The small claims limit in Michigan
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.
| 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 |
More about Michigan
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.
- 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 600.8401 · effective 2024-01-01 · The small claims division of the district court hears money claims of up to $7,000.
FairSquare assembles documents and explains your court's rules. It is not a substitute for advice about your situation.