Filing for divorce in Michigan without a lawyer is possible when both spouses agree on major issues. Michigan has a mandatory waiting period of 60 days for couples without minor children and 180 days for couples with minor children. The filing fee is approximately $175. This guide covers every step of the DIY divorce process in Michigan.
Who qualifies for a divorce without a lawyer in Michigan?
You may be able to file for divorce without a lawyer in Michigan if both spouses agree on all major issues including property division, debts, and — if applicable — child custody and support. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, which means you do not need to prove wrongdoing by either spouse.
- Both spouses agree on all terms of the divorce
- There is no history of domestic violence or coercion
- Neither spouse has highly complex assets such as a business or pension
- Both spouses are willing to cooperate and sign documents
Michigan residency requirement
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Michigan for a minimum of 180 days before filing for divorce. Additionally, you must have lived in the county where you are filing for at least 10 days. You file in the Circuit Court of the county where either spouse lives.
Michigan divorce waiting period
Michigan has mandatory waiting periods that depend on whether minor children are involved:
- Without minor children: 60-day waiting period from the date the Complaint is filed
- With minor children: 180-day waiting period from the date the Complaint is filed
These waiting periods cannot be waived. A judge may shorten the 180-day period in exceptional circumstances, but this is rare.
Step-by-step divorce process in Michigan
Step 1 — Download Michigan divorce forms
Michigan provides free divorce forms through the Michigan Courts website at courts.michigan.gov. Michigan has complete self-help divorce packets with step-by-step instructions for different situations.
Step 2 — File at your county Circuit Court
File your completed Complaint for Divorce at the Circuit Court clerk’s office in your county. The filing fee is approximately $175 in most Michigan counties. Wayne County (Detroit) and Oakland County may have slightly different fees.
Step 3 — Serve your spouse
After filing, your spouse must be formally served with the Complaint and Summons. If your spouse agrees to cooperate, they can sign an Acknowledgment of Service. Otherwise, use a process server or the county sheriff. Your spouse has 21 days to respond after being served.
Step 4 — Complete financial disclosure
Michigan requires both spouses to complete a Verified Statement listing all assets and debts. Both spouses must also complete a Friend of the Court Questionnaire if children are involved.
Step 5 — Wait the mandatory period and attend final hearing
After the waiting period ends, the court schedules a final hearing. For an uncontested divorce in Michigan, the hearing is brief. The judge reviews the Judgment of Divorce and signs it. At least one spouse must appear at the final hearing in Michigan.
Required forms for divorce in Michigan
- FOC 101 — Complaint for Divorce
- FOC 102 — Summons and Complaint
- MC 01 — Summons
- Acknowledgment of Service or Proof of Service
- FOC 10 — Verified Statement
- Judgment of Divorce signed by both spouses
- If children are involved: FOC 100 — Friend of the Court Questionnaire and Uniform Child Support Order
All forms are available free at courts.michigan.gov.
How much does a divorce cost in Michigan?
The court filing fee in Michigan is approximately $175 in most counties. For a DIY uncontested divorce, your total cost is typically $175–$300. Attorney fees for an uncontested divorce in Michigan typically range from $1,000 to $3,500. Contested divorces with attorneys can cost $10,000–$25,000 or more.
How long does a divorce take in Michigan?
The minimum time for a divorce in Michigan without children is 60 days. With minor children, the minimum is 180 days. Most uncontested DIY divorces in Michigan without children are finalized in 2–4 months. With children, the process typically takes 6–9 months. Contested divorces typically take 12–24 months.
Frequently asked questions — Michigan divorce
Is Michigan a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. The only ground for divorce in Michigan 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.” You do not need to prove fault.
What is the Friend of the Court in Michigan?
The Friend of the Court (FOC) is an office of the Circuit Court that assists with family law cases involving children. In any Michigan divorce with minor children, the FOC investigates and makes recommendations to the judge regarding custody, parenting time, and child support.
Can I file for divorce in Michigan without my spouse’s cooperation?
Yes. You can file a contested divorce in Michigan without your spouse’s agreement. Your spouse must be formally served and has 21 days to respond. If they do not respond, you may proceed with a default divorce after the mandatory waiting period.
Do I need to appear in court for a Michigan divorce?
Yes. Unlike some states, Michigan requires at least one spouse to appear at the final hearing for the Judgment of Divorce to be signed. The hearing is typically brief for uncontested cases — the judge asks a few questions and signs the judgment.
What if I cannot afford the Michigan divorce filing fee?
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can apply for a fee waiver by filing a Motion to Waive Fees with the court. If your income is below the poverty guidelines, the court may waive the filing fee entirely.
Divorce guides in other states
Divorce laws vary significantly by state. Select your state below to find the complete guide.
- Virginia
- Colorado
- Texas
- California
- Florida
- New York
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- Arizona
- Washington
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Legal disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Divorce laws in Michigan vary by county and individual circumstances. If your divorce involves significant assets, children, or disputes, consider consulting a licensed attorney in Michigan.