If you’re owed money and wondering how to file a small claims case in Michigan, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Michiganders use Small Claims Court to resolve disputes quickly and affordably — without hiring a lawyer.
This guide explains each step of the Michigan small claims process, from confirming eligibility to filing your claim, serving the defendant, and preparing for your hearing. We’ll also highlight free tools and low-cost packages from SmallClaimsNavigator.com to make the process easier.
Step 1. Confirm Small Claims Court Is the Right Venue
In Michigan, you can sue in Small Claims Court if your claim is $7,000 or less.
But not every dispute qualifies. Small Claims Court cannot hear:
– Divorce, custody, or guardianship matters
– Cases requesting injunctive relief (e.g., asking the court to order someone to stop doing something)
– Complex tort or personal injury lawsuits
– Any case where you want attorney representation or a jury trial
Limitations of Small Claims:
– You cannot have an attorney argue for you in Small Claims Court.
– There are no jury trials — cases are decided by a judge or magistrate.
If you’re unsure whether your case belongs in Small Claims, our Navigator Claim Kit will guide you step-by-step and confirm whether your case is eligible.
Step 2. Find the Correct Court
Michigan small claims cases are filed in District Court, but you must choose the correct one based on your county and where the defendant lives or where the dispute occurred.
Use our free Small Claims Court Navigator to instantly locate the right District Court for your case.
Step 3. Get the Small Claims Affidavit and Claim Form
The official form is called the Affidavit and Claim (DC 84). You can get it at your local court — or skip the paperwork hassle with our Claim Kit, which automatically fills it out for you.
Step 4. Sign the Form in Front of a Notary
Your affidavit must be notarized before filing. Traditionally, you’d visit a bank or clerk, but now you can use our Remote Notary Service for just $20 and complete it online in minutes.
Step 5. Determine Filing Options
Each Michigan District Court has different filing procedures:
– In-person filing
– Mail-in filing
– E-filing through the Michigan eFile system
– Some courts also accept fax or email
When you use our Navigator tools, we guide you through the options specific to your court.
Step 6. Calculate and Pay the Filing Fee
Filing fees vary depending on your claim size. Our Free Filing Fee Calculator helps you know the exact cost before you file.
Step 7. Receive Your Hearing Date
Once filed, the court will schedule your hearing and notify you.
Step 8. Serve the Defendant
The defendant must be served with notice of the lawsuit. Options include:
– Certified mail
– A process server
– A sheriff
Each method has a different cost and timeline. Our kits explain the pros and cons of each.
Step 9. Prepare and Submit Your Evidence
Michigan courts require you to submit evidence at least 7 days before your hearing. Evidence might include receipts, contracts, text messages, or photos. Each court has different submission rules.
Need confidence before court? Our Hearing Prep Coaching ($150) includes a 30-minute Zoom session with evidence review and practical presentation tips.
Step 10. Mediation Before Trial
At the hearing, a judge or magistrate may first ask you to try mediation. Be prepared with an offer in mind. Remember, even strong cases can lose at trial — settlement may be the safer path.
Step 11. Bench Trial
If mediation fails, your case goes to a bench trial.
– If you don’t show up, you lose automatically.
– If the defendant doesn’t show, you may receive a default judgment.
Step 12. Verdict and Judgment Paperwork
After trial, the court issues a decision. Some courts prepare the judgment paperwork for you; others require you to submit it yourself.
All paid Navigator packages include help with judgment paperwork, so you don’t miss a step.
Step 13. Consider an Appeal (If Allowed)
In Michigan, you can only appeal if your case was heard by a magistrate (not a judge). Appeals must be filed quickly and follow strict rules.
Our Appeal Kit ($29) generates the correct forms and provides step-by-step instructions. It’s also included free in the Ultimate Navigator Package ($229).
Final Thoughts
Filing a small claims case in Michigan involves several steps, but you don’t have to do it alone. With free tools like our Court Navigator and Fee Calculator, plus our affordable Claim Kits and Ultimate Package, you can move through the process quickly and confidently.
Ready to start your case?
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