Michigan Judgments & Liens Search

Under MCL § 600.6013, judgments in Michigan remain valid and enforceable for 10 years from the date of entry. Before the 10-year period expires, judgment creditors can renew judgments for additional 10-year periods by filing a motion and affidavit with the court. There is no limit on the number of times a judgment can be renewed, meaning judgments can potentially remain enforceable indefinitely if properly renewed. Interest continues to accrue on judgments throughout their life at the statutory rate.

A judgment creditor can potentially force sale of your home through execution proceedings, but Michigan's homestead exemption under MCL § 600.6023 protects up to $45,000 of equity in your primary residence ($67,500 for elderly or disabled homeowners). If your equity exceeds the exemption amount, a creditor could theoretically force a sale, though this is relatively uncommon due to the expense and complexity of the process. If you have a mortgage and limited equity, the homestead exemption likely protects your home entirely. Judgment liens do attach to real property when recorded with the register of deeds, which means you'll need to satisfy the judgment when you sell or refinance the property.

To search for judgments, check with the clerk of court in each county where the person may have been sued. Many Michigan counties offer online case search systems through their circuit and district court websites. For judgment liens on real property, search the grantor/grantee index at the county register of deeds office where the person owns property. The Michigan Secretary of State's UCC database reveals liens on personal property and business assets. No single statewide database contains all judgment information, so comprehensive searches require checking multiple sources in multiple counties.

Under the Michigan Construction Lien Act (MCL § 570.1101 et seq.), contractors and suppliers must file a construction lien with the county register of deeds within 90 days after the last day they furnished labor or materials to the project. Before filing the lien, most claimants must also serve a Notice of Furnishing on the owner and general contractor within 20 days of first providing labor or materials. Missing these deadlines typically results in losing lien rights entirely. Once recorded, the lien remains effective for one year unless the lien claimant files a lawsuit to foreclose the lien within that period.

Yes, judgment creditors often accept reduced lump-sum payments rather than pursuing lengthy collection efforts. Creditors may agree to settlements for 40-70% of the judgment balance, particularly if collection appears difficult or the debtor has limited assets. Any settlement agreement should be in writing and should explicitly state that payment of the agreed amount satisfies the judgment in full. Obtain a signed Satisfaction of Judgment before or simultaneously with making payment. Once you pay a negotiated settlement, ensure the creditor files the satisfaction with the court and any register of deeds offices where the judgment was recorded as a lien.

After paying a judgment or other debt secured by a lien, the creditor must file appropriate release documents. For judgment liens, the creditor files a Satisfaction of Judgment with the court and records it with the county register of deeds. For mechanics liens, a Release of Lien must be recorded. Tax liens require certificates of release from the taxing authority. If a creditor fails to file a release after receiving payment, send a written demand for compliance. Michigan Court Rule 2.620 requires judgment creditors to file satisfactions within 21 days of payment. If the creditor still doesn't comply, you can file a motion with the court to compel the creditor to satisfy the judgment and release the lien.

No, UCC liens and judgment liens are fundamentally different. UCC liens arise from consensual security agreements where a borrower grants a creditor a security interest in specific personal property or business assets as collateral for a loan. These are filed with the Michigan Secretary of State and attach only to the described collateral. Judgment liens, in contrast, arise from court judgments and attach to all real property the debtor owns in counties where the judgment is recorded with the register of deeds. Judgment liens are non-consensual and result from litigation. UCC liens do not attach to real estate, and judgment liens do not attach to personal property in Michigan.

When you sell real property in Michigan, all liens must typically be addressed at closing. Title companies search for recorded liens and require them to be paid from sale proceeds or released before issuing title insurance to the buyer. Liens are generally paid in priority order: tax liens first, then other liens in order of recording date (with some exceptions for mechanics liens). If sale proceeds are insufficient to pay all liens, the sale may not proceed unless lien holders agree to accept reduced payments or subordinate their liens. Sellers cannot convey clear title while liens remain attached to the property, so resolving all liens is essential to completing the sale.