In Michigan most civil matters are heard in District Court or Circuit Court.  The main difference between the two is in the types of cases heard, the amount of money involved and how quickly the cases move through the system. 

• Generally claims over $25,000.00 are heard in the Circuit Court; claims of $25,000.00 and under are normally handled by the District Court.

• Small claims (disputes between parties who are not represented by an attorney and that involve less than $3,000.00) are handled by the District Court.

• Generally cases move through District Court quicker than Circuit Court. District Court cases tend to be resolved in less than one year, often in a matter of months.  Circuit Court cases will typically take a year or more to resolve.