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Michigan Form MC 03: Answer to Complaint
What this form does, who files it, what it costs, and how to avoid the errors that get Michigan filings rejected.
Reviewed and updated by the Clear Path document team. Informational only — not legal advice.
Quick Answer
What is Michigan form MC 03?
Form MC 03 is the Michigan Answer — the document you file to respond to a complaint after you have been served. You generally have 21 days from personal service in Michigan, or 28 days if you were served by registered mail or served outside the state.
Who files it
The defendant in a civil case, or the defendant in a divorce or other family law case.
Where it goes
The clerk of the same court and case number listed on the summons you received.
Filing fee
Usually $0 to answer, though some courts charge an appearance fee; a counterclaim adds a motion fee.
What you need before you start
- The summons and complaint you were served with, including the case number
- The date you were served and the method of service
- Your response to each numbered paragraph of the complaint — admit, deny, or lack of knowledge
- Any affirmative defenses you intend to raise
- A Proof of Service (MC 302) for mailing your Answer to the other side
How to complete and file form MC 03
- 1
Copy the caption from the complaint exactly — same court, county, case number, and judge.
- 2
Respond to each numbered paragraph in order. Anything you do not deny can be treated as admitted.
- 3
List any affirmative defenses in a separate section at the end.
- 4
File the Answer with the clerk before your deadline expires.
- 5
Mail a copy to the plaintiff or their attorney and file MC 302 showing you did.
Mistakes that get MC 03 rejected
- Counting the deadline from the filing date instead of the date you were served
- Writing a narrative letter instead of responding to each numbered paragraph
- Filing the Answer but never serving it, which can leave the filing incomplete
- Skipping affirmative defenses, which are usually waived if not raised in the Answer