pettylawsuit
Court Filing Guide • Updated February 2026

How to File Small Claims in
Oakland County 48th District Court

Complete step-by-step guide to filing your small claims case at Oakland County 48th District Court. Learn requirements, prepare forms, and navigate the filing process with confidence.

$6,500

Maximum Claim

$30-100

Filing Fees

30-45

Days to Hearing

5

Cities Served

Quick Eligibility Check: You can file small claims at Oakland County 48th District Court if: (1) Your claim is $6,500 or less, (2) The defendant lives or does business in Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake Village, or Sylvan Lake, and (3) You're within the statute of limitations.
Step-by-Step Filing Process

1Verify Court Jurisdiction

Before filing, confirm Oakland County 48th District Court has jurisdiction over your case:

Jurisdiction Requirements:

  • Defendant must live in: Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield Township, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake Village, or Sylvan Lake
  • OR defendant's business must be located in one of these jurisdictions
  • OR the incident/contract dispute occurred in one of these jurisdictions
If the defendant doesn't meet these requirements, you'll need to file in a different court that has proper jurisdiction.
Common Small Claims Cases at 48th District Court

Property Damage

Auto accidents, property repairs, water damage

Contract Disputes

Unpaid services, breach of agreement, deposits

Landlord-Tenant

Security deposits, property damage, unpaid rent

Consumer Issues

Defective products, warranty claims, fraud

Personal Loans

Unpaid loans between individuals

Professional Services

Poor workmanship, incomplete work, overcharging

Important Deadlines & Time Limits
Statute of Limitations: You must file your case within legal time limits or you lose the right to sue forever.

3-Year Limits

  • • Property damage claims
  • • Personal injury claims
  • • Product liability
  • • Oral contracts

6-Year Limits

  • • Written contracts
  • • Promissory notes
  • • Open accounts
  • • Sales contracts

Note: Time limits begin from the date of injury, damage, or breach of contract. Some exceptions may apply. Consult an attorney if you're close to the deadline.

Quick Filing Checklist

Claim under $6,500

Maximum for small claims

Proper jurisdiction

Defendant in court's area

Within time limits

Not past statute of limitations

Evidence ready

Documents & photos organized

Filing fee ready

$30-$100 in acceptable payment

Filing Fee Schedule
Up to $600$30
$600.01 - $1,750$50
$1,750.01 - $3,500$70
$3,500.01 - $6,500$100
Additional fees may apply for service of process and certified copies.
Court Location

Oakland County 48th District Court

4280 Telegraph Road
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302

Phone

(248) 858-0344

Hours

Monday - Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Need Filing Help?

Our experts can help you prepare and file your small claims case correctly at Oakland County 48th District Court.

  • Document preparation
  • Filing assistance
  • Service coordination
  • Hearing preparation

Frequently Asked Questions About Filing Small Claims

What is the maximum amount I can sue for?

The maximum amount you can sue for in small claims court at Oakland County 48th District Court is $6,500. This limit is set by Michigan law. If your claim exceeds $6,500, you can either file in the general civil division (up to $25,000) or waive the amount over $6,500 to stay in small claims court.

How long will it take to get a hearing date?

Typically, your small claims hearing at Oakland County 48th District Court will be scheduled 30-45 days after filing. The exact timeline depends on the court's current caseload. You'll receive your hearing date when you file your claim.

Can I have a lawyer represent me?

Yes, you can have a lawyer represent you in small claims court at Oakland County 48th District Court, but it's not required. Many people successfully represent themselves. If the other party has a lawyer, you may want to consider legal representation as well.

What if I win but don't get paid?

If you win your case but the defendant doesn't pay voluntarily, you'll need to collect the judgment. Options include wage garnishment, bank account levy, or property liens. The court can provide information about collection procedures, but you're responsible for enforcement.

Ready to File Your Small Claims Case?

Don't navigate the small claims process alone. Get expert assistance with filing your case at Oakland County 48th District Court. We'll help ensure everything is done correctly the first time.