Michigan Legal Costs (2026)
Complete breakdown of common legal fees in Michigan — from forming a business to filing in court. All data sourced from official Michigan government websites.
How Michigan ranks vs all 50 states
Understanding legal costs in Michigan before you file saves money and prevents surprises at the courthouse. Forming an LLC costs $50 in state filing fees , with a $25 annual report due each year after. If you need to sue someone in small claims court, you can recover up to $6,500 — and filing costs between $30 and $70. Divorce filing in Michigan starts at $175, not counting attorney fees or service costs. All figures below are sourced directly from official Michigan government and court websites and updated for 2026.
LLC Formation Costs in Michigan
Full details →Forming an LLC in Michigan requires filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and paying the $50 state fee. After formation, Michigan LLCs must file an annual report and pay $25 each year to stay in good standing. Your estimated first-year total including filing is $50+.
Michigan requires an annual statement with a fee — missing it leads to dissolution after 2 years.
Low formation and annual fees — one of the more affordable Midwest states.
Small Claims Court in Michigan
Full details →Michigan's small claims court — the Small Claims Division — handles disputes up to $6,500 without requiring an attorney. Filing costs between $30 and $70 depending on the claim amount. You must file within the statute of limitations: 6 years for written contracts and 6 years for oral agreements. Send a demand letter before filing — it costs nothing and often resolves the dispute without a court date.
Michigan allows corporations to file in small claims — unlike some other states.
Divorce Filing Costs in Michigan
Full details →Filing for an uncontested divorce in Michigan starts at $175 in court filing fees. Cases involving minor children add a $20 surcharge. Serving your spouse through the sheriff's office costs an additional $25. Michigan requires divorcing parents to complete a parenting class before the divorce is finalized. These are court fees only — attorney costs, if applicable, are separate and vary widely by case complexity.
Michigan fees vary by county. Oakland and Macomb counties near Detroit may charge slightly above the statewide average.
Notary Fees in Michigan
Full details →Michigan caps notary fees by law. The maximum fee for an acknowledgment is $10 per signature. Jurat notarizations (sworn statements) cost up to $10. Remote online notarization (RON) is permitted in Michigan and costs up to $10 per act. For documents requiring multiple signatures or notarial acts, fees multiply per signature — always confirm the total before your appointment.
$10 per act. Notaries must inform signers of fees. Travel fees allowed with guidelines.
Common Legal Cost Scenarios in Michigan
Real-world combinations of legal fees you may face — based on official Michigan filing costs.
How Michigan Compares to Neighboring States
| State | LLC Filing | Divorce Fee | SC Limit | Notary Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan ◀ | $50 | $175 | $6,500 | $10 |
| Ohio | $99 | $250 | $6,000 | $5 |
| Indiana | $95 | $157 | $10,000 | $10 |
| Wisconsin | $130 | $184 | $10,000 | $5 |
All fees from official state government sources. Compare all 50 states →
Need Legal Help in Michigan?
Get connected with Michigan-licensed attorneys and legal services online — starting from $0 for basic consultations.