How the Michigan Divorce Process Works (2026)
Michigan’s divorce process involves filing a complaint, formally notifying your spouse, exchanging information, resolving issues, and obtaining a judgment. In Michigan, the minimum waiting period is 60 days when there are no minor children and six months when minor children are involved, although some cases take longer.
What are the steps in the Michigan divorce process?
The timeline and difficulty depend on whether you and your spouse agree about major issues. Generally, the process includes:
- Filing: One spouse files a complaint for divorce in the appropriate Michigan county.
- Service: The other spouse receives formal legal notice and has an opportunity to respond.
- Information gathering: Both sides identify income, debts, property, parenting concerns, and other relevant facts.
- Negotiation or mediation: The spouses work toward agreements about property, custody, parenting time, and support.
- Court review: If issues remain disputed, the court may schedule hearings or a trial.
- Judgment: The judge signs a judgment of divorce ending the marriage and addressing unresolved issues.
For an overview of related legal issues, visit Contested & Uncontested Divorce .
How long does a Michigan divorce take without minor children?
Michigan requires a minimum 60-day waiting period after filing when the spouses do not have minor children together. This is only a minimum, not a guaranteed finish date. A cooperative, uncontested case may conclude shortly after the waiting period, while disagreements about finances or property can extend the timeline.
What is the waiting period with minor children?
When minor children are involved, Michigan generally requires a six-month waiting period after filing. In limited circumstances, a judge may shorten that period to 60 days if there is good cause and the child’s best interests support doing so.
The court must address custody, parenting time, child support, and health-care responsibilities before entering a final judgment. Learn more about Child Custody & Parenting Time and Child Support & Spousal Support .
Why divorce mediation can make the process easier
Mediation is a structured conversation led by a neutral mediator. It can help spouses create practical agreements without asking a judge to decide every detail. Mediation may address:
- Custody and parenting schedules
- Child support and spousal support
- Property, debts, and asset division
- Communication and future decision-making
- Other terms for the judgment of divorce
Mediation does not require spouses to agree on everything at the start. It gives them a private, guided setting to identify options and narrow disagreements. Explore Divorce Mediation or review information about Property & Asset Division .
When is mediation a good choice?
Mediation may be useful when both spouses can communicate safely, share financial information, and negotiate in good faith. It can reduce conflict, preserve decision-making control, and sometimes lower legal costs. Each spouse may still consult an independent attorney before signing an agreement.
Mediation may not be appropriate when there is intimidation, hidden property, severe power imbalance, or a serious safety concern. In those situations, individualized legal advice is especially important.
What should you do before filing?
Before starting, gather financial records, tax returns, account statements, real-estate documents, insurance information, and children’s schedules. Consider your immediate needs for housing, parenting time, expenses, and communication. A lawyer can help you understand likely issues and avoid decisions that affect your rights.
Trost & Wolfer, PC offers a free first consultation in Brighton for clients throughout Livingston County. You can book an attorney consultation to discuss your circumstances.
Key takeaways
The Michigan divorce process starts with filing and ends with a court judgment addressing the marriage, finances, and—when applicable—children. The minimum waiting period is 60 days without minor children and six months with minor children, subject to limited exceptions. Mediation can help couples reach agreements about custody, support, and property while maintaining more control over the outcome. Start by organizing financial and parenting information, then seek legal guidance before filing or signing an agreement. The right next step depends on your safety, level of cooperation, and the issues that remain unresolved.