Process serving · Michigan
How to serve small claims papers in Michigan
Michigan's Small claims division of the district court lists this method: A process server, or certified mail restricted to the addressee; the clerk can arrange it for a fee. The defendant should get notice at least 7 days before the hearing. If that method lets you use a private process server or another adult, we can arrange a vetted local server in Michigan, quoted per job and confirmed before any work starts.
Before you hire anyone in Michigan, check whether the court serves the papers itself. Its own guide says:
| Court | Small claims division of the district court |
|---|---|
| Service | A process server, or certified mail restricted to the addressee; the clerk can arrange it for a fee. The defendant should get notice at least 7 days before the hearing. |
| Where the case is filed | The district court in the county where the claim happened or where the defendant is established, resides or is employed (MCL 600.8415). |
| Small claims limit | $7,000. The court can't order more than $7,000 through a judgment, even if the claim is worth more. |
| Filing fees | claim up to $600: $30; $600 to $1,750: $50; over $1,750: $70 |
| Who can file | You as an individual or sole proprietor, or someone acting for the plaintiff who meets the court's conditions (for example a full-time salaried employee with knowledge of the facts, a partner, or a government officer). |
When we can help in Michigan
If the court lets you use a private server, send us the filed papers, the address and your deadline. A vetted local server makes the attempts and you get the proof of service on the court's form if it has one.
The full Michigan small claims page, with limits and fees, is here.
Alabama · all states · serving someone in another state
If you represent yourself, you are responsible for your documents: what they say, that they are complete and signed, which court they go to and that they are filed on time. We are not lawyers, we do not give legal advice or draft pleadings, and we cannot guarantee any legal outcome. We file, serve or pull exactly what you send.
Sources
Before you send
- Send the papers to serve as a PDF, with every page in order.
- Give the best address, a description or photo of the person, and the times they're usually home.
- Up to three attempts at different times of day are included.
- You get a notarized affidavit of service once service is made.
- Rules on who may serve papers vary by state. The desk confirms them for your state before assigning a server.
Prefer to talk?
Call the desk and we'll take the request by phone.
Questions
Who serves small claims papers in Michigan?
The court's guide says: A process server, or certified mail restricted to the addressee; the clerk can arrange it for a fee. The defendant should get notice at least 7 days before the hearing.
What does a Michigan serve cost?
Outside New Jersey every serve is quoted per job, because local server rates and travel differ. We confirm the price before any work starts.
Can you tell me if service was done correctly?
No. The Michigan court decides whether service was proper. We send you the server's proof of service so you can file it.