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Michigan Form DC 04: Summons and Complaint (District Court Civil)
What this form does, who files it, what it costs, and how to avoid the errors that get Michigan filings rejected.
Reviewed and updated by the Clear Path document team. Informational only — not legal advice.
Quick Answer
What is Michigan form DC 04?
Form DC 04 opens a general civil case in a Michigan district court, which handles money claims up to $25,000. It is the option to use when your claim exceeds the $7,000 small claims limit or you want the right to appeal and to be represented.
Who files it
The plaintiff — an individual or a business bringing a money claim.
Where it goes
The district court where the defendant lives, does business, or where the events happened.
Filing fee
$65 for claims up to $600, $85 for $600.01 to $1,750, and $150 for claims above $1,750, plus service costs.
What you need before you start
- The defendant's correct legal name and address
- The amount claimed and how you calculated it
- Contracts, invoices, photos, or other documents supporting the claim
- A short plain statement of what happened and what you want
How to complete and file form DC 04
- 1
Confirm the district court is the right venue and the amount is within its $25,000 limit.
- 2
Complete the caption and the complaint describing the facts and the amount owed.
- 3
File with the clerk and pay the fee, or request a waiver on MC 20.
- 4
Arrange service before the summons expires — usually 91 days.
- 5
File proof of service, then wait for the answer or request a default.
Mistakes that get DC 04 rejected
- Suing a store's brand name instead of the registered legal entity
- Filing in district court when the claim exceeds $25,000, which belongs in circuit court
- Letting the summons expire before service is completed
- Bringing a claim after the statute of limitations has run — six years for most Michigan contract claims