- Claim limit
- $7,000
- Court
- District Court
- File online
- Yes (statewide)
- Appeal window
- Generally waived
Small Claims Courts in Michigan
Small Claims Desk currently supports 3 courts in Michigan. Tap a pin or a court below for its filing details, fees, and forms.
- 37th District Court — Macomb County
8300 Common Road, Warren, MI 48093 - 50th District Court — Oakland County
70 N. Saginaw Street, Pontiac, MI 48342 - 36th District Court — Wayne County
421 Madison Street, Detroit, MI 48226
Serving the defendant
The plaintiff chooses the method: the court clerk can mail the notice by certified mail for a fee, or the plaintiff may hire a process server or court officer to personally serve the defendant.
- Certified mail, restricted delivery, arranged by the court clerk for a fee paid by the plaintiff
- Personal service by a sheriff, court officer, or licensed process server hired by the plaintiff
- Personal service by any competent adult who is not a party to the case
If the defendant was not properly served by the hearing date, the hearing is typically adjourned and a new hearing date is set rather than the case proceeding to default judgment.
Common questions
How much can I sue for in small claims court in Michigan?
Up to $7,000, excluding costs awarded by the court. If your claim is larger, you can sue for the limit and waive the rest.
What court hears small claims in Michigan?
District Court. Cases are filed in the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute happened.
Who can file a small claims case in Michigan?
Individual (including a guardian, conservator, or next friend filing on behalf of another); Business (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation); Government entity (county, city, village, township, or school district).
Can I file small claims online in Michigan?
Michigan offers statewide e-filing through MiFILE. Some counties also accept in-person or mail filing.
How long do I have to appeal in Michigan?
In Michigan, choosing small claims generally waives the right to appeal. A narrow exception may allow a limited new hearing in some cases — confirm the rule for your court.
Your small claims filing packet — $49
Everything above, assembled and filled in with your facts:
- Your court's own forms, with your claim written in the language the court expects
- A demand letter built from the same facts
- A filing checklist with your court's address, hours, and fee
- What to bring to your hearing
Answer a few questions first. See your claim written out before you pay anything.
Not sure this fits your situation? Ask us about it — we answer by email, and it costs nothing.
Reviewed by Small Claims Desk · Last reviewed 2026-08-23 · Sourced from Michigan judiciary self-help resources and each county's clerk of court and MCL 600.8401 (Small Claims Division; $7,000 limit effective January 1, 2024, up from $6,500 in 2021, $6,000 in 2018, $5,500 in 2015, $5,000 in 2012). See how we verify.