What is the statute of limitations on debt in Michigan?

It depends on the type of debt. Written contracts: 6 years [§ 600.5807]. Oral contracts: 6 years [§ 600.5807]. Credit card debt (open accounts): 6 years [§ 600.5807]. Promissory notes: 6 years [§ 440.3118].

Can a debt collector garnish my wages in Michigan?

Yes. After obtaining a court judgment, a collector can garnish up to 25% of disposable earnings or amount exceeding 30x federal minimum wage, whichever is less% of disposable earnings [§ 600.4012], consistent with federal limits.

How long do I have to respond to a debt collection lawsuit?

In Michigan, you have 21 days from the date of service to file a written answer [§ MCR 2.108]. If you do not respond, the court will enter a default judgment against you.

Does Michigan have its own debt collection law?

Yes. The Michigan Collection Practices Act [§ 445.251] provides state-level protections in addition to the federal FDCPA.

What should I do if a debt collector is harassing me?

Document every contact (date, time, what was said). You can send a written cease-and-desist letter under the FDCPA [§ 15 U.S.C. 1692c]. File a complaint with the CFPB and Michigan Attorney General. Consult a consumer attorney — FDCPA violations carry statutory damages of up to $1,000 plus attorney fees [§ 15 U.S.C. 1692k].

OverviewUpdated 2026-02-27

Michigan Debt Collection Defense — Know Your Rights

Your rights under the FDCPA and Michigan law when dealing with debt collectors — statutes of limitations, defenses, and what to do if you're sued.

Jump to:

Your Rights Under the FDCPA — Michigan Debt Collection Debt Validation in Michigan — How to Dispute a Debt Statute of Limitations on Debt — Time Limits by Type Debt Collection Lawsuits in Michigan — What to Do If You're Sued Wage Garnishment — Limits & Exemptions Debt Settlement & Negotiation in Michigan — Options & Risks

How Debt Collection Defense Works

When a debt collector contacts you, a legal clock starts ticking. Federal law gives you specific rights at each stage — including the right to demand proof that the debt is valid and the right to defend yourself in court if a lawsuit is filed. Many people lose cases by default simply because they do not respond in time. Understanding the timeline, and where your strongest defenses apply, is how you avoid that outcome.

📞

Collector Contacts You

calls, letters, texts

📄

Validation Notice

30 days to dispute

🏛️

Lawsuit Filed

summons & complaint

⚖️

Judgment / Resolution

garnishment or settlement

Defense Opportunities

🛡️

Dispute the Debt

request validation / challenge

📋

File an Answer

raise defenses in court

🤝

Negotiate / Settle

reduce balance or payments

High-level illustration only. Timelines, procedures, and available defenses vary by state and debt type.

Key protections at a glance

	Federal (FDCPA)	Michigan
Covers third-party collectors	Yes	Yes
Covers original creditors	No	Limited
Debt validation required	Yes — 30-day dispute window §15 U.S.C. 1692g	Federal FDCPA only
Private right of action	Yes — up to $1,000 statutory damages §15 U.S.C. 1692k	Yes — varies by claim

Statutes of limitations in Michigan

A debt collector cannot legally sue you after the Statute of limitations has expired. In Michigan:

Written contracts: 6 years §600.5807
Oral contracts: 6 years §600.5807
Promissory notes: 6 years §440.3118
Open accounts (credit cards): 6 years §600.5807

⚠A collector may still attempt to contact you about a time-barred debt. In most cases, making a payment or acknowledging the debt in writing can restart the statute of limitations. Do not make any payment or promise without understanding the consequences.

What to do if you are contacted

Do not ignore it

Ignoring collection activity does not make the debt go away. If you are sued and do not respond, the collector will obtain a Default judgment.

Verify the debt

Request written verification. Under the FDCPA §15 U.S.C. 1692g, the collector must provide the amount owed, the name of the creditor, and your right to dispute within 30 days.

Know the deadline

If you are served with a lawsuit, you have 21 days to file an answer in Michigan §MCR 2.108.

Consider your options

You may have defenses (expired SOL, wrong amount, wrong person), or you may be able to negotiate a settlement for less than the full amount.

✓Keep every letter, notice, and voicemail from debt collectors. Document the date, time, and content of every phone call. This evidence is essential if you need to assert your rights or file a complaint.

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