Pontiac District Court Small Claims
File cases up to $6,500 with no attorneys allowed. Quick resolution in 30-60 days at the 50th District Court in Pontiac, Michigan.
Court Information
- 70 North Saginaw Street, Pontiac, MI 48342
- (248) 758-3810
- Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Quick Facts
- Maximum claim: $6,500
- No attorneys allowed
- Resolution in 30-60 days
Understanding Small Claims Limits at 50th District Court
- No attorneys allowed
- Simplified procedures
- Lower filing fees ($45-70)
- Quick resolution (30-60 days)
- Attorneys permitted
- Formal procedures
- Higher fees ($175-280)
- Longer timeline (6-12 months)
- Complex litigation
- Attorney recommended
- Highest filing fees
- Oakland County Circuit Court
Cases You Can File in Pontiac Small Claims Court
- Unpaid Debts
Loans, unpaid bills, IOUs up to $6,500
- Property Damage
Car accidents, home damage, personal property
- Breach of Contract
Broken agreements, unfulfilled services
- Security Deposits
Unreturned rental deposits
- Defective Products
Faulty goods, poor workmanship
- Unpaid Rent (Landlords)
Back rent owed by tenants
- Claims Over $6,500
Must file in general civil division
- Evictions
Landlord-tenant evictions need special court
- Divorce/Family Law
Family court jurisdiction required
- Defamation
Slander, libel cases not allowed
- Criminal Matters
Criminal cases handled separately
- Title to Real Estate
Property ownership disputes
How to File Small Claims at 50th District Court
Step 1: Verify Your Claim Amount
Ensure your claim is $6,500 or less. If over, you'll need to file in general civil division.
Step 2: Complete Form DC 84
Fill out the Small Claims Affidavit and Claim with defendant info and case details.
Step 3: File at the Courthouse
Submit forms at 70 North Saginaw Street, Pontiac, MI 48342 or use PettyLawsuit online.
Step 4: Pay Filing Fee
Pay $45-70 based on claim amount. PettyLawsuit charges $29 additional for service.
Step 5: Serve the Defendant
Have defendant served by certified mail ($29) or court officer ($35-50).
Step 6: Attend Your Hearing
Appear at scheduled hearing with all evidence. No attorneys allowed.
Why No Attorneys in Small Claims Court?
Level Playing Field
The no-attorney rule ensures both parties have equal representation, preventing one side from having an unfair advantage through legal counsel.
Lower Costs
Without attorney fees, small claims court remains affordable for everyone. Most cases cost under $100 to file and serve.
Faster Resolution
Simplified procedures mean cases resolve in 30-60 days instead of months or years with formal litigation.
Informal Process
Judges help both parties present their cases. You tell your story in plain English without complex legal procedures.
Ready to File Your Small Claim in Pontiac?
Skip the courthouse visit and file online with PettyLawsuit. We handle all the paperwork for the 50th District Court.
Related 50th District Court Resources
Frequently asked questions
What is the small claims limit at Pontiac 50th District Court?
The small claims limit at the 50th District Court in Pontiac, 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 Pontiac?
No, attorneys are not allowed to represent parties in small claims court at the 50th 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 Pontiac Michigan?
Small claims cases at the 50th 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 Pontiac?
Small claims filing fees at the 50th 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 Pontiac small claims court?
You can file these cases in Pontiac 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.