In Van Buren County, small claims cases up to $7,000 are heard by the 7th District Court (Small Claims Division). Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: 212 Paw Paw St., Paw Paw, MI 49079 · Map
Phone: 269-657-8222
Online filing: available, per the court
Additional location(s) of this court: 1007 E. Wells Street, South Haven, MI 49090, 269-637-5258.
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
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.
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.
Affidavit and Claim, Small Claims Get the form.
$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).
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 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 guideSmall claims in Van Buren County are filed with the 7th District Court (Small Claims Division), 212 Paw Paw St., Paw Paw, MI 49079. Phone: 269-657-8222.
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.
$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.
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.