Small claims court in Kent County, Michigan
In Kent County, small claims cases up to $7,000 are heard by more than one court: 6 district courts serve Kent County, each covering certain cities/townships (this row. You must file with the one that serves the right area. Below is one of them, the 61st District Court (Small Claims Division), with a link to the official list.
Where to file in Kent County
One of several courts in Kent County: 6 district courts serve Kent County, each covering certain cities/townships (this row. Find the right one: Official court directory.
61st District Court (Small Claims Division)
Address: 180 Ottawa Ave., NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 · Map
Phone: 616-632-5700
6 district courts serve Kent County, each covering certain cities/townships (this row: City of Grand Rapids). File in the district court for the place where the defendant lives, works or does business, or where the problem happened. Others: 59th District Court (City of Grandville), 3161 Wilson Ave., S.W., Grandville, MI 49418, 616-538-9660; 59th District Court (City of Walker), 4343 Remembrance Road N.W., Walker, MI 49534, 616-453-5765; 62A District Court (City of Wyoming), 2650 DeHoop Ave., S.W., Wyoming, MI 49509, 616-530-7385; 62B District Court (City of Kentwood), 4740 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood, MI 49512, 616-698-9310; 63rd District Court (Kent County except the cities of Grand Rapids, Walker, Grandville, Wyoming and Kentwood), 1950 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, 616-632-7770.
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
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.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Michigan counties.
How to file in Kent County
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. Make a free demand letter.
Fill in the claim (DC 84)
Affidavit and Claim, Small Claims Get the form.
File it with the right court and pay the 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. Fee waiver: Fee Waiver Request (form MC 20).
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.
Go to the hearing
The clerk sets the date when you file, often about 6 weeks out. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Michigan filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Kent County?
Kent County has more than one small claims court (6 district courts serve Kent County, each covering certain cities/townships (this row). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or where the problem happened, as the venue rules say. One of them is the 61st District Court (Small Claims Division), 180 Ottawa Ave., NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Phone: 616-632-5700. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://www.courts.michigan.gov/
How much can I sue for in Kent County small claims court?
Up to $7,000. The limit is $7,000 for people and businesses. If you're owed more, you give up the extra for good, and you can't split one claim into several cases. Claims from $7,000 to $25,000 go to the district court's general civil division. Small claims can only award money.
How much does it cost to file in Kent County?
$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. Fee waiver: Fee Waiver Request (form MC 20).