What it costs to file in Michigan
The court charges this when you hand in the claim. It is separate from the amount you are claiming.
| Claim up to | Fee | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| $600 | $30 | MCL 600.8420(1) |
| $1,750 | $50 | MCL 600.8420(1) |
| $7,000 | $70 | MCL 600.8420(1) |
More about Michigan
Common questions
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 pageVerified on 2026-09-05, sources:
Verified on 2026-09-05, sources: Rules effective from 2024-01-01.
- 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.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.