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Grand Rapids launches night court for small claims

Grand Rapids launches night court for small claims

New Capabilities Grand Rapids, MI local

61st District Court holds small claims hearings online after 5 p.m. once a month

October 5th, 2026: Grand Rapids announces Night Court

Overview

Updated Oct 26

Grand Rapids' 61st District Court now offers a monthly Night Court for small claims, starting at 5 p.m. on Zoom. The court announced the program Oct. 5, 2026, aimed at people who cannot take time off work or arrange transportation during regular hours.

Small claims cases involve money disputes up to $7,000. Parties represent themselves, and an attorney magistrate decides the case. Participants need a device with a camera and microphone, and the court says it will notify eligible parties with joining instructions. No session results or turnout figures have been reported yet.

Why it matters

Night court lets working people resolve disputes up to $7,000 without taking time off during business hours. If it works, other Michigan courts may follow.

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Key Indicators

$7,000
Small claims limit
Maximum amount for small claims cases in Michigan, raised from $6,500 in 2024.
$6,500
Previous small claims limit
Michigan's limit before the 2024 increase.

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People Involved

Bria Adderley-Williams
Bria Adderley-Williams
Magistrate presiding over Night Court small claims sessions
Presiding magistrate for 61st District Court Night Court

Organizations Involved

61st District Court
61st District Court
District Court
Launched night court program for small claims; also launched amnesty program, redesigned website, and Operation Drive

The 61st District Court serves Grand Rapids, handling small claims, civil, and criminal cases.

Timeline

January 2024 October 2026

2 events Latest: October 5th, 2026 · 1 month ago

  1. Grand Rapids announces Night Court

    Latest Launch

    The 61st District Court announces Night Court for small claims disputes up to $7,000. Sessions run once a month over Zoom at 5 p.m.

  2. Michigan small claims limit rises to $7,000

    Legal

    The small claims limit rose from $6,500 to $7,000 on Jan. 1, 2024, the last scheduled step of a 2012 law (Public Act 142) that raised it every three years from $5,000.

Scenarios

1

Grand Rapids Night Court expands to more sessions

Possible Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: No public predictions yet; court will review demand after initial sessions

If the initial night court sessions draw enough cases, the 61st District Court could add more evening sessions or expand to other case types. The court will likely review participation numbers after the first few months.

2

Grand Rapids Night Court scaled back after low turnout

Possible Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: No public predictions yet; court will review participation data

If few people use the night court sessions, the court could reduce the frequency or discontinue the program. Small claims cases are often settled or dropped, and demand for evening hours may be lower than expected.

3

Other Michigan courts adopt night court model

Possible Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: No public predictions yet; would follow Grand Rapids' results

If Grand Rapids' night court proves successful, other Michigan district courts could launch similar programs. The Michigan State Court Administrative Office has promoted access-to-justice initiatives.

Historical Context

One moment from history that rhymes with this story — and how it unfolded.

2024

Michigan small claims limit reaches $7,000 (2024)

A 2012 law (Public Act 142) raised Michigan's small claims limit in steps: $5,000 in 2012, $5,500 in 2015, $6,000 in 2018, $6,500 in 2021 and $7,000 on Jan. 1, 2024. Small claims cases do not allow lawyers.

Then

More Michigan residents could file claims up to $7,000 without hiring a lawyer.

Now

The 2024 step was the last one the law scheduled; the limit has stayed at $7,000 since.

Why this matters now

Night court adds evening hours to a small claims process that already covers disputes up to $7,000.

Sources

(8)
+2
WOODTV.com Michigan Legal Help DocDraft 61st District Court Newsroom MLive WGVU News grcourt.org grcourt.org