Small Claims Court in Ingham County

In Ingham County, MI small claims cases are filed in the District Court. Ingham County has one District Court that handles 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 Ingham Court System.

Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court is a legal option for individuals and businesses to settle disputes without hiring a lawyer. It offers a fast way to resolve conflicts involving claims of up to $7,000, as of January 1, 2024.

If your claim is worth more than $7,000, you can still choose to file in Small Claims Court, but you must agree to waive, or give up, your right to collect anything over that amount.

If you believe someone owes you money, whether it’s a person or a business, you have the right to file a case in Small Claims Court. The person bringing the lawsuit is called the plaintiff. The person or business being sued is called the defendant. There may be more than one plaintiff or more than one defendant in a single case.

Adults may file claims on their own behalf. If the plaintiff is a business, certain representatives are allowed to file:

• An individual may file for themselves.
• A partner or full-time employee may file for a partnership.
• A sole proprietor or a full-time employee may file for a proprietorship.
• A corporate officer or full-time employee may file on behalf of a corporation.

Where to File a Claim

To file your case in the 55th District Court, the matter must involve Ingham County, but not include the cities of Lansing or East Lansing.

You can file in this court if either:

• The defendant lives in or operates a business in Ingham County (excluding Lansing and East Lansing), or
• The event that led to the claim, such as a broken contract, unpaid debt, or accident, occurred within that same area

It is not enough for you as the plaintiff to simply live in the area. If you file in the wrong court, your case could be transferred to the proper one, and you would be responsible for paying a second filing fee.

Where Do You Get the Forms to File a Claim?

To start your case, you need to fill out the “Affidavit and Claim” form, officially labeled as DC84.

You can get this form from the 55th District Court’s Civil Division. It is also available online from the Michigan State Court Administrative Office website, or at legal form supply stores.

Cost to File

Filing fees vary based on the amount of your claim. In addition to the court filing fee, you may also need to pay for a process server and their mileage if you choose to have your documents delivered that way.

Check with the court for current fee amounts and acceptable payment methods.

Hearing

• Once your claim is filed, your court date will usually be scheduled within three to four weeks. In some cases, it may take longer, but you will be given a hearing date no more than 45 days after you file.
• Before the hearing, your case will be referred to mediation. If you and the other party cannot reach an agreement during mediation, your case will then be heard by a magistrate. A magistrate is a licensed attorney who has the authority to make a binding decision.
• Be sure to arrive early on the day of your hearing and check in with the small claims clerk. Bring all relevant documents, witnesses, and evidence you need to prove your claim.
• If you fail to appear and the defendant has already been properly notified (known as “acknowledging service”), your case will be dismissed. If the defendant fails to appear, the court may issue a default judgment in your favor.

Key Things to Remember

• Court clerks can help you understand the process and make sure your forms are complete, but they are not lawyers and are not allowed to give legal advice.
• Small Claims Court only allows for money judgments. This means the court cannot order someone to perform a task or to stop doing something.
• By filing your case in Small Claims Court, you are giving up the following rights:
  • The right to have a lawyer represent you in court
  • The right to a jury trial
  • The right to appeal the final decision

While the court can issue a judgment in your favor if you win, it does not collect the money for you. If the defendant doesn’t pay, it’s your responsibility to take steps to enforce the judgment.

Always have your paperwork, including your case number, ready when contacting the court for updates or questions.

Settle Before Court\

• If the other person pays you in full before your court date, let the court know as soon as possible. You may need to submit a written request or fill out a form to have the case dismissed.
• If you and the other party agree to a payment plan instead, you can ask the court for a consent judgment. This gives you legal protection in case the other person stops making payments.
• There are two ways to get a consent judgment:
  • At your court hearing: Tell the judge you’ve reached an agreement. If both sides agree, you’ll sign the paperwork in court.
  • Before the hearing: You can go to the courthouse together and ask the clerk to help you fill out and file a consent judgment form.

If You Win: How to Collect Your Money

• If the judge decides in your favor, the other person may pay the full amount immediately. In some cases, the judge may allow them to pay over time through a court-approved payment plan.
• If they don’t pay within 21 days, you can take legal steps to collect the money. This process is called enforcing the judgment and may include:
  • Garnishing their wages
  • Seizing personal property
  • Taking funds from their bank account

You’ll need to fill out additional forms and may have to pay some extra fees. However, those enforcement costs will be added to the total amount the other person owes you.

Final Tips

Although going to court can feel overwhelming, Small Claims Court is designed to be approachable and fair. You don’t need a lawyer, just come prepared, tell your story clearly, and follow the process. It’s meant to help regular people resolve legal disputes in a simple and respectful way.

Courthouses Location:

55th District Court

700 Buhl St.\ Mason, MI 48854
(517) 676-8400
https://dc.ingham.org/courts_and_sheriff/55th_judicial_district_court/

BUILDING HOURS

• Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except court holidays.

CITIES SERVED

• East Lansing
• Meridian charter
• Delhi charter
• Okemos
• Holt
• Haslett
• Mason
• Lansing charter
• Williamstown
• Aurelius
• Stockbridge
• Williamston
• Vevay
• Onondaga
• Mason
• Alaiedon
• Ingham
• Leslie
• Bunker Hill
• Leslie
• Locke
• Wheatfield
• Stockbridge
• Webberville
• White Oak
• Mason
• Dansville

Let Squabble Help You With Your Small Claim at Ingham County

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