Michigan’s small claims court is a division of the district court. You can sue there for up to $7,000, and the process is built for people without lawyers: in fact, lawyers aren’t allowed to represent anyone in a small claims case [1][3].
At a glance
- Limit
- $7,000 [1]
- Lawyers
- Not allowed; each side represents itself [3]
- Jury
- None; a judge or attorney magistrate decides [3]
- Filing cost
- $30, $50 or $70, depending on the amount [2][4]
- Appeal
- None from a judge; 7 days from a magistrate's decision [3]
What small claims can handle
Small claims is for money you’re owed, up to $7,000 [1]. Common cases include [3]:
- a landlord who kept a security deposit,
- a contract that wasn’t performed,
- car accident damage that insurance didn’t cover,
- a bounced check,
- consumer protection violations.
It can’t be used to get a specific item back, or to sue for fraud, libel, slander, assault and battery or other intentional harm [3].
The no-lawyers rule, and what you give up
In small claims you represent yourself, and so does the other side [3]. There’s no jury: a district court judge or an attorney magistrate decides the case [3].
If a judge decides, there’s no appeal. If a magistrate decides, either side can appeal within 7 days of the judgment, and a district judge hears the case again [3].
Either side can ask to remove the case to the regular district court, where lawyers are allowed. The defendant can ask for this too [3].
How to file
- Ask for payment in writing first. It may settle things, and it shows the court you tried.
- Pick the right district court. File where the problem happened or where the defendant lives or works [4].
- Fill out the Affidavit and Claim. Don’t sign it until you’re in front of a notary or the court clerk [4].
- Pay the filing fee with the district court clerk (see the table). If you can’t afford it, ask the court to waive your fees [4].
- Pay for service. The court sends the claim to the defendant by certified mail with a return receipt, or by personal service, and you pay that cost [4].
- Go to the hearing with your evidence: receipts, contracts, leases, photos, accident reports, and witnesses in person if you can [4].
| Amount claimed | Filing fee | E-filing system fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to $600 | $25 | $5 | $30 |
| $600.01 to $1,750 | $45 | $5 | $50 |
| $1,750.01 to $7,000 | $65 | $5 | $70 |
At the hearing
The judge or magistrate may suggest mediation first. If both sides don’t agree to it, the hearing goes ahead, and the person who filed (the plaintiff) goes first [4]. If the plaintiff doesn’t show up, the case may be dismissed. If the defendant doesn’t show up, the court may enter a default judgment [4].
If you lose, you don’t get back your filing fee or service costs [3].
Winning isn’t the same as being paid
A judgment says the other side owes you; it doesn’t collect the money. If they don’t pay, you can ask the court for collection tools such as garnishment [4]. The court charges $15 for a writ of garnishment [2].
Sources
Common questions
What is the small claims limit in Michigan?
$7,000. If your claim is worth more and you file in small claims anyway, you give up the rest and can't sue again for it.
Can I have a lawyer in Michigan small claims court?
No. In small claims, both sides represent themselves. Either side can ask to move the case to the regular district court, where lawyers are allowed.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Michigan?
$30 for claims up to $600, $50 for claims over $600 up to $1,750, and $70 for claims over $1,750 up to $7,000. Service costs are extra, and you can ask the court to waive fees if you can't afford them.