How It Works
Navigate your small claims case with step-by-step guidance, court-ready documents, and simple checklists—without the confusion or high legal fees.
STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS
Your Michigan DIY Legal Helper
Streamlined Small Claims Process
Court-Ready Documents
Step-by-step filing & service instructions
Premium Support Credits
Choose Your Path
Starting a New Claim? - Explore the Simple or Ultimate Navigator Kits Below
Being Sued or Receive a Default Judgment? – Explore Our Defendant Kits below or CLICK HERE for a Short Questionnaire to Guide You
1. Checkout + Create Profile
Purchase the Simple Kit for $39 and set up your case profile so we can generate the right documents..
2. Download Your Starter Pack
Get your proprietary checklists and guides so you know exactly what to gather and what to do next.
3. Collect Your Information
Follow the checklist to gather messages, receipts, photos, contracts, and witness and defendant info.
6. Notarize Your Forms
Use our online notary add-on or notarize locally (bank, post office, or UPS).
5. Receive Court-Ready Complaint Forms
Download your complaint package—filled out, formatted, and ready to sign and file after notarization.
4. Complete the Questionnaire
Answer the guided, automated questions so we can build your filing documents accurately.
7. File With Your Court
Download court-specific filing instructions and submit your case the right way the first time.
8. Serve the Defendant
Download your court-specific service instructions and complete service of process correctly. If the defendant makes service impossible, utilize our alternate service navigator kit
9. Prepare, Win, and Collect
Use hearing prep materials (or prep with one of our attorneys with the Hearing Prep Kit) then generate your proposed order after the hearing with our automated questionnaire—and if needed, use the Judgment Collection Kit if the defendant does not pay up.
Power-Ups for Your Case
Notary Add-On - $20
Add online notarization for convenience and expedience. We’ll tell you exactly what to sign and get it done from the comfort of your own home
Hearing Prep (Attorney Review + Coaching) - $150
Meet with a licensed attorney to tighten your evidence, argument flow, and trial-day plan. Walk in with a clear opening, clean exhibits, and confident answers.
Alternate Service Navigator Kit - $39
If serving the defendant gets messy, use our step-by-step tools. Get court-ready instructions, templates, and the fastest next moves.
Be Sure to Take Advantage of Your 30-min of Premium Support
One of the primary advantages of the Navigator Kit is access to up to 30-min of premium support credits to help answer additional questions and ensure confidence and victory. Schedule live chats or utilize our internal email service for quick and detailed responses.
1. Checkout + Create Profile
Purchase the Ultimate Navigator Kit for $199 and set up your case profile so we can generate the right documents.
2. Download Your Starter Pack
Get your proprietary checklists and guides so you know exactly what to gather and what to do next.
3. Collect Your Information
Follow the checklist to gather messages, receipts, photos, contracts, and witness and defendant info.
6. Notarize Your Forms
1. Schedule a time to meet with your online notary. 2. Verify your identity by uploading your drivers license, passport, or other identification. 3. Schedule a date and time to meet with your online notary for a digital signature.
5. Receive Court-Ready Complaint Forms
Download your complaint package—filled out, formatted, and ready to sign and file after notarization.
4. Complete the Questionnaire
Answer the guided, automated questions so we can build your filing documents accurately.
7. File With Your Court
Download court-specific filing instructions and submit your case the right way the first time.
8. Serve the Defendant
Download your court-specific service instructions and complete service of process correctly.
9. Collect and Submit Evidence
Download and review the hearing prep materials to help you gather all relevant evidence, prepare opening statement, witness list, and closing arguments. Submit all of the above to be reviewed by attorney meeting with you over zoom to help prepare for your trial.
12. Go to Trial, Generate Order, & Collect
Go to court with confidence, then use our system to generate a completed order and take the next step—collect your judgment with the Collection Kit or pivot to an Appeal Kit if needed.
11. Update Your Trial-Day Materials
Apply any recommended changes from your attorney meeting—refine your opening, witness list, exhibits, and closing so everything is tight and ready to present.
