How to File for Divorce in Michigan: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Filing for divorce in Michigan requires meeting a 180-day state residency requirement and paying a filing fee of $175 without children or $255 with children under MCL 600.2529. Michigan operates as a pure no-fault divorce state under MCL 552.6, meaning you only need to prove the marriage has irretrievably broken down. The mandatory waiting period is 60 days for divorces without minor children and 180 days for cases involving children. The average uncontested divorce takes 60-90 days to complete, while contested cases can extend 12-18 months depending on complexity and court schedules.

Key Facts: Michigan Divorce Requirements

As of March 2026. Filing fees verified through Michigan Courts official fee schedule.

Understanding Michigan Divorce Residency Requirements

Michigan requires at least one spouse to have resided in the state for 180 days immediately before filing the divorce complaint under MCL 552.9. Additionally, the filing party must have resided in the county where they file for at least 10 days before filing. Only one spouse needs to meet these residency requirements, and the 180-day period does not require continuous physical presence if the person maintains established domicile and intends to return. Temporary absences for work, military service, or family emergencies do not destroy residency.

The county residency requirement may be waived in cases where the defendant was born in or is a citizen of a country other than the United States and the parties have minor children, suggesting a credible risk of international child removal. This exception helps protect against potential parental kidnapping situations.

When the cause for divorce occurred outside Michigan, MCL 552.9 requires the complainant or defendant to have resided in Michigan for one full year immediately before filing. This extended residency requirement applies specifically when the grounds for divorce arose in another state or country.

Michigan Filing Fees and Court Costs

The base filing fee for divorce in Michigan is $175 for cases without minor children under MCL 600.2529. Cases involving minor children require an additional $80 Friend of the Court fee under MCL 600.2529(1)(d)(i), bringing the total to $255. The base fee includes a $150 filing charge plus a $25 electronic filing system fee mandated by MCL 600.1986(1)(a).

Beyond the initial filing fee, you should budget for additional court costs that accumulate throughout the divorce process. Motion filing fees cost $20 each time you file a motion requesting court action. A jury demand adds $85 if you choose to have a jury trial. The judgment fee at case conclusion is $80. Service of process fees range from $25-$75 depending on whether you use the county sheriff ($25-$40), a private process server ($50-$75), or certified mail ($25).

Michigan courts waive filing fees for individuals whose household income falls at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. For 2026, this threshold is approximately $19,506 for a single-person household or $40,000 for a family of four. To request a fee waiver, file a Fee Waiver Request form (MC 20) with your Complaint for Divorce, providing documentation of your income, assets, and monthly expenses. The court reviews your financial affidavit and determines eligibility within 7-14 days.

Michigan Divorce Grounds: No-Fault System

Michigan is a pure no-fault divorce state under MCL 552.6. The only legal 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. You do not need to prove adultery, abuse, abandonment, or any other wrongdoing by your spouse.

In the Complaint for Divorce, you must use only the statutory language from MCL 552.6 when stating grounds. You cannot provide detailed explanations or allegations about why the marriage failed. The defendant spouse may either admit the grounds for divorce or deny them without further explanation in their Answer. An admission by the defendant may be considered by the court but is not binding on the court's determination.

The court will enter a judgment dissolving the marriage if evidence is presented in open court showing the marriage has irretrievably broken down. This typically requires one spouse to testify under oath that the marriage cannot be saved. Although Michigan divorce is no-fault, a judge may consider spousal misconduct when determining property division and alimony awards under the equitable distribution factors established in Sparks v. Sparks, 440 Mich. 141 (1992).

Step-by-Step Process: How to File for Divorce in Michigan

Step 1: Gather Required Information and Documents

Before filing, compile complete financial documentation including tax returns for the past three years, pay stubs from the last six months, bank statements, retirement account statements, mortgage documents, vehicle titles, credit card statements, and loan agreements. You will need Social Security numbers, birth dates, and addresses for both spouses and all minor children. If you own a home, obtain a current property valuation. For business owners, gather business tax returns and valuation documents.

Create a comprehensive list of all marital assets and debts with current values and balances. Marital property includes anything acquired during the marriage regardless of whose name appears on the title. Separate property acquired before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance typically remains with the original owner, but commingling can convert separate property to marital property.

