How long does a divorce take in Michigan?

For divorces without minor children, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date of filing. For divorces with minor children, the waiting period is 6 months, though the court can reduce it to 60 days in some circumstances. The total timeline depends on court backlogs and whether all issues are resolved.

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Michigan?

Court filing fees vary by county but typically range from $150 to $300. Our document preparation service starts at $299, which is significantly less than the average attorney retainer of $3,000-$5,000. Total out-of-pocket costs are usually $500-$700 with our service.

Can I file for divorce without a lawyer in Michigan?

Yes. Michigan allows pro se (self-representation) divorce filings. Our document preparation service helps you prepare all the necessary court documents accurately without the cost of an attorney. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice.

What are the residency requirements for divorce in Michigan?

At least one spouse must have been a Michigan resident for at least 180 days (about 6 months) AND a resident of the county where you file for at least 10 days before filing.

What is a no-fault divorce in Michigan?

Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not need to prove wrongdoing by either spouse. 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.'

Do I have to go to court for an uncontested divorce?

In most Michigan counties, at least one spouse must appear for a brief hearing called a 'prove-up' or 'default hearing,' even in uncontested cases. Some counties may allow virtual appearances. The hearing is usually brief (10-15 minutes).

Michigan Guide

How to File for Divorce in Michigan

A complete step-by-step guide to the Michigan divorce process, requirements, costs, and timeline.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We are a document preparation service, not a law firm.Read full disclaimer

Michigan Divorce Overview

Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing. The only legal ground is that the marriage relationship has broken down. This guide covers the complete process for filing an uncontested divorce in Michigan.

Step 1: Meet Residency Requirements

At least one spouse must be a Michigan resident for 180 days (about 6 months)
Must be a resident of the filing county for 10 days before filing
File in the county where either spouse lives

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

You'll need several documents to file for divorce in Michigan:

Complaint for Divorce — The main filing document stating grounds
Summons — Notifies the other spouse of the filing
Verified Statement / Certificate — Verifies county and state residency
Settlement Agreement — Outlines agreed terms (uncontested)
Judgment of Divorce — The final order for the judge to sign

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Step 3: File with the Court

Take your completed documents to your county circuit court clerk's office. Filing fees vary by county but typically range from $150 to $300. You can ask the clerk about fee waivers if you qualify based on income.

Step 4: Serve Your Spouse

After filing, you must serve your spouse with copies of the filed documents. Service can be done by a sheriff, process server, or in some cases, your spouse can voluntarily accept service by signing an acknowledgment.

Step 5: Wait Through the Mandatory Period

Michigan Waiting Periods

• No minor children: 60-day waiting period
• With minor children: 6-month waiting period (may be reduced to 60 days by court order)

Step 6: Attend Your Hearing

Once the waiting period ends, you'll attend a brief court hearing (usually 10-15 minutes for uncontested cases). The judge will review your documents, ask a few questions, and sign the Judgment of Divorce.

Michigan Divorce FAQ

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