Requirements for an Uncontested Divorce in Michigan

To qualify for an uncontested divorce (called “dissolution of marriage”) in Michigan, the following must apply:
 

1. Residency: 

   • Either you or your spouse must have:

   • Lived in Michigan for at least 180 days, and

   • Lived in the county where you file for at least 10 days before filing.
      

2. Grounds for Divorce 

   • Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. The only legal ground required is:

   • “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.”
      

3. Full Agreement:

   To file uncontested, both spouses must agree on:

   • Division of property and debts

   • Alimony (spousal support), if any

   • Child custody, parenting time, and child support (if applicable)

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Steps to File for an Uncontested Divorce:

1. Complete the Required Forms

You’ll need to file:

• Complaint for Divorce

• Summons

• Record of Divorce or Annulment

• Confidential Case Inventory (if applicable)

• Marital Settlement Agreement (if agreed)

• Judgment of Divorce (Final Order)

• Child Support Worksheet and Uniform Child Custody Act Affidavit (if children are involved)
   

You can find Michigan divorce forms at:
🔗 https://michiganlegalhelp.org
 

2. File the Forms with the Family Court

• File in the Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse lives.

• Pay the filing fee:

• About $175–$250 (additional fees apply if you have children)

• You may apply for a fee waiver by filing a Fee Waiver Request (MC 20).

3. Serve Your Spouse (If Not Filing Jointly)

• If your spouse didn’t sign the complaint, you must formally serve them.

• If they cooperate, they can sign an Acknowledgment of Service instead.

4. Wait the Required Time

• No children: Minimum 60-day waiting period

• With children: Minimum 180-day waiting period, though a judge may shorten it in some cases​

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5. Submit Final Judgment

• If everything is agreed upon, submit the signed Judgment of Divorce to the judge.

• Many counties allow the judge to approve it without a hearing for uncontested cases.

• Some counties require a brief final hearing, especially if children are involved.

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6. Divorce Finalized

• Once the judge signs the Judgment of Divorce, it is official and legally binding.

Cost Considerations