What is the small claims limit in Michigan?

Michigan small claims is a division of the District Court under MCL 600.8401-8427 and MCR 4.301-4.306.

1. Monetary Limit — MCL 600.8401(2) caps small claims at $7,000 (raised gradually from $3,000 since 2012; adjusted periodically by statute).

2. Filing Fee — Sliding scale under MCL 600.8420: $30 for claims up to $600, $50 for $600-$1,750, $70 for $1,750-$7,000. Service fees ($26 per defendant by mail or $50+ by sheriff) are additional.

3. Lawyers — Prohibited. MCL 600.8408 specifically bars attorneys from representing parties in small claims. If a party hires a lawyer, the case must be removed to the general civil docket. Corporations may appear through a full-time employee, owner, or officer (MCL 600.8407).

4. Statute of Limitations — Standard Michigan SOLs: 6 years for contracts (MCL 600.5807(8)), 3 years for personal injury and property damage (MCL 600.5805(2)), 6 years for fraud (MCL 600.5813).

5. Where to File — District Court for the district where (a) defendant resides, (b) defendant conducts business, or (c) the cause of action arose (MCR 4.302).

6. Service — Court clerk serves by certified mail (return receipt requested). If undeliverable, plaintiff arranges service by sheriff or process server. Defendant must be served at least 7 days before the hearing.

7. Removal to Regular Docket — Either party may demand removal to the general civil docket of the District Court at any time before judgment (MCL 600.8408). Removal allows lawyers, jury trial, and formal procedure.

8. Hearing — Informal trial before the District Court magistrate or judge; rules of evidence are relaxed.

9. Appeal Rights — No appeal from a small claims judgment (MCL 600.8427). The only post-judgment relief is a motion to set aside default. To preserve appeal rights, demand removal to the regular docket before judgment.

This is legal information, not legal advice.