How much can you claim in small claims court in Michigan?

An individual can claim up to $7,000. A business can claim up to $7,000. A public agency can claim up to $7,000. That comes from MCL 600.8401.

What does it cost to file a small claims claim in Michigan?

$30 for a claim up to $600. $50 for a claim up to $1,750. $70 for a claim up to $7,000. That comes from MCL 600.8420(1).

How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Michigan?

The shortest window is 3 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under MCL 600.5805(2). Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.

Do you have to ask for the money before filing in Michigan?

No, Michigan does not require it, per Michigan Legal Help, Overview of Small Claims Court. Sending a demand letter first is still the usual first step, and it is often what gets the money paid.

Which court handles small claims in Michigan?

District Court, Small Claims Division. The small claims division of the district court for the area where the other side lives or where the dispute happened.

Small claims in Michigan

The court

District Court, Small Claims Division: The small claims division of the district court for the area where the other side lives or where the dispute happened.

The court's own small claims page

The most you can claim

The small claims limit in Michigan
Claiming as	Most you can claim	Rule
An individual	$7,000	MCL 600.8401
A business	$7,000	MCL 600.8401
A public agency	$7,000	MCL 600.8401

What it costs to file

The fee runs from $30 to $70, set by the size of the claim.

MCL 600.8420(1) · The filing fee is $25 for claims up to $600, $45 for claims up to $1,750, and $65 above that. A $5 electronic filing fee is added, so you pay $30, $50, or $70.

How long you have

The shortest window in this state is 3 years from the day the damage happened.

MCL 600.5805(2) · A claim for damage to your property must be filed within three years of the damage.

Also worth knowing

A claim against the State of Michigan or a state department is heard in the Court of Claims, not small claims, and needs a written notice within one year of the event, or within six months for property damage or personal injury. Cities, counties, and townships have their own notice steps. MCL 600.6431(1), (4)

Does small claims fit your dispute in Michigan?

Pick what it is about. The next screens ask the amount and the dates. Nothing is saved, and no account is needed.

The detail

The limit
The limit is the most the court can award on one claim. It depends on who is claiming, and in some states on which court hears it.
What it costs
The court charges this when you hand in the claim. It is separate from the amount you are claiming.
How long you have
Every kind of claim has its own window, counted from the day the clock started. Miss it and the court usually cannot hear the claim.

Common questions

How much can you claim in small claims court in Michigan?: An individual can claim up to $7,000. A business can claim up to $7,000. A public agency can claim up to $7,000. That comes from MCL 600.8401.
What does it cost to file a small claims claim in Michigan?: $30 for a claim up to $600. $50 for a claim up to $1,750. $70 for a claim up to $7,000. That comes from MCL 600.8420(1).
How long do you have to bring a small claims claim in Michigan?: The shortest window is 3 years, counted from the day the damage happened, under MCL 600.5805(2). Other kinds of claim run longer; the time-limit page lists each one.
Do you have to ask for the money before filing in Michigan?: No, Michigan does not require it, per Michigan Legal Help, Overview of Small Claims Court. Sending a demand letter first is still the usual first step, and it is often what gets the money paid.
Which court handles small claims in Michigan?: District Court, Small Claims Division. The small claims division of the district court for the area where the other side lives or where the dispute happened.

Verify with your court

Numbers change, and a court can post its own variation. Open Michigan's small claims page and confirm anything you are about to rely on.

Open the court's small claims page

Verified on 2026-09-05, sources: Rules effective from 2024-01-01.

MCL 600.8401 · effective 2024-01-01 · The small claims division of the district court hears money claims of up to $7,000.
MCL 600.8420(1) · effective 2016-01-01 · The filing fee is $25 for claims up to $600, $45 for claims up to $1,750, and $65 above that. A $5 electronic filing fee is added, so you pay $30, $50, or $70.
MCL 600.5805(2) · effective 2018-06-12 · A claim for damage to your property must be filed within three years of the damage.
Michigan Legal Help, Overview of Small Claims Court · effective 2026-09-05 · Michigan does not require a written demand before filing a small claim. Asking first is still the usual first step.
MCL 600.6431(1), (4) · effective 2020-03-03 · A claim against the State of Michigan or a state department goes to the Court of Claims, not small claims, and needs a written notice filed within one year, or within six months for property damage or personal injury.

FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.