Step 2: Complete the Complaint for Divorce

The Complaint for Divorce is the document that initiates your case. Michigan provides standardized forms through the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO). For divorces without children, you will need form MC 01a (Complaint). For divorces with minor children, additional forms include the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit and Verified Statement.

The Complaint must include your name and address, your spouse's name and address, the date and place of marriage, the names and birth dates of all minor children, a statement that you meet the residency requirements under MCL 552.9, and the statutory grounds for divorce under MCL 552.6. You must also indicate whether you are requesting custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support, or property division.

Complete every section of the form carefully. Leave no blanks unless instructed to do so. Sign the Complaint under oath before a notary public. Filing a false statement under oath constitutes perjury, a felony offense in Michigan.

Step 3: File the Complaint with the Circuit Court

File your completed Complaint for Divorce with the Circuit Court clerk in the county where you or your spouse resides. You must file in a county where at least one spouse has lived for 10 days before filing under MCL 552.9. Bring your original signed Complaint plus two copies, along with payment for the filing fee ($175 or $255 depending on whether you have children).

Many Michigan counties now require or allow electronic filing through the MiFILE system at mifile.courts.michigan.gov. Mandatory e-filing counties include Macomb, Oakland, and Ottawa. To use MiFILE, create a free account, upload your documents in PDF format (maximum 25 MB per filing), and pay the filing fee online with a credit or debit card. The system operates 24 hours per day, allowing you to file at your convenience.

The court clerk will assign a case number and return file-stamped copies of your Complaint. Keep these copies in a safe place. The case number must appear on all future documents you file in your case.

Step 4: Serve Divorce Papers on Your Spouse

Michigan law requires you to formally serve divorce papers on your spouse, notifying them of the case. Service must be completed within 91 days of filing under Michigan Court Rule 2.102(D). You cannot serve the papers yourself. Service methods include personal service by a process server or county sheriff, certified mail with return receipt requested (requires spouse's cooperation), or acknowledgment of service (spouse voluntarily signs a form admitting receipt).

Personal service by sheriff costs $25-$40 and is the most reliable method when your spouse may not cooperate. Private process servers charge $50-$75 but offer faster service. Certified mail costs approximately $25 but only works if your spouse willingly accepts and signs for the certified letter. If your spouse refuses all service attempts, you may need to request alternate service methods from the court, such as publication in a newspaper.

The server must complete a Proof of Service form documenting when, where, and how papers were delivered. File this proof with the court clerk as evidence that your spouse received proper notice. Without proof of service, the court cannot proceed with your case.

Step 5: Wait for Your Spouse's Response

After service, your spouse has 21 days to file a written Answer with the court if they were served in Michigan, or 28 days if served outside Michigan under Michigan Court Rule 2.108. The Answer indicates whether your spouse admits or denies the grounds for divorce and states their position on custody, support, and property division.

If your spouse agrees with all terms, you can proceed with an uncontested divorce. If your spouse disagrees on any issues, the case becomes contested, requiring negotiation, mediation, or trial. If your spouse fails to file an Answer within the deadline, you may request a default judgment, allowing the court to grant the divorce and approve your proposed settlement without your spouse's participation.

Step 6: Attend Friend of Court Proceedings (If You Have Children)

For cases involving minor children, both parties must attend a Friend of the Court Early Intervention Conference. The Friend of the Court office investigates and makes recommendations regarding child custody, parenting time, and child support. The $80 Friend of the Court fee paid at filing covers these services.

The Friend of the Court may also provide alternative dispute resolution services under Michigan Court Rule 3.224, unless domestic violence concerns require a protective exemption. These services help parents reach agreements on child-related issues without going to trial. If you and your spouse cannot agree, the Friend of the Court referee may issue recommendations to the judge.

Step 7: Exchange Financial Disclosures

Michigan requires both spouses to exchange complete financial information. This includes the Uniform Child Support Order (UCSO) form listing income, the Property and Debt Listing form, and copies of supporting documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, and account statements. Financial disclosure ensures fair division of property and accurate calculation of support obligations.

Failing to disclose assets or providing false information can result in court sanctions, including awarding the undisclosed property entirely to the other spouse, ordering you to pay attorney fees, or even criminal charges for perjury.

