Small Claims Court in Genesee County

In Genesee County, MI small claims cases are filed in the District Court. Genesee County has six District Courts that handle small claims, serving different jurisdictions.

Squabble is here to assist you in navigating the small claims court system and filing a claim with ease. We recognize that not everyone is a legal expert, and our goal is to simplify the process for you. This guide will answer your questions about filing claims in the Genesee Court System.

Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court is designed to provide a fast, low-cost, and fair way for individuals to settle disputes involving relatively small amounts of money without needing a lawyer.

Claim Limits

• General limit: You can sue for up to $7,000 in Michigan Small Claims Court.
• Auto accidents: If your vehicle was damaged in an accident and the other driver was at fault, you may sue for damages not covered by insurance, but: If the at-fault driver had insurance, your recovery is limited to $500.
• Claims above $6,000: You may still choose to file in Small Claims Court, but you will waive your right to collect anything over $6,000.

What You Give Up by Filing in Small Claims Court

When you file in Small Claims Court, you agree to waive certain rights:

• The right to be represented by an attorney
• The right to a jury trial
• The right to appeal the judge’s final decision (Note: If your case is heard by an attorney-magistrate, you may request a rehearing before a judge within 7 days.)

Because these rights are significant, either party can request that the case be moved to the General Civil Division, where:

• You can hire an attorney
• You do not waive your right to appeal
• A jury trial may be requested

Who Can You Sue?

Before filing, you must clearly identify who you are suing:

• If you’re suing an individual:
  • You must know their full legal name and current address
• If you’re suing a business:
  • You must know whether it is a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation
  • Make sure you have the correct business name and registered address

Filing in the 67th District Court (Genesee County)

To file your Small Claims case in the 67th District Court, the following must be true:

• The defendant lives in Genesee County
• The incident/dispute (the "cause of action") happened in Genesee County

This is called establishing a venue filing in the correct court based on location.

• The 67th District Court has six divisions, each serving a different area of Genesee County.
• You must file your case in the correct division based on where the defendant lives or where the dispute occurred.

Where Do I File My Case?

• File in the District Court where:
  • The defendant lives
  • The problem or dispute occurred
• Filing in the wrong location may result in your case being dismissed

Step 1: Fill Out the “Affidavit and Claim” Form

• Download the form from the Michigan Courts website: www.courts.michigan.gov/scao-forms
• Or pick up a paper copy from the district court clerk's office
• Let the court clerk know you're filing a small claims case they can help guide you

Filing by Mail

• Contact the court first to ask for specific instructions
• You'll likely need to:
  • Have your form notarized
  • Pay the filing and service fees

Step 2: Pay the Filing Fee

• After filing, the clerk will:
  • Schedule a court date
  • Notify the defendant (the person you are suing)

Methods of Notification:

• Certified or registered mail
• Personal service by a process server
• The defendant must receive notice by the court’s deadline. If they don’t:
  • Ask the clerk to renew your claim before the deadline expires

What to Bring to Court

• Bring copies of all documents, such as:
  • Repair bills
  • Contracts or leases
  • Emails or text messages
  • Receipts
  • Any other written agreements
• Keep original documents for the judge
• The clerk will attach your documents to the claim and set the court date (usually within 30 to 45 days)
• Ask for the “Small Claims Court” pamphlet for more information

Filing Fees (As of 2025)

• $30 for claims up to $600
• $50 for claims between $600.01 and $1,750
• $70 for claims over $1,750 up to $7,000
• Service fees depend on how the defendant is served
• Certified mail is the most common and cost-effective option

Fee Waiver Option

• If you receive public assistance or are experiencing financial hardship:
  • Ask the court clerk for the "Affidavit and Order Suspension/Waiver of Fees/Costs"
  • Submit the form when you file your case

Counterclaims (If the Defendant Sues You Back)

• The defendant can file a counterclaim using the same form, marked “Counter-Claim”
• They must include your case number and send you a copy
• No filing or service fee is required for the counterclaim
• The judge will consider both your claim and the counterclaim during the hearing

How to Prepare for Court

Gather Evidence

• Collect any documents or items that support your case:
  • Photos
  • Receipts
  • Contracts or written agreements
  • Messages or emails

Prepare Witnesses

• Ask anyone who has knowledge about the dispute to testify
• This may include friends, family, neighbors, or professionals
• If needed, ask the court for a subpoena to require a witness to appear
• You’ll need to pay witness fees and mileage costs

