Instructions for Filing and Serving "Objections to Garnishment" (Form MC 49)
If you received a writ of garnishment (form MC 12, MC 13, or MC 52), you can object to that garnishment only if:
• your money is exempt (protected) from garnishment by law (see the list of exempt funds on the back of your
writ of garnishment form),
• you filed for bankruptcy and those proceedings are pending or the debt has been discharged,
• you have an installment payment order signed by a judge (form MC 15a),
• the maximum amount of money that can be garnished by law is already being withheld by another court order,
• you already paid the judgment in full,
• the garnishment was not properly issued (for example, it was issued on false information) or the
garnishment is invalid (for example, the writ was served on the garnishee after the service deadline, the
interest, costs, or judgment amount are inaccurate).
If you received a written statement of the judgment balance from the creditor, you can object if you believe the
balance on the statement is incorrect.
You cannot use this form to challenge the judgment or because you are unable to pay the judgment.
1. How do I file an Objection?
You file an objection by completing the form and filing it with the same court that signed the writ of garnishment.
There is no cost for filing an objection except in probate court cases.
2. Fill out the Objection form.
Write in the court number, case number, the court address and telephone number, and the names, addresses, and
telephone numbers of the plaintiff and the defendant exactly as they are on the writ of garnishment.
Write in the date the garnishment was issued (see the lower left-hand corner of the writ of garnishment). Check the
box that states the reason you are objecting to the garnishment. If there is more than one reason, check all that
apply. Write in the date that you were served (the date you received) a copy of the writ garnishment.
Write in the date you complete the form and sign your name.
3. Make four copies of the completed objection form.
4. File the Objection with the court.
File all four copies of your objection with the court in person or by first-class mail. If you mail the objection, include
a postage-paid and self-addressed envelope so that the court can return to you three copies with the Notice of
Hearing completed.
5. Serve the Objection.
If your case is in the district court, the court will serve the objection and will return one copy to you.
If your case is in the circuit court, when you get the three remaining copies of the objection with the Notice of
Hearing completed, serve a copy on the plaintiff and a copy on the garnishee by first-class mail. If the plaintiff has
an attorney, serve the objection on the attorney instead of the plaintiff. Complete the Certificate of Mailing on the
bottom of your copy of the form. Make a copy of this and file it with the court. You can do this either in person or by
first-class mail. Keep your copy for yourself.
Bring all documents to the hearing to support the objections that you checked on the objection form.
For more information on objections or preparing for a hearing generally,
see MichiganLegalHelp.org or scan the code to the right with your smartphone.