Step 8: Negotiate Settlement or Prepare for Trial

Most Michigan divorces settle through negotiation without trial. You and your spouse can negotiate directly, work with attorneys, or use mediation services. A comprehensive settlement agreement addresses all issues: property division, debt allocation, spousal support amount and duration, child custody arrangements, parenting time schedules, and child support calculations.

If settlement is impossible, the case proceeds to trial. Each spouse presents evidence and testimony. The judge makes decisions on all contested issues based on Michigan law and the specific facts of your case. Trials can take 1-3 days for moderately complex cases or weeks for high-asset or high-conflict divorces.

Step 9: Observe the Mandatory Waiting Period

Michigan imposes mandatory waiting periods before finalizing a divorce. For cases without minor children, the waiting period is 60 days from the filing date under MCL 552.9f. For cases with minor children, the waiting period is 180 days (six months) from filing. The waiting period cannot be shortened except in cases of unusual hardship or compelling necessity, such as terminal illness of a spouse, urgent relocation required for medical treatment, or imminent foreclosure requiring immediate property sale.

The waiting period begins on the filing date, not when you serve papers or reach an agreement. Use this time productively by completing financial disclosures, attending mediation, and negotiating settlement terms.

Step 10: Finalize the Judgment of Divorce

Once the waiting period expires and all issues are resolved, prepare the final divorce documents including the Judgment of Divorce, Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act Affidavit (if applicable), Uniform Child Support Order (if applicable), and Record of Divorce or Annulment (required by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services). Submit these documents to the court for the judge's signature.

The judge reviews the final documents to ensure they comply with Michigan law and are fair to both parties. If everything is in order, the judge signs the Judgment of Divorce. The divorce becomes final when the judge signs the Judgment. You will receive file-stamped copies showing the effective date. Both parties must comply with all terms starting on that date.

File the signed Judgment of Divorce with the court clerk and pay the $80 judgment fee. Request certified copies ($5-$10 each) for your records. You will need certified copies to change your name on identification documents, update beneficiary designations, and transfer property titles.

Property Division in Michigan Divorces

Michigan follows equitable distribution for dividing marital property under MCL 552.19. Equitable means fair but not necessarily equal in a 50-50 split. The court considers multiple factors established in Sparks v. Sparks, 440 Mich. 141 (1992), including the duration of marriage, contributions of each party to the marital estate, each spouse's age and health, each spouse's earning ability and income, the cause of divorce, and the needs of each party.

Marital property includes all assets and debts acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name appears on the title or account. This encompasses real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, businesses, investments, furniture, and personal property. The source of funds used to acquire the asset determines whether it is marital or separate property. Separate property acquired before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance typically remains with the original owner, but commingling separate funds with marital funds can convert separate property into marital property.

Retirement accounts earned during marriage are marital property subject to division. Michigan courts divide retirement benefits using a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), which directs the retirement plan administrator to pay a portion of the benefits to the non-employee spouse. QDROs must comply with federal ERISA regulations and the specific plan's requirements.

The marital home presents unique challenges. If you jointly own the home, options include selling the home and dividing proceeds, one spouse buying out the other spouse's equity interest, or one spouse remaining in the home with offsetting property awards. The court considers factors such as which parent has primary custody of children, each spouse's ability to afford the home, and whether refinancing is possible.

Child Custody and Parenting Time Decisions

Michigan uses the "best interests of the child" standard when determining custody arrangements under MCL 722.23. The statute lists twelve specific factors courts must consider, including the love and emotional ties between parent and child, each parent's capacity to provide food, clothing, medical care, and other material needs, the length of time the child has lived in a stable environment, the permanence of the proposed custodial home, the moral fitness of each parent, each parent's mental and physical health, the child's home, school, and community record, the reasonable preference of the child if old enough to express preference, each parent's willingness to facilitate a relationship with the other parent, domestic violence history, and any other relevant factor.

Courts may award joint legal custody, sole legal custody, joint physical custody, or sole physical custody. Legal custody refers to decision-making authority regarding education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Physical custody refers to where the child lives. Michigan courts favor arrangements that allow children to maintain strong relationships with both parents when safe and appropriate.

Parenting time (also called visitation) is the schedule determining when the child spends time with each parent. Michigan law presumes that parenting time with both parents benefits the child unless evidence shows parenting time would endanger the child's physical, mental, or emotional health. The Friend of the Court develops parenting time recommendations considering each parent's work schedule, the child's school schedule, the distance between homes, and the child's age and needs.

