Small Claims Court in Washtenaw County

In Washtenaw County, MI small claims cases are filed in the District Court. Washtenaw County has four 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 Washtenaw Court System.

Small Claims Court

A small claims court is designed for everyday people, not lawyers to resolve legal issues quickly and affordably. In fact, lawyers aren't even allowed to represent you in this court. Whether you're dealing with unpaid money, broken promises, or property damage, small claims court gives you a chance to tell your story and get a fair decision.

What Can You Use Small Claims Court For?

You can sue a person or a business for up to $7,000. In some situations, you can also ask the judge to make someone start or stop doing something. This is called injunctive relief—like turning your utilities back on or stopping a neighbor from causing damage.

You Don’t Need to Know the Law

You don’t need to be a legal expert. That’s the judge’s job. Your job is to:

• Tell your story clearly and honestly
• Bring any evidence that supports your case (like receipts, photos, messages)
• Bring witnesses if they can help

After both sides speak and show their evidence, the judge will make a decision. This decision is final, it can’t be appealed.

Who Can File a Case?

You can use small claims court if one of these is true:

• The issue happened in the area
• The person or business you’re suing lives or is based in:
  • Chesterfield Township
  • Lenox Township
  • New Baltimore
  • New Haven

What Kinds of Disputes Does It Handle?

Small claims court covers all kinds of everyday issues, including:

• Landlord/tenant disputes
• Personal injuries
• Damaged or stolen property
• Unpaid debts
• Poor-quality repairs or services
• Faulty products
• Broken agreements or unkept promises

Both individuals and businesses can file or be sued.

How Do You File a Case?

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

• This is your official complaint. You can:
  • Pick it up from the court clerk, or
  • Download it from: www.courts.michigan.gov/scao-forms

Step 2: Attach Your Evidence

• Include copies of anything that supports your claim:
  • Receipts
  • Bills
  • Contracts
  • Photos
  • Texts or emails

Step 3: Serve the Defendant

• You’re responsible for making sure the person or business you’re suing receives a copy of the form and documents. This process is called “service of process”, and it can be done:
  • By certified mail, or
  • In person using a process server

Check with the court for deadlines, missing them could delay your case.

Where to File

You must file in the correct district court, either where the issue happened or where the person/business lives. Filing in the wrong court can get your case dismissed.

If You’re Filing by Mail

Call the court first to get instructions. You’ll need to:

• Notarize your form
• Pay the filing and service fees
• Mail everything to the correct court

How Much Does It Cost?

Filing fees (as of 2025):

• $30 – for claims up to $600
• $50 – for claims between $600 and $1,750
• $70 – for claims between $1,750 and $7,000

You’ll also pay a service fee (usually for certified mail).

What If They Sue You Back?

The person you're suing (the defendant) can also file a counterclaim if they think you owe them money.

• They’ll use the same form but mark it as a "Counter-Claim"
• They must include your case number
• There’s no extra fee, but they must send you a copy

The judge will look at both claims during the hearing.

Getting Ready for Court

Here’s how to prepare:

• Gather Your Evidence
  • Photos
  • Receipts
  • Text messages or emails
  • Contracts, leases, or agreements
  • Bring originals for the judge, plus copies.
• Line Up Witnesses
  • Anyone with firsthand knowledge can help. If needed, you can request a subpoena from the court to require them to show up. (You’ll need to cover witness fees and travel.)
• Practice What You’ll Say
  • You don’t need a script, just make a list of your main points. Practice with a friend to feel more confident.

Can’t Make It to Court?

• If you're the plaintiff (the one suing): You must attend, or your case might be dismissed—and that could affect your credit. If something serious comes up, ask for a continuance in writing ahead of time.
• If you’re the defendant: If you miss the hearing, the judge may issue a default judgment in the plaintiff’s favor.

What to Expect on Court Day

• Dress respectfully (no shorts, tank tops, or hats)
• Arrive early and sign in with the clerk
• Bring all your documents and witnesses
• Be polite and respectful—even if the other person isn’t
• Stand when speaking to the judge and say “Your Honor”
• Speak clearly and only when it's your turn
• Let the judge guide the process

The judge may ask if you’re willing to settle (reach an agreement). If not, each side will present their case, show evidence, and let witnesses testify. After that, the judge will make a final decision.

What If You Settle Before Court?

If the other person pays you in full before your court date, let the court know. You may need to sign a form or send a letter to dismiss the case.

If you agree on a payment plan, you can ask for a consent judgment. This keeps your right to collect if they stop paying.

Two ways to do this:

1. At your hearing – Tell the judge about the agreement, and both of you sign
2. Before the hearing – Go to court together and fill out a consent judgment form with the clerk

If You Win: How to Collect Your Money

If the judge rules in your favor:

• The other person may pay right away, or
• The judge might set a payment plan

If they don’t pay within 21 days, you can return to court to enforce the judgment. This could include:

• Garnishing their wages
• Seizing property
• Taking money from their bank account

There will be extra forms and small fees, but those fees will be added to what they owe you.

Final Tips

Ask the court clerk for the Small Claims Court pamphlet—it has more helpful info, including what to do after your hearing. Going to small claims court may sound intimidating, but it’s really about telling your story, being prepared, and staying respectful. The process is built to be fair, simple, and accessible—even if you’ve never been to court before.

Courthouses Location:

1. 14A-1 District Court

4133 Washtenaw Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
(734) 973-4545
https://www.washtenaw.org/960/Small-Claims-Filings

BUILDING HOURS

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

2. 14A-2 District Court

415 W Michigan Avenue
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(734) 484-6690
https://www.washtenaw.org/960/Small-Claims-Filings

BUILDING HOURS

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

3. 14A-3 District Court

122 S Main Street
Chelsea, MI 48118
(734) 475-8606
https://www.washtenaw.org/960/Small-Claims-Filings

BUILDING HOURS

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

4. 14A-4 District Court

1000 N Maple Road - Temporarily Closed
Saline, MI 48176
(734) 429-2504
https://www.washtenaw.org/960/Small-Claims-Filings

BUILDING HOURS

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

CITIES SERVED

• Ann Arbor
• Ypsilanti charter
• Pittsfield charter
• Ypsilanti
• Scio
• Superior charter
• York charter
• Saline
• Northfield
• Whitmore Lake
• Augusta charter
• Salem
• Dexter
• Webster
• Lodi
• Chelsea
• Salem
• Ann Arbor charter
• Manchester
• Dexter
• Lima
• Sylvan
• Saline
• Lyndon
• Manchester
• Sharon
• Bridgewater
• Freedom
• Barton Hills

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