How to Answer a Debt Collection Summons in Michigan (2025 Guide)

Nobody wants a debt collector calling. Facing a lawsuit makes it worse.

Hiring an attorney seems impossible. If you had money for that, you’d have paid the debt already. Most lawsuits bank on this fact. If you don’t respond quickly, the court grants a default judgment.

Default means you lose automatically. The collector can garnish your wages and tax returns. You need to fight back.

Good news: defending yourself is simpler than you think. Our partner Solo helps you respond the right way. Follow these steps to answer your Michigan debt lawsuit and protect your paycheck.

Michigan Deadline for Answering a Debt Collection Summons

Your creditor files a Summons and Complaint. The clock starts immediately.

Michigan gives you limited time to respond based on how you receive the papers:

• 21 days if served in person
• 28 days if mailed to you
• 28 days if served outside Michigan

These deadlines are strict. No exceptions.

The clock starts when you’re served. Weekends and holidays count. If day 21 or 28 falls on a closed day, you get until the next business day.

Miss the deadline and you lose. Default judgment gives collectors full power to garnish wages. No chance to dispute the amount or challenge the debt.

Default judgment means immediate collection. Money disappears from your paycheck before you see it. You’ll face worse financial stress.

Know your deadline. Mark your calendar. Respond before time runs out.

Michigan Sample Answer to Complaint Forms

You respond by filing an Answer document. Your Answer tells the court you’re disputing the claims. No Answer means the court assumes everything is true. Default judgment follows.

Our partner Solo makes responding simple. Answer questions about your case online. Get a personalized Answer ready to file in minutes.

Michigan courts also provide a statewide Answer form. You’ll fill this one out manually. It takes research and time.

Filing an Answer preserves your rights. You keep the right to argue in court. You get notice of future hearings.

Your Answer disputes claims made against you. Without it, the court accepts their story as truth.

Steps to Answer a Summons for Debt Collection in Michigan

Break the response process into three stages:

1. Answer each issue of the complaint
2. Assert your affirmative defenses
3. File your Answer and serve the plaintiff

Answering alone throws a wrench in the collector’s plans. They prefer easy default judgments. When you challenge them, they work harder to prove you owe money. You get the chance to prove you don’t.

Each step requires careful attention. Do it right or risk losing.

1. Answer Each Issue of the Complaint

The Complaint contains several issues in numbered paragraphs. Answer every paragraph. Show the court which issues you dispute.

Our partner Solo prompts you to choose one response for each claim:

• Admit: “This is true”
• Deny: “Prove it”
• Deny due to lack of knowledge: “I don’t know”

Most attorneys suggest denying as many claims as possible. Denial forces collectors to prove their case. Without documentation, the case gets dismissed.

Michigan’s statewide form provides three checkboxes for each paragraph:

• I agree with the statements
• I disagree because _______
• I don’t know if the statements are true

Only choose “agree” when you know it’s true. Choose “disagree” when you know it’s false and can explain why. Choose “I don’t know” when uncertain.

You cannot change answers once submitted. Only admit what you know is completely true. Deny paragraphs that aren’t accurate.

2. Assert Your Defenses

Legal defenses go beyond just disagreeing. Affirmative defenses show the court why the creditor has no case.

Our partner Solo walks you through each defense and helps apply the right ones.

Common defenses appear on Michigan’s form. The form references proper Michigan debt collection laws. Strong defenses include:

• Lack of standing: The debt collector has no legal basis to sue. This works when debt changed hands without clear documentation.
• Already paid: You’ve satisfied the debt.
• Statute of limitations: Too much time has passed to collect legally.
• Contract problems: Issues exist with the original agreement.

Check the box next to applicable defenses. Fill in any blanks. Attach supporting paperwork when requested.

Use option 13 for “other” defenses not listed. Examples: wrong person sued, incorrect amount claimed, improper collector behavior.

Your inability to pay is not a defense.

3. File the Answer and Serve the Plaintiff

Complete your Answer. Print and sign it. Make four copies.

