Michigan Small Claims Court: Limits, Fees & Process
Researched by the LawLintel Data Team · Sources verified 2026-08-24
- Claim limit
- $7,000MCL 600.8401 (effective Jan 1, 2024)
- Filing fee
- $30–$70by claim amount, includes $5 e-filing fee
- Attorneys
- Not allowed in the small claims division
- Court
- District Court — Small Claims Division
Michigan's district court small claims division hears money claims up to $7,000 (the limit stepped up to that figure on January 1, 2024 under MCL 600.8401). Filing fees tier with the claim: $30 up to $600, $50 to $1,750, and $70 above that — each including the statewide $5 e-filing fee.
Like California, Michigan bars attorney representation inside the small claims division — but with a twist: either party can demand removal to the district court's general civil docket, where lawyers are allowed. Filing a small claim also waives any amount of your claim above the $7,000 limit.
Costs & fees
| Item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee — claims to $600 | $30 | Official fee |
| Filing fee — $600.01 to $1,750 | $50 | Official fee |
| Filing fee — over $1,750 | $70 | Official fee |
| Servicecertified mail or process server | $26+ per defendant | Estimate |
Requirements
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Limit | $7,000; filing waives any excess over the limit |
| Attorney rule | No attorneys in the small claims division; either party may remove to the general civil docket |
| Venue | District where the defendant resides or the transaction occurred |
| Appeal | Judge's decision: final. District court magistrate's decision: appeal to a district judge within 7 days |
The process, step by step
- File Form DC 84. The Affidavit and Claim form, filed in the correct district court; pay the tiered fee ($30/$50/$70).
- Serve the defendant. Certified mail (return receipt) or personal service; proof filed before the hearing.
- Hearing or removal. Either party may remove the case to the general civil docket (to use a lawyer or jury). Otherwise the judge or attorney magistrate hears it informally.
- Judgment and collection. If unpaid after 21 days, use garnishment or execution; the court's collection forms are standardized (MC series).
Forms & where to file
District Court for the city/township where the defendant lives or where the dispute arose — small claims division.
Frequently asked questions
What is the small claims limit in Michigan?
$7,000 (since January 1, 2024, under the MCL 600.8401 schedule). Filing in small claims waives any amount above the limit.
How much does it cost to file?
$30 for claims to $600, $50 to $1,750, $70 above $1,750 — each figure includes Michigan's $5 statewide e-filing fee.
Can I bring a lawyer?
Not in the small claims division. If you want a lawyer (or a jury), either party can remove the case to the district court's general civil docket.
Can I appeal?
If a district judge heard the case — no, the decision is final. If a district court magistrate decided it, either party may appeal to a district judge within 7 days.
Related information
Sources & verification
- Michigan Courts (SCAO) — DC 84 instructions (limit, fees, appeals)
- Michigan Legal Help — Overview of Small Claims Court
Official fees and statutory rules above are traceable to the listed authorities; figures marked as estimates are LawLintel editorial estimates, not government fees. Laws and fees change — last verified 2026-08-24. See our methodology and legal disclaimer.
LawLintel provides general legal information, not legal advice. Laws, rules, procedures and fees change and can depend on your specific facts and county. Verify important information with the applicable court or a qualified attorney before acting.