Question 1

Does my spouse have to agree in order to get a divorce?

Accepted Answer

No, a divorce in Michigan can be granted even if your spouse does not want to get divorced.

Question 2

What requirements exist in order to file for divorce in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

In order to file for divorce in the State of Michigan, there are two requirements you must meet:
Either you or your spouse must be a resident of Michigan for at least 180 days immediately prior to the time of filing a Complaint for Divorce.
Additionally, either you or your spouse must be a resident of the county where you plan to file for at least 10 days immediately prior to filing a Complaint for Divorce.

Question 3

How does a divorce begin in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

A divorce in the State of Michigan begins with one of the parties filing what is called a “Complaint for Divorce.” This document will initiate the divorce proceedings, and will outline the relief that the filing party is seeking from the court. The filing party becomes the “Plaintiff” for the duration of the case, and the other spouse is thereafter called the “Defendant.”

Question 4

What happens after the Complaint is filed?

Accepted Answer

After the Complaint is filed, the Plaintiff serves a copy of the Complaint on the Defendant, and waits either 21 days (if the Defendant is personally served) or 28 days (if the Defendant is served by certified/restricted delivery mail) for the Defendant to respond. The remainder of the divorce process - procedurally - is fairly fact specific, and one of our attorneys will be more than happy to walk through the process in as much detail as necessary in order for you to have a better understanding of what to expect.

Question 5

How long will my divorce take?

Accepted Answer

The time required to finalize a divorce will depend first on whether you have minor children with your spouse. If you do, then the State of Michigan requires that the divorce process take a minimum of 180 days, which is a statewide “waiting period.” If you do not have minor children with your spouse then the waiting period is reduced to 60 days. In either scenario, the time necessary to finalize the divorce proceedings will also depend on the amount of issues not agreed upon between you and your spouse. One of our attorneys can explain the time associated with these types of issues, or “contested issues.”

Question 6

How much will my divorce cost?

Accepted Answer

The current filing fee imposed by the State of Michigan to file for divorce is $175. If you have minor children with your spouse then an additional $80 filing fee is required. These fees are in no way associated with our office, and are paid directly to the court. Attorney fees associated with your divorce will depend on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the case, the ability for you and your spouse to agree on the issues involved, and the gradual progression of your case. If your spouse decides to retain an attorney, much of the time
associated with your case will depend on the willingness of your spouse’s attorney to work toward resolving the issues involved. Call our office today to talk with an attorney about your case, and we can explain a little more about what to expect from a cost perspective.

Frequently asked questions

Does my spouse have to agree in order to get a divorce?

What requirements exist in order to file for divorce in Michigan?

How does a divorce begin in Michigan?

What happens after the Complaint is filed?

How long will my divorce take?

How much will my divorce cost?

stephanie@juddandfricke.com

616.802.0333

dan@juddandfricke.com

616.724.6515

Contact us today to discuss your case!

Mailing Address:
7125 Headley ST SE Suite 35
Ada, MI 49301

OFFICE MEETINGS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Frequently asked questions

Does my spouse have to agree in order to get a divorce?

What requirements exist in order to file for divorce in Michigan?

How does a divorce begin in Michigan?

What happens after the Complaint is filed?

How long will my divorce take?

How much will my divorce cost?

stephanie@juddandfricke.com

616.802.0333

dan@juddandfricke.com

616.724.6515

Contact us today to discuss your case!

Mailing Address: 7125 Headley ST SE Suite 35 Ada, MI 49301 OFFICE MEETINGS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Mailing Address:
7125 Headley ST SE Suite 35
Ada, MI 49301

OFFICE MEETINGS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY