Michigan Divorce Filing Guide (2025)
To get a divorce in Michigan, you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least 180 days and in the county where you file for at least 10 day...
Key Takeaways
- To file for divorce in Michigan, you must meet two residency requirements:
- The divorce process in Michigan begins with the filing of a Complaint for Divorce.
- The timeline for a divorce in Michigan depends on whether you have children and whether the case is contested or uncontested.
- The cost of a divorce in Michigan varies by county.
To get a divorce in Michigan, you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least 180 days and in the county where you file for at least 10 days. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, which means the only ground for divorce is that there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent...
Michigan Divorce Filing Guide (2025)
To get a divorce in Michigan, you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least 180 days and in the county where you file for at least 10 days. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, which means the only ground for divorce is that there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved.
This guide provides a step-by-step overview of the divorce process in Michigan, from filing the initial complaint to obtaining the final judgment of divorce.
Table of Contents
- What are the residency requirements for divorce in Michigan?
- What are the grounds for divorce in Michigan?
- How do I file for divorce in Michigan? Step-by-Step
- How long does a divorce take in Michigan?
- How much does a divorce cost in Michigan?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Legal References
What are the residency requirements for divorce in Michigan?
To file for divorce in Michigan, you must meet two residency requirements:
- State Residency: You or your spouse must have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days immediately before filing for divorce.
- County Residency: You or your spouse must have lived in the county where you file for divorce for at least 10 days immediately before filing.
What are the grounds for divorce in Michigan?
Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. This means you do not have to prove that your spouse did anything wrong to get a divorce. The only ground for divorce is that there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved.
How do I file for divorce in Michigan? Step-by-Step
The divorce process in Michigan begins with the filing of a Complaint for Divorce.
Step 1: File the Complaint for Divorce
The first step is to file a Complaint for Divorce with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse lives.
Step 2: Serve the Complaint
The Complaint for Divorce and a Summons must be served on your spouse. This is typically done by a process server or by certified mail.
Step 3: Your Spouse Responds
Your spouse has 21 days (if served in person) or 28 days (if served by mail) to file an Answer to the complaint.
Step 4: Waiting Period
There is a mandatory waiting period before a divorce can be finalized in Michigan. If you have no minor children, the waiting period is 60 days. If you have minor children, the waiting period is six months.
Step 5: Finalize the Divorce
After the waiting period has passed, and all issues have been resolved, the court can grant a Judgment of Divorce.
Civilly Tip: Michigan Legal Help provides a do-it-yourself divorce tool that can help you prepare the necessary forms for an uncontested divorce.
How long does a divorce take in Michigan?
The timeline for a divorce in Michigan depends on whether you have children and whether the case is contested or uncontested.
| Divorce Type | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Uncontested (no children) | 2-3 months |
| Uncontested (with children) | 6-8 months |
| Contested | 12+ months |
How much does a divorce cost in Michigan?
The cost of a divorce in Michigan varies by county.
| Cost Category | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Filing Fee | $175 - $250 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $75 |
| Attorney Fees (if applicable) | $5,000 - $20,000+ |
| Total (Uncontested) | $250 - $1,500 |
| Total (Contested) | $7,500 - $25,000+ |
If you cannot afford the filing fees, you can ask the court to waive them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to get a divorce in Michigan?
You are not required to have a lawyer, especially in an uncontested divorce. However, it is always a good idea to consult with an attorney to understand your rights and obligations, especially if you have children or significant assets.
What is a Judgment of Divorce?
A Judgment of Divorce is the final order from the court that officially ends your marriage.
How is property divided in a Michigan divorce?
Michigan is an equitable distribution state. For more details, see our Michigan Property Division Guide.
How is child custody determined in Michigan?
Custody decisions are based on the best interest of the child. For more information, see our Michigan Child Custody Guide.
Can I get alimony in Michigan?
Alimony, called spousal support in Michigan, may be awarded to either spouse. To learn more, read our Michigan Alimony Guide.