The Friend of the Court enforces custody and parenting time orders. If one parent violates the order, the other parent can file a motion for enforcement. Remedies include makeup parenting time, modification of the parenting time schedule, attorney fees, and in severe cases, change of custody.

Child Support Calculations and Enforcement

Michigan calculates child support using the Michigan Child Support Formula, a detailed mathematical formula considering both parents' incomes, number of children, health insurance costs, childcare expenses, and the parenting time schedule. The formula aims to ensure children maintain the same standard of living they would have enjoyed if the parents remained married.

Both parents have a legal duty to support their children under MCL 722.3. Child support is based on the parents' combined net income, with each parent's share proportionate to their income contribution. The formula includes adjustments for overnight parenting time (reducing the support obligation as parenting time increases), health insurance premiums paid for the children, childcare costs necessary for work or education, and extraordinary medical expenses.

The Friend of the Court enforces child support orders through multiple mechanisms including wage withholding (automatically deducting support from the paying parent's paycheck), tax refund interception, driver's license suspension for non-payment, professional license suspension, contempt of court proceedings with possible jail time, and reporting to credit bureaus.

Child support continues until the child turns 18 years old and graduates from high school, or turns 19 and a half years old, whichever occurs first under MCL 722.3. Support may extend beyond these ages if the parents agree or if the child has special needs requiring ongoing support. Either parent can request modification of child support when circumstances substantially change, such as job loss, significant income increase or decrease, changes in parenting time, or changes in childcare costs.

Spousal Support (Alimony) in Michigan

Michigan courts may award spousal support (alimony) to either spouse based on need and ability to pay. No formula determines alimony; instead, courts exercise discretion considering factors from Sparks v. Sparks, 440 Mich. 141 (1992), including the length of marriage, ability of each party to work, source and amount of property awarded, each party's age and health, each party's earning ability, past relations and conduct of the parties, general principles of equity, and the needs of each party.

Three types of spousal support exist in Michigan: temporary support paid during the divorce process, permanent (really long-term) support continuing indefinitely or until the recipient remarries or either party dies, and rehabilitative support for a limited time allowing the recipient to gain education or training for self-sufficiency. Most modern Michigan courts favor rehabilitative support lasting 2-5 years rather than permanent support.

Spousal support is tax-neutral as of January 1, 2019, due to federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changes. The paying spouse cannot deduct support payments, and the receiving spouse does not report support as taxable income. This tax treatment applies to all divorce judgments entered after December 31, 2018.

Modification of spousal support requires proof of a substantial change in circumstances, such as job loss, disability, retirement, or the recipient's remarriage or cohabitation with a new partner. Spousal support typically terminates when the recipient remarries. Some judgments include provisions automatically terminating support when the recipient cohabits with a new partner in a marriage-like relationship for a specified period.

Timeline: How Long Does a Michigan Divorce Take?

The minimum time for a Michigan divorce is 60 days for cases without children or 180 days (six months) for cases with children, as mandated by MCL 552.9f. The waiting period begins on the filing date. Uncontested divorces where spouses agree on all issues typically finalize in 60-90 days for cases without children or 6-8 months for cases with children.

Contested divorces involving disputes over property, custody, or support take substantially longer. Moderately contested cases average 12-18 months from filing to final judgment. High-conflict divorces involving complex property division, business valuations, custody battles, or abuse allegations can extend 24-36 months. Court scheduling delays contribute significantly to timeline extensions, particularly in heavily populated counties like Wayne, Oakland, and Kent.

Several factors accelerate or delay the process. Complete financial disclosure within 30 days speeds resolution. Using mediation to resolve disputes avoids trial delays. Filing accurate, complete documents prevents rejections. Responding promptly to court deadlines keeps the case moving. Conversely, hidden assets requiring discovery, custody disputes requiring investigations, business valuations taking 3-6 months, and overloaded court dockets can add months or years.

You can expedite the process by preparing all documents before filing, reaching agreements before court involvement, using mediation instead of litigation, responding to all requests within deadlines, maintaining organized financial records, and keeping communication professional. Even in the fastest uncontested cases, you cannot skip the mandatory waiting period without proving unusual hardship to the court.

