How to Fill Out Michigan Form DC 100c (w/Examples) + FAQs

Michigan Form DC 100c is the Complaint to Recover Possession of Property — Land Contract, the official State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) pleading a land contract seller (the vendor) files in district court to forfeit a buyer’s (the vendee’s) interest under MCL 600.5726 when the buyer defaults. Filing this form starts a summary proceedings case that, if granted, ends with a judgment of possession and a writ of restitution that puts the seller back on the property.

Michigan district courts handle roughly 200,000 landlord-tenant and land contract summary proceedings filings each year, and the State Court Administrative Office reports that procedural defects — wrong notice, missing attachments, or sloppy DC 100c entries — account for a meaningful share of dismissals. A botched DC 100c can cost a seller months of payments and force a refile from scratch, so precision matters.

• 📝 How to complete every box on DC 100c using the exact field names printed on the SCAO form.
• 🏛️ Where the form fits inside Michigan’s Summary Proceedings Act and MCR 4.202.
• 💵 Current 2026 filing fees, service costs, and the consequences of late or short payment.
• 📬 All filing channels — in person, by mail, and through MiFILE — with proof-of-filing tips.
• ⚠️ The 12 most common DC 100c mistakes and how to avoid each one before the clerk rejects your packet.

What Form DC 100c Is and Who Must File It

Form DC 100c is the SCAO-approved Complaint to Recover Possession of Property — Land Contract used to start a forfeiture action in the Michigan district court where the property sits. The form converts the seller’s contractual right to forfeit into a court-ordered remedy under the Summary Proceedings Act, MCL 600.5701 et seq.. The most recent SCAO revision date appears in the lower-left corner of the PDF, and you should always download a fresh copy from the SCAO form library so you are filing the current version.

The seller, an authorized agent, or the seller’s attorney signs DC 100c. A property manager may sign only if the manager is an officer of the entity that holds title or has a written agency authorization. Corporations, LLCs, and trusts must generally appear through a licensed attorney under MCR 2.117, although a member or officer may sign the complaint itself.

The form is not the right pleading for a nonpayment-of-rent eviction (use DC 102c), a termination-of-tenancy holdover (use DC 100a), or a health-hazard expedited eviction (use DC 100a with the appropriate notice). Filing the wrong DC 100-series form is the single most common reason a clerk refuses a packet at intake.

If you signed a Notice of Forfeiture of Land Contract under MCL 600.5728, waited the required 15 days, and the buyer still has not cured, DC 100c is the form that brings the dispute into court. The case caption reads “Plaintiff” for the seller and “Defendant” for the buyer and any other person in possession.

Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need

Pull every document below before you open the PDF, because missing even one item usually triggers a rejection or, worse, a dismissal at the first hearing. The clerk will not chase you for paperwork, and the judge will not bend the statute.

• Recorded land contract — you need the legal description, parties’ names, and execution date. Without it, the property cannot be identified for the writ of restitution.
• Notice of Forfeiture (DC 100c-style notice) — required under MCL 600.5728; without it, the case is dismissed for failure to state a claim.
• Proof of service of the forfeiture notice — usually a certificate of mailing or personal-service affidavit dated at least 15 days before filing.
• Payment ledger — every payment received, every missed payment, and any taxes or insurance the seller advanced; the court uses this to set the redemption amount.
• Property tax and insurance records — if the buyer was supposed to pay taxes or insurance and did not, you may add those to the amount due.
• Government-issued ID and contact info for the seller — required for the verification block and for any electronic-filing account.
• Defendant’s last known address and any other adult occupant’s name — needed for service under MCR 4.201(D).
• Filing fee in the correct amount — currently \$45 for most district courts in 2026 under MCL 600.8371, plus service costs.
• Legal description of the property — the metes-and-bounds or platted description from the recorded contract or deed; the street address alone is not enough.
• Any prior court orders — bankruptcy stays, prior consent judgments, or probate orders that touch the property.

If the buyer has filed bankruptcy, stop. Filing DC 100c in violation of the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362 can trigger sanctions. Get stay relief first.