File the original with the court in person or by mail. Michigan charges no fee to file an Answer.

Our partner Solo files for you. No missing work. No leaving home.

Serve your Answer on the plaintiff (the creditor suing you). Their contact information appears on the original Summons. Complete the certificate of service at the bottom. File one copy with the court. Keep the remaining copy.

Gather documents supporting your Answer for the court hearing.

Serve a copy to the plaintiff through first-class mail or personal service. Use certified mail with return receipt requested. When an attorney represents the plaintiff, serve the attorney instead.

Statute of Limitations on Debt in Michigan

Most debts are “time-barred.” After a certain period, creditors lose the legal right to pursue you. This deadline is the statute of limitations.

Michigan’s statute of limitations varies by debt type:

Credit card debt and most other debts have a six-year statute of limitations in Michigan. But these deadlines are complex.

The Creditor Can Renew a Judgment

Creditors who win lawsuits get judgments. Judgments allow wage garnishment. Dodging garnishment for a decade doesn’t free you.

Creditors in Michigan can renew judgments for another decade. They file with the court before the statute expires.

The Statute Resets if You Make a Payment

Minnesota’s statute of limitations on contract debt is six years. Making a payment resets the clock on account-based debts.

You can’t use a credit card for six years and then escape payment.

Acknowledging Debt Means You Must Pay

Many people don’t know this exception. Collectors try getting you to pay expired debts. Admitting a debt is yours means you’ll likely pay it.

Never acknowledge you owe a debt to any creditor or collector. Ask for proof instead. Make collectors prove you owe money with a Debt Validation Letter first.

Additional Michigan Debt Collection Laws Safeguard Consumer Rights

Beyond statutes of limitations, other Michigan debt collection laws prevent unfair practices. Understanding these protections is critical when dealing with collectors.

Key Michigan debt collection laws protecting consumers:

• MI Comp L § 445.251: Defines who qualifies as a debt collector, including agencies and fictitious names.
• MI Comp L § 445.252: Prohibits pretending to be lawyers, using misleading forms, lying about contact nature, misrepresenting legal actions, harassment, violence, public shaming, and employing unlicensed collectors.
• MI Comp L § 445.257: Allows consumers to seek damages for violations, with potential compensation of actual damages or $50, and treble damages for willful violations.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), a federal law, also applies in Michigan. The FDCPA bars deceit, abuse, coercion, harassment, and unethical collection methods.

Under the FDCPA, Michigan debt collectors cannot:

• Harass with threats of violence, obscene language, or repeated annoying calls
• Falsely claim government affiliation, jail threats, or fake credit bureau status
• Threaten lawsuits without intent to sue
• Threaten eviction without legal basis
• Provide documents appearing to be from government or courts
• Use false company names or misrepresent identity
• Collect unauthorized interest or fees

Michigan makes pursuing damages easier. You don’t need significant financial harm. Under Michigan law, violators pay actual damages or $50 (whichever is greater).

Penalties increase for intentional violations. “Treble damages” mean collectors pay $150 or triple actual damages (whichever is greater).

Contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, Federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or Federal Trade Commission if collectors harass you.

What Happens After You Answer a Summons and Complaint?

Filing an Answer officially disputes the lawsuit.

The court sets a hearing to determine the lawsuit schedule and deadlines. You receive a scheduling order or hearing notice by mail. Note all dates and deadlines carefully.

If you don’t receive hearing notice within 15 days of filing your Answer, call the court clerk. Confirm they received it. Get an update. The phone number appears on the complaint’s front page.

Prepare for your hearing by gathering evidence. Bring all documents supporting your checked answers. Include documents supporting your argument and statements from firsthand witnesses.

Alternatively, avoid court by settling the debt before your court date. Negotiation may be required. Most creditors work with consumers experiencing unexpected financial hardship.

Settle Debt in Michigan

You’ve been sued for debt. Filing an Answer before the deadline avoids automatic loss. But what comes next?

