How to File a Small Claims Case in Macomb County

Claim limit

$7,000

Filing fee

$30–$70

File online

Yes

First court date

Trial

Filing in Macomb County, step by step

Every step below happens at 37th District Court or through the system it uses.

1. 1. Check the amount is within the limit. Macomb County small claims handles claims up to $7,000 (excluding costs awarded by the court). Above that, the case belongs in a different division and the clerk will refuse it.
2. 2. Name the defendant exactly. A judgment against a misspelled name or a trade name that is not the legal entity is difficult to collect. For a business, use the registered legal name.
3. 3. Fill out the claim form. Macomb County uses DC 84/84n -- Affidavit and Claim, Small Claims / Notice of Hearing. The blank forms are free. What you write in the statement of what happened is what gets the case accepted or sent back.
4. 4. File it and pay. Macomb County accepts filings electronically via mifile (mifile.courts.michigan.gov); in person at the 37th district court, warren or center line. The fee is $30–$70.
5. 5. Serve the defendant. Filing does not notify the defendant — service does, and the case cannot proceed without it. Macomb County charges $34 per 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.

Where to file in Macomb County

• Electronically via MiFILE (mifile.courts.michigan.gov)
• In person at the 37th District Court, Warren or Center Line

Walk-in filing is available at 8 locations: 37th District Court (Warren, Center Line), 38th District Court (Eastpointe), 39th District Court (Roseville), 40th District Court (St. Clair Shores), 41A District Court (Shelby Township, Sterling Heights), 41B District Court (Clinton Township, Harrison Township), 42-1 District Court (Romeo and northern Macomb townships), 42-2 District Court (New Baltimore and eastern Macomb townships).

What happens after you file

Macomb County sets your court date when you file, so you leave the counter knowing it. The first appearance is trial. If the defendant loses, they have 0 days to move for a new trial and 7 days to appeal.

Why not just do it yourself?

The forms are free. Why pay anything?

The forms are free. Knowing what to write in them is not. Most rejected filings are rejected on the claim narrative, not the paperwork.

What happens if I get it wrong?

You refile and pay $30–$70 again. That is the actual cost of guessing.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. Small claims is designed for people representing themselves, and most attorneys will not take a case this size.

Common questions

Where do I file a small claims case in Macomb County?

37th District Court, 8300 Common Road, Warren, MI 48093. Open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (payment counter closes at 4:15 p.m.).

Can I file small claims online in Macomb County?

Yes. Macomb County accepts filings through MiFILE, and filers representing themselves may register.

How long does a small claims case take in Macomb County?

It depends on the court's calendar and on how quickly the defendant is served. Your first date is set at filing.

How much can I sue for in Macomb County?

Up to $7,000, excluding costs awarded by the court.