Where to Get the Form and How to Access It

The only authoritative source for DC 100c is the SCAO form library, which posts the current fillable PDF. Third-party “form mills” often host outdated revisions, and using a stale version is a common reason clerks bounce filings. The PDF works in any modern browser and in Adobe Acrobat Reader, and the fillable fields auto-format dates and dollar amounts.

You can also obtain the form at the counter of any district court clerk’s office or through Michigan Legal Help’s Do-It-Yourself Eviction tool, which guides self-represented sellers through an interview and outputs a completed DC 100c. The DIY tool is free and updated when SCAO revises the form.

If you e-file, the form lives inside the MiFILE portal as a fillable template. MiFILE is mandatory in most Michigan trial courts in 2026 under Administrative Order 2022-3, so most filers no longer hand the clerk a paper form. Sellers without a computer can use a public-access terminal at the courthouse self-help center.

Whichever channel you choose, save a clean blank copy and a working draft. The clean copy is your fallback if the working draft corrupts; the working draft is what you edit and refile after a clerk’s notice of correction.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form DC 100c Line by Line

The form is one page front, with a verification and a summons on the back. Work top to bottom, left to right, and never skip a box, even if it seems obvious. Use BLACK INK on paper or type directly into the fillable PDF; blue ink and pencil are routinely rejected.

Court Information Header (Top of Form)

The header reads “STATE OF MICHIGAN, JUDICIAL DISTRICT, JUDICIAL CIRCUIT.” You enter the judicial district number of the district court where the property sits, not where the seller lives. Marcus Bell writing 36th for a Detroit property is correct because Detroit is the 36th District.

Format the entry as the numeric district followed by no period (e.g., 36th or 15th). Edge case: if the property straddles two districts (rare but possible in border parcels), file in the district where the larger portion lies and attach a short venue statement. The most common mistake is leaving this blank because the filer assumes the clerk will fill it in; the clerk will not, and the packet comes back. The misconception that “any district court works” is wrong — venue is mandatory under MCR 4.201(B)(2).

Court Address and Telephone Box

This box wants the street address and phone number of the district court itself, not the seller. The current address list lives on the Michigan Courts directory.

Enter the full street, city, and ZIP. Marcus Bell writes 421 Madison Ave., Detroit, MI 48226 for the 36th District Court. If the court has multiple courthouses (Oakland County’s 52nd District has four divisions), use the division that covers the property’s city. The common mistake is using a P.O. box for the court; courts publish street addresses for service of process. The misconception that this box is “the seller’s address” misreads the form — the seller’s information goes in the plaintiff block below.

CASE NO. Box

Leave the CASE NO. box blank. The clerk stamps the case number when the complaint is accepted, and writing your own number guarantees a rejection.

If you are refiling after a dismissal, do not reuse the old case number; a refile is a new case. Aisha Carter once wrote a prior case number “to help the clerk find the file,” and the 41B District Court bounced the packet for “improper case caption.” The misconception that the seller “claims” a number by writing it in is the most common rookie error.

Plaintiff’s Name, Address, and Telephone

Enter the seller exactly as named on the recorded land contract. If the contract names “Bell Family Trust dated June 1, 2008,” the plaintiff is the trust, not Marcus personally.

Use the seller’s current mailing address (a P.O. box is acceptable for the plaintiff, unlike for the court). Marcus Bell, Trustee, Bell Family Trust, P.O. Box 412, Royal Oak, MI 48068, (248) 555-0144 is a clean entry. Edge case: if the contract has been assigned, the plaintiff is the current assignee, and you should attach the recorded assignment. The most common mistake is naming an LLC’s manager personally; the LLC is the plaintiff. The misconception that “the person collecting payments” is the plaintiff misses that title and contract rights — not collection — define the proper party.

Plaintiff’s Attorney Block

If an attorney represents the seller, enter the attorney’s name, P-number, firm, address, and phone. Self-represented sellers write In Pro Per across the block.

