How to File Small Claims in Michigan

Claim limit

$7,000

Court

District Court

File online

Yes (statewide)

Appeal window

7 days

Common questions

Step 1 — Which court do I file in?

Michigan small claims cases go to District Court in the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute arose. Pick your county below.

Step 2 — What form do I file?

Your county's claim form (Statement of Claim, Complaint, or Petition). We complete it with your claim in the language the court expects.

Step 3 — What does it cost?

A filing fee set by your county, plus a small service fee. Your county page shows the current amounts.

Step 4 — How is the defendant served?

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.

Step 5 — What happens at the hearing?

Michigan uses a Trial. Bring your documents and be ready to explain what happened. We give you a checklist of what to bring.

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.