Immediately. Once you complete the questionnaire, your forms are automatically filled and available for download. Some kits include attorney review (if purchased).

Yes. All documents are aligned with Michigan district court small claims requirements. Small Claims Navigator currently only operates in the state of Michigan.

Not at this time.
However, your kit provides:

• Fully prepared court forms

• Filing instructions tailored towards your specific district court

• Exact steps to file in your Michigan district court (online or in person)

No. Lawyers cannot appear with you in Michigan small claims court.
BUT you can receive legal advice before your hearing.
That’s why we offer the 30-Minute Hearing Prep Consultation with a Michigan attorney.

No problem. If your case is more complex or simple than you expected, our team will help you switch to the kit that fits best. Just visit the Contact Us page.

Yes. You may purchase add-ons at any time, including:

• Electronic Notary

• Hearing Prep

• Appeals Support

• Judgment Collection Navigator

Absolutely. We use secure, encrypted forms and never share your information. Please feel free to visit our Terms of Service page and Privacy Policy page for more specific information.

Small claims cases must be filed in the District Court where:

• The defendant lives, or

• The dispute occurred (e.g., a service location, rental property, or business transaction).

however the district court system does not always make it easy to find the correct court with many courts serving multiple cities and some courts split depending on ZIP Code. Purchasing one of our kits will ensure 100% court accuracy as well as inform you of specific court/judge policies. However, if you're going at it alone, use our Court Navigator Tool to make sure you are going to the right court.

Yes—plus additional guidance, attorney prep time, and discounted add-ons.

Because our products are digital and generated instantly, refunds are only available before you download your documents or begin your questionnaires.

The filing costs will depend on how much you are requesting as well as your method of service. You can use our free Fee Calculator to give yourself an idea. some cords offer different methods of service so we also recommend using our Court  Navigator Tool if you plan on going at this by yourself.

Small claims in Michigan handle straightforward disputes involving money only. Common eligible cases include unpaid loans, security deposit disputes, breach of simple agreements, property damage, and unpaid invoices. Small claims cannot decide issues involving fraud, defamation, landlord eviction, or requests for injunctions. We will ensure your case is eligible before proceeding

You can still sue in Michigan if the dispute occurred in Michigan or if the defendant has sufficient connection to the state. However, serving an out-of-state defendant may require additional steps, including certified mail or personal service through a process server in their state. If you purchase one of our kits we will walk you through this process.

Michigan’s small claims limit is $7,000, or $9,000 if the claim is for rental security deposit violations. If your damages are higher, you can:

• Reduce (“remit”) your claim to $7,000 and stay in small claims, or

• File a regular complaint in District or Circuit Court for the full amount, where attorneys are allowed.

Most cases are scheduled for a hearing within 30–60 days after filing, depending on the court’s docket and how quickly the defendant is served.

In Michigan, a small claims case cannot go forward until the defendant has been properly served under the Michigan Court Rules — but that doesn’t always mean immediate service in hand. If personal or certified mail service is unsuccessful after reasonable effort, you can file a Motion and Verification for Alternate Service asking the court to let you serve the defendant in another way (e.g., posting documents at a location, publication in a newspaper, or other court-approved method). The court must find that regular service is not reasonably possible and then order an alternate method that is “reasonably calculated to give the defendant notice.” Once you’ve followed the method the court approves and filed proof of service, your small claims case can proceed.

If you believe service will be a problem in your case, you you should consider the Ultimate Claim Kit which includes our Alternative Service Navigator Kit. Otherwise you can always add  this on if you run into issues.

Many security deposit disputes fall under small claims. Michigan law allows up to $9,000 for these claims.

Witnesses help if the dispute involves conversations or events that need verification. Written statements can be helpful but in-person or video testimony is usually stronger.