{"id":374189,"date":"2018-05-10T17:27:46","date_gmt":"2018-05-10T22:27:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/michigan-law\/miichigan-divorce-forms-and-process.html"},"modified":"2024-03-18T14:38:26","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T19:38:26","slug":"miichigan-divorce-forms-and-process","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/michigan-law\/miichigan-divorce-forms-and-process.html","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Divorce Forms and Process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Michigan Divorce Forms and Process<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Not every couple can stay together. Marriages end in various ways, such as annulment, legal separation<\/a>, or divorce. Regardless of which option you choose, you must understand the legal process. The court clerk may dismiss your case if you don\u2019t follow the local court rules. You\u2019ll have the chance to refile your divorce papers, but this can be expensive and time-consuming.<\/p>\r\n

Legal Requirements for Divorce in Michigan<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The Michigan divorce process<\/a> can be confusing, especially for laypeople. If you\u2019re considering divorce, you must meet specific legal requirements. For example, Michigan has a residency requirement<\/a> for people filing for divorce.<\/p>\r\n

To file for divorce, you or your spouse must have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days. Additionally, one of you must have lived in the county where you filed your divorce for at least ten days.<\/p>\r\n

Michigan divorce law<\/a> also imposes a mandatory waiting period. There is a 60-day waiting period<\/a> for both contested divorces<\/a> and uncontested divorces<\/a>. The waiting period for couples with minor children is six months. The waiting period begins when the petitioner files their bill of complaint for divorce.<\/p>\r\n

These are a couple of the legal requirements for divorce in Michigan. Here, we\u2019ll discuss the types of divorce you can file for, point you toward the correct divorce forms, and explain the divorce process in Michigan.<\/p>\r\n

Contested and Uncontested Divorces in Michigan<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Most states give you the option of filing a contested divorce or an uncontested divorce. The primary difference between the two is that the parties agree to the terms of an uncontested divorce (summary dissolution). They present the family court with a marital settlement agreement and ask the judge to approve it.<\/p>\r\n

With a contested divorce, the parties disagree on several significant issues. Some of these issues may include:<\/p>\r\n