If you have a dispute worth $6,500 or less — a security deposit your landlord won’t return, a contractor who took your money and disappeared, a car repair that made things worse — Michigan’s small claims court exists specifically for situations like yours.

No lawyer required. No complicated legal filings. Just show up with your evidence and tell your story to a judge.

Here’s exactly what you need to know.

The Short Answer

Michigan small claims court (Small Claims Division (District Court)) handles civil disputes up to $6,500. The limit is $6,500 for most claims. Filing costs approximately $30–$100 depending on your claim amount. Most cases are resolved within 30–90 days.

Michigan Small Claims Court Limit

The limit is $6,500 for most claims.

This limit covers the total amount of money you’re asking for — not including court filing fees, which you can usually recover if you win.

If your claim is worth more than $6,500, you have two options:

Reduce your claim to fit within the limit (you give up the rest permanently)
File in a higher court (small claims or municipal civil court, depending on your county) — this usually means higher fees and a more formal process

How Much Does It Cost to File?

Filing fees in Michigan range from approximately $30–$100 depending on the amount you’re claiming. You pay this fee when you file. If you win, you can ask the court to order the defendant to reimburse your filing fee.

If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may qualify for a fee waiver. Ask the clerk about an “affidavit of indigency” or “waiver of fees” form.

What Cases Can You Bring to Small Claims Court?

Small Claims Division (District Court) in Michigan handles:

Unpaid debts — money owed to you under a contract or agreement
Security deposit disputes — landlords who wrongfully withhold your deposit
Property damage — someone damaged your car, property, or belongings
Faulty goods or services — a contractor or business that didn’t deliver what was promised
Returned checks — you can usually add a statutory penalty on top of the check amount
Minor personal injury — small injury claims where the amount is within the limit

You cannot use small claims court for:

Divorces or custody disputes
Criminal matters
Claims above $6,500
Cases requiring injunctions (court orders to stop doing something)

Can You Have a Lawyer?

Attorneys are not allowed to represent clients in Michigan small claims court. Corporations must sue in regular civil court or appear through an officer/employee.

Even where attorneys are allowed, most people represent themselves in small claims court. Judges are accustomed to non-lawyers and allow informal presentations. A well-organized binder of evidence often matters more than legal arguments.

How to File a Small Claims Case in Michigan

Step 1: Confirm You’re in the Right Court

Make sure your claim is:

Worth $6,500 or less
A civil (money) dispute, not a criminal matter
Filed in the correct county (usually where the defendant lives or where the dispute occurred)

Step 2: Try to Resolve It First

Courts generally look favorably on plaintiffs who attempted to resolve the dispute before suing. Send the defendant a written demand letter giving them 14 days to pay or respond. Keep a copy. Send it via email (creates a timestamp) and certified mail (creates proof of delivery).

If you’ve already done this, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Complete the Court Forms

Visit your local Small Claims Division (District Court) or download forms from their website. You’ll fill out a complaint form that asks for:

Your name and contact information (plaintiff)
The defendant’s full legal name and address
The amount you’re claiming
A brief description of why you’re owed this amount

Bring supporting documents: contracts, receipts, photos, text messages, emails, and anything else that supports your claim.

Step 4: File and Pay the Filing Fee

Submit your completed forms to the court clerk and pay the filing fee ($30–$100). The clerk will stamp your forms and assign you a case number and hearing date.

Step 5: Serve the Defendant

The defendant must be officially notified of the lawsuit. In most cases, the court handles this by certified mail. If certified mail fails, you may need to arrange for personal service by a process server or sheriff. Keep your proof of service — the case may be dismissed if the defendant wasn’t properly served.

Step 6: Prepare Your Case

Organize your evidence chronologically. Bring:

Original documents (the court may keep copies)
Photos or videos relevant to the dispute
Written communications (texts, emails, letters)
Witness testimony (witnesses must appear in person — written statements are often not accepted)
Receipts and estimates for any claimed damages

Practice explaining your case clearly in 3–5 minutes. Focus on facts and amounts.

Step 7: Attend the Hearing

Arrive early. Dress professionally. When your case is called, address the judge as “Your Honor.” Present your evidence calmly and stick to the relevant facts. Let the judge guide the proceeding — small claims courts are informal by design.

Step 8: Collect Your Judgment

Winning in court is step one. If the defendant doesn’t pay voluntarily, you’ll need to enforce the judgment. Options typically include:

Wage garnishment — having the defendant’s employer deduct payments
Bank levy — seizing funds from the defendant’s bank account
Property lien — placing a lien on real property they own

Collection requires additional steps and sometimes additional court filings. The court clerk can explain the options available in Michigan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Small Claims Court

Is it worth taking someone to small claims court?

Small claims court is worth pursuing if your dispute is within Michigan’s $6,500 limit and you have clear documentation of the damages. Since you won’t pay attorney fees (they’re not allowed in Michigan small claims) and the process is informal, the risk is primarily your filing fee ($30–$100). Small claims is ideal for security deposits, unpaid debts, and contractor disputes where you have good evidence.

Who pays legal fees in small claims court?

In Michigan, attorneys are not allowed to represent clients in small claims court, so attorney fees are not an issue. If you win your case, you can ask the judge to order the defendant to reimburse your filing fee and court costs. Court costs are typically recoverable if you prevail.

What’s the most you can sue someone for in small claims court?

In Michigan, the maximum is $6,500 for most civil claims. The $6,500 covers the total amount you’re claiming—not including filing fees. If your dispute is worth more, you must file in a higher court (such as the civil division of District Court).

How long does a small claims case take?

Most Michigan small claims cases are resolved within 30–90 days from the date you file. After filing, the court assigns a hearing date. If the defendant doesn’t appear, you may get a default judgment immediately. If they contest the claim, you’ll have a hearing within 60–90 days depending on the court’s calendar.

Key Statute

Michigan’s small claims procedure is governed by MCL § 600.8401. You can verify the current rules at Small Claims Division (District Court).

Small Claims Court Guide: How to Sue and Win Without a Lawyer — the complete how-to guide for the small claims process
Michigan Security Deposit Laws — security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases
Michigan Eviction Notice Requirements — understand the eviction process and your defenses in Michigan
Michigan Wage Theft Laws — Michigan wage laws, overtime rights, and how to recover unpaid wages
Michigan Tenant Rights Guide — complete tenant rights guide for Michigan renters

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court limits, fees, and procedures change — always verify current rules with your local court clerk before filing. Last reviewed: March 2026.

Michigan Small Claims Court: $6,500 Limit, Fees & How to File (2026)