Filing a small claims case in Michigan means using Michigan's own forms and following its court's procedure. This guide covers the core documents a typical case uses, the claim limit, and where to get the official Michigan forms — without paying for something your court provides free.
The short version: file your claim in Small Claims Division of the District Court, serve the defendant, and prepare your evidence for the hearing. You can claim up to $7,000. Get the official forms free from courts.mi.gov.
What Forms Do You Need in Michigan?
Form names and numbers differ by state, but a Michigan small claims case generally uses the same core documents:
📄 Affidavit and Claim, Small Claims (Form DC 84); must be sworn before a notary or the court clerk
The document that opens your case — it names the parties, the amount you're claiming, and the basis of the claim. Get the current version from courts.mi.gov.
📬 Serving the defendant
After filing, the defendant is served with the DC 84 and notice, ordinarily by the court via certified mail (return receipt), or by an officer/process server (MCR 4.302/4.303). Proof of service is recorded on the court's process/return.
💵 Fee waiver
Fee Waiver Request (Form MC 20) Ask the clerk for the current fee-waiver form.
⚖️ Default judgment
If the defendant is properly served but doesn't respond or appear, you can ask the court to enter a judgment in your favor by default.
Where to Get Official Michigan Forms
Michigan small claims forms are free from the official sources below. Always use the current official version, and confirm any local (county/court) variations before you file.
- Michigan court forms — courts.mi.gov
- Official source — courts.michigan.gov
- Official source — courts.michigan.gov
- Your local courthouse or clerk — the clerk can provide the current forms and tell you which ones your court requires.
Michigan Small Claims Limit & Fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | Small Claims Division of the District Court |
| Claim limit | $7,000 |
| Filing fee | Tiered by claim amount: $25 (up to $600); $45 ($601–$1,750); $65 (over $1,750). Statewide per the District Court Fee table. |
| Fee waiver | Fee Waiver Request (Form MC 20) |
Maximum recoverable in the small claims division is $7,000 (MCL 600.8401 et seq.). Limits and fees change over time and can vary by county — confirm the current figures with your Michigan court before you file.
Michigan Small Claims Forms: FAQ
❓ What forms do I need to file a small claims case in Michigan?
A Michigan small claims case is filed in Small Claims Division of the District Court. You generally need a claim/complaint form to open the case, a way to serve the defendant with proof of service, and — if you can't afford the fee — a fee-waiver form. Form names and numbers are set by the court, so download the current official versions from courts.mi.gov before you file.
❓ How much can you sue for in Michigan small claims court?
In Michigan you can claim up to $7,000. If your claim is larger, you can usually reduce it to the limit to stay in small claims or file in a higher court instead.
❓ Where do I get official Michigan small claims forms?
From your state court — Michigan's judiciary publishes the official forms, and the Small Claims Division of the District Court clerk can provide the current versions and tell you which ones your court requires. Court-issued forms are free; you only pay the filing fee.
❓ Do you need a lawyer for small claims court in Michigan?
No. Small claims court is designed for people to represent themselves without an attorney, and Michigan is no exception. The forms and procedure are simplified so you can file, serve, and present your own case.
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Start My Claim — $19This page is general information, not legal advice. Michigan small claims forms, fees, and limits change over time and can vary by county — always use the current official forms and verify requirements with your court before you file.