Janet Liu, P-67890, Liu Law PLLC, 100 Main St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104, (734) 555-0199 is the standard format. Edge case: a limited-scope attorney who only drafted the complaint signs as drafter and notes “Limited Scope — MCR 2.117(B)(2)(c).” Common mistake: leaving the block blank when an attorney is involved, which voids electronic service. Misconception: paralegals cannot sign here; only the licensed attorney’s name and P-number belong.

Defendant’s Name and Address

Enter every adult occupant in possession, not just the named buyer. Under MCR 4.201(B)(3)(b), an unnamed adult is not bound by the judgment.

Diego Ramirez and Sofia Ramirez, 1782 Oak Lane, Warren, MI 48089 is correct if both spouses signed the contract. Edge case: if you do not know a co-occupant’s name, list “John Doe” or “Jane Doe” and amend after discovery. Common mistake: omitting an adult child who has lived there for years; the writ of restitution will not reach that person and a second case becomes necessary. Misconception: “tenants” of the buyer are sub-vendees, not tenants, and naming them as “tenants” can confuse service.

Item 1 — Description of the Premises

Enter the complete legal description plus the common street address. The legal description comes straight off the recorded land contract or the Register of Deeds.

Lot 14, Block 3, Sunnybrook Subdivision, City of Warren, Macomb County, Michigan, as recorded in Liber 42, Page 17. Commonly known as 1782 Oak Lane, Warren, MI 48089. That is what Marcus writes. Edge case: metes-and-bounds descriptions can run several lines — attach an “Exhibit A” and write “see attached Exhibit A” in the box. Common mistake: writing only the street address; the writ cannot direct a court officer to a parcel without a legal description, and the judgment may be unenforceable. Misconception: a tax parcel ID alone is not a legal description.

Item 2 — The Land Contract

Check the box and enter the contract date, the original parties, and the recording information if recorded. Land contract dated June 1, 2018, between Bell Family Trust (seller) and Diego and Sofia Ramirez (buyers), recorded in Macomb County Register of Deeds, Liber 8821, Page 442.

Edge case: an unrecorded contract is still enforceable but you must attach the original or a certified copy. Common mistake: listing the wrong execution date because the buyer signed later than the seller; use the latest signature date. Misconception: assignment of the contract does not change the contract date — it changes the plaintiff.

Item 3 — Default and Amount Due

Itemize every category of default: unpaid principal, unpaid interest, unpaid taxes, unpaid insurance, late fees, and any other contractual charges. Total each line and show the grand total.

Principal in arrears: \$3,200. Interest: \$486.50. Property taxes advanced by seller: \$1,840. Late fees: \$150. Total due: \$5,676.50, as of May 1, 2026. That is the level of detail the court expects. Edge case: if the default is non-monetary (failure to insure, waste, illegal use), describe it specifically and cite the contract paragraph. Common mistake: lumping everything into one number — the buyer can challenge the lump sum and force a hearing on the breakdown. Misconception: attorney fees are not automatically recoverable; only fees authorized by the contract or statute go on this line.

Item 4 — Notice of Forfeiture

Check the box confirming a Notice of Forfeiture was served, enter the date served, and attach the notice plus proof of service. The 15-day cure period in MCL 600.5728 must have expired before you file.

Notice of Forfeiture served by certified mail and first-class mail on April 10, 2026; cure period expired April 25, 2026. Edge case: if the notice was served by posting because the buyer evaded service, attach the posting affidavit. Common mistake: filing on day 15 instead of day 16; courts dismiss premature filings. Misconception: a phone call or email does not satisfy the notice statute, no matter how clear the conversation.

Item 5 — Relief Requested

Check the boxes for possession, money judgment for the amount due, costs, and any other relief authorized by the contract. The amount you write here must match Item 3.

Plaintiff requests judgment for possession, \$5,676.50 plus interest and costs, and reasonable attorney fees as provided in paragraph 14 of the contract. Edge case: if you want a money judgment only if the buyer fails to redeem, say so explicitly. Common mistake: requesting eviction damages under MCL 600.5739 — those are for landlord-tenant cases, not land contract forfeitures. Misconception: the court cannot award you the property’s market value; the remedy is forfeiture and possession, not damages for loss of bargain.

