Michigan Filing Checklists

    Free, printable checklists for 31 Michigan filing types. Each one lists the forms, the documents to gather, the filing steps in order, and what it costs.

    Important: Clear Path Document Services is a document preparation and filing-assistance service — not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, attorney representation, or create attorney-client relationships. All documents are prepared based on information you provide for educational and administrative purposes.Read full disclaimer.

    Quick Answer

    What do I need before I file with a Michigan court?

    Most Michigan filings need three things: the correct SCAO or state form, the supporting documents that prove your facts, and the filing fee for the right court. Pick your case type below for the exact list, in the order the clerk expects it.

    Bankruptcy

    Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

    Gathering the financial records needed for a Chapter 7 petition in Michigan.

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    Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

    Preparing for a Chapter 13 repayment plan in Michigan.

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    Business

    Michigan LLC Formation

    Forming a Michigan limited liability company with LARA.

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    DBA / Assumed Name Filing

    Registering a Michigan assumed name (DBA) for a business or as a sole proprietor.

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    Michigan Corporation Formation

    Incorporating a Michigan profit corporation with LARA.

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    Michigan Nonprofit Formation

    Forming a Michigan nonprofit corporation and preparing for 501(c)(3) recognition.

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    Civil & Small Claims

    Small Claims (≤ $7,000)

    Filing a small claims case in a Michigan district court.

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    Credit & Debt

    Credit Report Dispute

    Disputing inaccurate items with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

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    Debt Validation Letter

    Making a collector prove a debt before you pay anything.

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    Criminal Records

    Expungement / Set Aside Conviction

    Petitioning to set aside a Michigan conviction under the Clean Slate Act.

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    Family Law

    Uncontested Divorce (Michigan)

    Documents and steps for filing an uncontested divorce in your Michigan circuit court.

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    Adult Legal Name Change

    Changing your legal name through your Michigan probate or family court.

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    Personal Protection Order (PPO)

    Petitioning for a domestic, non-domestic, or stalking PPO in circuit court.

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    Custody & Parenting Time

    Filing or changing a Michigan custody and parenting time order.

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    Child Support Modification

    Asking a Michigan court to raise or lower an existing child support order.

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    Immigration

    Naturalization (Form N-400)

    Gathering everything needed for a U.S. citizenship application.

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    Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)

    Applying for a green card from inside the United States.

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    Intellectual Property

    Trademark Application (USPTO)

    Preparing a federal trademark application for a business name, logo, or slogan.

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    Copyright Registration

    Registering a creative work with the U.S. Copyright Office.

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    Landlord-Tenant

    Landlord Eviction (Notice + Filing)

    Preparing a Michigan eviction notice and filing in district court.

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    Michigan Residential Lease Agreement

    Preparing a compliant Michigan residential lease and move-in package.

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    License Restoration

    Driver's License Restoration (Michigan)

    Preparing a Michigan driver's license restoration hearing packet for the Office of Hearings and Administrative Oversight.

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    Out-of-State Clearance Appeal

    Clearing a Michigan hold so another state will issue you a license.

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    Probate & Estate

    Informal Probate (Decedent's Estate)

    Opening an informal probate estate in Michigan probate court.

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    Lady Bird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate Deed)

    Preparing and recording a Michigan lady bird deed so a home passes to your beneficiaries without probate.

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    Small Estate Affidavit

    Collecting a small Michigan estate without opening a full probate case.

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    Letters of Authority (Personal Representative)

    Getting court-issued Letters of Authority so you can act for a Michigan estate.

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    Probate Avoidance Planning

    Organizing your assets so your family never has to open a Michigan probate case.

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    Simple Will

    Information needed to prepare a valid Michigan last will and testament.

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    Revocable Living Trust

    Preparing and funding a Michigan revocable living trust.

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    Quitclaim Deed

    Transferring Michigan real estate with a quitclaim deed.

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    Not sure which checklist fits your situation?

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