Your financial situation shouldn’t affect your ability to seek justice through the Michigan court system. Unfortunately, there are some costs to filing a civil lawsuit. The good news is that you can ask the court to waive many filing fees in family law disputes and other civil matters. Other costs, such as attorney fees, vary depending on your choice of lawyer and other factors specific to your situation. Many law firms offer free or low-cost legal services to clients with limited resources, so don’t let your finances dictate your decision to file a civil suit.
Filing Fees for Michigan Civil Suits
Michigan courts charge filing fees for civil suits to pay their staff and maintain the systems that keep courts running. The specific fee amount varies depending on the case type, but some examples include:
- General Civil Filing Fee – $150. Required for most new civil cases. Courts can waive this fee for people who qualify as indigent (meaning they have few financial resources).
- Electronic Filing System Fee – $25. Applied to most civil filings submitted electronically. You can ask the court to waive this fee, along with the general civil filing fee.
- Jury Demand Fee – $85. Required if either party requests a jury in a civil trial. The plaintiff (the person filing a lawsuit) or defendant (the person being sued) can ask the courts to waive this fee.
- Motion Fee – $20. Charged when filing most motions, unless related to specific protection orders. Like most civil filing fees, the courts can waive this fee for people with few resources.
Other Costs in Civil Suits
One of the biggest expenses in a civil lawsuit is attorney’s fees. Lawyers may charge by the hour, bill a flat fee for specific tasks, or work on a contingency basis – especially in personal injury or some probate cases. Hourly rates vary based on the lawyer’s experience and the case’s complexity. Flat fees are more common for routine matters like uncontested divorces or drafting legal documents. A contingency fee means the lawyer charges no upfront fees and collects their payment from whatever compensation their client wins.
You might also be responsible for court costs in a civil suit, which can include fees for subpoenas, court reporters, transcripts, or service of process. If your case involves expert witnesses – such as medical professionals, financial analysts, or appraisers – you’ll likely need to pay for their time and testimony.
Some cases require mediation or arbitration fees, especially if the court orders it or both parties agree to alternative dispute resolution. You may also incur copying, mailing, or travel expenses related to your case.
You pay many of these costs upfront or as the case progresses, so it’s crucial to discuss them with your attorney early on and understand what’s included in their fee structure. Get your lawyer’s fee structure in writing to avoid confusion or disputes.
Contact Our Michigan Civil Law Attorneys
The costs associated with filing a civil lawsuit or pursuing other actions in Michigan courts can be hard to anticipate if you haven’t had much prior experience with the court system. Thankfully, when you work with an experienced attorney from Herbert Machnik Law Firm, you’ll find the requirements and procedures much less mystifying. Civil lawsuits are our focus, from family law disputes and estate law cases to employment and real estate law.
If you need legal representation for a Michigan civil suit, we’re happy to discuss your situation, explain our fees, and help you understand other potential costs your case might incur. Call now or complete our contact form for a confidential consultation.
