How to File Small Claims in Michigan: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make Sure Your Claim Qualifies

Michigan small claims court handles money disputes up to $7,000. That covers unpaid invoices, property damage, security deposit withholding, breach of contract, and similar claims. It does not cover evictions, injunctions, fraud allegations, or intentional torts like assault or defamation — those go to the general civil division.

Check the statute of limitations before you start. Written and oral contracts have a 6-year window (MCL 600.5807). Property damage and negligence claims have 3 years (MCL 600.5805). Consumer goods disputes under the UCC get 4 years.

Step 2: Send a Demand Letter

A demand letter is not legally required for most claims, but it accomplishes two things: it gives the other side a last chance to pay, and it creates a paper trail the court will take seriously.

Keep it factual. State who you are, what happened, the exact amount owed with a breakdown, and a reasonable deadline to pay (10–14 days is standard). Send it by certified mail so you have a tracking number and delivery receipt.

Step 3: Identify the Right Defendant

Getting the name wrong can make your judgment unenforceable. For individuals or sole proprietors using a business name, the format is "John Doe d/b/a Acme Contracting." Check assumed name filings at the county clerk's office. For LLCs and corporations, search the LARA business entity database to confirm the exact registered name and the registered agent's address — you will need that for service.

Step 4: Choose the Right Court

Under MCL 600.8415, you file in the district court where the defendant lives or is established, where they work, or where the dispute happened. If you have multiple defendants in different districts, you must file where at least one of them lives or is established — you cannot pick the location of the dispute alone.

Step 5: Fill Out Form DC 84

Form DC 84 (Affidavit and Claim, Small Claims) is the filing document. You can download it from the SCAO website or get it at the courthouse. It asks for:

• Full legal names and addresses of both parties
• Whether you or the defendant is a business entity
• The date the claim arose and the exact dollar amount (up to $7,000)
• A brief factual explanation of why the defendant owes you money
• Your signature under oath — signed in front of the court clerk or a notary

If you have multiple plaintiffs or defendants, you will also need Form DC 84a (the addendum).

Step 6: Pay the Filing Fee

If you qualify for a fee waiver (receiving SNAP, Medicaid, FIP/TANF, WIC, SSI, or other means-tested public assistance; represented by legal aid; or with gross household income at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines), file Form MC 20 alongside your claim.

Step 7: File Your Claim

You can file in person at the district court clerk's office, by mail, or electronically through MiFILE in courts that accept it. Not every district court participates in MiFILE yet — call ahead or check the court's website. When filing in person, bring the original plus enough copies for every plaintiff and defendant.

The clerk will set a hearing date and prepare the notice of hearing (Form DC 84n).

Step 8: Serve the Defendant

The defendant must receive the court papers at least 7 calendar days before the hearing. Two methods:

• Certified mail — the court clerk typically handles this. An individual defendant must personally sign the return receipt (the green card); an agent may sign for a corporation or partnership. If the letter comes back unclaimed or refused, you have not achieved service.
• Personal service — a court officer, sheriff, or any disinterested adult (not a party to the case) physically hands the papers to the defendant or their registered agent. This requires filing a Proof of Service (Form DC 84p).

If certified mail fails, you will need to request an adjournment and arrange personal service.

Step 9: Prepare for the Hearing

Organize your evidence into three identical sets — one for the judge, one for the opposing party, one for yourself. Bring contracts, receipts, photos, invoices, text messages, emails, and any other documents that support your claim. Witnesses should appear in person; written statements carry little weight because the other side cannot cross-examine them.

Step 10: Attend the Hearing and Collect

Both sides present under oath. The magistrate or judge can ask questions directly. After hearing everyone, the court enters its judgment. If you win, the defendant should pay. If they refuse, you can pursue garnishments, writs of execution, and debtor examinations through the civil division.

Our Michigan small claims filing guide covers each of these steps in detail, with printable worksheets for tracking service, organizing exhibits, and managing deadlines.

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