Debt Validation Letter in Michigan
Ask a debt collector to prove a debt. Under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692g), if you dispute in writing within the validation period, the collector must stop collecting until it sends verification. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy.
What Michigan law says
| State debt collection law | Yes. The Regulation of Collection Practices Act covers 'regulated persons' that collect their own consumer debts, such as banks, credit unions and other creditors collecting in their own name, and attorneys collecting for clients. Collection agencies are regulated under Article 9 of the Occupational Code. |
|---|---|
| Time limit to sue on a written contract | 6 years to sue for breach of contract, written or oral. Source: MCL 600.5807(1), (9) |
| Can a payment restart the clock? | Yes, but only in writing. A contract debt that is already time-barred is revived by an acknowledgment or promise to pay, but only if it is in a writing signed by the person who owes the debt. Source: MCL 600.5866 |
Fill it in
Nothing you type leaves your browser. Replace anything still highlighted, and keep a signed copy.
[today's date]
To: [collection agency name], [collector address]
Re: Account number [account or reference number]
I am writing in response to your [letter or call] dated [date of contact]. I dispute this debt and request validation under 15 U.S.C. § 1692g.
Please send me the name of the original creditor, the amount you claim and how it was calculated, and documents showing that you own or are authorized to collect this debt.
Until you provide this verification, please stop collection activity on this account, and contact me only in writing at the address below.
[your name], [your mailing address]
Debt Validation Letter for other states · Michigan tenant rights
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.