88-2 District Court Civil Division
The District Court Civil Division has jurisdiction over General Civil cases up to $25,000, Small claims up to $6,000, Landlord/Tenant cases up to $25,000 and Land Contract Forfeiture cases.
Small Claims
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Pursuant to MCL 600.8401, the jurisdiction of the small claims division shall be confined to cases
for the recovery of money in which the amount claimed does not exceed the following:
Beginning January 1, 2015, $5,500.00.
Beginning January 1, 2018, $6,000.00.
Beginning January 1, 2021, $6,500.00
Beginning January 1, 2024, $7,000.00.
*Small claims shall be conducted by either judge or attorney magistrate
*No attorney representation permitted
*Attorneys shall not take part in the prosecution or defense of litigation (unless he/she is pursuing her own claim)
*Any party may file for removal to general civil division of the district court
*Attorneys are prohibited from participating in post judgment enforcement proceedings in the small claims division
Small claims form with instructions Click Here
General Civil Process
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If a civil dispute between parties involves a claim of under $25,000 the District Court handles these General
Civil matters. In a General Civil case both the plaintiff and defendant may be represented by an attorney.
Filing Fees vary with the amount of the claim.
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Landlord/Tenant & Land Contract Forfeiture
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The district court has jurisdiction over all landlord/tenant matters up to $25,000, including evictions and land contract forfeiture proceedings after the redemption period has passed.
Please visit the following links for self-help.
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Local Housing & Rental Assistance Resources -- Click Here ​
For a complete guide to landlord/tenant self-help -- Click Here
For land contract forfeiture self-help -- Click Here
Landlord/Tenant Request for 2nd Mailing -- Click Here
For landlord tenant and land contract forfeiture court forms -- Click Here
Advice of Rights and Information -- Click Here
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Process/Paper Service
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The 88th District Court, Montmorency County, utilizes the Montmorency County Sheriff’s Office for small
claims, general civil, landlord-tenant/land contract forfeiture paper service as well as Orders of Eviction.
Please contact Donna Baranyai at 989-785-4238 for arrangements.
Appointed Court Officer for Orders of Eviction or Property Seizures please call:
Rick Risk & Associates at 616-374-7170 or 989-255-8145
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The clerks of the court are not attorneys and are prohibited by law from providing legal advice.
Their responsibility includes accepting your filing and the fee associated with each claim.
Clerks are not allowed to offer any assistance to you in completing or processing your paperwork.