On This Page
Michigan Small Claims Court Limits
Michigan small claims court limit is $7,000 for all plaintiffs.
Court Name: Small Claims Division of District Court
Official Website: https://michiganlegalhelp.org/resources/money-debt-and-consumer-issues/small-claims
Filing Fees in Michigan
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $30-70 |
Filing fees vary by claim amount. Additional fees for service of process.
Serving the Defendant
Service must be completed at least 14 days before the hearing date.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service by court officer
- Certified mail with return receipt
- Process server
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 14 days before the hearing date.
What to Expect at Your Hearing
After filing, you'll typically wait 30-60 days for your hearing date.
No Lawyers Required: Attorneys are NOT allowed to represent parties in Michigan small claims court. Parties must represent themselves.
Appeals
Defendant may remove case to District Court general civil division. Otherwise, no appeal available.
Michigan Statute of Limitations
You must file your lawsuit within these time limits from when the dispute occurred:
| Type of Claim | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Written Contract | years |
| Oral Contract | years |
| Property Damage | years |
| Personal Injury | years |
Do I Need a Demand Letter Before Filing?
Sending a demand letter is strongly recommended since small claims decisions may be difficult to appeal.
Create Your Free Demand Letter
Before going to court, try sending a demand letter. It's free, takes 5 minutes, and often resolves disputes without filing.
Create Free Demand LetterFrequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims court limit in Michigan?
The Michigan small claims court limit is $7,000 for all plaintiffs.
Can I have a lawyer in Michigan small claims court?
No. Attorneys are not permitted in Michigan small claims court. All parties must represent themselves.
Can I appeal a Michigan small claims judgment?
Generally no. The defendant may remove the case to regular District Court before trial. Otherwise, small claims judgments are final.
How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in Michigan?
In Michigan, you have 6 years to file a lawsuit for breach of written or oral contract.
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup