Michigan Quiet Title Action: Complete Guide for 2025
Everything you need to know about filing a quiet title action in Michigan—costs, timeline, legal requirements, and when you actually need one.
Michigan Quiet Title Cost Breakdown
| Court Filing Fee | $175 - $250 |
| Service of Process | $50 - $100 per defendant |
| Publication (if needed) | $200 - $400 |
| Title Search | $200 - $350 |
| Attorney Fees(Uncontested) | $2,000 - $5,000 (uncontested) |
| Total Range | $2,500 - $6,000 (uncontested) | $6,000 - $15,000+ (contested) |
Costs vary by county and case complexity. Contested cases involving disputes or trials can significantly exceed these estimates.
Michigan Quiet Title Timeline
Title Search & Complaint Preparation
1-2 weeksAttorney examines title chain, identifies all potential claimants, and drafts the complaint.
Filing & Service
2-4 weeksComplaint filed with Circuit Court. Defendants served personally or by publication if not locatable.
Publication Period (if needed)
3 weeks minimumIf defendants cannot be found, notice published weekly for 3 consecutive weeks.
Response Period
21-28 daysDefendants have 21 days (personal service) or 28 days after last publication to respond.
Default Judgment or Hearing
2-6 weeksIf no response, motion for default judgment filed. If contested, hearing scheduled.
Final Judgment & Recording
1-2 weeksCourt issues judgment quieting title. Recorded with Register of Deeds.
Note: These timelines assume an uncontested action. If any party disputes your claim, the process can extend significantly due to discovery, motions, and potential trial.
Michigan Legal Requirements
- Governing Statute
- MCL 600.2932 (Quiet Title Actions)
- Court
- Circuit Court
- Jurisdiction
- County where property is located
- Service Requirements
- All defendants must be served personally or by registered mail. If a defendant cannot be located after diligent search, service by publication is permitted.
- Publication Requirements
- Publication must run once per week for 3 consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county. Response period is 28 days after last publication.
When You Need a Quiet Title in Michigan
- After purchasing property at Michigan tax foreclosure auction
- Heir property with missing or unknown heirs
- Break in chain of title from unrecorded deeds
- Clearing old mortgages that should have been discharged
- Adverse possession claims (15-year statutory period)
- Detroit and urban properties with complex ownership history
- Removing land contract seller after payoff
Michigan-Specific Considerations
- Michigan uses tax foreclosure (not tax lien) - properties sold at county auction
- No redemption period after Michigan tax foreclosure sale (title transfers immediately)
- Michigan has significant inventory from Detroit and other urban foreclosures
- Many properties have complex title chains from land contract sales
- Quiet title often needed due to prior owners receiving defective foreclosure notice
- Michigan courts require proof that tax foreclosure followed proper procedures
Alternatives to Quiet Title in Michigan
Affidavit of Heirship
Recorded affidavit identifying heirs of deceased owner under Michigan law.
Best for: Heir property where heirs are known and cooperative
Corrective Instruments
Corrective deeds, affidavits of scrivener's error, or discharge of mortgage.
Best for: Specific defects like typos, missing signatures, or unreleased mortgages
Stipulated Order
Agreement with adverse parties submitted to court for approval.
Best for: When all parties can be located and will cooperate
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a quiet title action cost in Michigan?
An uncontested quiet title action in Michigan typically costs $2,500 to $6,000, including attorney fees, filing fees ($175-250), service costs, and publication fees if needed. Contested cases, common with tax foreclosure properties, can exceed $10,000-$15,000.
How long does a quiet title take in Michigan?
An uncontested quiet title action in Michigan typically takes 90-120 days. If service by publication is required, add 6-8 weeks. Contested cases can take 6-12 months or longer.
Do I need a quiet title after buying at Michigan tax auction?
Often yes. While Michigan tax foreclosure deeds transfer ownership immediately with no redemption, title insurance companies frequently require quiet title to ensure the foreclosure process followed proper procedures and all parties received adequate notice.
Is there a redemption period for Michigan tax sales?
No. Unlike many states, Michigan tax foreclosure sales have no post-sale redemption period. Once the deed is issued, the former owner has no right to redeem. However, they may challenge the sale if proper notice was not given.
Why are Michigan tax foreclosure titles often challenged?
Michigan has faced legal challenges regarding adequacy of notice in tax foreclosures, particularly in Detroit. Courts have found some foreclosures invalid due to improper notice. Quiet title helps confirm proper procedures were followed.
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