Your Divorce Preparation Checklist

Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, which means that neither party is held responsible for the failure of the marriage. A divorce can be granted even if one of the parties does not want the divorce to occur. You simply need to show that the marriage has broken down to the point where it cannot be repaired. Even if there are traditional “fault” grounds involved, such as adultery, mental illness, or emotional abuse, those factors do not play a role in the determination of whether you can get a divorce. However, those factors can influence things like child custody, spousal support, and property rights.

Michigan requires a six-month waiting period before you can get a divorce if minor children are involved. If you do not have children, the waiting period is two months. This waiting period begins when you file a complaint and ends with the final judgment of divorce.