Default judgment in Michigan: how to set it aside

How to undo a default judgment, how long you have, and what to do while you wait.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026.

Short answer

A default judgment means the court decided against you because you didn't answer. Motion to set aside the default or default judgment. If you were personally served, file it before the default judgment is entered or within 21 days after it is entered.

Shortest time to ask
21 days (Motion to set aside (you were personally served))
Time to answer
21 days

If you didn't answer in Michigan

If you don't answer or take other action in time, the clerk enters your default. You must be sent notice of the default. The plaintiff can then get a default judgment for what it asked for, which can lead to garnishment of your wages, bank account or tax refund.

Canceling a default judgment in Michigan

Motion to set aside the default or default judgment. If you were personally served, file it before the default judgment is entered or within 21 days after it is entered. You must show good cause for not answering and file a verified statement of facts showing a meritorious defense, and the court will make you pay the plaintiff's taxable costs caused by the default. If the court lacked jurisdiction (for example, you were never properly served), the good-cause and defense requirements don't apply. You can also ask for relief from judgment for mistake, surprise, excusable neglect, new evidence or fraud within 1 year after the judgment, or for other reasons (such as a void judgment) within a reasonable time. If you never knew about the case, you can appear within 1 year after final judgment and ask for relief.

Law: MCR 2.603(A), (D); MCR 2.612(B), (C)

Count your deadline to set aside a default

The date is counted in your browser.

The court's name is at the top of the judgment.

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 the judgment means in Michigan

Interest after the judgment

If the judgment is on a written contract with a set interest rate (such as many credit card or loan agreements), interest runs at the contract rate from the date the complaint was filed, but no more than 13% a year. Otherwise, interest is 1% plus the average rate on 5-year U.S. Treasury notes, reset every January 1 and July 1 as certified by the State Treasurer, compounded yearly.

How long it lasts

10 years from the date of the judgment (for District Court judgments entered since May 25, 1973, and Circuit Court judgments). Within those 10 years, the creditor can sue on the judgment to get a new judgment, which lasts another 10 years. Small claims judgments last 6 years.

Law: MCL 600.6013(7), (8); MCL 600.5809(3)

After a judgment in Michigan

Military service and defaults

Before the court gives the plaintiff a default judgment, the plaintiff must file a sworn statement saying whether you are in military service.

Law: 50 U.S.C. 3931(b)(1)

Steps after a default in Michigan

  1. Get the judgment papers

    The judgment's date matters. Ask the clerk for a copy.

  2. Act within the time limit

    Michigan's rule: Motion to set aside the default or default judgment. If you were personally served, file it before the default judgment is entered or within 21 days after it is entered.

  3. Give your reason and your defense

    Most courts want to know why you didn't answer and what your defense is. Attach your answer if the court asks.

  4. Know what can be taken

    See what is protected: After a judgment in Michigan.

Where to get free help in Michigan

Questions about default judgments 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.

What happens if I don't answer in Michigan?

If you don't answer or take other action in time, the clerk enters your default. You must be sent notice of the default. The plaintiff can then get a default judgment for what it asked for, which can lead to garnishment of your wages, bank account or tax refund.

Can I cancel a default judgment in Michigan?

Motion to set aside the default or default judgment. If you were personally served, file it before the default judgment is entered or within 21 days after it is entered. You must show good cause for not answering and file a verified statement of facts showing a meritorious defense, and the court will make you pay the plaintiff's taxable costs caused by the default. If the court lacked jurisdiction (for example, you were never properly served), the good-cause and defense requirements don't apply. You can also ask for relief from judgment for mistake, surprise, excusable neglect, new evidence or fraud within 1 year after the judgment, or for other reasons (such as a void judgment) within a reasonable time. If you never knew about the case, you can appear within 1 year after final judgment and ask for relief.

Related Michigan pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources