Michigan's wage garnishment laws give workers meaningful tools to challenge and stop garnishment — but the process has strict deadlines that must be followed precisely. Under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) § 600.4012, you have specific rights to object to a garnishment order, and acting within the required timeframes is the difference between stopping the garnishment and watching it continue unchallenged. If you're curious about how Michigan compares, check our state comparisons for garnishment rules.
Step 1: Act Within 14 Days
Michigan's objection deadline is 14 days from the date you are served with the garnishment notice — one of the shorter deadlines among all states. Courts are strict about enforcing it. If you miss the 14-day window, the garnishment proceeds and you lose your right to object on most grounds. Michigan follows the federal CCPA garnishment limits: the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount by which disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage ($217.50 per week). For a detailed calculation, try our Michigan Wage Garnishment Calculator.
Step 2: Complete Form MC 49
The objection form in Michigan is SCAO Form MC 49 (Objections to Garnishment and Notice of Hearing), available free from the Michigan Courts website. There is no filing fee. On Form MC 49, you will check the applicable grounds for your objection: the debt has already been paid; the judgment has been satisfied or discharged in bankruptcy; the income being garnished is exempt; the amount being withheld exceeds the legal maximum; or the writ was served improperly. Learn more about filing objections in How to File a Wage Garnishment Exemption.
Step 3: File with the Court and Attend the Hearing
File the completed Form MC 49 with the clerk of the court that issued the garnishment writ and serve a copy on the creditor and your employer. Retain proof of service. The court will schedule a hearing, typically within 14 to 21 days. Bring documentation: bank statements showing payment of the debt, a bankruptcy discharge order if applicable, pay stubs showing the withheld amount, or documentation of exempt income sources. For insights on what happens if your garnishment situation changes, see How Long Does Wage Garnishment Last?
Claiming Exempt Income in Michigan
Michigan fully exempts Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, unemployment compensation, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, and most pension and retirement income from garnishment. If any portion of your income comes from these sources, claim the exemption on Form MC 49. If the garnishment is valid and your objection grounds are limited, filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Michigan triggers an automatic stay that immediately stops all wage garnishment. Use our Michigan Wage Garnishment Calculator to see exactly how much of your paycheck can be legally withheld.
Need Help Beyond the Calculator?
If you're dealing with wage garnishment or debt-related challenges, professional help may be the fastest path forward. Visit our Resources page to explore vetted options for debt relief.
For those curious about garnishment rules in other states, check out calculators for California Wage Garnishment Calculator, Texas Wage Garnishment Calculator, and Florida Wage Garnishment Calculator. Also, explore related topics like Can Bonuses, Commissions, Overtime, or Severance Be Garnished? and Can My Employer Fire Me for Wage Garnishment? to understand the broader context of wage garnishment protections and consequences.