HOW TO BEGIN YOUR SMALL CLAIMS SUIT

  • Prepare an "Affidavit and Claim" form with the proper names and addresses of the parties involved.
  • Be sure you are filing in the proper venue.  The proper venue is where the incident happened or where the defendant lives.

SMALL CLAIM FEES

  • Claims up to $600: $30 
  • Claims between $601 and $1,750: $50
  • Claims between $1,751 and $6,000: $70
  • Certified Mail : $20 per defendant
  • Motion fee: $20

HOW TO PREPARE FOR COURT

Your first court appearance will be mediation to discuss a possible settlement.  The court will schedule this once the defendant is served.  Bring with you all relevant evidence needed to present your side of the case in court.  Outline your case so that you know the points to be covered before appearing in court.

If a settlement is not possible, you will be scheduled for a trial date with the Magistrate.

RESOURCES

MiFile
​Small Claims Forms
Collecting Your Money
Michigan Legal Help
Email Civil Clerk
List of Royal Oak Twp. Streets
Royal Oak Twp. streets with a Ferndale mailing address.  Please file these cases in the 45th District Court (Oak Park)​