How Long Does a Divorce Take in Michigan?

Thinking about getting a divorce? One of the first things on your mind is probably, “How long does a divorce take in Michigan?” The short answer: It depends.

At LaBre Law Office, we know that you want it over as soon as possible when you’re going through a divorce. You’re ready to move on with your life, and we get that. However, Michigan has its own rules about how long the divorce process takes, and the timeline can shift based on a few key factors.

Types of Divorce Cases

In Michigan, divorce cases generally fall into two categories:

1. Uncontested Divorce – An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree on all issues, including child custody, property division, and spousal support. This type of divorce is typically faster and less costly, as it avoids the need for a trial.
2. Contested Divorce – A contested divorce arises when the parties cannot agree on one or more issues. In such cases, the divorce must proceed to trial, where a judge will make the final decisions. Due to the additional legal proceedings involved, contested divorces tend to be more time-consuming and expensive.

The Divorce Timeline: Michigan’s Waiting Period

Michigan has a built-in waiting period for divorces, meaning that even if both spouses agree on everything, you can’t walk into court and walk out divorced on the same day. Michigan divorce law dictates the waiting periods for divorces, with different durations for those involving children versus those that do not. Here’s what you’re looking at:

• No Kids? The minimum waiting period is 60 days from the time you file your divorce petition.
• Kids Involved? You’re looking at six months (180 days) before the court will finalize your divorce.

At an absolute minimum, a divorce in Michigan will take at least two months—and that’s if everything goes smoothly.

Residency Requirements and Grounds for Divorce

Before you can file for divorce in Michigan, specific residency requirements must be met. One spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least 180 days and a resident of the county where the divorce is filed for at least 10 days.

Michigan operates under a no-fault divorce system, meaning that the only ground for divorce is the breakdown of the marriage relationship. This means the marriage has deteriorated to the point that the objectives of marriage are destroyed, and preserving the marriage is not likely reasonable.

Filing and Processing Divorce Papers

Filing for divorce involves completing and submitting several documents. These documents must be filed with the court and served on the other spouse. You have the option to file your divorce papers either in person or by mail. If you choose to file by mail, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the court can return the filed documents to you.

After filing the documents, the court will process them and set a date for the hearing to finalize the divorce proceedings.

What Can Slow Down a Divorce in Michigan?

The timeline isn’t just about waiting periods. It also depends on how complicated things get. Here are a few factors that can delay a divorce in Michigan:

1. Disagreements Over Property and Money

If you and your spouse can’t agree on who gets what, you must negotiate or let a judge decide. That takes time. Michigan follows equitable distribution rules, which means that assets don’t necessarily split 50/50. They’re divided fairly based on factors like income, length of marriage, and contributions to the household. Consulting an experienced divorce attorney can help navigate these rules, representing your interests and handling the process efficiently.

2. Child Custody Battles

Nothing drags out a divorce like a fight over minor children. If you and your ex don’t see eye to eye on custody, parenting time, or child support, the court will decide based on the child’s best interest. That means extra hearings, extra paperwork, and extra waiting.

3. Your Spouse is Difficult

Sometimes, one spouse decides they want to make life miserable for the other. They might refuse to sign paperwork, miss court dates, or contest every issue. The more back-and-forth there is, the longer your divorce will take. Consulting an experienced divorce lawyer can help manage these complications by handling all paperwork and expediting the process, even in contested cases that may require court intervention.

4. The Court’s Schedule

Even if you and your spouse cooperate, you’re still at the mercy of the court’s calendar. Some counties move cases faster than others, and if the judge is backed up, you might be waiting longer than you’d like.

Can You Speed Up a Divorce in Michigan?

Yes and no. You can’t skip the waiting periods, but there are things you can do to keep the process moving:

• Agree on everything upfront. The fewer things you fight about, the faster your case moves.
• File your paperwork correctly. Mistakes mean delays. An experienced Michigan family law attorney on your side will help you complete everything correctly the first time.
• Stay civil. The more you argue, the longer it takes. Keeping a level head can save you months in court.

An uncontested, no-fault divorce is the quickest method for married couples in Michigan to legally end their marriage. By reaching an agreement on all divorce-related matters, couples can expedite the process, often completing their divorce in as little as 60 days.

What If My Divorce Takes Longer Than Expected?

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a divorce drags on. Maybe your spouse refuses to cooperate, or complex financial issues slow things down. If you feel stuck, don’t panic—seek a skilled divorce attorney who will fight for you.

The Clock Is Ticking. Call LaBre Law Office and Move Forward Today.

If you’re thinking about getting a divorce, the best thing you can do is seek legal advice early. The sooner you start, the sooner you finish.

Searching for a “divorce attorney near me?” With 43 years of combined experience, our Michigan family law attorneys at LaBre Law Office know the divorce law inside and out. Excellence is our standard. We are here to guide you through the process and fight for what’s fair. Contact us today at (269) 431-2058 or complete our confidential online form to schedule a consultation.

Copyright © 2025. LaBre Law Office. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

LaBre Law Office
68897 Cass St,
Edwardsburg, MI 49112
(269) 431-2058
https://labrelaw.com/