Alternative Options: Legal Separation and Annulment

Michigan recognizes legal separation as an alternative to divorce under MCL 552.7. In a legal separation (called "separate maintenance"), the court issues orders regarding property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support, but the parties remain legally married. Legal separation may appeal to couples who oppose divorce for religious reasons, who want to remain married for health insurance purposes, or who want a trial separation with court orders protecting their rights.

The process for legal separation mirrors the divorce process: filing a Complaint for Separate Maintenance, serving the spouse, completing financial disclosures, and obtaining a Judgment of Separate Maintenance. The same waiting periods apply. Either spouse can later convert the separate maintenance case to a divorce case.

Annulment (legally called "judgment of nullity") treats the marriage as if it never legally existed under MCL 552.37. Michigan grants annulments only in limited circumstances: one party lacked capacity to consent due to mental incapacity or intoxication, one party was under age 16 at marriage, the marriage occurred under fraud or duress, one party was physically incapable of consummation and the other party did not know, or one party was still married to someone else (bigamy).

Annulment cases are rare and require proof of specific grounds. Children born during an annulled marriage are legitimate, and the court can issue custody and support orders. Property division in annulment cases follows different rules than divorce, often returning each party to their pre-marriage financial position rather than dividing marital property.

Protecting Yourself During the Divorce Process

Take immediate steps to protect your interests when divorce becomes likely. Open individual bank accounts in your name only and redirect half of joint account funds to your new account. Document all marital assets by photographing valuables, making copies of account statements, and listing property with estimated values. Secure important documents including passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, tax returns, and financial statements in a safe location outside the marital home.

Change passwords on personal email, banking, and social media accounts to prevent your spouse from accessing your private information. However, do not change passwords on joint accounts or accounts in your spouse's name. Do not transfer, sell, or dispose of marital property without court permission or written agreement. Such actions can result in court sanctions and unfavorable property division.

If domestic violence is present, prioritize safety planning. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support. File for a Personal Protection Order (PPO) through the county circuit court or family division. Michigan courts issue PPOs prohibiting contact, excluding the abuser from the home, and ordering the abuser to attend counseling.

Monitor your credit by pulling free credit reports from all three bureaus through annualcreditreport.com. Review reports for unauthorized accounts or debts your spouse may have opened in your name. Consider placing fraud alerts or credit freezes to prevent new accounts being opened. While you remain married, you may be liable for debts your spouse incurs, but the divorce judgment can allocate debt responsibility between spouses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing for Divorce

Many self-represented filers make costly errors that delay their case or result in unfavorable outcomes. Failing to serve papers properly within 91 days leads to case dismissal. Missing court deadlines results in default judgments against you. Hiding assets or providing false financial information constitutes perjury and can result in criminal charges plus losing your share of the hidden property. Violating temporary orders during the divorce triggers contempt of court sanctions.

Avoiding these mistakes requires attention to detail and compliance with all rules. Read all court orders carefully and follow them exactly. Keep copies of every document you file and receive. Maintain a calendar with all court dates and deadlines prominently marked. Respond to all discovery requests and court orders by the deadline. Never communicate with the judge except in open court or through proper written motions.

Using social media during divorce poses significant risks. Assume your spouse's attorney will review all your posts, photos, and comments. Seemingly innocent posts about new purchases can undermine claims of financial need. Photos of you partying can be used against you in custody disputes. Negative comments about your spouse can demonstrate inability to co-parent cooperatively. The safest approach is to suspend social media use entirely during divorce proceedings.

Improperly dividing retirement accounts without a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) triggers immediate taxes and 10 percent early withdrawal penalties. Always obtain a QDRO before transferring retirement funds as part of property division. Similarly, failing to remove your spouse as beneficiary on life insurance, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death accounts after divorce can result in your ex-spouse inheriting assets you intended for others.

FAQs About Filing for Divorce in Michigan

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

Filing for divorce in Michigan costs $175 without minor children or $255 with minor children as of March 2026 under MCL 600.2529. Additional costs include $20 per motion filed, $25-$75 for service of process, and $80 judgment fee. Total divorce costs range from $1,675 for simple uncontested cases to $30,000+ for complex contested cases with attorneys.

Can I file for divorce in Michigan if my spouse lives in another state?

