How Do You Remove a Squatter From Land in Michigan?
Generally, a squatter is anyone who is staying on your land and treating it as their own without your permission. In Michigan, if a person squats long enough --- that is, for 15 years --- he can acquire ownership of your property through adverse possession, a legal doctrine. To remove a squatter from your land, you will need to bring a legal action for eviction against the squatter.
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Instructions
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How to Evict Squatters in Michigan
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To start an eviction in Michigan, you must send the squatter a notice, such as a letter, letting her know that you plan to initiate eviction proceedings if she does not vacate your property in 30 days. This type of warning letter is commonly referred to as a "Notice to Quit."
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Go to the District Court where the property is located to file an eviction suit after the 30 days have passed. The court should have a form you can fill out to do this. Alternatively, you can consult an attorney, who will file the lawsuit on your behalf.
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Pay the appropriate filing fee and serve the squatter the summons issued by the court, plus a copy of the complaint you filed. Legal service constitutes having the papers delivered to the squatter where he is living or working. This can be done in person through a professional summons server or by mail with a waiver.
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Appear before the judge at a later date to plead your case and wait for a determination. If the court agrees to the eviction, the squatter has 10 days to leave your property. If the squatter fails to leave the property within those 10 days, the court will immediately grant a writ of restitution, which allows the County Sheriff to physically remove the squatter and his possessions.
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