If you definitely don’t owe the debt, see the case through. For example, identity theft victims can gather evidence and prove they’re not responsible in court.

If you owe the debt, your best bet is settling. Negotiate with the creditor or collector. You can settle anytime until the lawsuit finalizes.

Settling sounds scary but it’s simpler than it seems. After sending an Answer, here’s what to do next.

Plan Your Offer

Technically, either party can offer to settle. Almost always, you present the offer. Creditors aren’t obligated to entertain settlement offers. Make yours worth their time.

Start settlement negotiations at 60% of the debt. You can start lower if you wish. Make the offer something the creditor will entertain. If you owe $4,000, offering $2,750 is reasonable. Offering $400 is not.

Decide on a comfortable payment range. Most creditors take time negotiating. A range gives you room.

Start Negotiating

Once you know what you can pay, send the creditor an offer. Don’t worry about counteroffers. Most creditors counteroffer regardless of your first offer’s reasonableness.

Negotiation takes time. Be patient. The goal is agreeing on an amount to stop the lawsuit.

Finalize the Offer

Once you agree, the hard part is done. Before paying, get the agreement in writing. The agreement should clarify how much you’ll pay, when you’ll pay, and how you’ll pay.

Most importantly, it should clarify that paying the agreed amount waives the collector’s right to pursue the remaining original debt.

Negotiate with creditors to settle your Michigan debt.

What if I Can’t Pay a Debt Collection Lawsuit?

Inability to pay isn’t a legal defense in your Answer. But it may be your reality. Consider filing bankruptcy to walk away from debt.

Bankruptcy immediately pauses debt collection through the automatic stay. Filing Chapter 7 gives you a strong chance of walking away completely.

Consider speaking with a bankruptcy attorney for free to explore your options.

What if I Haven’t Been Sued Yet?

If you’ve only received collection notices but not a lawsuit, respond with a Debt Validation Letter.

When a debt collector contacts you by phone or mail, respond with a Debt Validation Letter. This letter notifies the collector that you dispute the debt. They must provide proof you owe it. They can’t call or continue collecting until they provide validation.

Make your own Debt Validation Letter in minutes.

Dealing with Fraudulent Debt Collectors

Legitimate debt collectors are unpleasant. Michigan consumers face increased calls from fake collectors.

Fraudsters may call repeatedly at home, work, or on your cell. They refuse giving real names and addresses. They claim to work for fake agencies.

Phony collectors may have considerable personal information about you: bank details, Social Security number, birth date. Impersonators may imitate law firms, court officials, police, or government organizations. They threaten arrest if you don’t pay now.

How do you distinguish legitimate but unscrupulous collectors from fake ones?

Contact your creditor about the call. Find out who’s been authorized to collect the debt. Legitimate collectors must send written notice within five days of their initial call. No prompt notice means the call was a scam.

Notify the Federal Trade Commission, Attorney General, or Federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau immediately if contacted by collectors using scare tactics.

Get Debt Relief in Michigan

Struggling with debt? You’re not alone. Financial advice often suggests increasing income or cutting expenses. These are great steps but often aren’t enough. Or you’re already maximizing income and minimizing expenses.

Other ways exist to reduce your debt burden through Michigan debt relief options.

For low-income, disabled, or emergency situations, these state-sponsored programs may help:

• Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP): Helps low-income people pay past-due water bills.
• MI Bridges: Assistance for healthcare, food, childcare, emergencies, and cash.
• State Disability Assistance (SDA): Cash assistance for adults with certain disabilities.
• PATH: Cash assistance while helping recipients overcome employment barriers.

Not everyone qualifies for these programs. Many other options can help you manage debt better.

Try Settling Your Debt

You can negotiate settlement even if you haven’t been sued for debt. Negotiate yourself or let our partner Solo help for smoother results.

Private companies claim they can negotiate your debt down. Some are legitimate. Be very careful when considering these companies.

Some settlement companies have shady practices or are outright scams. Scam companies ask for upfront fees. They do nothing to reduce debt or reduce it minimally.

