Oakland County 48th District Court
Complete Guide to Court Services, Filing Procedures & Legal Resources for Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield Township, and Surrounding Communities
The 48th District Court is one of the busiest district courts in Oakland County, Michigan, serving a population of over 200,000 residents across five municipalities. Established to provide accessible justice for local communities, this court plays a crucial role in the Oakland County judicial system.
The court is presided over by multiple judges who handle thousands of cases annually, including civil disputes, criminal matters, traffic violations, and small claims. The 48th District Court is known for its efficient case management system and commitment to providing fair and timely justice to all parties.
Court Leadership
- • Chief Judge presides over court administration
- • Multiple judges handle various case types
- • Magistrates assist with small claims and traffic matters
- • Court administrator manages daily operations
Oakland County 48th District Court has territorial jurisdiction over five municipalities in western Oakland County:
Primary Jurisdictions
- Bloomfield Township
Population: ~44,000
- West Bloomfield Township
Population: ~65,000
Additional Jurisdictions
- City of Keego Harbor
Small lakeside community
- City of Orchard Lake Village
Exclusive residential area
- City of Sylvan Lake
Small lakefront community
Civil Cases
- General Civil: Up to $25,000
- Small Claims: Up to $6,500
- Landlord-Tenant: Evictions & disputes
- Land Contract: Forfeiture cases
Criminal Cases
- Misdemeanors: Up to 1 year jail
- Traffic Violations: Civil infractions
- Ordinance Violations: Local laws
- Felony Arraignments: Initial hearings
Small Claims Filing Process
- 1Determine Eligibility: Claim must be under $6,500 and defendant must live or do business in court's jurisdiction
- 2Complete Forms: Fill out affidavit and claim form with detailed information
- 3Pay Filing Fee: Fees range from $30-$100 based on claim amount
- 4Serve Defendant: Court will mail notice or you can arrange personal service
- 5Attend Hearing: Present your case to the judge or magistrate
General Civil Filing
For claims between $6,500 and $25,000, file in the general civil division:
- File complaint with detailed allegations and damages
- Pay $175 filing fee plus service costs
- Arrange for proper service on all defendants
- Comply with discovery and pre-trial procedures
Available Services
- • Case filing and document submission
- • Court records and case lookup
- • Payment processing (fines, fees, restitution)
- • Certified copies of court documents
- • Notary services (limited hours)
- • Interpreter services (by appointment)
Self-Help Resources
- • Forms and instructions available online
- • Court clerk assistance (cannot give legal advice)
- • Law library access (limited)
- • Mediation services for eligible cases
- • Payment plan options for fines
- • Community service alternatives
Critical Filing Deadlines
- • Small Claims: 3 years for contract disputes, 3 years for property damage
- • Personal Injury: 3 years from date of injury
- • Property Damage: 3 years from date of damage
- • Written Contracts: 6 years from breach
- • Answer to Complaint: 21 days (28 days if served by mail)
- • Appeal District Court: 21 days from judgment
Court Address
4280 Telegraph Road
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Phone Numbers
Main: (248) 858-0344
Civil Division: (248) 858-0344
Criminal/Traffic: (248) 858-0344
Court Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed weekends & holidays
Mailing Address
Same as court address
Include case number if applicable
Small Claims Fees
- Up to $600:$30
- $600.01 - $1,750:$50
- $1,750.01 - $3,500:$70
- $3,500.01 - $6,500:$100
General Civil Fees
- Filing complaint:$175
- Jury demand:$100
- Motion fee:$20
Additional Costs
- Service by mail:$15
- Personal service:Varies
- Certified copies:$10
Parking
- • Free parking available
- • Handicap spaces near entrance
- • Overflow parking in rear lot
Accessibility
- • Wheelchair accessible entrance
- • Elevator to all floors
- • ADA compliant courtrooms
- • Assistive listening devices available
Security
- • Metal detectors at entrance
- • No weapons allowed
- • Bag inspection required
Need Help with Oakland County 48th District Court?
Our legal filing experts can help you navigate the court system, prepare your documents, and ensure your case is filed correctly at Oakland County 48th District Court.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oakland County 48th District Court
Oakland County 48th District Court has jurisdiction over Bloomfield Township, City of Keego Harbor, City of Orchard Lake Village, City of Sylvan Lake, and West Bloomfield Township in Oakland County, Michigan. The court handles civil cases up to $25,000, small claims up to $6,500, criminal misdemeanors, traffic violations, and landlord-tenant disputes.
Small claims filing fees at Oakland County 48th District Court are based on the amount of your claim: $30 for claims up to $600, $50 for claims between $600.01-$1,750, $70 for claims between $1,750.01-$3,500, and $100 for claims between $3,500.01-$6,500. Additional fees may apply for service of process.
Oakland County 48th District Court is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The court is closed on weekends and all legal holidays. It's recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to ensure sufficient time for filing documents or making payments.
Oakland County 48th District Court is located at 4280 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302. The courthouse is situated on Telegraph Road (US-24) near the intersection with Long Lake Road. Free parking is available on-site with handicap accessible spaces near the main entrance.
Oakland County 48th District Court accepts some filings electronically through the Michigan Courts e-filing system for attorneys. Self-represented litigants typically need to file documents in person or by mail. Contact the court clerk at (248) 858-0344 to confirm which documents can be filed electronically and which require in-person submission.