20TH DISTRICT COURT                                                                                  

25637 Michigan Avenue,  Dearborn Heights,  MI 48125                                                                  313.277.7480  

The 20th District Court has jurisdiction in civil cases where the amount in dispute is less than $25,000.  Generally an attorney will file the appropriate pleadings and remit a filing fee to begin the case.  However, plaintiffs do have the right to represent themselves.

Once the case is filed and served, the defendant has 21 days to respond after being served.  If the defendant does not respond with 21 days, the court may enter a default judgment on behalf of the plaintiff. When the defendant responds timely, a pre-trial date will be set before the judge.  Blank Pre-trial Statement

If the matter proceeds to trial, both the plaintiff and defendant will be allowed to present evidence and call witnesses.  A judge or a jury will make a determination in the case following the presentation of evidence and witness testimony.  Either party may request a jury trial, there is a jury fee.