Question 1 of 8. Carries forward to the intake.
- Claim limit
- $7,000
- Filing fee
- $30–$70
- Court
- District Court
- File online
- No
Wayne County filing fees
Source: 36thdistrictcourtmi.gov (36th District Court, Detroit), courts.michigan.gov (SCAO DC 84/84n form), legislature.mi.gov (MCL 600.8401, 600.8412, 600.8420, 600.8427)
| 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 313-965-2200 before you file.
Where to file
36th District Court
421 Madison Street, Detroit, MI 48226
313-965-2200
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday (excluding court holidays)
- 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).
The forms you need
Wayne 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 Wayne 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 Wayne County filing packet — $49
Everything above, assembled and filled in with your facts:
- Both Wayne County 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 Wayne 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 Wayne County?
$7,000, excluding costs awarded by the court.
Where do I file a small claims case in Wayne County?
36th District Court, 421 Madison Street, Detroit. Also at 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).
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in Wayne 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 36thdistrictcourtmi.gov (36th District Court, Detroit), courts.michigan.gov (SCAO DC 84/84n form), legislature.mi.gov (MCL 600.8401, 600.8412, 600.8420, 600.8427) 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.