| Michigan at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Time limit to sue on card debt | 6 years for contract debts. |
| Deadline to answer a debt lawsuit | 21 days if you were served in person, or 28 days if served by mail or outside Michigan. |
| Wage garnishment | Michigan follows the federal limit: the lesser of 25% of disposable pay or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage. |
| Where to complain | Michigan Attorney General consumer complaint |
How long creditors have to sue
6 years for contract debts. An expired debt can be revived only by a signed written acknowledgment or promise to pay. (MCL 600.5807, 600.5866)
The time limit for suing is separate from credit reporting: most negative items can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years from when you first fell behind, regardless of state.
If you're sued in Michigan
Answer deadline: 21 days if you were served in person, or 28 days if served by mail or outside Michigan. Check your own summons for the exact date, because missing it usually means a default judgment.
Court help: Michigan Legal Help: garnishment.
Step-by-step help and common defenses are in our lawsuit and garnishment guide.
What's protected if there's a judgment
Your paycheck
Michigan follows the federal limit: the lesser of 25% of disposable pay or the amount above 30 times the federal minimum wage. (Michigan Legal Help)
Your bank account
There's no automatic dollar amount protected in a bank account under current law (proposals to add one haven't passed as of our review). (Michigan Legal Help)
Everywhere in the US, Social Security, SSI and VA benefits are generally off-limits to private creditors, and banks must automatically protect two months of those benefits when they're direct-deposited.
Debt collectors in Michigan
Collection agencies are licensed by the state, and the Regulation of Collection Practices Act covers creditors such as banks collecting their own debts. Federal rules still apply on top of state law. See your rights and free dispute letters.
Debt settlement and debt relief companies
Debt management companies must be licensed by the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS), with fee caps. Under federal law, debt relief companies that sell by phone can't charge fees until they've settled at least one of your debts. Read how settlement works.
Medical debt
Michigan hasn't enacted a medical debt credit reporting ban as of our last review; bills were still moving in 2026. More in our medical bills guide.
Where to complain or check a company
Sources
Laws and dollar amounts change, and court rules vary by county. This page is general information, not legal advice. For your situation, contact a legal aid office or a Michigan consumer attorney.