40th District Court 

Welcome to the 40th District Court 

The 40th District Court proudly serves the community of St. Clair Shores, ensuring justice with fairness, integrity, and efficiency. Our mission is to uphold the law while providing exemplary service to all who come before us. 

Our Services 

• Criminal Cases: Handling misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary examinations for felony cases. 

• Civil Cases: Managing general civil cases, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims where the amount in dispute is $25,000 or less. 

• Traffic and Parking Violations: Overseeing all traffic and parking violations and other civil infractions. 

Civil Division Case Types 

The 40th District Court Civil Division is composed of three distinct case types: 

• General Civil: For disputes involving claims up to $25,000. 

• Landlord/Tenant: Handling disputes between landlords and tenants. 

• Small Claims: Addressing small claims matters efficiently and fairly. 

Process of Starting a General Civil Suit 

1. Ensure proper party name and address. 

1. Prepare “Summons & Complaint” forms: MC01 & MC01a. 

1. Pay a filing fee (check, money order, cash). 

1. Serve the defendant by certified mail or process server. 

1. Confirm the case is started in the correct District Court (defendant’s city of residence or city where the action took place). 

Our Commitment 

The 40th District Court is dedicated to: 

• Justice: Ensuring every case is heard impartially and fairly, upholding the rights of all parties. 

• Community Service: Providing accessible and responsive services to meet the needs of the St. Clair Shores community. 

• Efficiency: Streamlining court processes to deliver timely resolutions of cases. 

• Transparency: Offering clear and accessible information about court procedures and decisions to the public. 

Judges 

The 40th District Court is served by two dedicated judges who are committed to upholding justice and ensuring fair treatment for all.