How to answer a debt lawsuit in Michigan

Deadlines by court, filing, fees and defenses, with a calculator.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026.

Short answer

Papers handed to you in Michigan: 21 days. Served by registered or certified mail, or outside Michigan: 28 days. File a written answer with the court and serve a copy on the plaintiff (usually its lawyer), or take other lawful action, such as filing a motion.

Time to answer
21 days
Official answer form
No official form found

The answer deadline in Michigan, court by court

  • Papers handed to you in Michigan: 21 days.
  • Served by registered or certified mail, or outside Michigan: 28 days.

21 days after the summons and complaint are handed to you in Michigan. 28 days if you were served by registered or certified mail or served outside Michigan.

Law: MCR 2.108(A)(1), (2); summons form MC 01

In nearby states

Work out your answer date

The date is counted in your browser.

The court's name is at the top of your summons.

An estimate from our state data, not legal advice. Court holidays and local rules can change a deadline. File early, and ask the court clerk if you are not sure.

What can defeat the claim in Michigan

The statute of limitations is a defense: 6 years for contract claims, including credit card accounts. A debt that is too old is revived only by a written, signed promise or acknowledgment. If the debt has a written contract with an interest rate, the judgment interest is capped at 13%.

Law: MCL 600.5807(9); MCL 600.5866; MCL 600.6013(7)

In Michigan, the time limit to sue on a written contract is 6 years. A debt older than that can be a defense, but you must raise it in your answer.

Debt buyer lawsuits in Michigan: the full rules

Service of the court papers in Michigan

Service means officially getting the court papers. Your deadline usually starts that day.

The summons and complaint can be handed to you in person, or sent to you by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, restricted to you as the addressee. Mail service counts only when you sign for it. Your answer deadline is 21 days after personal service in Michigan, or 28 days after mail service or service outside Michigan.

Law: MCR 2.105(A); MCR 2.108(A)

How to file your answer in Michigan

File a written answer with the court and serve a copy on the plaintiff (usually its lawyer), or take other lawful action, such as filing a motion. Many courts accept e-filing through MiFILE. Michigan Legal Help has a free do-it-yourself tool that prepares an answer for a debt collection case.

Court fees in Michigan

If you can't pay the fees

Fee Waiver Request (SCAO form MC 20). https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/mc20.pdf

Steps to answer in Michigan

  1. Read the papers

    Write down the court, the case number and who is suing you.

  2. Note your last day

    In Michigan: Papers handed to you in Michigan: 21 days; Served by registered or certified mail, or outside Michigan: 28 days.

  3. Answer in writing

    The clerk takes your answer; the plaintiff's lawyer gets a copy; you keep a copy.

  4. Make them show the paperwork

    A documents request letter asks for the contract and proof of ownership.

Federal rules in every state

  • Where a collector must sue. A debt collector that sues you over a consumer debt must file where you signed the contract or where you live when the suit starts. Law: 15 U.S.C. 1692i(a)(2)
  • Old debts. A debt collector must not sue you, or threaten to sue you, on a debt that is too old to sue on. Law: 12 CFR 1006.26(b)

Where to get free help in Michigan

Questions about answering in Michigan

What is the deadline to answer a debt suit in Michigan?

21 days after the summons and complaint are handed to you in Michigan. 28 days if you were served by registered or certified mail or served outside Michigan.

How do I file an answer in Michigan?

File a written answer with the court and serve a copy on the plaintiff (usually its lawyer), or take other lawful action, such as filing a motion. Many courts accept e-filing through MiFILE. Michigan Legal Help has a free do-it-yourself tool that prepares an answer for a debt collection case.

What if I can't afford the court fees in Michigan?

Fee Waiver Request (SCAO form MC 20). https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/forms/scao-approved/mc20.pdf

Related Michigan pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources
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