pettylawsuit
52nd District Court Division 1

Novi District Court Small Claims

File claims up to $6,500 with no attorneys allowed. Get your case resolved in 30-60 days.

Up to $6,500

Maximum claim

30-60 Days

Case resolution

$45-70

Filing fees

No Attorneys

Level playing field

$29 PettyLawsuit service fee + court filing fees

52nd District Court - Division 1 Location

Court Address

48150 Grand River Avenue
Novi, MI 48374

(248) 305-6465

Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Areas Served

  • • City of Novi
  • • City of Wixom
  • • City of Walled Lake
  • • Commerce Township
  • • Lyon Township
  • • Milford Township

Why File in Small Claims Court?

No Attorneys Allowed

Level playing field - neither party can bring a lawyer

Saves thousands in legal fees

Quick Resolution

Cases resolved in 30-60 days vs 6-12 months

Get your money faster

Lower Costs

Filing fees from $45-70 vs $175+ for general civil

Affordable justice

Simple Process

Informal procedures, no complex legal rules

Easy to understand

What Can You File in Small Claims?

Eligible for Small Claims
  • Unpaid debts or loans
    Common
    Limit: $6,500
  • Property damage claims
    Common
    Limit: $6,500
  • Breach of contract
    Common
    Limit: $6,500
  • Security deposit disputes
    Common
    Limit: $6,500
  • Defective products or services
    Common
    Limit: $6,500
  • Auto accident property damage
    Common
    Limit: $6,500
  • Unpaid rent (landlords only)
    Common
    Limit: $6,500
  • Personal property disputesLimit: $6,500
  • Warranty claimsLimit: $6,500
  • Bad check claimsLimit: $6,500
NOT for Small Claims
  • Divorce or family law matters
  • Evictions (must use landlord-tenant court)
  • Criminal cases
  • Slander, libel, or defamation
  • Claims over $6,500
  • Claims against the government
  • Most employment disputes
  • Personal injury over $6,500
Cases over $6,500 must be filed as general civil matters with higher fees and different procedures.

How to File Small Claims in Novi

Follow these steps to file your small claim at the 52nd District Court

1
Check Your Eligibility
5 minutes
Verify your claim qualifies for small claims court
  • Claim must be $6,500 or less
  • Must be a money dispute or property damage
  • Defendant must live or do business in Oakland County
  • Cannot be for eviction, divorce, or defamation
2
Gather Your Evidence
30 minutes
Collect all documents supporting your claim
  • Contracts, agreements, or receipts
  • Photos of damage or defective items
  • Email or text message exchanges
  • Witness statements
  • Invoices or estimates for repairs
  • Canceled checks or payment records
3
Complete Form DC 84
20 minutes
Fill out the Small Claims Affidavit and Claim
  • Defendant's full legal name and address
  • Clear description of what happened
  • Exact amount you're claiming
  • Breakdown of damages
  • Sign the affidavit under oath
  • Make 3 copies minimum
4
File at 52nd District Court
45 minutes
Submit your claim at the courthouse
  • Visit 48150 Grand River Ave, Novi
  • Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Bring original and copies
  • Pay filing fee ($45-70)
  • Get stamped copies back
  • Receive case number
5
Serve the Defendant
7-14 days
Official notice must be delivered to defendant
  • Court sends by certified mail ($29 fee)
  • Or personal service by court officer ($35-50)
  • Must be served at least 7 days before hearing
  • If mail fails, may need personal service
  • Keep proof of service for court
6
Prepare for Your Hearing
1 hour prep
Get ready to present your case
  • Organize all evidence chronologically
  • Practice explaining your case in 5 minutes
  • Bring 3 copies of each document
  • Dress professionally
  • Arrive 30 minutes early
  • No attorneys allowed for either party

Skip the Courthouse Trip

Let PettyLawsuit handle all the paperwork and filing for you. We'll prepare your DC 84 form, file it with the court, and ensure proper service.

Plus court filing fees ($45-70)

Small Claims Filing Fees at 52nd District Court

Claims up to $600

Smallest disputes

$45

Claims $601 - $1,750

Mid-range disputes

$55

Claims $1,751 - $6,500

Maximum small claims

$70
Additional costs: Service by mail ($29), personal service ($35-50), garnishment ($45), and other post-judgment fees may apply.

Related 52nd District Court Resources

Frequently asked questions

What is the small claims limit at Novi 52nd District Court?

The small claims limit at the 52nd District Court in Novi, Michigan is $6,500. This increased from $6,000 in 2024. Claims between $6,501 and $25,000 must be filed as general civil cases with higher fees and more complex procedures.

Can I have a lawyer in small claims court in Novi?

No, attorneys are not allowed to represent parties in small claims court at the 52nd District Court. This rule keeps costs down and procedures simple. However, you can consult with an attorney before your hearing or use PettyLawsuit's service to prepare your case for just $29 plus court fees.

How long does small claims court take in Novi Michigan?

Small claims cases at the 52nd District Court typically resolve within 30-60 days from filing to judgment. After filing, the defendant has 14 days to respond, and hearings are usually scheduled within 2-4 weeks. This is much faster than general civil cases which can take 6-12 months.

What are the filing fees for small claims in Novi?

Small claims filing fees at the 52nd District Court are: $45 for claims up to $600, $55 for claims $601-$1,750, and $70 for claims $1,751-$6,500. Additional costs include service fees ($29-50) and any post-judgment collection fees. PettyLawsuit charges just $29 to handle all paperwork (court fees apply separately).

What types of cases can I file in Novi small claims court?

You can file these cases in Novi small claims: unpaid debts, property damage, breach of contract, security deposit disputes, defective goods or services, unpaid rent (landlords), auto accident damages (up to $6,500), and personal property disputes. You cannot file for divorce, eviction, slander/libel, or cases over $6,500.