Verification (Bottom of Form)

The plaintiff or the plaintiff’s attorney signs under penalty of perjury. The form is verified, not just signed, which means false statements expose the signer to perjury under MCL 750.423.

Marcus Bell, Trustee, /s/ Marcus Bell, May 5, 2026. Edge case: an out-of-state plaintiff may sign before a notary in another state, and the notarization travels under the Uniform Recognition of Acknowledgments Act. Common mistake: a property manager signing without written authority — the verification fails and the case is dismissed. Misconception: an electronic signature in MiFILE is sufficient; you do not need a separate notarization for the verification when filed through MiFILE under MCR 1.109(E).

Summons (Reverse Side)

The clerk completes the summons block, but you fill in the defendant’s address and the return date if your court requires it. The summons commands the defendant to appear within the time set by MCR 4.201(C)(1).

Diego and Sofia Ramirez, 1782 Oak Lane, Warren, MI 48089; appearance date June 2, 2026. Edge case: if the defendant lives outside Michigan, longer service windows apply. Common mistake: writing a return date sooner than 10 days after service. Misconception: the seller serves the summons; in Michigan, service is by a court officer, sheriff, or process server, not the plaintiff personally.

Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios

Each scenario walks one named seller through DC 100c from header to verification. Use these as templates, but always tailor the legal description and amounts to your own contract.

Scenario 1 — Marcus Bell, Trust Seller, Nonpayment of Principal

Form Section	What Marcus Enters
Judicial District	37th (Warren/Center Line)
Court Address	8300 Common Rd., Warren, MI 48093
Plaintiff	Bell Family Trust dated 6/1/2008, P.O. Box 412, Royal Oak, MI 48068
Attorney	In Pro Per
Defendant	Diego Ramirez and Sofia Ramirez, 1782 Oak Lane, Warren, MI 48089
Item 1 — Premises	Lot 14, Block 3, Sunnybrook Sub., recorded Liber 42 Page 17; 1782 Oak Lane
Item 3 — Amount Due	\$5,676.50 (principal \$3,200; interest \$486.50; taxes \$1,840; late fees \$150)
Item 4 — Notice	Served 4/10/2026 by certified and first-class mail; expired 4/25/2026
Item 5 — Relief	Possession, money judgment, costs, attorney fees per ¶14
Verification	/s/ Marcus Bell, Trustee, 5/5/2026

Scenario 2 — Aisha Carter, Individual Seller, Tax and Insurance Default

Form Section	What Aisha Enters
Judicial District	61st (Grand Rapids)
Court Address	180 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Plaintiff	Aisha Carter, 22 Lake St., Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Attorney	Janet Liu, P-67890, Liu Law PLLC
Defendant	Jordan Pierce, 905 Maple Dr., Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Item 1 — Premises	Lot 7, Maplewood Plat No. 2, Liber 31 Page 88; 905 Maple Dr.
Item 2 — Contract	Land contract dated 9/15/2020; recorded Kent County Liber 9942 Page 12
Item 3 — Amount Due	\$4,210.00 (taxes advanced \$2,860; insurance advanced \$1,200; late fees \$150)
Item 4 — Notice	Served 3/20/2026 personally; expired 4/4/2026
Item 5 — Relief	Possession, \$4,210 plus interest, costs, attorney fees

Scenario 3 — Riverbend LLC, Entity Seller, Waste and Illegal Use

Form Section	What Riverbend’s Attorney Enters
Judicial District	14A-1 (Washtenaw — Pittsfield)
Court Address	4133 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Plaintiff	Riverbend Holdings LLC, 500 Industrial Pkwy., Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Attorney	Carlos Nguyen, P-71234, Nguyen Legal Group
Defendant	Travis Hooper and all other occupants, 14 Birch Ct., Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Item 1 — Premises	Parcel 11-22-300-014; metes and bounds — see Exhibit A; 14 Birch Ct.
Item 3 — Default	Non-monetary: removal of fixtures, unpermitted demolition, illegal short-term rentals
Item 4 — Notice	Served 4/1/2026 by personal service; expired 4/16/2026
Item 5 — Relief	Possession, costs, attorney fees, and damages for waste under contract ¶22
Verification	/s/ Carlos Nguyen, attorney for plaintiff, 5/2/2026

How to File the Completed Form

You can file DC 100c three ways, and the channel often depends on whether the court is a MiFILE court. As of 2026, the vast majority of Michigan district courts require electronic filing.

