Small Claims Court Complaint in Michigan
Start with the official Michigan form
The canonical, court-accepted version of this form is published by the District Court (Small Claims Division). Search your county or district court's website for the current Small Claims Court Complaint form before relying on any template. Forms are revised periodically — always confirm you have the current revision before filing.
Verify with your local court clerk before filing: local rules sometimes add cover-sheet, formatting, or service requirements beyond what the state-issued form shows.
Michigan Requirements
- Claim limit: $6,500
- No attorney representation allowed at trial
- Affidavit of claim must include names, addresses, and amount in dispute
- Defendant must be served by certified mail, personal service, or process server
- Either party may remove the case to the general civil division within the District Court before trial
District Court (Small Claims Division)
$30–$70
How to Complete This Form
- 1Confirm that your dispute falls within your state's small claims court jurisdictional limit.
- 2Attempt to resolve the dispute directly with the other party before filing.
- 3Obtain a small claims complaint form from your local court or court website.
- 4Complete the form with the names and addresses of all parties and a clear description of your claim.
- 5File the complaint with the court clerk and pay the filing fee.
- 6Arrange for the defendant to be served with the complaint according to your court's rules.
- 7Gather all evidence (contracts, receipts, photos, correspondence) and attend the hearing.
Editorial Template (Not the Official Court Form)
This is an educational template showing the typical structure of a Small Claims Court Complaint in Michigan. It is not a court-validated form and should not be used in place of the official form issued by the District Court (Small Claims Division). Use this template only to understand what information you will need to assemble before completing the official form. Submitting this template instead of the official form may result in rejection by the court clerk.
Small Claims Court Complaint in Other States
Other Forms in Michigan
When to Talk to a Lawyer
- Your claim involves complex legal issues such as breach of contract with multiple parties or disputed damages.
- The defendant has filed a counterclaim or you need to enforce a judgment after winning your case.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.