Always do homework before working with these companies.

Consider Consolidating Your Debt

Debt consolidation essentially refinances debt. Get a debt consolidation loan. Use loan funds to pay off multiple accounts. Instead of multiple small monthly payments, pay a single sum monthly. Consolidation loans have lower interest rates than credit cards and most consumer debt.

If you own your home, consider refinancing with a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or home equity loan. These have lower interest rates because they’re secured by your home.

Declare Bankruptcy as a Last Resort

Don’t decide bankruptcy lightly. Chapter 7 bankruptcy (low income and few assets) should discharge most debts.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy (higher income and more assets) may discharge some debts but mostly restructures payments.

Declaring bankruptcy requires working with an attorney. Consult a bankruptcy attorney to discuss credit impact and decide if it’s right for you.

Check the Status of Your Court Case in Michigan

Debt lawsuits aren’t fun. They’re much more stressful than people realize. Stakes are incredibly high. Missing even one hearing or filing date almost certainly means default loss.

You don’t go to jail for losing a debt case. But you’ll be ordered to pay the debt. That usually means a judgment against you.

Under normal circumstances, collectors can’t garnish wages, take property, or remove money from your bank account. With a court judgment, they can.

Navigating the court system is challenging. The best way to avoid missing critically important details is tracking your case. Often, you can do that online.

Find information on your court case on the MiCOURT Case Search portal. To access your court records (if available online):

• Look up your county court
• Use Option A to search using your name and date of birth
• Click “Filter” and add info to narrow the search
• Press search and wait for your case to appear

Not all cases appear online. If you don’t see yours, don’t panic. Visit your local courthouse. Ask the clerk to help find your case records.

Stop Wage Garnishment in Michigan

Wage garnishment sounds scary. Good news: creditors can’t start garnishing wages out of nowhere. Before garnishing, a creditor must first contact you repeatedly about debt. They must sue you.

If you fail to respond to the lawsuit notice or lose the case, the creditor may get a judgment against you.

If your wages are garnished, you have some protection. Michigan wage garnishment limits align with federal limits. Each week, the maximum garnishable amount is the lesser of:

• 25% of your weekly disposable income
• Your disposable income exceeding 30 times the federal minimum wage ($7.25)

What can you do to stop wage garnishment? Once it starts, it’s incredibly hard to stop. However, many income types are exempt from garnishment:

• Social Security income
• Veterans’ benefits
• Disability benefits
• General assistance benefits
• Unemployment benefits
• Workers’ compensation benefits
• Many retirement and pension benefits

If you have exempt income, file a petition with the court within 14 days of receiving garnishment notice. The notice should include this petition and filing instructions.

Ultimately, the best way to stop wage garnishment is preventing it from happening in the first place.

Michigan Legal Aid Organizations

Michigan has many legal aid services available to residents. See below for links to major legal aid organizations. These resources can help with debt collection cases or connect you with local help:

• Michigan Legal Help
• State Bar of Michigan Legal Aid by County
• Michigan Courts Self-Help Center
• Michigan Legal Aid Offices
• Legal Services of South-Central Michigan
• Legal Services of Eastern Michigan
• Legal Services of Northern Michigan
• Legal Aid of Western Michigan

Michigan Court Locations for Debt Collection Lawsuits

Debt collection lawsuits in Michigan are held in District or Circuit Courts.

• District Courts handle cases up to $25,000
• Circuit Courts handle claims above $25,000
• Small claims courts take cases under $6,500; these are divisions of District Court

District and circuit courts exist for every Michigan county. Many locations may exist within a county depending on its size.

One advantage to being sued: you don’t determine which court is appropriate. The creditor filing against you already designated a court. Court information (district/circuit, address, telephone number) appears on the complaint’s first page. Reference the case number in your response paperwork.

If the court location seems incorrect, double-check. Look up your court location for your residence in the Trial Court Directory.

Find all Michigan Court information, locations, and phone numbers here.