Online via MiFILE. Create an account at mifile.courts.michigan.gov, select your court, upload the completed DC 100c plus all attachments as text-searchable PDFs, and pay by credit card or e-check. The 2026 statutory filing fee is \$45 under MCL 600.8371, plus a small e-filing system fee. MiFILE issues a stamped Notice of Electronic Filing within minutes — that notice is your proof of filing, and you should download and save it.

In person. Bring three copies (original plus two) to the district court clerk where the property sits. Pay the \$45 fee by cash, check, or card depending on the court. The clerk stamps your copies and hands one back as proof of filing. Service of the summons follows within the time required by MCR 4.201(C)(2).

By mail. Some non-MiFILE courts accept mailed filings. Send the original plus two copies, a check payable to the court, and a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can mail back a stamped copy. Use certified mail with return receipt as your proof. Processing time runs 3–7 business days, longer than e-filing.

In every channel, ask the clerk (or the MiFILE confirmation) for the case number and first hearing date, because those drive your service deadlines under MCR 4.201(C).

What Happens After You File

Once the clerk accepts DC 100c, the court issues a summons (DC 104) and sets a first hearing, typically within 10 to 21 days. A court officer, sheriff, or licensed process server must serve the defendant under MCR 2.105, and the server files a return of service.

At the first hearing, the buyer may pay the redemption amount, contest the case, or fail to appear. If the buyer redeems, the case ends and the contract continues. If the buyer contests, the court schedules a trial under MCR 4.201(J).

If the seller wins, the court enters a judgment of possession with a redemption period — usually 90 days for contracts paid less than 50%, and six months for contracts paid 50% or more, per MCL 600.5744. The buyer can pay the full judgment within that window and keep the property.

If the redemption period passes without payment, the seller asks the clerk for a writ of restitution (DC 107). A court officer executes the writ, removes the buyer, and returns possession to the seller. The seller may then resell, refinance, or occupy the property.

Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form

Each error below is one that district court clerks see week after week, and each one carries a specific consequence.

• Using the wrong DC 100-series form — the clerk rejects the packet at intake, costing days.
• Filing before the 15-day forfeiture notice cure period expires — the case is dismissed for prematurity.
• Skipping the legal description and writing only the street address — the writ of restitution is unenforceable.
• Lumping all default amounts into one number — the buyer challenges the total and forces an evidentiary hearing.
• Naming the wrong plaintiff (member instead of LLC, or assignor instead of assignee) — the case is dismissed for lack of standing.
• Omitting an adult occupant from the defendant block — that occupant is not bound and you have to refile.
• Writing a case number on the form — the clerk treats it as an attempt to game the docket and rejects it.
• Using a P.O. box for the court’s address — the form fails facial review.
• Forgetting to attach the Notice of Forfeiture and proof of service — the complaint fails to state a claim.
• Mismatched amounts between Item 3 and Item 5 — the judge will not enter judgment for an unsupported sum.
• Signing without verifying under penalty of perjury — the verification fails and the case is dismissed.
• Filing in the wrong district — venue is mandatory and the court dismisses without prejudice, but you lose the filing fee in many courts.

Do’s and Don’ts

These quick rules sit on top of the line-by-line walkthrough and prevent the most common rookie errors.

