Civil Division

The 40th District Court Civil Division is composed of three distinct case types:

  • General Civil
  • Landlord/Tenant
  • Small Claims
  1. General Civil Cases

General Civil Cases:

  • Lawsuits involving $25,000 or less
  • Disputes between two or more parties
  • Everyone has the right to hire their own attorney
  • Everyone has the right to a jury trial (with the exception of small claims)
  • Everyone has the right to appeal, however small claims can only be appealed from Magistrate to a Judge; A Judge's ruling is final.
  • Corporations must be represented by an attorney

The Process of Starting A General Civil Suit:

  • Ensure proper party name and address
  • Prepare "Summons & Complaint" forms: MC01 & MC01a
  • Pay a filing fee (check, money order, cash)
  • Serve the defendant by certified mail or process server
  • Confirm the case is started in the correct District Court (defendant's city of residence or city in which the action took place)
  • 40th District Court serves the community of St. Clair Shores

Forms

  1. Landlord & Tenant
  1. Small Claims
  1. Forms & Resources
  1. Court Officers

Civil Court Fees

Per Michigan Court Rule 1.110: Fines, costs, and other financial obligations imposed by the court must be paid at the time of assessment, except when the court allows otherwise, for good cause shown.

Making Payments

In-Person

Payments can be made at the 40th District Court building during regular business hours or by using a payment kiosk and drop box at the front entrance. The kiosk and drop box are open for use 24/7.

Online

You can make an online payment to the court using ALLPAID

By Phone

The 24-hour telephone number is 866-211-0099, pay location code 6008.

More Information

  • Any checks returned for non-sufficient funds are subject to a service fee
  • General Civil, Small Claims, and Landlord/Tenant forms are universal and are available at most courts or online at the Michigan Supreme Court Website.
  • Landlord/Tenant information booklets are available through the Civil Division.
  1. General Filing Fees

Small Claims Filing Fee, MCL 600.8420(1)

Claim
Filing Fee
Up to $600$30
$601 - $1,750$50
$1,751 - $6,000$70
 **Add certified mailing fee $15/individual or $9/company


General Civil Filing Fee, MCL 600.8371

Claim
Filing Fee
Up to $600$35
$601 - $1,750$55
$1,751 - $10,000$75
Over $10,000 < $25,000$160


Filing Fee Other Than Money Judgment, MCL 600.8371(8)

Other than money damages / Claim & Deliver
$85 (add value of claim)
  1. Summary Proceedings
  1. Possession & Money Judgement
  1. Motion Fee
  1. Marriage Fee
  1. Jury Demand
  1. Writ of Restitution, Garnishment, Attachment, or Execution and each Judgment Debtor Discovery Subpoena
  1. Copy/Form Fees
  1. Appeal Fees