SMALL CLAIMS COMPLAINT
(STATE OF MICHIGAN – _ DISTRICT COURT, SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION)
[// GUIDANCE: This template is drafted to comply with Michigan’s small-claims statutory scheme (MCL 600.8401 et seq.) and current court practice. Customize all bracketed text, confirm the statutory monetary limit in effect on the filing date, and attach all supporting exhibits (e.g., invoices, contracts, photographs).]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Document Header
- Definitions
- Operative Provisions
3.1 Statement of Claim
3.2 Amount in Controversy
3.3 Relief Requested - Jurisdictional Allegations
- Plaintiff’s Representations & Warranties
- Statutory Waivers & Certifications
- Prayer for Relief
- Verification
- Proof of Service
1. DOCUMENT HEADER
STATE OF MICHIGAN | _ DISTRICT COURT | SMALL CLAIMS DIVISION
Court Address: [_]
Court Telephone: [_]
Case No.: [______]
PLAINTIFF(S):
• Name: [PLAINTIFF LEGAL NAME]
• Address: [_]
• Telephone: [_]
DEFENDANT(S):
• Name: [DEFENDANT LEGAL NAME]
• Address: [_]
• Telephone: [_]
Effective Date of Filing: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Governing Law/Forum: Michigan Small Claims Division of the _ District Court.
2. DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Complaint, the following capitalized terms have the meanings set forth below:
“Award” means the monetary judgment (principal, statutory interest, and court costs) requested in Section 3.3.
“Claim” means the cause of action described in Section 3.1 seeking money damages only.
“Small Claims Act” means Chapter 84 of Michigan’s Revised Judicature Act of 1961, MCL 600.8401 et seq.
“Statutory Monetary Limit” means the maximum dollar amount a plaintiff may recover in Michigan small-claims proceedings under MCL 600.8401(1), currently $[6,500] but subject to legislative adjustment.
3. OPERATIVE PROVISIONS
3.1 Statement of Claim
[PLAINTIFF] alleges that on or about [DATE(S)], [briefly describe the transaction/incident giving rise to the debt ― e.g., “Defendant failed to pay for goods delivered under Purchase Order No. 12345” or “Defendant negligently damaged Plaintiff’s vehicle”]. As a direct result, Defendant owes Plaintiff the amount stated in Section 3.2.
[// GUIDANCE: Keep this section concise. Attach Exhibits A-__ (contracts, invoices, repair estimates, photos) and reference them here.]
3.2 Amount in Controversy
Principal Amount: $[_]
Pre-filing Interest (if any): $[_]
Court Costs (filing & service fees) to date: $[_]
TOTAL CLAIMED (must not exceed Statutory Monetary Limit): $[_]
3.3 Relief Requested
Plaintiff respectfully requests entry of a judgment against Defendant(s), jointly and severally, for:
a. The Total Claimed Amount identified above;
b. Statutory post-judgment interest until paid in full; and
c. Such further relief as the Court deems just and proper.
4. JURISDICTIONAL ALLEGATIONS
- The amount sought does not exceed the Statutory Monetary Limit.
- The Claim seeks money damages only and therefore is an “allowable claim” under the Small Claims Act.
- Venue is proper in this District Court because (check one):
☐ The transaction/incident occurred within this district; ☐ Defendant resides/does business in this district. - Plaintiff has satisfied all pre-suit notice or demand requirements, if any.
5. PLAINTIFF’S REPRESENTATIONS & WARRANTIES
Plaintiff represents, warrants, and certifies that:
a. All allegations herein are true and correct to the best of Plaintiff’s knowledge, information, and belief.
b. The Claim is not barred by any applicable statute of limitations.
c. The debt has not been satisfied, discharged, or assigned.
d. No other action involving this Claim is pending between the parties in any court.
e. Plaintiff has made a good-faith effort to resolve the dispute before filing (describe efforts): [____].
6. STATUTORY WAIVERS & CERTIFICATIONS
(MCL 600.8407(2) REQUIRED LANGUAGE)
By filing this Complaint in the Small Claims Division, Plaintiff knowingly and voluntarily:
1. Waives the right to be represented by an attorney in this action, except as otherwise permitted by statute.
2. Waives the right to a trial by jury.
3. Waives the right to appeal the judgment of the small claims judge or magistrate.
Plaintiff acknowledges that Defendant retains (i) the right, prior to hearing, to remove this case to the general civil division of the District Court and (ii) certain post-judgment appeal rights.
7. PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendant(s) as set forth in Section 3.3 and requests such other relief as the Court deems equitable and just.
8. VERIFICATION
I, [PLAINTIFF NAME], declare under the penalties of perjury that the foregoing statements are true to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.
Date: [MM/DD/YYYY] Signature: ______
Printed Name: [PLAINTIFF NAME]
9. PROOF OF SERVICE
I certify that on [MM/DD/YYYY] I served a copy of this Small Claims Complaint, together with all exhibits and the Court-issued Notice of Hearing, on the Defendant(s) by:
☐ Personal service by [PROCESS SERVER NAME] ☐ Certified mail (return receipt requested)
☐ Other method authorized by MCR 2.105: [describe]
Signature of Server: ______
Printed Name: [____] Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
[// GUIDANCE: File the original with the clerk, pay the filing fee, and obtain a hearing date. Confirm service requirements under Michigan Court Rules (MCR 2.101 et seq.). Bring all exhibits and a prepared judgment form to the hearing.]
© [YEAR] [LAW FIRM/ATTORNEY]. All rights reserved. This template is provided for professional legal use and must be reviewed for accuracy and completeness prior to filing.