Sued by a debt buyer in Michigan

What a debt buyer must file and prove, old debts as a defense, and how to ask for the papers.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026.

Short answer

A debt buyer is a company that bought an old debt and now sues to collect it. In any lawsuit to collect a consumer debt, the complaint must name the creditor, give the account number (or other information that identifies the debt) and state the balance due.

Time limit to sue (written contract)
6 years
Time to answer
21 days

Michigan rules for debt buyer lawsuits

  • In any lawsuit to collect a consumer debt, the complaint must name the creditor, give the account number (or other information that identifies the debt) and state the balance due.
  • If the claim is based on a written contract, a copy of it (or its relevant parts) must be attached to the complaint, unless the complaint explains why not.
  • A company that was assigned the debt (such as a debt buyer) cannot file in small claims court.

Law: MCR 2.112(N); MCR 2.112(C); MCL 600.8407(1)

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)

Too old to sue on?

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.

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)

More on old debts at Debt Collector Map

In nearby states

What to do in Michigan

  1. Look at the name

    A company you never dealt with may have bought the debt. Its name is on the summons.

  2. Ask for the paperwork

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

  3. Answer on time

    In Michigan: 21 days after the summons and complaint are handed to you in Michigan.

  4. Raise every defense

    Say if the plaintiff hasn't shown it owns the debt, or if the debt is too old.

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)
  • If the collector broke the law. You can sue a debt collector that broke the federal debt collection law within 1 year, for your losses, up to $1,000 more and your lawyer's fees. Law: 15 U.S.C. 1692k

Where to get free help in Michigan

Questions about debt buyer suits in Michigan

Are there special rules when a debt buyer sues in Michigan?

In any lawsuit to collect a consumer debt, the complaint must name the creditor, give the account number (or other information that identifies the debt) and state the balance due. If the claim is based on a written contract, a copy of it (or its relevant parts) must be attached to the complaint, unless the complaint explains why not. A company that was assigned the debt (such as a debt buyer) cannot file in small claims court.

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.

What is the time limit to sue in Michigan?

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.

Related Michigan pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources