MICHIGAN STATEWIDE
Michigan Form DC 84, Affidavit and Claim (Small Claims)
Start a small claims case in Michigan to recover money you are owed — up to $7,000.
What is Form 000-BY used for?
Form DC 84 is the official Michigan form to file a small claims lawsuit in district court. You use it to swear under oath to the facts of your claim and identify the person or business that owes you money.
Get the court to schedule a hearing and, if the defendant does not appear or cannot defend, enter a money judgment in your favor.
A wrong defendant name or address can invalidate service and cause your case to be dismissed. Verify the defendant's legal name before filing — if they are a business, look up their registered name through the Michigan LARA business entity search.
Time, difficulty & who this form is for
Average time
20–40 minutes to complete
Difficulty
moderate
Best for
Individuals and small businesses seeking to recover money owed — up to $7,000 — through Michigan's informal small claims process.
What do I need before I start?
- The defendant's full legal name and current street address
- The exact dollar amount you are claiming (up to $7,000)
- Dates and a brief description of what happened
- Any supporting documents: receipts, contracts, texts, or photos
- A deputy court clerk or notary public to witness your signature
How the walkthrough is organized
Caption and Court Information
Identifies the court, the parties (plaintiff and defendant), and the case number assigned by the clerk.
Notice of Hearing
Court-use section setting the hearing date, time, and location — completed by the clerk after you file.
Affidavit and Claim
Your sworn statement: who you are, who you are suing, your relationship to the plaintiff (if signing for a business), the type of parties, the amount claimed, and the reasons for the claim.
Defendant Status Declarations
Your sworn statements about whether the defendant is an adult, mentally competent, and in the military — facts the court must have before the hearing.
Notary / Deputy Clerk Section
Completed by the deputy court clerk or notary public who witnesses your signature and certifies the affidavit.
Certificate of Service
Filled in after service — records how, when, and where the defendant was served with the affidavit and hearing notice, and who completed the service.
Acknowledgment of Service
An alternative to the Certificate of Service — completed by the defendant when they voluntarily acknowledge receiving the papers.
What happens after I complete it?
Answer the questions, review your document, then follow its official signing and delivery instructions. Downloading does not submit the form.
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