Updated May 2026 Michigan

Michigan Small Claims Court Filing Fees (2026)

Exact filing fees for the Small Claims Division — enter your claim amount for a personalized estimate.

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed: May 2026

$30–$70

Filing Fee Range

$6,500

Court Limit

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E-Filing Available

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Michigan Small Claims Filing Fees Explained

To file a small claims case in the Small Claims Division, you must pay a filing fee at the time you submit your paperwork. In Michigan, filing fees are $30–$70 depending on the amount of your claim.

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Michigan Small Claims Court (part of District Court) has a $6,500 limit. Fees are among the lower in the Midwest.

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Tip

Michigan allows corporations to file in small claims â€” unlike some other states.

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You can recover the filing fee

If you win your case, ask the judge to add the filing fee to your judgment. The defendant would then owe you the original claim plus court costs.

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Fee waiver available

Can't afford the fee? Ask the court clerk for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application. Michigan courts generally waive fees for low-income filers — bring proof of income.

Source: Michigan official court website ↗

Frequently Asked Questions — Michigan

How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Michigan?

The small claims filing fee in Michigan is $30–$70. The fee is tiered by claim amount — smaller claims cost less to file. Additional costs may include service of process and any applicable courthouse surcharges.

What is the small claims filing fee in Michigan?

The fee to start a small claims case in Michigan is $30–$70. This covers the court's cost for opening your case and docketing the claim. It does not include service of process, certified copies, or attorney fees.

Can I file small claims online in Michigan?

E-filing availability varies by county in Michigan. Contact your local Small Claims Division clerk to confirm whether online filing is available in your jurisdiction.

How do I waive the filing fee in Michigan small claims?

If you cannot afford the $30–$70 filing fee, apply for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) fee waiver from the court clerk when you file. Eligibility is income-based — most Michigan courts use 125–200% of the federal poverty level as the threshold. See our Michigan small claims fee waiver guide for the exact form and process.

What court handles small claims in Michigan?

Small claims cases in Michigan are handled by the Small Claims Division. Contact the clerk's office to confirm the filing location, current hours, and accepted payment methods before you go.