How to File a Small Claims Case in Wayne County

Claim limit

$7,000

Filing fee

$30–$70

File online

No — in person or by mail

First court date

Trial

Filing in Wayne County, step by step

Every step below happens at 36th District Court or through the system it uses.

1. 1. Check the amount is within the limit. Wayne 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. Wayne 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. Wayne County accepts filings in person at the civil/landlord-tenant division counter, 2nd floor, 421 madison street, detroit; by mail to the 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. Wayne County charges $16 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 Wayne County

• In person at the Civil/Landlord-Tenant Division counter, 2nd floor, 421 Madison Street, Detroit
• By mail to the Civil Division

Walk-in filing is available at 17 locations: 16th District Court (Livonia), 17th District Court (Redford Township), 19th District Court (Dearborn), 20th District Court (Dearborn Heights), 21st District Court (Garden City), 22nd District Court (Inkster), 23rd District Court (Taylor), 25th District Court (Lincoln Park/Melvindale), 27th District Court (Wyandotte), 29th District Court (Wayne), 30th District Court (Highland Park), 31st District Court (Hamtramck), 32A District Court (Harper Woods), 33rd District Court (Woodhaven/Brownstown/Flat Rock/Rockwood/Gibraltar), 34th District Court (Romulus/Belleville/Van Buren/Huron/Sumpter/New Boston/Grosse Ile), 35th District Court (Plymouth/Canton/Northville), 36th District Court (Detroit).

What happens after you file

Wayne 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 Wayne County?

36th District Court, 421 Madison Street, Detroit, MI 48226. Open 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday (excluding court holidays).

Can I file small claims online in Wayne County?

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

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

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