Michigan Divorce Checklist
divorce.law/resources/divorce-checklist/michigan/
Prepared: 5/20/2026
Data updated: 3/1/2026
Estimated Timeline
60 days minimum for uncontested divorce without children, 6 months minimum with minor children (reducible to 60 days for unusual hardship under MCL 552.9f). Typical contested divorce: 9-18 months. Default judgment: 3-4 months without children, 7-9 months with children.
Documents to Gather
- Certified Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificates for Minor Children
- Valid Photo Identification
- Social Security Cards
- Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement(if applicable)
- Real Estate Deeds and Mortgage Statements
- Vehicle Titles and Registration
- Insurance Policies
- Prior Court Orders(if applicable)
Financial Documents
- Last 2-3 Years of Federal and State Income Tax Returns
- Four Most Recent Paycheck Stubs
- Bank and Credit Union Statements
- Retirement Account Statements
- Investment and Brokerage Statements
- Credit Card and Loan Statements
- Mortgage and HELOC Statements
- Business Financial Records(if applicable)
- MESP and HSA Account Statements
Key Steps
1. Before Filing
- Verify Residency Requirements
- Determine Filing Fees and Fee Waiver Eligibility
- Gather Essential Personal and Financial Documents
- Create a Safety Plan if Domestic Violence Is Involved
- Consider Consulting a Family Law Attorney or Legal Aid
2. Filing Process
- Prepare the Complaint for Divorce and Required Forms
- File the Complaint with the Circuit Court
- Request Temporary Orders if Needed
3. After Filing
- Serve Your Spouse with the Divorce Papers
- Wait for Spouse's Response
- Exchange Financial Disclosures
- Complete the SMILE Parenting Program (If Children Involved)
- Participate in Friend of the Court Processes
- Complete Discovery and Pretrial Proceedings
- Negotiate a Settlement Agreement or Proceed to Trial
Key Deadlines
Quick Reference
To file for divorce in Michigan, you must first establish residency: at least 180 days in the state and 10 days in the filing county under MCL 552.9. File a Complaint for Divorce with the Circuit Court (Family Division), citing the no-fault ground under MCL 552.6, along with Form MC 01 (Summons), Form MC 416 (UCCJEA Affidavit if children are involved), and Form FOC 23 (Verified Statement if children or support are at issue). Filing fees are $175 without minor children or $255 with minor children, plus a $25 e-filing fee. Fee waivers are available via Form MC 20. After filing, serve your spouse — they have 21 days to respond if served personally in Michigan, or 28 days if served by mail or out of state. Both parties must exchange Form CC 320 (Verified Financial Information) within 28 days of the Answer. If children are involved, complete the SMILE parenting program and participate in Friend of the Court conciliation and mediation. The mandatory waiting period is 60 days without children or 6 months with children (reducible to 60 days for hardship). Michigan is a no-fault, equitable distribution state.