Question 1 of 8. Carries forward to the intake.
- Claim limit
- $7,000
- Filing fee
- $30–$70
- Court
- District Court
- File online
- No
Oakland County filing fees
Source: oakgov.com (50th District Court, Oakland County), courts.michigan.gov (SCAO DC 84/84n form), legislature.mi.gov (MCL 600.8401, 600.8420, 500.3135)
| Your claim | You pay |
|---|---|
| Under $600 | $30 |
| $600.01 – $1,750 | $50 |
| $1,750.01 – $7,000 | $70 |
Fees change — confirm the current amount with the clerk at 248-758-3800 before you file.
Where to file
50th District Court
70 N. Saginaw Street, Pontiac, MI 48342
248-758-3800
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (closed for lunch 12:00-1:00 p.m.)
- 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).
The forms you need
Oakland County requires 1 forms to open a small claims case:
- DC 84/84n -- Affidavit and Claim, Small Claims / Notice of Hearing
We keep the current Oakland County versions of both. The forms are not the hard part — filling them out is. The Statement of Claim has to describe what happened in the language the court expects, and that is where most first-time filers get sent home to try again.
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.
Why not just download the free form?
The forms are free. Why pay?
The forms are free. Knowing what to write in them is not. Most rejected filings are rejected on the claim narrative, not the paperwork.
Can't I just hire a lawyer?
Most attorneys will not take a $7,000 case, and the ones who will cost more than the claim.
What if I get it wrong?
You refile and pay the fee again. That is the actual cost of guessing.
What happens next
Your trial date is set when you file, so you leave the counter knowing when to come back. If the defendant loses, they have 0 days to move for a new trial and 7 days to appeal.
The Oakland County filing packet — $49
Everything above, assembled and filled in with your facts:
- Your Oakland County filing forms, with your claim written in the language the court expects
- A demand letter built from the same facts
- Filing checklist with this court's address, hours, and fee
- What to bring to your trial
Answer a few questions first. See your claim written out before you pay anything.
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Oakland County?
Between $30 and $70, depending on your claim amount. Under $600: $30. $600.01 – $1,750: $50. $1,750.01 – $7,000: $70.
What is the small claims limit in Oakland County?
$7,000, excluding costs awarded by the court.
Where do I file a small claims case in Oakland County?
50th District Court, 70 N. Saginaw Street, Pontiac. Also at 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).
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in Oakland County?
No. Small claims is designed for people to represent themselves.
Who serves 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.
Reviewed by Small Claims Desk · Last reviewed 2026-08-23 · Sourced from oakgov.com (50th District Court, Oakland County), courts.michigan.gov (SCAO DC 84/84n form), legislature.mi.gov (MCL 600.8401, 600.8420, 500.3135) 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.