How to File a Small Claims Case in Oakland County

Claim limit

$7,000

Filing fee

$30–$70

File online

No — in person or by mail

First court date

Trial

Filing in Oakland County, step by step

Every step below happens at 50th District Court or through the system it uses.

1. 1. Check the amount is within the limit. Oakland 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. Oakland 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. Oakland County accepts filings by mail (affidavit plus check or money order); in person at the 50th district court civil division. 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. Oakland County charges $10 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 Oakland County

• By mail (affidavit plus check or money order)
• In person at the 50th District Court Civil Division

Walk-in filing is available at 12 locations: 43rd District Court (Ferndale/Hazel Park/Madison Heights), 44th District Court (Royal Oak), 45th District Court (Oak Park/Berkley), 46th District Court (Southfield), 47th District Court (Farmington/Farmington Hills), 48th District Court (Bloomfield Hills/Bloomfield Township/Bingham Farms/Franklin), 50th District Court (Pontiac), 51st District Court (Waterford), 52-1 District Court (Novi/Northville/South Lyon/Milford/Highland/Lyon Twp.), 52-2 District Court (Clarkston/Independence Twp./Springfield Twp./White Lake), 52-3 District Court (Rochester/Rochester Hills/Oakland Twp./Addison Twp./Orion Twp.), 52-4 District Court (Troy).

What happens after you file

Oakland 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 Oakland County?

50th District Court, 70 N. Saginaw Street, Pontiac, MI 48342. Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (closed for lunch 12:00-1:00 p.m.).

Can I file small claims online in Oakland County?

No. Oakland County takes small claims filings in person or by mail.

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

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