Michigan divorce at a glance
Official source: Michigan court forms & self-help. Always confirm current forms and fees with the court before filing.
How to file for divorce in Michigan: step by step
Michigan is pure no-fault, with a 60-day wait (or 6 months with children). Here is the path from complaint to a Judgment of Divorce.
- Confirm you can file in Michigan
One spouse must have lived in Michigan 180 days and in the county 10 days. Michigan is pure no-fault — you state only that the marriage has broken down.Source: MCL 552.6 - Prepare your complaint
Prepare the Complaint for Divorce and the SCAO supporting forms (and a UCCJEA affidavit if you have children).Source: SCAO Domestic Relations forms - File with the Circuit Court
File with the Circuit Court (Family Division) and pay about $175 (about $255 with children), or file Form MC 20 to waive the fee. Many courts use MiFILE e-filing.Source: Form MC 20 (fee waiver); MiFILE - Serve your spouse
Serve your spouse or get a signed acknowledgment of service.Source: MCR 2.105 - Wait the statutory period and set support
Wait 60 days (no minor children) or 6 months (with children) from filing. If you have children, calculate support with the Michigan Child Support Formula calculator.Source: MCL 552.9f; Michigan Child Support Formula - Finalize your judgment
Attend a brief final hearing; the judge signs the Judgment of Divorce.Source: Judgment of Divorce
What does filing “pro se” (without a lawyer) mean in Michigan?
Pro se — also called self-represented — means you handle your own divorce without hiring an attorney. Check the linked court resources for the self-represented filing paths and forms available where you will file. Local requirements and the issues in your case determine which documents you need.
Filing pro se is usually a good fit when: you both agree on the divorce, you can agree on splitting property and debts, and any parenting time and support are worked out. It’s worth talking to a lawyer when: you disagree about custody or money, one spouse hides assets or won’t cooperate, there’s a business or significant property to divide, or there has been any abuse.
LawCat helps you organize your case information and find official court resources. Available generated drafts depend on your state and case path; review the court’s complete checklist before filing.
Child support resources for Michigan
Michigan child support calculator → An itemized estimate from Michigan’s official guideline, figures effective 2025-01-01. The court’s worksheet controls.
Use the current official worksheet and instructions for your case. Income definitions, parenting arrangements, deductions, other obligations and additional expenses can affect the result. A simple percentage of the higher earner’s income does not establish an obligation.
Official court forms and guidance →
How long does a Michigan divorce take?
A statutory wait after filing: 60 days with no minor children, or 6 months (180 days) with children (reducible to 60 in hardship). After that, the timeline depends on the court’s calendar and how quickly each step is completed. An uncontested, pro-se divorce is typically the fastest path — most of the wait is the statutory period, not paperwork.
Common reasons Michigan divorce filings get rejected
- Missing signatures, or forms that aren’t notarized where the court requires it.
- Skipping the financial disclosure both spouses are required to exchange.
- Filing before meeting the residency requirement.
- Mistakes serving the other spouse, or forgetting to file the proof of service.
- Not following local county rules. Moderate. SCAO forms are uniform statewide, but county Friend of the Court offices have their own intake requirements and local forms.
LawCat’s guided questions and filing checklist are built to prevent exactly these — the errors that send self-represented filers back to the clerk’s window.
Organize your Michigan case
Document tools are in preview and are not released to ordinary users. Accounts, case intake and official court resources are available. No complete generated filing packet is promised.
Official Michigan forms → See how it worksWhy LawCat is free
Most “online divorce” sites charge $137–$499 for the same public court forms, and some add monthly fees. LawCat’s document preparation is free, with no subscription and no card on file.
Compare divorce filing fees in every state →
Michigan divorce FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Michigan?
No lawyer is required: Michigan courts accept divorce filings from self-represented (pro se) people, and the official court resources linked on this page explain the forms and steps. Many people talk to a lawyer when custody, support or property is disputed. LawCat links the official Michigan forms and lets you organize your case free of charge; it does not give legal advice.
How long do I have to live in Michigan to file for divorce?
One spouse must have lived in Michigan for 180 days and in the filing county for 10 days. Confirm the current rule with the official Michigan court source before filing.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Michigan?
The court filing fee is about $175 without minor children, or about $255 with children. File Form MC 20 (Fee Waiver Request) to ask the court to waive fees. LawCat’s available drafts have no document-preparation charge; court costs, service and other expenses are separate.