Michigan Judgment Enforcement Guide | Debt Collection & Skip Tracing

Michigan Judgment Enforcement — Quick Facts

10 yrs

Judgment Lifespan

6 yrs

Debt SOL (Written)

Post-Judgment Interest

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COMMUNITY PROPERTY STATE

Michigan provides a 10-year judgment lien with a 5% post-judgment interest rate. Wage garnishment is available, and the state has a modest homestead exemption of $40,475. Non-exempt real property and bank accounts are the most reliable enforcement targets.

Michigan Statute of Limitations on Debt

Debt Type	Limitation Period	Statute
Written Contract	6 years	`MCL §600.5807`
Open Account / Credit Card	6 years	`MCL §600.5807`
Oral Contract	6 years	`MCL §600.5807`
Promissory Note	6 years	`MCL §600.5807`
Judgment Lien	10 years (renewable)	`MCL §600.6051`

Michigan’s 6-year SOL for written contracts is standard. Tolling applies if the debtor is absent from the state (MCL §600.5853).

Post-Judgment Interest Rate

Michigan post-judgment interest is set at 1% above the 5-year Treasury note rate, currently approximately 5% per annum under MCL §600.6013(8). Rate is adjusted annually.

Judgment Recovery Methods in Michigan

Wage Garnishment yes

Michigan allows wage garnishment (periodic payment garnishment) of up to 25% of disposable earnings under MCL §600.4012. Employer receives an order for periodic garnishment.

Bank Account Levy yes

Bank account garnishments are available via regular garnishment under MCL §600.4011. Non-exempt funds must be held pending exemption claims.

Abstract of Judgment / Lien yes

Recording a certified judgment in the county register of deeds creates a lien on all non-exempt real property in that county (MCL §600.6051). Lien lasts 10 years.

Turnover Order yes

Michigan courts may issue post-judgment discovery orders and order debtors to turn over non-exempt assets under MCL §600.6104.

Writ of Execution yes

Writs of execution (fi. fa.) allow the court officer to levy on non-exempt personal property (MCL §600.6001).

Vehicle Levy yes

Michigan exempts one motor vehicle up to $3,725 in equity under MCL §600.5451(1)(b). Additional vehicles or equity above the cap may be levied.

Debtor Exemptions

Asset Type	Exemption Amount	Statute
Homestead	$40,475 (age 65+: $60,725)	`MCL §600.5451(1)(n)`
Motor Vehicle	$3,725 equity	`MCL §600.5451(1)(b)`
Wages	Per MCL §600.5311 formula	`MCL §600.5311`
Personal Property	$600 general	`MCL §600.5451`
Retirement	All ERISA-qualified plans	`MCL §600.5451(1)(k)`

Judgment Value Calculator

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Official Michigan Resources

Michigan Courts – Case SearchCivil case lookup statewide Michigan LARA – Business Entity SearchEntity & registered agent lookup Michigan Register of Deeds – Property RecordsReal property & judgment lien filings Michigan Legislature – Compiled LawsOfficial state statutes

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes change — verify current law with a licensed Michigan attorney before taking collection action.