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DC 84info

Small Claims Overview

Michigan · Michigan State Court Administrative Office · Effective June 1, 2026

This form is an overview that explains what small claims court is and how the process works. It tells people about the rules, what they need to do to start a case, and what happens after the hearing.

Open the official PDFfrom Michigan State Court Administrative Office

Where this fits in a case

General & info

Information / general use — not tied to one step of a case

This information is provided to anyone who is considering starting or participating in a small claims case in the district court.

Either party may file.

Common questions

What kind of cases are handled in small claims court?
Small claims cases are limited to money only. You cannot ask the court to return property or order someone to do or stop doing something. The court cannot order more than $7,000 through a judgment.
What do I need to do to start a small claims case?
The party starting the case must fill out the Small Claims Affidavit (Form DC 84) and sign it in front of a notary public or deputy clerk. They must then file the completed form with the district court.
What happens after the hearing?
If a judgment is entered, the Small Claims Dismissal or Judgment (Form DC 85) will describe the amount owed and the payment instructions. The party who must pay is called the judgment debtor.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect June 1, 2026.

Related forms

  • DC 84a

    Small Claims Affidavit Addendum

    This form lets people add extra people who are either suing or being sued in a small claims case. It asks for the name, address, phone, and email for each additional person or business.

    Fillable PDF
  • DC 85

    Small Claims Dismissal or Judgment

    This form is used to officially record the final result of a small claims case, whether that result is dismissing the case or entering a judgment. It asks the parties and the court to fill out details about the outcome, including who owes money and how the judgment should be paid.

    MandatoryFillable PDF
  • DC 85info

    Collecting a Small Claims Judgment

    This form provides information about ways a person who won a small claims case can collect the money they are owed. It describes methods like taking money from wages or bank accounts, or selling property to pay the debt.

  • DC 86

    Small Claims Demand for Removal

    This form is used to ask the court to move a case from the small claims section to the regular civil section of the district court. It is a formal request to change where the case is heard.

    Fillable PDF
  • MC 20

    Fee Waiver Request

    This form is used to ask the court to waive the fees you have to pay to file a case. You must check one of three reasons for needing the fee waiver.

    MandatoryFillable PDF
  • DC 542

    Small Claims Notice of Intent to Dismiss for No Progress

    This form is a notice from the court that tells the people involved that their case might be thrown out if no one takes action. It states that the case will be dismissed if no progress is made within 14 days of the notice being signed.

    Fillable PDF
  • DC 542o

    Small Claims Dismissal for No Progress

    This form is used by the court to officially close a small claims case when no progress has been made for 14 days after a notice of intent to dismiss was signed. It records whether the case is dismissed without prejudice or with prejudice.

    Fillable PDF
  • DC 84p

    Small Claims Proof of Service

    This form is used to record how a defendant received or did not receive the court documents in a small claims case. It is filled out by the court or a process server.

    Fillable PDF