Divorce in Michigan: Laws, Requirements, and Process
A complete guide to getting a divorce in Michigan. Covers grounds, residency requirements, property division, alimony, child custody, and what to expect from the process.
Data last updated: Apr 16, 2026Key Takeaways
- Property division: Equitable distribution.
- Residency requirement: 180 days in the state and 10 days in the county.
- Waiting period: 60 days from filing (6 months if minor children are involved, which may be reduced to 60 days).
- Filing fee: $175 - $250.
Grounds for Divorce
Michigan allows no-fault divorce. The no-fault ground is: Breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed.
Michigan is a pure no-fault state. No fault-based grounds are available.
Residency Requirements
180 days in the state and 10 days in the county.
Property Division
Michigan is an equitable distribution state. Michigan follows equitable distribution. Courts divide marital property fairly based on factors including the duration of the marriage, the needs of each party, the earning abilities of each spouse, the cause of the divorce, the age and health of the parties, and the general principles of equity.
Alimony / Spousal Support
Michigan courts may award spousal support based on factors including the past relations and conduct of the parties, the length of the marriage, the ability of the parties to work, the property awarded in the divorce, each party's age and health, the prior standard of living, and the ability of the paying spouse to pay.
Child Custody
Michigan courts determine custody based on the best interest of the child. The state uses 12 statutory factors including the love and emotional ties between the child and each parent, the capacity of each parent to provide, the moral fitness of each parent, the reasonable preference of the child, and any history of domestic violence.
Child Support
Michigan uses the income shares model. Child support is calculated using both parents' net incomes, the number of children, the number of overnights with each parent, and costs for childcare and health insurance.
Filing Fee
The filing fee for divorce in Michigan is $175 - $250. Fee waivers may be available for those who cannot afford to pay.
Michigan court divorce resources
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the grounds for divorce in Michigan?
Michigan is a pure no-fault divorce state. The only ground for divorce is that there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there is no reasonable likelihood the marriage can be preserved.
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How long do you have to live in Michigan to file for divorce?
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Michigan for at least 180 days (6 months) and a resident of the county for at least 10 days before filing.
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How is property divided in a Michigan divorce?
Michigan uses equitable distribution. Courts divide marital property fairly based on the length of the marriage, each party's contributions, their needs and earning abilities, and general principles of equity.
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How long does a divorce take in Michigan?
Michigan has a 60-day waiting period for divorces without minor children. If minor children are involved, the waiting period is 6 months, though the court may reduce it to 60 days. Contested cases can take significantly longer.