Practice Your Testimony

• Write down key points to stay focused
• Practice explaining your story clearly and calmly

If You Cannot Attend Court

If You Are the Plaintiff

• If you miss your hearing without notifying the court, your case may be dismissed
• This could negatively affect your credit
• If an emergency arises:
  • Write a formal request for a continuance
  • Submit it well before the court date

If You Are the Defendant

• If the defendant does not show up, the judge may issue a default judgment in your favor

What to Expect at the Hearing

• Dress appropriately (no shorts, tank tops, or hats)
• Arrive early and check in with the clerk
• Be polite and respectful in court
• Address the judge as “Your Honor” and stand when speaking
• Present your side clearly and avoid interrupting
• Let the judge guide the process and ask questions
• The judge may ask whether both parties are willing to settle
• If no settlement is reached, each side will:
  • Present evidence
  • Call witnesses
  • Answer the judge’s questions
• The judge will make a final decision at the end of the hearing
• Most decisions in small claims court are final and cannot be appealed

What If You Settle Before the Court Date?

If the Defendant Pays in Full Before Court

• Notify the court immediately
• You may need to send a letter or fill out a dismissal form

If You Agree on a Payment Plan

• Ask the court for a “consent judgment” to protect your right to collect
• Two options:
  • Tell the judge about your agreement during the hearing
  • Visit the court with the defendant before the hearing to sign a consent judgment form

If You Win: Collecting Your Judgment

• The defendant may:
  • Pay the full amount immediately
  • Be given extra time or a payment schedule
• If They Don’t Pay
  • You may return to court to enforce the judgment
  • Collection methods may include:
    • Wage garnishment
    • Seizing property
    • Garnishing a bank account
• You must wait 21 days after the judgment is entered
• Additional forms and service fees are required
• These costs will be added to what the defendant owes you

Courthouses Location:

1. Fenton Court

Fourth Division A
17100 Silver Parkway, STE C
Fenton, MI 48430
(810) 629-5318
https://www.geneseecountymi.gov/small_claims/index.php

BUILDING HOURS

• Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except court holidays.

CITIES SERVED

• Fenton Township
• Argentine Township
• Gaines Township
• Clayton Township
• Fenton City
• Linden City
• Swartz Creek City
• Village of Gaines
• Village of Lennon

2. Mt. Morris Court

Third Division
11820 N. Saginaw Street
Mt. Morris, MI 48458
(810) 686-7140
https://www.geneseecountymi.gov/small_claims/index.php

BUILDING HOURS

• Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except court holidays.

CITIES SERVED

• Mt. Morris Township
• Genesee Township
• Mt. Morris City

3. Davison Court

Second Division A
200 E. Flint Street, Ste 3
Davison, MI 48423
(810) 653-4126
https://www.geneseecountymi.gov/small_claims/index.php

BUILDING HOURS

• Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except court holidays.

CITIES SERVED

• Davison Township
• Forest Township
• Richfield Township
• Atlas Township
• City of Davison
• Village of Goodrich
• Village of Otisville

4. Burton Court

Second Division B
4094 Manor Drive
Burton, MI 48519
(810) 743-5600
https://www.geneseecountymi.gov/small_claims/index.php

BUILDING HOURS

• Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except court holidays.

5. Flushing Court

First Division\ 1415 Flushing Road
Flushing, MI 48433
(810) 659-5659
https://www.geneseecountymi.gov/small_claims/index.php

BUILDING HOURS

• Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except court holidays.

CITIES SERVED

• Flushing Township
• Flint Township
• Vienna Township
• Montrose Township
• City of Flushing
• City of Clio
• City of Montrose

6. Grand Blanc Court

Fourth Division B
8173 S. Saginaw Street
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
(810) 694-2552
https://www.geneseecountymi.gov/small_claims/index.php

BUILDING HOURS

• Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except court holidays.

CITIES SERVED

• Grand Blanc Township
• Mundy Township
• Grand Blanc City

Let Squabble Help You With Your Small Claim at Genesee County

Don't allow the intricacies of the legal system to discourage you from pursuing justice and compensation for your claim. With Squabble, you have a dedicated partner to streamline the process and guide you toward resolution. Whether you're contemplating filing a claim at Genesee County small claims court, Squabble is here to support you at every stage. Reach out to us today to commence your journey toward justice and compensation. Get started today and become one of the 95% of our customers who won or settled their case.