You Got Served: Now What?
Whether it arrived in your mailbox or was handed to you at your front door, being served with a lawsuit is never a good feeling. Your stomach drops. Your mind races. What now?
If you’ve been served with legal papers in Michigan, your next steps matter—a lot. Ignoring the lawsuit won’t make it go away. In fact, it could make things much worse.
Here’s a practical breakdown of what to do next, how long you have, and how to protect yourself.
Step 1: Don’t Ignore It
It’s tempting to toss those papers in a drawer and hope for the best—but that’s a recipe for disaster. If you don’t respond in time, the other party can get a default judgment against you. That means they win automatically, and you could be on the hook for money, court costs, garnishments, or liens—without ever telling your side of the story.
In Michigan, you typically have:
21 days to respond if you were personally served in-state
28 days if served by mail or served outside Michigan
Every case is different, so double-check your paperwork…or better yet, consult a lawyer right away.
Step 2: Read the Complaint Carefully
The complaint is the document that lays out the plaintiff’s claims—what they say you did wrong and what they want the court to do about it (usually money).
Don’t just skim it. Look for:
Who is suing you
What they’re accusing you of
The deadline to respond
Which court the case is filed in
Understanding the complaint helps you decide how to respond—and what kind of legal help you might need.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Start pulling together anything that relates to the case. That might include:
Contracts
Emails or text messages
Photos, videos, receipts
Insurance policies
Prior legal correspondence
Even if you’re not sure it’s relevant, keep it. An attorney can help you sort out what matters most.
Step 4: Talk to an Attorney
This isn’t the time to go it alone. Even if you think the lawsuit is baseless, a lawyer can:
Explain your rights and defenses
Respond to the complaint (called an Answer)
Raise counterclaims or legal objections
Protect your assets and minimize liability
Negotiate a settlement—or fight it in court
The sooner you get legal advice, the more options you’ll have.
Step 5: Respond to the Lawsuit
Your attorney will help you file a proper Answer or motion with the court. This is a formal legal document that:
Admits or denies the allegations
Raises any legal defenses
Lays the groundwork for your case
Missing the deadline—even by one day—can lead to a default judgment. Don’t wait.
What Happens Next?
Once you respond, the lawsuit moves forward. The process may include:
Discovery (exchanging documents, depositions)
Motions (legal arguments before trial)
ADR like facilitation or case evaluation (see our other blog post for that)
Settlement discussions
Trial, if no resolution is reached
Many cases settle out of court, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for litigation.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Talk About It Online
Resist the urge to vent on social media. Anything you post—even vague complaints—could be used against you in court. Let your lawyer do the talking.
Final Thoughts
Being served with a lawsuit is stressful—but it’s not the end of the world. With the right legal help, you can defend yourself, tell your side of the story, and possibly resolve the matter without stepping foot in a courtroom.
At Shkreli Legal, we’ve helped individuals and businesses across Michigan respond to lawsuits strategically and effectively. If you’ve been served, don’t wait.
Call 248-487-9444 or contact us online today for a confidential consultation.
Worried about a lawsuit? Let’s talk before deadlines pass. We’re here to protect your rights and your peace of mind.
Editor’s Note: The title of this article is a reference to the 2004 film of the same name.
