Guide
Michigan Judgments & Liens Search at a Glance
In Michigan, money judgments come from the circuit courts and the district courts. A judgment becomes a lien on the debtor's real estate when a notice of judgment lien, certified by the clerk of the court that entered the judgment, is recorded with the register of deeds in the county where the property is. UCC financing statements are filed with the Michigan Department of State.
Always confirm the official record by ordering a certified copy from the originating office when accuracy matters for closing, refinancing, or litigation.
Guide
Where to search court judgments in Michigan
MiCOURT Case Search, run by the Michigan courts, covers trial courts across the state; depending on the court, civil, traffic, criminal, domestic and probate cases may be available. MiCOURT also keeps a directory with contact information for every trial court.
Guide
Where liens are recorded in Michigan
A judgment lien attaches to the debtor's real property when a notice of judgment lien is recorded with the register of deeds for the county where the property is (MCL 600.2803). The clerk of the court that entered the judgment certifies the notice, which shows the balance due and the expiration dates of the judgment and the lien, and a copy is served on the debtor (MCL 600.2805). A construction lien is lost unless a claim of lien is recorded with the register of deeds within 90 days after the claimant last furnished labor or material (MCL 570.1111).
Guide
Michigan UCC filings
UCC financing statements are filed with the Michigan Department of State through its UCC Online Service, which also takes UCC-11 search requests. A free debtor name search shows the names on file; a filing costs $15 and a search $6 per debtor name.
Guide
How long a judgment lien lasts in Michigan
A judgment lien expires 5 years after it is recorded. It can be rerecorded only once, by recording a second certified notice at least 120 days before it expires, for 5 more years, and it ends when the judgment does (MCL 600.2809). An action on a judgment of a court of record must be brought within 10 years, and the new judgment starts a new 10 year period (MCL 600.5809).
Guide
Finding the debtor's assets after judgment in Michigan
Michigan's supplementary proceedings are in MCL 600.6101 and the sections that follow. Under MCL 600.6104, at any time after a money judgment the judge may compel a discovery of any property or things in action belonging to the judgment debtor, and of any property, money or things in action due to the debtor or held in trust for the debtor; prevent the transfer of property; order the judgment satisfied out of non-exempt property; appoint a receiver; and make any other order appropriate to the case. No unsatisfied execution is required first.
The court files often supply the starting list. The Verified Financial Information Form in a Michigan divorce is confidential and never filed, but the judgment of divorce is public and states the property division, support and retirement provisions. A bankruptcy file in the Eastern or Western District of Michigan lists deposit accounts by institution and the employer by name. The Michigan asset search page covers both.
Guide
Court forms and self-help in Michigan
The Michigan Courts Self-Help Center is the courts' starting point for people who represent themselves, and the State Court Administrative Office publishes the garnishment forms used to collect a judgment.
Guide
Federal & National Authoritative Sources
By state
Judgments and liens in other states
Straight answers
Michigan Judgments & Liens Search, questions
How long is a judgment lien enforceable in Michigan?
In Michigan, a money judgment is enforceable as a lien for 5 years from the date it is entered or properly docketed. Creditors who want to extend collection beyond that period must file a renewal motion with the issuing court before the lien lapses. Read the Michigan statute.
What is the deadline for filing a mechanics lien in Michigan?
In Michigan, a mechanics lien (also called a construction or materialman's lien) must generally be filed within 90 days after the claimant last furnished labor or materials to the project. Different deadlines may apply to general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, so check the exact statute before relying on this window. Source: Michigan statute.
What property is protected from judgment creditors in Michigan?
Michigan protects a homestead, the debtor's primary residence, up to $30,000 in equity from forced sale by most judgment creditors. Personal property exemptions (motor vehicle, household goods, tools of trade, retirement accounts) are listed separately in the state code. Confirm the current amount on the official source.
Where do I file or search a UCC-1 in Michigan?
UCC-1 financing statements for personal-property collateral in Michigan are filed with the Secretary of State (or equivalent state filing office). Open the official Michigan UCC filing portal. Real-property liens (mortgages, judgment-lien dockets, mechanics liens) are recorded at the county recorder/clerk where the property is located, not at the state level.