Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court fees and requirements change frequently. Always verify with your local court before filing.
Divorce in Michigan
Open-data reference.
Filing a divorce in Michigan costs $150–$250 - among the more affordable of the 10 states we track. The typical timeline is No children: 60-day minimum. With children: 180-day minimum. Contested: 1-2 years., and a mandatory waiting period of 60 days applies before the court can finalize the matter.
No-fault only: breakdown of the marriage relationship
What This Means for Your Divorce Filing in Michigan
Filing for divorce in Michigan costs $150–$250 at the courthouse, the first financial barrier most self-represented filers face. Wayne County ~$225. Ottawa County ~$150. Fee waivers for low-income filers. Beyond the filing fee, a mandatory waiting period of 60 days applies before the court can finalize the matter, and the typical case timeline is No children: 60-day minimum. With children: 180-day minimum. Contested: 1-2 years.. County-level surcharges and service-of-process fees can add to that total; see our court fee waiver guide for who qualifies to file without paying.
Procedurally, Michigan lays out 7 distinct steps, and the clerk typically requires 5 core document categories to open your case. Residency rules matter: One spouse in Michigan for 180 days; 10 days in county. Grounds or legal theory must be stated clearly in the initial petition - No-fault only: breakdown of the marriage relationship (see our pro se filing guide for common filing mistakes to avoid).
Filing Fee Details
Wayne County ~$225. Ottawa County ~$150. Fee waivers for low-income filers.
How Michigan compares to other states
Michigan ranks #8 of 10 states for divorce filing cost. Each bar is a state's upper-bound divorce filing fee, from $225 (NC) to $435 (CA); Michigan is highlighted at $250.
Source: state court filing-fee schedules (upper-bound fee per state). Verify current amounts with the relevant court. How we calculate this ranking →
Key Requirements
- File Complaint for Divorce in Circuit Court
- 60-day waiting period (no children)
- 180-day waiting period (with minor children)
- Judgment of Divorce must address all marital assets
- Parenting Time Schedule if children involved
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
File Complaint for Divorce in Circuit Court
- 2
Serve spouse (21-day response window)
- 3
Exchange financial information
- 4
Attend mediation if required
- 5
Wait out mandatory period (60 or 180 days)
- 6
Final hearing
- 7
Judge enters Judgment of Divorce
Important Notes
Michigan is an equitable distribution state. No-fault only — courts cannot consider fault in most circumstances.
Grounds / Eligibility
No-fault only: breakdown of the marriage relationship
Quick Reference
- Filing Fee
- $150–$250
- Residency
- One spouse in Michigan for 180 days; 10 days in county
- Waiting Period
- 60 days
- Typical Timeline
- No children: 60-day minimum. With children: 180-day minimum. Contested: 1-2 years.
Official Resources
Other Civil Processes in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Michigan?
The filing fee for divorce in Michigan is $150–$250. Wayne County ~$225. Ottawa County ~$150. Fee waivers for low-income filers.
How long does divorce take in Michigan?
No children: 60-day minimum. With children: 180-day minimum. Contested: 1-2 years.
Do I need a lawyer for divorce in Michigan?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney for divorce in Michigan, but legal representation is recommended for complex cases. Free or low-cost legal aid may be available, see lawhelp.org for Michigan resources.
Is there a waiting period for divorce in Michigan?
Michigan requires a mandatory waiting period of 60 days before the process can be finalized.
What are the residency requirements for divorce in Michigan?
One spouse in Michigan for 180 days; 10 days in county
What documents are needed for divorce in Michigan?
Key requirements include: File Complaint for Divorce in Circuit Court; 60-day waiting period (no children); 180-day waiting period (with minor children).
Where does this data come from?
This information is sourced from Michigan court websites, legal aid organizations, and public court fee schedules, last verified 2026-03. See our methodology for full sourcing details.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
| Publisher | PlainCivil |
| Sources | Public state court datasets and federal civil-justice records |