Small claims court in Michigan

$7,000maximum claim in Small claims division of the district court, as of 29 October 2026

The basics

Small claims limit: $7,000¹MCL 600.8401
The small claims limit has been $7,000 since January 1, 2024. The law sets no later increase.
Court: Small claims division of the district court¹MCL 600.8401
Each district court has a small claims division.
Filing fee: $25 to $65²MCL 600.8420(1)
The statewide filing fee is $25 for claims up to $600, $45 for claims over $600 up to $1,750 and $65 for larger claims.
Lawyers: No³MCL 600.8408(1)
Lawyers may not take part in small claims cases, except when representing themselves.
Appeals: 7 days (magistrate decisions only)⁴MCL 600.8427
If a magistrate decides the case, either party may appeal to a district judge within 7 days for a new hearing. A decision by a district judge cannot be appealed.

Deadlines to sue (statutes of limitations)

How long you usually have to file, counted from when the claim arose. Exceptions apply.

Written contract: 6 years⁵MCL 600.5807(9)
6 years for breach of contract.
Oral contract: 6 years⁵MCL 600.5807(9)
6 years. Michigan uses the same period for written and oral contracts.
Property damage: 3 years⁶MCL 600.5805(2)
3 years for damage to property.
Personal injury: 3 years⁶MCL 600.5805(2)
3 years for personal injury.

Small claims rules are set by state law and court rules, and fees are often set locally. Before you file, check the court's own page or call the clerk.

Sources

MCL 600.8401, Michigan Legislatureofficial
MCL 600.8420, Small claims filing fees, Michigan Legislatureofficial
MCL 600.8408, Michigan Legislatureofficial
MCL 600.8427, Hearing by judge or magistrate, appeal, Michigan Legislatureofficial
MCL 600.5807, Michigan Legislatureofficial
MCL 600.5805, Michigan Legislatureofficial

Checked 29 October 2026. "Secondary" sources reproduce the official text. We use them only where the official site could not be read and mark them here.