First, Choose Your Navigator Kit
Our platform makes navigating the small claims process easy, cost-effective, and user-friendly. Choose either our all-inclusive package or piecemeal individual services — whichever best fits your case.
BEST VALUE!
Ultimate Navigator Kit - $199
The Ultimate Navigator Kit is our most comprehensive solution for individuals who want maximum guidance, verification, and peace of mind.
If your case feels more involved or you want additional support along the way, this kit provides a complete, streamlined experience.
Single Navigator Claim Kit - $39
The Single Navigator Claim Kit gives you everything you need to confidently prepare and file a small claims case on your own.
This kit is ideal for clear-cut disputes where the facts are straightforward, and you want an affordable, guided solution without unnecessary extras.
Add-on Services For Success Without the Stress
Electronic Notary Service — $20
Fast, secure online notarization
Our Electronic Notary Service allows you to have qualifying documents notarized online—without scheduling in-person appointments.
This service is particularly useful because every small claims case requires a notarized affidavit to initiate your case.
Includes:
Secure online notarization
Licensed notary verification
Electronic delivery of notarized documents
Convenient, compliant, and designed to save you time.
30-Minute Limited-Scope Attorney Consultation (Hearing Prep) — $150
Prepare with confidence before court.
This 30-Minute Limited-Scope Attorney Consultation connects you directly with a licensed attorney for focused, one-on-one guidance tailored to your upcoming hearing. During this session, the attorney will review your situation, explain how the law applies to your case, and help you prepare to present your claim clearly and effectively in court.
This consultation is provided under a limited-scope representation agreement, meaning you receive targeted legal advice for hearing preparation—without committing to full representation.
What we’ll cover:
What to expect during your specific small claims hearing
How to organize and present your evidence effectively
Key arguments to emphasize (and pitfalls to avoid)
How to respond to questions from the judge
Courtroom etiquette, procedures, and expectations
Best for:
First-time small claims filers
Claimants who want legal guidance without full representation
Individuals seeking confidence, structure, and clarity before court
Important: This service provides legal advice related solely to hearing preparation. The attorney does not file documents, appear in court, or provide ongoing representation.
Judgment Collection Navigator Kit — $49
Turn a court win into actual payment
Description:
Winning your case is only the first step. The Judgment Collection Navigator helps you understand the legal tools available to collect on a judgment after court.
This service walks you through lawful collection options and required procedures.
Includes:
Step-by-step guidance and auto-filling of forms required to seize property
Instructions and auto-filling of forms required to initiate wage, bank account, and income tax garnishments
Assistance with and auto-filling of asset discovery subpoenas
Guidance and auto-filling of forms required to request a driver’s license suspension (available for certain traffic-related judgments)
Help with satisfaction of judgment filings once the debt is paid
Best for:
Unpaid judgments
Defendants who delay payment
Claimants unsure how to collect
Understand your options and move forward with clarity.
Alternate Service Navigator Kit - $39
No one likes to be served. We don’t give them a choice
When a defendant can’t be located or refuses to accept service, your case doesn’t have to stall. The Alternate Service Navigator™ walks you step-by-step through requesting court-approved alternate service so your claim can move forward.
This add-on includes everything needed to properly prepare and file a Motion for Alternate Service under Michigan Court Rules, plus guided support while you navigate the process.
Includes:
Step-by-step guidance and auto-filling of your motion for alternate service
- Access to exclusive materials and 30 minutes of premium attorney live chat and email communications to ensure you are prepared and successful at any hearing scheduled for your motion
Instructions and auto-filling of forms required to receive a signed order with alternate service instructions
- Instructions and resources to assist with any court ordered publication or posting to complete service
Best for:
out-of-state defendants
Defendants who you know will dodge service or who inevitably do
Claimants unsure exactly where defendant lives or recently moved
Understand your options and move forward with clarity and success.
Appeal Kit — $29
Guidance if you need to challenge a decision.
If you believe a legal or procedural error affected your case outcome, the Appeal Kit provides structured guidance on how the appeals process works.
This kit explains deadlines, requirements, and next steps in clear, easy-to-understand language.
Includes:
Overview of the appeals process
Court-specific filing guidance
Deadline tracking tips
Auto-filling of all required forms
30 minutes of premium attorney live chat and email communications to ensure you are prepared and successful
Important note:
Unfortunately, only limited cases have the ability to be appealed. We will determine that your case is appealable before checkout. An appeal is time-sensitive and must follow strict procedures. This kit helps you understand the process—but does not guarantee a change in outcome.
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.
