MI State Guide

Michigan Small Claims Court

Small Claims Division (District Court)

$6,500

Maximum Claim

$30 - $70

Filing Fees

30-60 days

Timeline

In-person

Hearing Format

Court Information

Court Name

Small Claims Division (District Court)

Attorneys

Not allowed

Appeal Rights

No appeals allowed

Court Website

https://courts.michigan.gov

Statute of Limitations

6 years

Written Contracts

6 years

Oral Contracts

3 years

Property Damage

Unique Rules in Michigan

Attorneys cannot represent parties

No appeals permitted

How to File in Michigan

Determine if your case qualifies for small claims court

Send a demand letter to the other party

File your claim at the correct courthouse

Serve the defendant with the lawsuit

Prepare your evidence and presentation

Attend the hearing and present your case

Amendment Filing Fees in Michigan

Amendment Fee Range

Amendment fees in Michigan typically range from $15-$50, depending on the court and type of amendment.

Important Note

Contact your local court clerk for exact amendment fees, as they vary by jurisdiction.

When Amendments Are Allowed

Before the defendant is served

To correct clerical errors or add necessary details

With court permission after service

Cannot increase claim amount beyond court limits

Common Amendment Types

Correct Defendant Name

Fix misspellings or add proper legal names

Add Damages

Include additional damages discovered later

Clarify Facts

Provide clearer description of the dispute

State-Specific Resources

Additional guides and information for Michigan small claims cases

Complete Small Claims Guide

Comprehensive guide to filing, preparing, and winning your small claims court case nationwide.

Demand Letter Templates

Free templates and examples for writing effective demand letters before filing your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the small claims limit in Michigan?

The maximum you can sue for in Michigan small claims court is $6,500.

How much does it cost to file in Michigan?

Filing fees in Michigan range from $30 - $70, depending on the claim amount.

Are attorneys allowed in Michigan small claims court?

No, attorneys are generally not allowed to represent parties in Michigan small claims court. You represent yourself.

How long does a case take in Michigan?

From filing to hearing typically takes 30-60 days in Michigan.

Can I appeal a small claims decision in Michigan?

No appeals allowed

Counties We Serve in Michigan

Find small claims court information for your county

All 83 Counties in Michigan

Alcona County Alger County Allegan County Alpena County Antrim County Arenac County Baraga County Barry County Bay County Benzie County Berrien County Branch County Calhoun County Cass County Charlevoix County Cheboygan County Chippewa County Clare County Clinton County Crawford County Delta County Dickinson County Eaton County Emmet County Genesee County Gladwin County Gogebic County Grand Traverse County Gratiot County Hillsdale County Houghton County Huron County Ingham County Ionia County Iosco County Iron County Isabella County Jackson County Kalamazoo County Kalkaska County Kent County Keweenaw County Lake County Lapeer County Leelanau County Lenawee County Livingston County Luce County Mackinac County Macomb County Manistee County Marquette County Mason County Mecosta County Menominee County Midland County Missaukee County Monroe County Montcalm County Montmorency County Muskegon County Newaygo County Oakland County Oceana County Ogemaw County Ontonagon County Osceola County Oscoda County Otsego County Ottawa County Presque Isle County Roscommon County Saginaw County Sanilac County Schoolcraft County Shiawassee County St. Clair County St. Joseph County Tuscola County Van Buren County Washtenaw County Wayne County Wexford County

State-Specific Resources

Additional guides and information for Michigan small claims cases

Complete Small Claims Guide

Comprehensive guide to filing, preparing, and winning your small claims court case nationwide.

Demand Letter Templates

Free templates and examples for writing effective demand letters before filing your case.

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