• Do download a fresh PDF from the SCAO form library every time, because revisions happen quietly.
• Do use the exact party names from the recorded contract, because the writ tracks the caption.
• Do itemize every dollar in Item 3, because judges enter judgment line by line.
• Do attach the Notice of Forfeiture and proof of service, because the statute requires both.
• Do save the MiFILE confirmation PDF, because that is your only proof of filing in an e-filed case.
• Do check venue on the Michigan Courts directory, because filing in the wrong court wastes a fee.
• Don’t sign in blue ink on a paper filing; many clerks reject anything but black ink.
• Don’t estimate the amount due; pull the ledger and use real numbers.
• Don’t name the property manager as plaintiff; the title holder is the plaintiff.
• Don’t use a phone-call or email “notice” instead of the statutory written notice.
• Don’t skip the verification block; an unverified complaint is a nullity.
• Don’t assume e-filing waives service; you still need a court officer or process server.

Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help

Sellers often ask whether to handle DC 100c pro se or hire counsel. The right answer depends on entity type, complexity, and risk tolerance.

Pros of filing on your own:

• Lower out-of-pocket cost, because you pay only the \$45 filing fee.
• Faster turnaround, because you control the calendar.
• Direct knowledge of the contract, because you negotiated and signed it.
• Use of free tools like Michigan Legal Help, which guide individuals (not entities) through the form.
• Personal credibility in court, because judges sometimes give pro se filers extra latitude on minor formatting.

Cons of filing on your own:

• Entities (LLC, corporation, trust) generally cannot appear pro se in court hearings under MCR 2.117.
• Procedural mistakes can dismiss the case, costing months.
• Calculating redemption periods under MCL 600.5744 is unforgiving when the percentage paid is close to 50%.
• Contested hearings turn on evidence rules a non-lawyer rarely knows.
• Bankruptcy stays, probate complications, and quiet-title issues can blow up a forfeiture quickly.

FAQs

Is DC 100c the same form as DC 100a or DC 102c?

No. DC 100a and DC 100b are termination-of-tenancy and health-hazard forms, and DC 102c is for nonpayment of rent. DC 100c is only for land contract forfeiture under MCL 600.5728.

Can I file DC 100c without serving a Notice of Forfeiture first?

No. Michigan law requires a written Notice of Forfeiture and a 15-day cure period before any DC 100c filing. Filing early gets the case dismissed.

Do I write my own name or my LLC’s name as plaintiff?

No. Use the entity that holds the seller’s interest under the recorded land contract, not the individual member or manager. Naming the wrong plaintiff defeats standing.

Should I list every adult living at the property as a defendant?

Yes. Adults in possession who are not named are not bound by the writ. Add “John Doe” or “Jane Doe” if names are unknown.

Do I need a legal description in Item 1, or is the street address enough?

No. A street address alone is not enough. Use the full legal description from the recorded contract, and add “Exhibit A” if it is too long for the box.

Can I include attorney fees in Item 3?

Yes, but only if the contract or a statute authorizes them. Without a contract clause, the court will strike the fee request.

Is the 15-day notice period the same as a 30-day notice for tenancy?

No. Forfeiture uses 15 days under MCL 600.5728, and termination of tenancy uses 30 days under MCL 600.5714. They are different statutes for different cases.

Can I e-file DC 100c through MiFILE?

Yes. Most Michigan district courts now require MiFILE filing under Administrative Order 2022-3, and the system accepts DC 100c with PDF attachments.

Does signing in MiFILE replace a notarized verification?

Yes. Electronic signatures filed through MiFILE satisfy the verification requirement under MCR 1.109(E). No separate notarization is required.

What if the buyer files bankruptcy after I file DC 100c?

No further action is allowed. The automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362 freezes the case until the bankruptcy court grants relief from stay.

Is the redemption period always 90 days?

No. The period is 90 days if less than 50% of the contract price has been paid, and six months if 50% or more has been paid, under MCL 600.5744.

Do I sign DC 100c if my attorney filed it?

No, generally. The attorney signs the verification on the seller’s behalf when authorized. The seller signs only if filing pro se or if the court orders a personal verification.

Can I get my filing fee back if the buyer redeems?

No. The \$45 filing fee is non-refundable, even if the buyer pays in full before the first hearing.

What happens if I check the wrong relief box in Item 5?

No judgment will be entered for relief you did not request. Amend the complaint under MCR 2.118 before the hearing or the court will limit your judgment.