How to file a small claims case in Michigan, step by step

Ask for payment in writing

Michigan doesn't require a demand letter, but the court suggests trying to settle first, and a written demand is good evidence.

Use the free demand letter generator, give them 10–14 days, and keep a copy with proof of the date you sent it.

Check the limit and your deadline

In Michigan you can sue for up to $7,000 in the Small Claims Division of the District Court.

Run the 60-second case check to see the last day you can file.

Collect the details the form asks for

• Your full name, address and phone
• The defendant's exact legal name and a street address where they can be served (not a P.O. box)
• The amount you're asking for and how you got that number
• The date the problem happened
• A short plain description of what happened
• Proof you asked for payment, if you did

Find the defendant's exact legal name

Use the registered name and resident agent listed there.

Search: Michigan LARA business entity search.

Gather your evidence

• The contract, lease, invoice or receipt
• Photos of the damage, dated if possible
• Texts, emails and letters with the other side
• Two written repair estimates or proof of what you paid
• Your demand letter and proof it was sent
• Names and contact details of any witnesses

Get the right form

DC 84: Affidavit and Claim, Small Claims. Get the form.

Describe your claim clearly

• Who: you and the defendant, with full legal names and addresses
• What: the agreement or event, in 2–4 plain sentences
• When: the date it happened
• How much: the exact amount (no more than $7,000) and how you calculated it
• What you did: when you asked for payment and their response

Sign it the right way

The claim must be signed under oath in front of the clerk or a notary; don't sign it beforehand.

Make copies

File 4 copies of the DC 84 form.

File your claim

Choose how you'll file:

File at the district court where the problem happened or where the defendant lives, works or does business. You must sign the claim under oath in front of the clerk or a notary, so don't sign it in advance. Bring 4 copies and photo ID.

Pay the filing fee

$30 for claims up to $600, $50 up to $1,750, and $70 above that. Service costs extra: about $15 by certified mail, or up to $26 plus mileage for personal delivery. If you win, your costs can be added to the judgment. Can't afford it? Ask for a fee waiver: Fee Waiver Request (form MC 20).

Keep what the clerk gives you

The clerk sets the hearing date and arranges service, which you pay for.

Have the papers served

The court clerk arranges service, and you pay for it: certified mail with restricted delivery, or personal delivery by a process server or court officer.

The defendant must get notice at least 7 days before the hearing; otherwise the clerk sets a new date and serves again at no extra cost.

File proof of service

The clerk arranges service and records it; check with the clerk before the hearing that service was completed.

If service fails

Don't wait until the hearing. Ask the clerk right away for a new hearing date and try another method, such as personal delivery instead of mail, or a different address.

Watch for the defendant's response

The defendant doesn't file an answer but can file a counterclaim or ask to move the case to the general civil division.

Settling before the hearing

If you settle, tell the clerk in writing so the case is dismissed or the agreement is entered.

Get any settlement in writing, signed by both sides, with the amount and payment date.

Line up your witnesses

A witness who saw what happened is stronger than a written statement; some judges won't accept letters.

Ask the clerk for a subpoena for a witness.

Prepare your file

• Three copies of every document: for you, the judge and the defendant
• A one-page timeline of what happened, with dates
• A short sheet showing how you calculated the amount
• Photos printed or ready on your phone (ask the clerk if screens are allowed)

On the day

• No lawyers are allowed, so be ready to present your own case
• Decide in advance whether you want a judge (no appeal) or a magistrate (appeal possible)
• Arrive 30 minutes early and check in with the clerk or bailiff
• Bring three copies of every document and your evidence in date order
• Bring your witnesses, or a subpoena if they won't come voluntarily
• Turn your phone to silent; dress neatly

Tell your story

Speak to the judge, not the other side. Stay calm, answer the question asked, and don't interrupt.

If someone doesn't show up

If the defendant doesn't come, you can get a default judgment. If you don't come, your case is dismissed.

Know the appeal rules

If a magistrate decides your case, either side can appeal to a district judge within 7 days, and the judge hears it again; that decision is final. If a judge hears the case first, there is no appeal at all. Before the hearing, either side can move the case to the general civil division (form DC 86), where lawyers, juries and appeals are allowed.

Collect your money

The court doesn't collect for you. Starting 21 days after the judgment, you can garnish wages or bank accounts or seize property; each step needs its own forms and fees.

Close the case once you're paid

Keep proof of every payment. When you're paid in full, tell the court; some courts require a satisfaction-of-judgment form.