Short answer. In Michigan, small claims (Small claims division of the district court) cover claims up to $7,000. Where to file: The district court in the county where the claim happened or where the defendant is established, resides or is employed (MCL 600.8415). The fee to start a case is $30 to $70, depending on the claim.
Can I file my claim in Michigan small claims?
Enter an amount to compare it with the Michigan limit of $7,000.
Michigan small claims at a glance
- Limit
- $7,000. The court can't order more than $7,000 through a judgment, even if the claim is worth more.
- Court
- Small claims division of the district court
- 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).
- Lawyers
- Not allowed
- Where to file
- The district court in the county where the claim happened or where the defendant is established, resides or is employed (MCL 600.8415).
- Serving the other side
- 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.
- Appeal
- Both parties give up the right to appeal a small claims judgment. Either party can move the case to the general civil division before the hearing, where attorneys, a jury and appeals are allowed.
Michigan filing fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| claim up to $600 | $30 | $25 filing fee plus $5 electronic filing system fee |
| $600 to $1,750 | $50 | $45 plus $5 |
| over $1,750 | $70 | $65 plus $5 |
From the SCAO instructions for form DC 84 (rev. 1/24). Service runs from about $15 by certified mail to $26 plus mileage for personal service. Fee waiver: form MC 20.
Not confirmed for Michigan: online filing. The official Michigan page we checked didn't state this, so we left it out. Ask the clerk or see the official page.
Filing a small claim in Michigan, step by step
- Check that your claim fitsUse the checker above: the Michigan limit is $7,000, and the official wording is in the summary. Count only what you can show with papers or photos.
- Pick the right courtThe district court in the county where the claim happened or where the defendant is established, resides or is employed (MCL 600.8415).
- Fill out the claim and pay the feeThe filing fee in Michigan is $30 to $70, depending on the claim. From the SCAO instructions for form DC 84 (rev. 1/24). Service runs from about $15 by certified mail to $26 plus mileage for personal service. Fee waiver: form MC 20.
- Have the other side servedA 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.
- Get ready for the hearingLawyers: not allowed. Bring the contract, receipts, photos, messages and a short timeline, with copies for the judge and the other side.
- After the decisionBoth parties give up the right to appeal a small claims judgment. Either party can move the case to the general civil division before the hearing, where attorneys, a jury and appeals are allowed.
Official Michigan links
- Michigan small claims self-help page
- Michigan courts: How to get a money judgment in small claims court (DC 84 instructions, rev. 1/24)
Last checked November 2026.
General information checked against the official Michigan pages above, not legal advice. MCC Solutions isn't a law firm and isn't affiliated with any court. Rules and fees change: the official page and the clerk have the final word. The checker runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent or saved.
Michigan small claims questions
What is the small claims limit in Michigan?
$7,000. The court can't order more than $7,000 through a judgment, even if the claim is worth more.
How much does it cost to file a small claim in Michigan?
claim up to $600: $30 ($25 filing fee plus $5 electronic filing system fee); $600 to $1,750: $50 ($45 plus $5); over $1,750: $70 ($65 plus $5). From the SCAO instructions for form DC 84 (rev. 1/24). Service runs from about $15 by certified mail to $26 plus mileage for personal service. Fee waiver: form MC 20.
Can a lawyer represent me in Michigan small claims?
Not allowed in Michigan, per the official page. 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).
Where do I file a small claim in Michigan?
The district court in the county where the claim happened or where the defendant is established, resides or is employed (MCL 600.8415).
Can I appeal a small claims decision in Michigan?
Both parties give up the right to appeal a small claims judgment. Either party can move the case to the general civil division before the hearing, where attorneys, a jury and appeals are allowed.
How is the other side served in a Michigan small claims case?
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.
Compare every state: small claims limits by state · Massachusetts small claims · Minnesota small claims