Yes, you can file for divorce in Michigan if you meet the residency requirements even if your spouse lives elsewhere. You must have resided in Michigan for 180 days and in your filing county for 10 days under MCL 552.9. Your spouse has 28 days to respond if served outside Michigan. The Michigan court has jurisdiction over the divorce but may have limited authority over out-of-state property.

How long do I have to live in Michigan before filing for divorce?

You must live in Michigan for at least 180 days (approximately six months) immediately before filing under MCL 552.9. Additionally, you must reside in the county where you file for at least 10 days before filing. If the cause for divorce occurred outside Michigan, you need one year of Michigan residency. Temporary absences do not break residency if you intend to return.

What is the mandatory waiting period for divorce in Michigan?

Michigan requires a 60-day waiting period for divorces without minor children and a 180-day (six-month) waiting period for divorces with minor children under MCL 552.9f. The waiting period begins on the filing date, not the service date or agreement date. Courts rarely waive the waiting period except for unusual hardship such as terminal illness or imminent foreclosure.

Does Michigan require legal grounds for divorce?

No, Michigan is a pure no-fault divorce state under MCL 552.6. The only ground is that the marriage has broken down to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed with no reasonable likelihood of preservation. You do not need to prove adultery, abuse, or abandonment. Simply testify that the marriage is irretrievably broken.

How is property divided in a Michigan divorce?

Michigan follows equitable distribution under MCL 552.19, dividing marital property fairly but not necessarily equally (50-50). Courts consider factors from Sparks v. Sparks, 440 Mich. 141 (1992), including marriage length, each spouse's contributions, age and health, earning capacity, and needs. Marital property includes all assets acquired during marriage regardless of whose name is on title. Separate property from before marriage or inheritance typically remains with the owner.

Can I get a fee waiver if I cannot afford the filing fee?

Yes, Michigan courts waive filing fees for individuals whose household income is at or below 125 percent of federal poverty guidelines. For 2026, this is approximately $19,506 for a single person or $40,000 for a family of four. File a Fee Waiver Request form (MC 20) with supporting financial documentation including pay stubs, tax returns, and monthly expense statements. The court reviews and approves or denies within 7-14 days.

Do I need an attorney to file for divorce in Michigan?

No, you can represent yourself (pro se) in a Michigan divorce. Many people with uncontested divorces, no children, limited assets, and short marriages successfully complete the process without attorneys. However, contested divorces, significant assets, business ownership, complex retirement accounts, custody disputes, or domestic violence situations strongly benefit from legal representation. Even for uncontested divorces, many people hire attorneys for document preparation or limited-scope consultation.

How do I serve divorce papers on my spouse?

You cannot serve papers yourself. Michigan requires service by a process server, county sheriff, certified mail, or your spouse's voluntary acknowledgment. Personal service by sheriff ($25-$40) or private process server ($50-$75) is most reliable. Certified mail ($25) works only if your spouse cooperates. Service must occur within 91 days of filing under Michigan Court Rule 2.102(D). File a Proof of Service form documenting delivery before proceeding with your case.

What happens if my spouse does not respond to divorce papers?

If your spouse fails to file an Answer within 21 days after service (28 days if served outside Michigan), you can request a default judgment. File a Request for Default with the court clerk and a proposed Judgment of Divorce. The court reviews your proposed terms and may grant the divorce without your spouse's participation. Your spouse can later move to set aside the default by showing good cause for their failure to respond.

About the Author

Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq. is a Florida Bar member (No. 21022) with expertise in family law matters across multiple jurisdictions. While based in Florida, Attorney Jimenez provides comprehensive legal information about divorce procedures throughout the United States to help individuals understand their rights and options.

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Michigan divorce law and is not legal advice for your specific situation. Laws change frequently, and every case has unique circumstances. Consult with a Michigan licensed attorney for advice about your particular divorce. Filing fees and court procedures vary by county and change periodically.

Sources:

• MCL - Section 552.9 - Michigan Legislature
• Michigan Divorce Filing Fees — Online Michigan Divorce (2026)
• How Long Does a Divorce Take in Michigan? Complete 2026 Timeline Guide | Divorce.law
• MCL - Section 552.6 - Michigan Legislature
• MiFILE - Michigan Courts
• Domestic Relations Matters Forms - Michigan Courts