Michigan Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

The official decision of a court to resolve a dispute and define the rights and obligations of the parties involved in a case is referred to as a judgment. In Michigan, the court may issue these decisions to settle matters like debt collection, civil lawsuits, or family law matters. Once issued, a judgment becomes effective and allows a creditor to place a legal claim on a debtor’s real estate.

What Is a Judgment in Michigan?

In Michigan, a judgment is the final decision of the court of record according to the Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.2801(a)(i). It may order one of the parties to pay money, transfer property, or stop certain actions. Once entered, a judgment has legal force and can be collected through levies, garnishments, and liens.

For instance, a creditor may require the debtor to pay off a personal loan by obtaining a money judgment. Additionally, in a family court, the court can pass a final judgment to settle child support or custody matters. Until it expires, a judgment can affect an individual’s finances regardless of the type.

Types of Judgments in Michigan

The types of judgments in Michigan set out in Chapter 2 of the Michigan Court Rules and the Michigan Compiled Laws include:

Money Judgment (MCR 2.620)

This court order requires the debtor to pay a specific amount of money to the creditor. It is the most common type of judgment that arises from unpaid debts, personal injury claims, or damages in civil lawsuits.

Default Judgment (MCR 2.603)

A default judgment is entered when a defendant fails to respond to a lawsuit or misses a hearing. The plaintiff wins, and the court grants the requested relief.

Judgment Lien (MCL § 600.2801(c))

A creditor can place a legal claim on a debtor’s real estate if they win a money judgment in court. This action prevents the property from being sold or refinanced until the debt is paid.

Summary Disposition (MCR 2.116)

A summary disposition resolves a case or part of a case without a full trial. It is used when important facts are not in dispute, thereby saving time and resources.

Declaratory Judgment (MCR 2.605)

This is a court ruling that defines the legal rights and duties of parties without awarding money or giving any specific order.

How to Search for Judgments in Michigan

In Michigan, judgments are part of public records and can be searched in various ways including:

1. Clerk of Court Offices – Judgment records are maintained by each court clerk as part of the official case docket. Anyone can request to view these records or obtain certified copies directly from the Clerk’s Office.
2. Michigan Courts Online Case Search (MiCOURT): Through the MiCOURT Case Search system, users can search for case records, including judgments, by party name, case number, or professional number.
3. Third-Party Services – These websites offer a convenient and cheaper alternative to visiting the courthouse in person. They provide remote access to judgment records collected from multiple courts across the country.

A judgment record contains details such as:

• Case number
• Names of the parties involved
• Court location
• Judgment date
• The amount owed or relief ordered

Judgment Records in Major Michigan Counties

Although Michigan has a centralized judicial system to finding judgment records online, the official documents are maintained locally in each county:

• Detroit (Wayne County): The Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan is located in Wayne County and operates one of the largest court systems in the state. Judgment records can be searched through the MiCOURT system and in person at the courthouse.
• Grand Rapids (Kent County): The 17th Circuit Court maintains judgment records for Kent County. These records can be accessed both online and at the Clerk’s Office.
• Ann Arbor (Washtenaw County): Washtenaw County judgments can be accessed through the MiCourt system. To obtain certified copies, interested parties must visit the courthouse.

The MiCOURT online system offers statewide access to electronic trial court records, but certified records must be requested directly from local clerk’s offices.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in Michigan?

Under MCL § 600. 5809(3), a civil judgment in Michigan is valid and enforceable for 10 years from the date it is entered. Before it expires, a creditor can file an Ex Parte Motion and Order To Renew Civil Judgment. This process can be repeated every decade to keep the judgment active.

While a judgment remains valid, a creditor may collect by garnishing wages, issuing bank levies, or placing a legal claim on a debtor’s real property. On the other hand, an unpaid debt may cause property and financial challenges for the debtor.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in Michigan?

Once a judgment is entered, creditors can enforce it, and debtors may face financial and legal consequences.

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: A part of the debtor’s paycheck can be withheld by the employer to pay a creditor.
• Judgment Liens: This is when a creditor lays a legal claim on a debtor’s real property. During this period, the property cannot be sold or refinanced until the debt is paid.
• Bank Levies: With a court approval, creditors may seize funds directly from a debtor’s bank account.

For Debtors:

• Credit Reporting: A judgment on a person’s credit report can lower their credit scores and make it harder to borrow money.
• Satisfaction of Judgment: A creditor must file a Satisfaction of Judgment to officially release the debtor once the judgment is paid.
• Appeals or Motions to Vacate: If a debtor believes a judgment was unfairly entered, they can appeal or ask the court to cancel it.