Courts · Small Claims
Small Claims Court Limit in Michigan
The most you can sue for in Michigan small claims — with the filing-fee range and whether a lawyer is allowed, cited to the statute.
The limit, the fee & who can appear in Michigan
The claim ceiling, how the filing fee is set, and whether lawyers are allowed at the hearing.
| Maximum claim | $7,000 |
| How the limit works | One statewide limit |
| Filing fee | $30–$70 by claim tier ($30 up to $600; $50 for $601–$1,750; $70 for $1,751–$7,000), plus about $16 per defendant for certified mail |
| Lawyers at the hearing | Not allowedself-represent only The small-claims division bars attorneys — the right to a lawyer is waived when you use it. If either side wants a lawyer, the case can be moved to the regular district-court civil docket instead. |
| Statute / court rule | MCL §600.8401 |
Where to file in Michigan
A reference page, not a filing walkthrough — here's the official resource for procedure.
This page is a reference for the dollar limit, fee, and whether a lawyer is allowed — not a step-by-step filing guide. For the forms, where to file, and how service works, use Michigan's official court self-help resource.
→ Michigan Legal HelpWhat Michigan filers get wrong
Michigan's small-claims division hears claims up to $7,000 under MCL §600.8401, and it comes with a trade-off people don't always expect: no lawyers. Using the small-claims division means both sides waive the right to be represented by an attorney — it's designed to be handled by the parties themselves. If either side insists on a lawyer, the case gets removed to the regular district-court civil docket, where representation is allowed but the process is more formal. The 36th District Court (Detroit) states the $7,000 figure and the attorney-waiver rule directly. Fees are tiered by claim size ($30/$50/$70) plus about $16 per defendant for certified-mail service. The $7,000 ceiling took effect in 2024 (up from $6,500); the statute provides for periodic adjustment.
Common questions
What is the small claims limit in Michigan?
Michigan’s small-claims division hears claims up to $7,000 under MCL §600.8401. The figure is adjusted periodically and rose to $7,000 in 2024.
Can I bring a lawyer to small claims court in Michigan?
No. Using the small-claims division waives the right to an attorney for both sides. If you want a lawyer, the case must be moved to the regular district-court civil docket instead.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Michigan?
The fee is tiered: $30 for claims up to $600, $50 for $601–$1,750, and $70 for $1,751–$7,000, plus about $16 per defendant for certified-mail service.
What if my Michigan claim is more than $7,000?
It cannot use the small-claims division. You would file a regular civil case in district court (which handles claims up to $25,000), where lawyers are allowed and the procedure is more formal.
Not legal advicePlainStatute provides plain-language summaries of public law for general information only. This is not legal advice. Statutes change; always confirm current requirements with the official source linked above before acting.