Detroit Small Claims Court: Where and How to File

Which court

The 36th District Court hears cases from the City of Detroit, and its small claims page says the defendant must live or do business in Detroit. If not, this is the wrong court. Filing here also gives up your right to a lawyer, a jury and an appeal of the judge's decision.

Where and how to file

Limit	$7,000
Court	36th District Court, Small Claims Division
Address	421 Madison Street, 2nd Floor (Civil Division), Detroit, MI 48226
Phone	(313) 965-2200
Hours	Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fees	$30 for claims up to $600, $50 for $600.01 to $1,750, and $70 for $1,750.01 to $7,000. Each total includes a $5 electronic filing system charge. Add $16 certified mail per defendant. Fee schedule revised 1 October 2025.
Timing	The court says it generally schedules trial within 45 days after filing.
Serving papers	Certified mail is the method on the small claims page: $16 per defendant, paid when you file. Proof of service must reach the court at least 7 days before trial, and there can be no trial until the defendant is properly served.

36th District Court, Small Claims Division small claims page

Good to know here

Start with the state Small Claims Affidavit (SCAO form), complete every line and box, and file it with the fees at the 2nd Floor Civil Division.
Either side can move the case to the General Civil Division after filing and before trial.
If the plaintiff does not appear, the case is dismissed. If a served defendant does not appear, the magistrate may enter a default judgment.
You can appeal a magistrate's decision within 7 days, and the 36th District judge's decision on that appeal is final.
The court warns of a text scam about unpaid fines and says it does not demand payment by text.

Hours, fees and locations change. Call the court or check its site before you go.

Detroit Small Claims Court

Where and how to file

Good to know here

Sources

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