How to File Court Papers in Pontiac Michigan
Complete guide to filing documents at the 50th District Court. File in person at 70 North Saginaw Street or online with PettyLawsuit.
Court Location
- 70 North Saginaw Street, Pontiac, MI 48342
- (248) 758-3810
- Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Public parking available nearby
Filing Options
- In-Person: Visit courthouse directly
- By Mail: Send to court address
- Online: Use PettyLawsuit service
- Fees: $45-280 + service costs
Step 1: Choose the Right Court Division
- Amount: Up to $6,500
- Form: DC 84
- Fee: $45-70
- Timeline: 30-60 days
- Attorneys: Not allowed
- Amount: $6,501-$25,000
- Form: DC 01
- Fee: $175-280
- Timeline: 6-12 months
- Attorneys: Allowed
- Amount: Over $25,000
- Location: Oakland County
- Fee: $280+
- Timeline: 12+ months
- Attorneys: Recommended
Complete Filing Process Step-by-Step
Determine Your Claim Amount
Calculate total damages including principal, interest, and costs. Must be $25,000 or less for District Court.
Tips:
- Include all damages
- Add court costs
- Consider interest
Get the Right Forms
Download from Michigan Courts website or pick up at courthouse. DC 84 for small claims, DC 01 for general civil.
Tips:
- Form DC 84 for claims up to $6,500
- Form DC 01 for larger claims
- Free to download
Complete Forms Accurately
Fill out all required fields with defendant's legal name, correct address, and detailed claim description.
Tips:
- Use legal names only
- Verify addresses
- Be specific about damages
Make Copies
You need at least 3 copies: one for court, one for defendant, one for your records.
Tips:
- Court keeps original
- Defendant gets copy
- Keep your copy safe
File at the Courthouse
Visit 70 North Saginaw Street, Pontiac or file online through PettyLawsuit.
Tips:
- Arrive before 4:00 PM
- Bring payment
- Ask clerk questions
Pay Filing Fees
Pay $45-280 based on claim amount. Cash, check, money order, or credit card accepted.
Tips:
- Credit cards have 3% fee
- Get receipt
- Fee waiver available if qualified
Serve the Defendant
Must serve within 91 days. Options: certified mail ($29) or personal service ($35-50).
Tips:
- Certified mail is cheapest
- Personal service more reliable
- Keep proof of service
Documents You'll Need to File
- Court Forms
DC 84 (small claims) or DC 01 (civil)
- Defendant Information
Full legal name and service address
- Filing Fee Payment
$45-280 depending on amount
- Contracts/Agreements
Written agreements, leases, IOUs
- Photos/Videos
Damage photos, video evidence
- Communications
Emails, texts, letters
- Receipts/Invoices
Proof of payments or damages
Compare Your Filing Options
Time Required: 1-2 hours
Plus travel time
Time Required: 15 minutes
File instantly
Time Required: 5-10 days
Plus mailing time
Serving the Defendant After Filing
- Cost: $29
- Return receipt provided
- Works for in-state defendants
- May fail if refused
Best for: Cooperative defendants with known addresses
- Cost: $35-50 (local)
- Court officer delivers
- Proof of service guaranteed
- Works for evasive defendants
Best for: Hard-to-reach or uncooperative defendants
Skip the Courthouse Trip
File your case at the 50th District Court online with PettyLawsuit. We handle all the paperwork and filing for just $29 plus court fees.
What We Handle For You:
- Complete all required forms
- File with 50th District Court
- Coordinate defendant service
- Track case status