Civil • Document Preparation
Michigan Small Claims Filing Assistance
Document preparation assistance for Michigan small claims cases up to $7,000. We organize the DC 84 affidavit, exhibits, and proof of service so your filing goes in clean.
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 filings prepared in 2–3 business days
- Michigan court-ready formatting
- Step-by-step filing instructions
How Michigan Small Claims Filing Help works in Michigan
Michigan small claims cases are filed in the Small Claims Division of the District Court. The current jurisdictional limit is $7,000. Filings are designed for self-represented individuals — attorneys are not allowed in small claims.
- 1
Intake
Tell us who owes what, when, and the documentation you have.
- 2
Affidavit drafting
We prepare Form DC 84 (Affidavit and Claim) with a clean factual narrative.
- 3
Exhibit assembly
We help organize receipts, contracts, photos, and texts in a court-friendly exhibit packet.
- 4
Filing instructions
Step-by-step instructions for filing at your local district court window.
- 5
Service & hearing prep
We explain how the court serves the defendant and what to bring to your hearing.
Common forms used for michigan small claims filing help
Small claims uses a small set of SCAO forms. Most filers only need one or two for a typical filing.
| Form # | Name | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| DC 84 | Affidavit and Claim — Small Claims | The main filing document. |
| DC 80 | Affidavit and Claim of Defendant | Used by a defendant filing a counter-claim. |
| MC 20 | Fee Waiver Request | Asks the court to waive the filing fee based on income. |
| DC 81a | Demand for Removal | Either party can move the case to general civil division (waives the small-claims simplicity). |
Form numbers and revisions change. Always confirm with your local court before filing. We help organize and complete the right packet based on the information you provide.
Where to file
File in the District Court covering the county where the defendant lives, where the contract was performed, or where the dispute arose.
Typical filing fee
Small claims filing fees in Michigan are tiered: about $30 for claims up to $600, $50 for $601–$1,750, and $70 for $1,751–$7,000.
Fee waiver: MC 20 allows fee waiver based on income or receipt of public assistance.
Service of process basics
The court typically serves the defendant by certified mail. If certified mail fails, you may need to arrange personal service through a process server or sheriff's deputy.
What trips people up
- Filing for more than $7,000 — the case will be dismissed or converted.
- Suing a business by its trade name instead of its registered legal name.
- Filing in the wrong district when the defendant lives or operates elsewhere.
- Showing up without organized exhibits.
- Not knowing the defendant's correct address (service will fail).
- Missing the statute of limitations on the underlying claim.
What to expect, week by week
- Days 1–3
Document preparation
We prepare the DC 84 and exhibit list.
- Week 1–2
Filing & service attempt
You file at the District Court; the clerk mails service.
- Weeks 3–8
Hearing scheduled
Hearings are typically set 30–60 days after filing.
- Hearing day
Brief bench trial
Each side has a few minutes to present. Judgment is often delivered the same day.
How Michigan Small Claims Document Preparation Works in Michigan
Small claims is a streamlined branch of the District Court. Cases are heard by a magistrate or district judge.
Typical filing fees: $30–$70 depending on claim amount (set by the court, not by us)
- • MCL 600.8401 sets the $7,000 jurisdictional limit.
- • Attorneys are not allowed in small claims (MCL 600.8408) unless the case is removed.
- • The losing party can appeal to the Circuit Court for a new trial within 7 days.
- • St. Clair County: 72nd District Court (Port Huron) handles most small claims for the county.
- • Macomb County: filed at the local district court covering the defendant's address (e.g., 41B in Clinton Township, 39th in Roseville).
- • Oakland County: many small claims are filed in the 50th District (Pontiac), 45th District (Oak Park), or 52nd District (Novi/Troy).
- • Wayne County: the 36th District Court in Detroit is the largest single small claims venue in Michigan.
Procedures and fees vary by county and may change. We prepare documents based on the information you provide; final filing acceptance is determined by the court.
Understanding michigan small claims filing help in Michigan
Small claims is designed to give individuals a fast, informal way to recover money for breach of contract, property damage, security deposits, unpaid loans, or services rendered.
When small claims is the right tool
Use small claims when: you can name a specific defendant, you have documentation of the debt or damage, and the total is under $7,000. For larger disputes, the general civil division of the District or Circuit Court is the right venue.
Collecting after you win
A judgment is just a piece of paper until you collect. Common collection tools include garnishment of wages, bank account garnishment, and judgment liens on real estate.
This information is provided for educational purposes only. Statutes, procedures, and court rules change. Clear Path Document Services prepares documents based on the information you provide and is not a law firm.
What's included in your document preparation package
Turnaround: Most filings prepared in 2–3 business days • Pricing: $149+ (court filing fees not included)
- Form DC 84 Affidavit and Claim
- Plain-English narrative summary
- Exhibit list and labeling guide
- Filing instructions for your district
- Hearing-day checklist
- Post-judgment collection overview
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most I can sue for in small claims?+
$7,000 in Michigan.
Can I bring a lawyer?+
No — attorneys are not allowed in small claims unless the case is removed to the general civil division.
How long until my hearing?+
Usually 30–60 days from filing.
What if the defendant doesn't show?+
You can ask the magistrate for a default judgment.
How do I serve the defendant?+
The court typically serves by certified mail; you can use a process server if that fails.
Can the defendant move my case out of small claims?+
Yes, by filing Form DC 81a Demand for Removal.
Do I need evidence?+
Yes. Bring originals plus three copies of every receipt, contract, photo, and text message.
What if I can't afford the filing fee?+
File MC 20 to ask the court to waive the fee.
Can I sue a business?+
Yes — use the registered legal name, available from LARA's business search.
How do I collect once I win?+
Common tools are wage garnishment, bank garnishment, and judgment liens. We can prepare those packets too.
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