter first (10-14 day deadline to pay) - many disputes settle here, and judges in Michigan view it favorably. Gather contracts, receipts, photos, and messages that prove what you are owed.
2File Your Claim
File in the Small Claims Division of the District Court in the district where the defendant lives or where the cause of action arose. Filing fees in Michigan range from $30 - $70 - see the filing fee breakdown below or use our filing fee calculator. Can't afford the fee? Ask the clerk about Fee Waiver Request (Form MC 20).
After filing, you must serve the defendant using Michigan's rules (certified mail, sheriff, or process server). Keep your proof of service - improper service is the #1 reason cases get delayed or dismissed.
3Court Date & Hearing
Hearings are usually scheduled 30-70 days after filing. Bring three copies of every piece of evidence (judge, defendant, you), arrive early, and be ready to explain your case in 2-3 minutes.
Tell the facts in order, hand up your documents, and answer the judge's questions calmly. The judge often rules the same day or mails a decision within a few days.
4After the Judgment
Winning is not the same as getting paid. If the defendant doesn't pay voluntarily, you can enforce the judgment through wage garnishment, a bank levy, or a property lien, and request a debtor's examination of their assets.
Appeal rights vary: in Michigan, review the appeal window noted in our 50-state comparison before the deadline passes.
How Much Does It Cost to File in Michigan?
Michigan charges a tiered filing fee based on how much you are claiming. The more you sue for, the higher the court fee. Here are the current tiers:
Bottom line: for a typical Michigan small claims case, expect to pay $30 - $70 in court filing fees, plus service-of-process costs. Low-income filers can request a waiver using Fee Waiver Request (Form MC 20). Fees are set by statute and updated periodically - always confirm the current amount with your local court clerk.
Where to File in Michigan
File in the Small Claims Division of the District Court in the district where the defendant lives or where the cause of action arose.
The court that handles small claims in Michigan is the Small Claims Division of the District Court. You generally file in the judicial district or county where the defendant resides, where the defendant does business, or where the events giving rise to the claim occurred. If you are unsure which court has jurisdiction, contact the court clerk's office for guidance.
Statute of Limitations in Michigan
The statute of limitations is the deadline by which you must file your lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your case will almost certainly be dismissed regardless of its merits. In Michigan, the key deadlines are:
6 years (written and oral contracts), 3 years (personal injury, property damage)
These time limits begin running from the date the breach or injury occurred, or in some cases, from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the harm. If you are close to any of these deadlines, file your case as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
Michigan Small Claims Rules & Procedures
Michigan small claims court handles disputes up to $6,500. Cases are heard in the Small Claims Division of the District Court. A key feature of Michigan's small claims system is that attorneys are not allowed - all parties must represent themselves, which levels the playing field for individuals.
To file, complete an Affidavit and Claim form at the District Court clerk's office. Filing fees range from $30-70 depending on the claim amount. The court serves the defendant by certified mail or personal service. Hearings are typically scheduled within 30-45 days.
Michigan small claims hearings are very informal. The judge (or sometimes a magistrate) will ask each side to explain their position, review any evidence, and render a decision. There is no formal discovery process, and the rules of evidence are relaxed.
For security deposit disputes, Michigan's Security Deposit Act (MCL 554.601-554.616) has specific requirements: landlords must provide a move-in checklist, return deposits within 30 days of move-out, and provide an itemized list of deductions. Violations can result in up to two times the deposit amount in damages.
In Michigan small claims court, neither party can appeal - the decision is final. However, if you believe there was a legal error, you may be able to file a motion to set aside the judgment under limited circumstances. This finality makes it especially important to prepare thoroughly.
Key Michigan statutes: MCL 600.8401-8427 governs small claims proceedings. The Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCL 445.901-922) provides consumer protections.
How to File a Small Claims Case in Michigan
Filing a small claims case in Michigan follows these general steps:
- Send a demand letter - Before filing, send a written demand letter to the defendant requesting payment. This shows the court you attempted to resolve the matter. Keep a copy and proof of delivery.
- Gather your evidence - Collect all contracts, receipts, photos, correspondence, and other documents that support your claim. Organize them chronologically.
- Complete the filing forms - Visit your local Small Claims Division of the District Court clerk's office or check their website for the required forms. Fill out the complaint form with the defendant's full legal name, address, the amount claimed, and a description of your case.
- Pay the filing fee - Filing fees in Michigan range from $30 - $70. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk about a fee waiver application.
- Serve the defendant - The defendant must receive official notice of the lawsuit. Follow Michigan's specific service requirements carefully - improper service can delay or dismiss your case.
- Attend the hearing - Arrive early, dress appropriately, and bring three copies of all evidence (for the judge, the defendant, and yourself).
Preparing for Your Hearing in Michigan
To maximize your chances of success:
- Practice explaining your case in 2-3 minutes - judges appreciate brevity and clarity
- Present evidence in a logical order, with a brief index or summary sheet
- Prepare to answer the judge's questions calmly and factually
- Anticipate the defendant's arguments and have responses ready
- If you have witnesses, confirm they will attend and brief them on what to expect
- Know the exact amount you are requesting and how you calculated it
- Be respectful to the judge, court staff, and the opposing party at all times
Ready to File Your Michigan Small Claims Case?
GetSmallClaims prepares your complete filing package with Michigan-specific documents, legal citations, and step-by-step filing instructions.
Start My Michigan Case⚠ Disclaimer: This is general legal information, not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a licensed attorney in Michigan for advice specific to your situation.