Process • Filing
Michigan Court Filing Steps
Every Michigan court filing — divorce, small claims, motion, expungement — follows the same basic skeleton. Once you know it, the paperwork stops feeling random.
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.
- Transparent flat-rate pricing
- Most documents in 2–7 business days
- Michigan court-ready formatting
- Step-by-step filing instructions
A Michigan court filing has six universal steps: prepare the document with the correct caption, sign or notarize it, file with the right court (in person, by mail, or via MiFile), pay or waive the fee, serve the other party, and file proof of service back with the court.
Key points
- Every Michigan filing has a caption, body, signature, and verification when required.
- Filing happens in person, by mail, or via MiFile (e-filing).
- Fees apply unless waived under MC 20.
- Service of process is what gives the other party legal notice.
- Proof of service must be filed back with the court.
The process, step by step
- 1
Identify the right court
District (small claims, landlord-tenant, civil under $25,000), circuit (family, civil over $25,000), or probate (estates, guardianships).
- 2
Prepare the paper with a proper caption
Court name, case number (if existing), parties, document title, and your contact information.
- 3
Sign and notarize when required
Most affidavits, complaints, and motions require a verified signature.
- 4
File with the clerk
In person, by mail, or via MiFile in counties that require electronic filing.
- 5
Pay or waive the fee
Each filing has a set fee under MCL 600.2529. Use MC 20 to request a waiver.
- 6
Serve the other party
By process server, sheriff, certified mail, or another method allowed by court rule.
- 7
File proof of service
Until the court has proof, the case can stall or be dismissed.
| Filing | Court | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|
| Small claims under $600 | District | $30 |
| Eviction (summons) | District | $45 |
| Civil case | District / Circuit | $45–$150 |
| Divorce — no kids | Circuit | $175 |
| Divorce — with kids | Circuit | $255 |
| Motion fee | All | $20 |
| PPO petition | Circuit | $0 |
| Set-aside (expungement) | Convicting court | $0 |
Direct answers to common questions
What is a 'caption'?+
The block at the top of every court paper that lists the court, parties, case number, and document title.
What does verification mean?+
A sworn statement (under penalty of perjury) that the contents of the document are true to your knowledge.
Do I have to use MiFile?+
Yes in counties that have moved to mandatory e-filing. Check with the clerk.
What is proof of service?+
A sworn statement (typically MC 302) showing how, when, and where the other party received the documents.
Can the clerk reject my filing?+
Yes — for missing signatures, wrong fees, missing pages, or wrong forms. Fix and refile promptly.
Official Michigan resources
These links go directly to government and public-interest sources for self-represented litigants. Always verify form numbers and procedures with your local court.
Find the Right Michigan Document Service
ClearPath connects practical document preparation, local Michigan filing guidance, educational guides, and online intake so people can move from research to prepared paperwork with less confusion.
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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.