78th District Court - Lake County
Filing information for 78th District Court - Lake County in Baldwin, MI. Part of the Lake County small claims court system.
Small claims in Michigan — the numbers that apply at this court
$7,000
maximum claim
from $30
filing fee (published, varies by claim)
3–6 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Michigan small claims guide · The form that starts a case (DC 84): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
78th District Court - Lake County
800 Tenth St, Suite 300
Baldwin, MI 49304
Mailing Address
800 Tenth St, Suite 300
Baldwin, MI 49304
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Area Served
Lake County
How to File at 78th District Court - Lake County
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: E-filing is available through the statewide MiFILE system for Michigan courts.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Michigan
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $7,000.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
6 yrs written contract · 6 yrs oral contract · 3 yrs property damage · 3 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at 78th District Court - Lake County?
Filing fees in Michigan are set by the state and run from $30 to $70, depending on how much you're claiming. If you can't afford the fee, Michigan offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Lake County?
Small claims cases in Lake County are limited to $7,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online at 78th District Court - Lake County?
Electronic filing exists here, but the record indicates it isn't open to people representing themselves — it's for attorneys. Plan to file in person or by mail, and ask the clerk whether that's still the case.
Where is 78th District Court - Lake County, and when is it open?
78th District Court - Lake County is at 800 Tenth St, Suite 300, Baldwin, MI 49304. Posted hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Phone: (231) 745-4614. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Baldwin?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.