Michigan Small Claims Filing Guide (2026)
Free step-by-step guide for your state: which court, the limit, the official form, filing fees and what to bring. Michigan limit: up to $7,000.
Free guide · The demand letter kit adds a ready-to-send letter (PDF + Word)
How to file in Michigan small claims court
- Send a demand letter first.
- Check the limit and the right court (below).
- Fill out the official claim form and file it with the clerk in the county where the defendant lives or where the transaction happened.
- Pay the filing fee or ask for a fee waiver if you cannot afford it.
- Have the defendant served as the court requires (in many states you cannot serve the papers yourself).
- Prepare for the hearing: bring the note/contract, receipts, photos, messages, your demand letter and proof of mailing, and copies for the judge and the other side.
- If you win and are not paid, ask the clerk about post-judgment collection options.
Michigan
- Court: Small Claims Division of the District Court.
- Limit: up to $7,000.
- Lawyers: not allowed in small claims (except a lawyer representing himself or herself). Either side may ask to move the case to the general civil division, where lawyers are allowed and the limit does not apply.
- Form: Affidavit and Claim, Small Claims (DC 84).
- Filing fee: $30 (up to $600), $50 ($600 to $1,750), $70 (over $1,750), including the $5 e-filing fee. Fee waiver form MC 20.
- Official help: https://www.courts.michigan.gov
General information, not legal advice. Rules, fees and forms change — confirm with the court clerk before filing.
Michigan small claims: key facts
- Court
- Small Claims Division of the District Court.
- Limit
- up to $7,000.
- Demand letter required first?
- No requirement was found, but sending one first is good practice and gives you proof that you asked.
- Official form
- Affidavit and Claim, Small Claims (DC 84).
- Filing fee
- $30 (up to $600), $50 ($600 to $1,750), $70 (over $1,750), including the $5 e-filing fee. Fee waiver form MC 20.
Official sources: MCL §600.8401 · MCL §600.8408 · Last reviewed: October 2026
Frequently asked questions
- What is the small claims limit in Michigan?
- up to $7,000.
- Do I have to send a demand letter before suing in Michigan?
- No requirement was found, but sending one first is good practice and gives you proof that you asked.
- How much does it cost to file in Michigan?
- $30 (up to $600), $50 ($600 to $1,750), $70 (over $1,750), including the $5 e-filing fee. Fee waiver form MC 20.
- Can I have a lawyer in Michigan small claims?
- not allowed in small claims (except a lawyer representing himself or herself). Either side may ask to move the case to the general civil division, where lawyers are allowed and the limit does not apply.
- What if I am owed more than the limit?
- You may reduce your claim to the limit and give up the rest, or file in a regular civil court. The guide shows this if your amount is above the limit.
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