Family Law Resources

Filing for Divorce in Michigan

Residency Requirements

• At least one spouse must have been a resident of Michigan for 180 days (6 months)


• Must have lived in the county for 10 days before filing

Grounds for Divorce

Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. The only ground is that the marriage has broken down and there is no reasonable likelihood of reconciliation.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Complete the Complaint for Divorce


2. File with Circuit Court in your county


3. Pay filing fee: Approximately $175-$225


4. Serve your spouse: Personal service or mail with acknowledgment


5. Wait for response: 21 days (personal service) or 28 days (mail)


6. Waiting period: 60 days (no children) or 6 months (with children)


7. Friend of the Court involvement (if children)


8. Final hearing and Judgment of Divorce

Michigan Family Courts

Family law cases in Michigan are handled by the Family Division of Circuit Court.

Major Court Locations

• Wayne County (Detroit): Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Ave


• Oakland County: 1200 N Telegraph Rd, Pontiac


• Macomb County: 40 N Main St, Mt. Clemens


• Kent County (Grand Rapids): 180 Ottawa Ave NW


• Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor): 101 E Huron St

Friend of the Court (FOC)

Michigan has a unique Friend of the Court office in each county that:

• Investigates custody and parenting time disputes


• Calculates child support


• Mediates disputes


• Enforces support and parenting time orders

Michigan Courts Self-Help

Visit courts.michigan.gov/self-help for forms and information.

Filing Fees in Michigan

Circuit Court Fees (2025)

• Complaint for Divorce: $175-$225 (varies by county)


• Answer to Complaint: $80-$100


• Motion to Modify: $20-$80


• Motion for Parenting Time: $20-$80

Fee Waiver

If you cannot afford fees, file a Fee Waiver Request (MC 20). You may qualify if:

• You receive public assistance (SNAP, TANF, SSI, Medicaid)


• Your income is below 125% of federal poverty level


• Payment would deprive you of necessities

Other Costs

• Service of process: $20-$50


• Mediation (FOC): Usually free


• Private mediation: $150-$300/hour


• Custody evaluation: $2,500-$8,000

Free Legal Resources in Michigan

Legal Aid Organizations

• Michigan Legal Help: (888) 783-8190


• Legal Aid & Defender Association (Detroit): (313) 964-4111


• Lakeshore Legal Aid: (888) 783-8190


• Legal Services of South Central Michigan: (888) 783-8190


• Legal Aid of Western Michigan: (888) 783-8190

Michigan Legal Help Website

Visit MichiganLegalHelp.org for free legal information, forms, and do-it-yourself tools.

Friend of the Court

The FOC in your county provides free mediation and can help with custody, parenting time, and support issues.

Lawyer Referral

• State Bar of Michigan: (800) 968-0738


• Wayne County: (313) 962-7256

Critical Deadlines in Michigan

Response Time

• Personal service in Michigan: 21 days to respond


• Mail with acknowledgment: 28 days to respond

Waiting Periods

• Without minor children: 60-day waiting period


• With minor children: 6-month waiting period (can be waived in some circumstances)

Motion Response

Response to most motions must be filed at least 7 days before the hearing.

Objection to FOC Recommendation

You have 21 days to object to a Friend of the Court recommendation.

Appeals

You have 21 days from entry of judgment to file a claim of appeal.

Modification

For custody modification, you must show proper cause or change of circumstances and that the change is in the child's best interest.

Michigan's Unique Family Law Features

Friend of the Court (FOC)

Michigan is unique in having a Friend of the Court office in every county. The FOC investigates custody disputes, calculates support, mediates disagreements, and enforces orders.

6-Month Waiting Period with Children

Michigan requires a 6-month waiting period when minor children are involved (only 60 days without children).

12 Best Interest Factors

Michigan courts must evaluate all 12 statutory best interest factors in every custody case and make specific findings on each.

Established Custodial Environment

Michigan has a strong concept of established custodial environment. If a child has lived with one parent for a significant time, that creates a custodial environment that can only be changed by clear and convincing evidence.

No-Fault Only

Michigan is a pure no-fault divorce state. Fault cannot be considered in property division.

100-Mile Rule

A parent cannot move the child's residence more than 100 miles from the current residence without court approval or the other parent's consent.