10. Meet With a Hearing Prep Attorney
Meet 1:1 with a licensed attorney to review your evidence packet and trial materials, sharpen your strategy, and get clear guidance for trial day.
Be Sure to Take Advantage of Your Two Hours of Premium Support
One of the primary advantages of the Ultimate Navigator Kit is access to up to two hours of premium support to help answer additional questions and ensure confidence and victory. Schedule live chats or utilize our internal email service for quick and detailed responses.
Defendant Tools and Next Steps
Pick the path that fits your situation—default judgment, removal, counterclaim, or hearing prep.
Missed Court? Set Aside the Default - $29
If you missed your hearing and a judgment was entered, we’ll guide you through the fastest path to ask the court to set it aside—plus generate the motion packet and filing/service instructions. 30-min of premium support included.
Remove It From Small Claims - $19
Want attorneys, formal procedures, and full civil rules? We’ll auto-fill the Demand/Order for Removal and give you step-by-step filing instructions so your case moves into the general civil track. 30-min of premium support included.
Basic Defense Navigator Kit - $29
Get court-ready defense resources, checklists, and step-by-step instructions—plus 30 min of Premium Support to help you pick the right strategy and avoid mistakes before your hearing.
Counterclaim Defense Kit - $49
If the plaintiff actually owes you money, in addition to everything in the Basic Kit, we’ll help you decide whether a counterclaim fits and generate a clean, court-ready counterclaim statement with delivery instructions to the plaintiff. 30-min of premium support included.
Ultimate Defense Navigator Kit - $199
Everything in Basic, plus the full defense toolkit: hearing prep, counterclaim support, alternate service guidance, judgment collection, and appeal-ready next steps—with 2 hours of Premium Support to build your plan and tighten your materials.
Not Sure Which Option Fits?
Take our quick “I’ve Been Sued” questionnaire and we’ll tell you the best next move—stay in small claims, remove the case, file a counterclaim, or set aside a default
Simple Navigator
- Auto-filling of Initial Court Documents
- Online Notarization Service
- Alternate Service Kit
- Court-Specific Filing Instructions
- Downloadable Proprietary Checklists and Instruction Manuals
- 30-Minute Attorney Consultation (Hearing Prep)
- Judgment Collection Kit
- Appeal Kit
- 30-min of Premium Chat Support
Michigan launch: built for Michigan courts first (expanding soon).
Not a law firm: self-help + optional attorney add-ons where available.
Still Not Sure?
Free Advice
Talk to an Attorney
FAQs
1. How long does it take to get my forms?
Immediately. Once you complete the questionnaire, your forms are automatically filled and available for download. Some kits include attorney review (if purchased).
2. Are these forms valid in Michigan?
Yes. All documents are aligned with Michigan district court small claims requirements. Small Claims Navigator currently only operates in the state of Michigan.
3. Do you file my claim for me?
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)
4. Do I need a lawyer for small claims?
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.
5. What if I choose the wrong kit?
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.
6. Can I add services later?
Yes. You may purchase add-ons at any time, including:
Electronic Notary
Hearing Prep
Appeals Support
Judgment Collection Navigator
7. Is my information private?
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.
8. How do I know which court to file in?
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.
9. Does the Ultimate Kit include everything in the Single Kit?
Yes—plus additional guidance, attorney prep time, and discounted add-ons.
10. Can I get a refund?
Because our products are digital and generated instantly, refunds are only available before you download your documents or begin your questionnaires.
11. How much does it cost to file my claim?
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.
12. What case types qualify for small claims?
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
13. What if the defendant lives out of state?
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.
14. What if I need more than $7,000?
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.
15. How long does a small claims case take?
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.
16. What if the defendant cannot be 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.
17. What if the defendant is a landlord or property manager?
Many security deposit disputes fall under small claims. Michigan law allows up to $9,000 for these claims.
18. Do I need witnesses?
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.
