Information needed to take someone tocourt to recover debt. What are the steps I"m in Mich.?

Answer 1

You can sue easily in small claims court for a few thousand dollars. You must find the person and get a warrant served, price varies state to state, but let's say around $50 gets it served,
then you go before a judge, bring your evidence to court, and both sides tell the judge their story. The judge rules, selects payment amounts and dates.

Answer 2

Michigan is one of the better states in providing information about it's small claims court system.

Do a quick yahoo search for "small claims court Michigan" and you will be shown several sites with basic information.

Remember that in Michigan, Small Claims only handles cases up to $3000. More then that you have to go to district court. That gets a bit more complicated and it's recommended (not required) that you get a lawyer.

But Small Claims is very simple. The forms can be downloaded and printed out. Fill them out and go to the county court and file them. The cost will depend on how much your suit is for.

Then you have to serve the papers on the person you are suing. That can be done by either hiring a process server (around $50), or having an "uninterested adult" who is not a family member or a party to the lawsuit serve them. They can also be sent by certified mail, return receipt.

After that you just shop up to court, present your case to the judge/magistrate and let him decide.

Just read the web sites. Trust me, Michigan is very consumer friendly in their small claims system. But you have to understand how it works.

Answer 3

Depends on the amount. Check the laws in your state. There is small claims court that you can handle yourself. The filing is fairly simple and the court fees are less than $100.00.

If you are owed a large amount, you will probably need a lawyer to handle it.

Answer 4

go to the local courthouse, and ask for the court clerk. they'll hook you up.