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MI County Guide

Wayne County Small Claims Court

Small Claims Division (District Court) • Population: 1,793,561

$6,500
Maximum Claim
$30 - $70
Filing Fees
30-60 days
Timeline
In-person
Hearing Format

Courthouse Information

Courthouse

36th District Court

Address

421 Madison St, Detroit, MI 48226

Local Tips

  • Small claims cases handled in the 36th District Court for Detroit proper
  • Court hours Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
  • Other Wayne County cities may use different district courts — verify your jurisdiction

How to File in Wayne County

1

Determine if your case qualifies for Michigan small claims court (up to $6,500)

2

Send a written demand letter to the other party

3

File your claim at the Wayne County courthouse or online through the Small Claims Division (District Court)

4

Serve the defendant with official notice of the lawsuit

5

Prepare your evidence, documents, and witnesses

6

Attend the in-person hearing and present your case

Statute of Limitations in Michigan

6 years
Written Contracts
6 years
Oral Contracts
3 years
Property Damage

Important Rules in Michigan

Attorneys cannot represent parties
No appeals permitted

Frequently Asked Questions

To file a small claims case in Wayne County, Michigan, visit your local courthouse at 421 Madison St, Detroit, MI 48226 or the Small Claims Division (District Court) website. You'll need to fill out the claim form, pay the filing fee ($30 - $70), and serve the defendant. The maximum claim amount is $6,500.

The maximum you can sue for in Michigan small claims court is $6,500. This limit applies to all counties including Wayne County.

In Michigan, attorneys are generally not allowed to represent parties in small claims court. You will represent yourself in Wayne County small claims hearings.

From filing to hearing, a small claims case in Michigan typically takes 30-60 days. Timelines in Wayne County may vary depending on court schedules.

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