Small Claims Court in Kent County

In Kent County, MI small claims cases are filed in the District Court. Kent 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 Kent Court System.

Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court was created in 1968 as part of Michigan’s District Court system to give people a simple, affordable way to resolve money disputes without hiring a lawyer. You can sue for up to $7,000 or ask for another fair solution (like getting your money back or being compensated for damages).

No Legal Experience Needed

You don’t need to know the law or bring an attorney. In fact, lawyers aren’t allowed to represent either side in Small Claims Court. You simply tell your side of the story, the other party does the same, and a judge or magistrate decides who’s right.

If you win, the other person or business must follow the judge’s order. Keep in mind:

• If a judge hears your case, the decision is final and can’t be appealed.
• If a magistrate hears your case, either side has 7 days to request a rehearing with a judge if they disagree with the decision.

How to File a Small Claims

Step 1: File Online through MiFILE

• All small claims cases in the 63rd District Court must be filed electronically using the MiFILE system.

But before you file, here are a few things to think about:

Important Questions to Ask Yourself Before Filing

• Can the person or business you're suing actually pay if you win?
• Will it cost you more to collect the money than it’s worth?
• Is Small Claims Court the right choice? (Note: Either party can request that the case be moved to “General Civil” court before the hearing, where lawyers are allowed.)

Step 2: Make Sure You’re Filing in the Right Court (Venue)

You must file in the correct district court, based on:

• Where the defendant lives or does business, or
• Where the incident or transaction took place

Step 3: Gather What You Need to File

When filing your claim, make sure you have:

• The exact legal name and address of the person or business you're suing
• The amount you're suing for (up to $7,000)
• A clear reason for the lawsuit
• Any supporting evidence (photos, receipts, contracts, texts, etc.)

Step 4: Serving the Defendant

You are responsible for making sure the other party receives the court papers. This is called "service of process" and must be done legally. You can choose:

• Restricted certified mail
• A court officer
• Any legally competent adult (not involved in the case)

If the defendant can’t be served, your case can’t move forward.

Tip: Ask for Court Costs

If you win, you can ask the court to order the defendant to reimburse you for the costs of filing the case. Be sure to include this request in your claim.

Court Filing & Service Fees

(Small Claims, General Civil, and Evictions)

Important Note:

• All filings through MiFILE include a 3% credit card processing fee
• If your filing is rejected, the 3% fee is non-refundable

Eviction Filings (Possession Only – No Monetary Judgment)

• Summary Proceedings (after Land Contract Forfeiture): $55
• Landlord-Tenant Eviction (No Money Judgment): $55

Eviction with Money Judgment

• Claims up to $600: $90
• Claims from $600.01 to $1,750: $110
• Claims from $1,750.01 to $10,000: $130
• Claims from $10,000.01 to $25,000: $215

Small Claims Court

(Maximum Claim: $6,500)

• Claims up to $600: $30
• Claims from $600.01 to $1,750: $50
• Claims from $1,750.01 and above: $70

General Civil Filings

(Maximum Claim: $25,000)

• Claims up to $600: $35
• Claims from $600.01 to $1,750: $55
• Claims from $1,750.01 to $10,000: $75
• Claims from $10,000.01 to $25,000: $160
• Claim and Delivery (Possession Only): $75

Service of Process Fees – Small Claims Only

• Service by Court:
  • Certified Mail (served on individual): $10
• Service by Process Server:
  • Certified Mail: $13
  • Personal Service: $26 plus mileage

Post-Judgment Filing Fees

• Writ of Eviction: $15
• Writ of Garnishment: $15
• Request and Order to Seize Property: $15
• Subpoena on Discovery / Debtor’s Exam: $15

Court Officer Fees – Post-Judgment Enforcement

• Writ of Eviction: $40 plus hourly time
• Writ of Garnishment: $23 plus mileage
• Order to Seize Property: $40 plus a percentage of sale
• Discovery Subpoena / Debtor’s Exam: $26 plus mileage

Reminder:

• If you win your case, you can request the judge to order the defendant to reimburse your court and service fees.
• Be sure to include this request in your original claim.

Before the Hearing

The Case Could Be Moved to Another Court

The defendant has the right to ask that your case be moved to General Civil Court, where lawyers can be involved. If this happens, you’ll be notified by the court.

Mediation Might Be Offered

Some cases are referred to mediation before the court hearing. This gives you and the other party a chance to settle the dispute without going to trial.

What If the Defendant Pays Before Court?

If the defendant agrees to pay after getting the lawsuit notice, you have two options:

1. Create a written agreement, signed by both parties
2. File it with the court so it becomes an official court order

If you both decide to cancel the case, file a Dismissal Form (PDF) with the court.

Bring Your Witnesses & Evidence

• Make sure your witnesses are ready and know the hearing date
• Bring all your evidence (photos, texts, receipts, contracts, etc.)
• Check in at the Civil window when you arrive
• Be on time

If You Don’t Show Up…

• If you (the plaintiff) don’t appear, your case will be dismissed.
• If the defendant doesn’t appear, the judge may issue a default judgment in your favor.

If You Win: How to Collect Your Money

If the judge decides in your favor, the court will issue a judgment ordering the defendant to pay you, including some court costs.

However, winning doesn’t mean you automatically get paid. If the defendant refuses to pay, you’ll need to take further legal steps to collect, such as:

• Garnishing wages
• Seizing assets or bank accounts
• Using a court officer to enforce the judgment

The clerk can help with the paperwork, but there may be additional fees involved.

Remember

A judgment gives you the right to collect, but it doesn’t guarantee the defendant has money or assets to pay you.

Courthouses Location:

63rd District Court

1950 E Beltline Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(616) 632-7770
https://www.kentcountymi.gov/1021/Small-Claims

BUILDING HOURS

• Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except court holidays.

CITIES SERVED

• Grand Rapids
• Wyoming
• Kentwood
• Plainfield charter
• Gaines charter
• Forest Hills
• Walker
• Cascade charter
• Grand Rapids charter
• Grandville
• Caledonia
• Northview
• Ada
• Cannon
• Alpine
• Algoma
• East Grand Rapids
• Comstock Park
• Sparta
• Courtland
• Byron Center
• Solon
• Lowell charter
• Rockford
• Oakfield
• Tyrone
• Nelson
• Vergennes
• Sparta
• Spencer
• Lowell
• Grattan
• Cedar Springs
• Bowne
• Caledonia
• Kent City
• Sand Lake
• Caledonia
• Sand Lake
• Cannonsburg

Let Squabble Help You With Your Small Claim at Kent 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 Kent 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.