Filing for divorce in Michigan without an attorney costs $175-$260 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 180 days in Michigan, 10 days in county. Michigan is a equitable distribution state with a 60 days (no children) or 6 months (with children) waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 2-3 months (no children) or 6+ months (with children). Victoria AI guides you through every step with Michigan-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $175-$260 (Wayne County (Detroit): $255. Oakland County: $240. Fees vary by county, typically $175-$260.) |
| Residency Requirement | 180 days in Michigan, 10 days in county |
| Waiting Period | 60 days (no children) or 6 months (with children) |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Breakdown of the marriage (no-fault) |
| No-Fault Only? | Yes |
| Uncontested Timeline | 2-3 months (no children) or 6+ months (with children) |
| Contested Timeline | 6 months to 2+ years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Michigan, you must meet the following residency requirement: 180 days in Michigan, 10 days in county.
At least one spouse must have resided in Michigan for at least 180 days (6 months) AND in the county of filing for at least 10 days before filing.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Michigan's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Michigan without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have resided in Michigan for at least 180 days (6 months) AND in the county of filing for at least 10 days before filing.
Download the official Michigan divorce forms: Complaint for Divorce, Summons, Verified Statement. All forms are available from the Michigan courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (FOC 101) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Michigan court and pay the filing fee of $175-$260. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Michigan rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Michigan law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Michigan has a 60-day waiting period for couples without minor children, or a 6-month waiting period for couples with minor children. The court may waive the longer period for good cause.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Michigan, this typically takes 2-3 months (no children) or 6+ months (with children). The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Michigan. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates divorce
Notifies spouse
Basic information
Final judgment
The filing fee to start a divorce in Michigan is $175-$260. Wayne County (Detroit): $255. Oakland County: $240. Fees vary by county, typically $175-$260.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $175-$260 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $300-$1,200 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Michigan offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Michigan, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Michigan courts are strict about service requirements.
Michigan is a equitable distribution state.
Michigan divides marital property equitably. Factors include duration of marriage, needs of the parties, earning abilities, cause of divorce, and prior contributions. Separate property generally stays with its owner.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Michigan law applies to your specific property.
Michigan uses the Income shares model per Michigan Child Support Formula.
Michigan uses the Michigan Child Support Formula (MCSF). Both parents' net incomes are used to calculate support based on the number of children and custody arrangement. The formula is complex with many variables.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Michigan divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $175-$260 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
60 days (no children) or 6 months (with children) - Michigan has a 60-day waiting period for couples without minor children, or a 6-month waiting period for couples with minor children. The court may waive the longer period for good cause.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
No-fault only state
Longer waiting period with children (6 months)
Friend of the Court (FOC) involved in custody/support cases
Michigan Child Support Formula is complex
Domestic Relations Referee handles many matters
Common questions about filing for divorce in Michigan without an attorney.
Get 24/7 guidance specific to Michigan's forms, procedures, and requirements.
Michigan-specific forms
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Financial disclosure wizard
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Child support calculator
Using Michigan's exact guidelines
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Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All Michigan divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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