How to file small claims in Michigan
Sue for up to $7,000 in the Small Claims Division (District Court); filing fee around $65.
Michigan's Small Claims Division hears claims up to about $7,000 but waives lawyers, jury, and appeal — move to general District Court to keep those rights.
- Dollar limit: $7,000 — $7,000 (adjusted periodically for inflation) in the Small Claims Division.
- Filing fee: $65 — About $30–$70 by amount, plus service.
- Where to file: Small Claims Division (District Court)
- Lawyers at the hearing: not allowed — you represent yourself
- Confirm your claim is at or under the dollar limit and within the statute of limitations for your claim type.
- Send a written demand letter first — most courts expect it, and it often gets you paid without filing.
- Get the correct filing form (often a "Statement of Claim" or "Plaintiff's Claim") from the Small Claims Division clerk or the court's website.
- File the form with the Small Claims Division for the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute happened, and pay the filing fee.
- Arrange service of process so the defendant is officially notified (by the sheriff, certified mail, or a process server, per local rules).
- Gather your evidence — contract, texts, photos, receipts, the demand letter — and bring organized copies to your hearing.
- Show up on your court date and present your case; if you win, ask the judge how to collect the judgment.
- Michigan bars lawyers and waives the right to appeal and to a jury in the Small Claims Division — you can move the case to the general District Court to keep those rights.
What are you suing for?
Source: Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.8401. Reviewed 2026-06-17 (verify with the court clerk).
Nearby states: Ohio ($6,000) · Indiana ($10,000) · Wisconsin ($10,000).
General legal information, not legal advice. Rules change and vary by county and court; consult a licensed attorney or your court clerk.
Updated July 2026