Michigan Statute of Limitations on Debt
Michigan's statute of limitations for consumer debt is six years across the board for most debt categories. This uniform approach simplifies the analysis — if your last payment or default was more than six years ago, the debt is time-barred.
| Debt Type | Statute of Limitations | |---|---| | Credit card debt (open account) | 6 years | | Medical debt | 6 years | | Auto loans (written contract) | 6 years | | Personal loans (written contract) | 6 years | | Oral contracts | 6 years | | Promissory notes | 6 years |
The SOL clock starts from the date of default. After six years, a lawsuit on that debt is time-barred in Michigan. You must raise the SOL as an affirmative defense if sued — Michigan courts do not apply it automatically.
Note: Michigan courts have held that partial payment can restart the SOL. Never pay toward a potentially time-barred debt without understanding this consequence.
Michigan-Specific Consumer Protections
Michigan Collection Practices Act (MCPA, MCL § 445.251 et seq.) Michigan has its own collection practices act that supplements the federal FDCPA. It applies to regulated persons engaged in debt collection and prohibits a range of abusive and deceptive practices. Consumers can sue under the MCPA for actual damages plus $150 per violation, up to $1,000 total per action, plus attorney's fees.
Michigan Consumer Protection Act (MCPA, MCL § 445.901 et seq.) A separate but complementary law, Michigan's Consumer Protection Act prohibits unfair, unconscionable, or deceptive methods in trade. It gives consumers a private right of action and allows courts to award actual damages and attorney's fees.
Wage Garnishment in Michigan Michigan limits wage garnishment to 25% of disposable earnings. Certain income types — Social Security, pension benefits, and others — are exempt from garnishment entirely. Michigan also has a claims-and-delivery process that can be used to recover exempt property seized by a creditor.
How to File a Complaint in Michigan
Michigan Attorney General's Office — Consumer Protection Division
- Website: michigan.gov/ag/consumer-protection
- Phone: (877) 765-8388
- Online complaint portal available
Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services
- Website: michigan.gov/difs
- Phone: (877) 999-6442
- For complaints about licensed debt collection agencies
Federal Rights That Apply Regardless of State
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Dispute inaccurate items; bureaus must investigate within 30 days.
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Federal collector conduct standards.
- Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA): Credit card billing dispute rights.
File at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
Your First Action Step
Michigan's MCPA allows you to recover per-violation damages plus attorney's fees on valid claims — make a note of every contact that seems abusive or deceptive. Pull your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com, identify inaccurate items, and dispute in writing by certified mail to each bureau. Keep copies of everything. If you're being sued on an old debt, check the original default date against the six-year SOL immediately.