What Is Small Claims Court in Oakland County, Michigan?
Small claims cases in Oakland County are handled by the District Court, which is part of the state court system in Michigan.
Small claims court is designed to resolve minor financial disputes in a faster and less formal setting than traditional courts.
The purpose of small claims court is to:
- Provide an affordable way to resolve disputes involving smaller amounts of money
- Allow individuals to represent themselves without attorneys
- Offer a quicker resolution compared to higher courts
- Reduce complex legal procedures and paperwork
Many individuals and small businesses use small claims court to resolve common financial disagreements without the expense of full civil litigation.
Maximum Claim Amount in Oakland County Small Claims Court
In Michigan small claims courts, the maximum claim amount is:
- Up to $7,000
This limit applies to both individuals and businesses filing a claim. If your claim exceeds $7,000, you may need to file your case in the general civil division of the District Court instead of small claims court.
- If your claim is more than the amount allowed by law and you elect to file in small claims court, you waive your right to collect more than the amount allowed.
Who Can File a Small Claims Case?
The following parties may file a small claims case in Oakland County:
- Individuals who are 18 years or older
- Businesses and corporations
- Landlords seeking unpaid rent or property damage
- Tenants seeking return of security deposits
- Out-of-state individuals or businesses, provided the dispute occurred in Oakland County or the defendant resides there
Individuals under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian file the case on their behalf.
Common Types of Small Claims Cases
Small claims courts in Oakland County typically handle disputes involving money, such as:
- Unpaid loans or personal debts
- Breach of contract
- Property damage claims
- Security deposit disputes between landlords and tenants
- Unpaid services or work performed
- Consumer complaints and refund disputes
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Small Claims Case in Oakland County
Step 1: Determine If Small Claims Court Is the Right Court
Before filing your claim, confirm that your case qualifies for small claims court.
Your case should meet these conditions:
- The claim amount is $7,000 or less
- The case involves monetary damages
- The defendant lives, works, or does business in Oakland County, or the dispute occurred there
Small claims cases in Oakland County are typically filed in one of the local District Courts serving the county
Step 2: Prepare Your Evidence and Documentation
Before filing your claim, gather all documents and evidence that support your case.
Helpful evidence may include:
- Written contracts or agreements
- Receipts and invoices
- Photographs or videos of damages
- Emails, letters, or text messages
- Repair estimates
- Witness statements
Keeping your documents organized will make it easier to present your case clearly to the judge.
Step 3: Obtain and Complete the Required Forms
To begin your case, you must complete a Small Claims Affidavit and Claim form.
You can obtain this form from:
- The District Court clerk’s office in Oakland County
- The Oakland County court website
- Local court self-help centers
The form will require the following information:
- Plaintiff’s name and contact information
- Defendant’s name and address
- The total amount of money you are claiming
- A short explanation of the reason for the lawsuit
Make sure the defendant’s address is correct so the court can properly notify them.
Step 4: File the Forms With the Court
Once you complete the forms, you must file them with the appropriate District Court in Oakland County.
Common filing methods include:
- Filing in person at the court clerk’s office
- Filing through Court System
- Filing by mail (in some courts)
Filing Fees:
$20 fee required on all motions.
- Claim is $600.00 and under: $25 + $5 eFiling fee | Total = $30
- Claim is $600.01 to $1,750.00: $45 + $5 eFiling fee | Total = $50
- Claim is $1,750.01 to $7,000.00: $65 + $5 eFiling fee | Total = $70
Service Fees:
- Fee for Court’s Process Server - per defendant: Rate Fluctuates
- Mileage Fees: Rate Fluctuates
Process Servers:
Please choose from one of the following process servers:
- Hope and Associates - (810) 239-7788
- Rancillio and Associates - (586) 792-3810
- Johnson Process Serving: (810) 845-1846
Certified Mail
- Certified Mail - per defendant $20.00 (Starting September 1, 2025)
Billed by Process Server
Court Locations:
- 43rd District Court / Ferndale Division
305 E. 9 Mile Road
Ferndale, MI 48220 - 43rd District Court / Hazel Park Division
43 E. Nine Mile Rd.,
Hazel Park, Michigan 48030 - 43rd District Court / Madison Heights
200 W 13 Mile Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071 - 44th District Court
400 E 11 Mile Road
Royal Oak, MI 48067 - 45th District Court
13600 Oak Park Boulevard
Oak Park, Michigan 48237-2006 - 46th District Court
26000 Evergreen Rd,
Southfield, MI 48076 - 47th District Court
31605 W. Eleven Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48336 - 48th District Court
4280 Telegraph Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 - 50th District Court - Pontiac
70 N Saginaw
Pontiac, MI 48342 - 51st District Court
5100 Civic Center Dr.
Waterford, MI 48329
Please be informed that In 51st District Court, Civil dockets are typically conducted on Zoom unless specifically scheduled in person. Utilize the Judge of Record’s Meeting ID for your hearing.
- Judge Fox ID #: 759 690 0376
- Judge Kuhn ID #: 319 889 8542
- 52nd District Court - Division 1 - Novi
48150 Grand River Ave
Novi, MI 48374-1222
- 52nd District Court - Division 2 - Clarkston
5850 Lorac Dr
Clarkston, MI 48346 - 52nd District Court - Division 3 - Rochester Hills
700 Barclay Circle
Rochester Hills, MI 48307 - 52nd District Court - Division 4 - Troy
520 W Big Beaver Rd
Troy, MI 48084
What Happens After Filing?
After your claim is filed:
- The court clerk schedules a hearing date
- The defendant receives notice of the lawsuit
- In some cases, the court may encourage mediation or settlement before the hearing
Step 5: Serve the Defendant
The defendant must receive official notice of the lawsuit.
Service of the claim may be completed by:
- Certified mail
- A court officer or process server
- The sheriff’s office
The court must receive proof of service before the case proceeds to a hearing.
Step 6: Prepare for the Small Claims Hearing
Proper preparation can improve your chances of presenting a strong case.
Bring the following to court:
- Copies of all documents and evidence
- Receipts, contracts, and invoices
- Photos or videos
- Witnesses, if necessary
- Multiple copies of evidence for the judge and defendant
Helpful tips:
- Organize documents clearly
- Practice explaining your case briefly and clearly
- Arrive early for your hearing
- Dress respectfully and remain professional
Step 7: Attend the Small Claims Hearing
Small claims hearings in Oakland County are relatively informal.
During the hearing:
- The judge calls the case.
- The plaintiff explains their claim and presents evidence.
- The defendant presents their defense.
- Both parties may present witnesses or documents.
The judge may issue a decision immediately or send the decision by mail after reviewing the evidence.
Step 8: Understanding the Judgment
After hearing both sides, the judge will issue a judgment.
Possible outcomes include:
- The plaintiff receives a monetary judgment
- The defendant wins the case
- The judge awards partial damages
Unlike regular civil court, decisions in Michigan small claims court are usually final and may have limited appeal options, especially if both parties agreed to the small claims process.
Step 9: Collecting Your Judgment
Winning the case does not guarantee immediate payment.
If the defendant does not pay voluntarily, you may need to pursue collection methods such as:
- Wage garnishment
- Bank account garnishment
- Payment plans
- Seizure of certain assets through court orders
The responsibility for collecting the judgment generally rests with the winning party.
Final Thoughts
Filing a small claims case in Oakland County can be an effective way to resolve disputes involving smaller amounts of money without hiring an attorney or navigating complicated court procedures. While preparing your claim requires organization and attention to detail, the small claims process is designed to be accessible for everyday individuals seeking fair resolution. With proper preparation and documentation, many people successfully recover money owed through small claims court.
SmallClaimsHero simplifies the small claims process by offering clear, step-by-step guidance, practical tools to organize your case information, and resources designed to minimize filing errors. Its easy-to-follow instructions help you save time and reduce stress, allowing you to navigate the legal system with confidence and file your claim accurately without having to go it alone.