You must wait 21 days after your small claims judgment was signed before you can get a garnishment. There are three types of garnishment: 1) periodic, 2) nonperiodic, and 3) income tax intercept. Use the appropriate form MC 12, MC 13 or MC 52, Request and Writ for Garnishment, to start the garnishment process.
Be on your best behavior But be prepared to wait for your case to be called. Your judge will be hearing several other cases on the same day as yours. If your case is called and you are not there, the judge may dismiss it. Show respect to the judge by calling him or her “your honor." Don't use profanity.
Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.
The State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) is the administrative agency of the Michigan Supreme Court.