how to get a divorce in michigan without a lawyer

• Take our simple questionnaire
• Divorce forms are custom generated for you to print out, or we will mail them to you
• File the documents with your local court clerk
• The judge will complete your divorce by reviewing the divorce agreement and signing the Judgement

Full Answer

Do I need an attorney to get a divorce in Michigan?

Mar 03, 2016 · It certainly is possible to get a divorce without a lawyer, but for most people, it’s a bad idea. Hiring a lawyer costs money — there’s no way around it. But the only time you should consider divorcing without an experienced family law attorney’s help is if the cost of hiring an attorney outweighs the cost of NOT having one.

How to file for an uncontested divorce in Michigan?

Can I get a divorce in Michigan if I live abroad?

How long do you have to live in Michigan to divorce?

How much is a uncontested divorce in Michigan?

How much Does it Cost to Get a Divorce in Michigan? In Michigan, the average cost for a non-contested divorce can range from $1,200 to $1,500 with court filing fees and other legal documents. If your divorce is contested the costs can dramatically increase with a base price starting at $5,000.Apr 26, 2018

How long do you have to be separated to get a divorce in Michigan?

In Michigan, there's a waiting period before the divorce can be granted—it's two months for couples without kids and six months for couples with children. Even if you and your spouse are in complete agreement about the divorce, the plaintiff must attend a final hearing after the waiting period has ended.

Can I file for divorce on my own in Michigan?

It's possible to your own divorce paperwork in Michigan without using an attorney. Filing your own divorce is very feasible if you and your spouse are able to reach an agreement on such issues as division of marital property, child custody, and child support.

Can you get divorced without going to court?

An uncontested divorce is one in which you and your spouse work together to agree on the terms of your divorce. You will both consult with the same attorney, who will be unbiased and impartial. There is no formal trial, and only the plaintiff appears in court.

Can I get a quick divorce?

A quick divorce can be achieved when both parties agree the marriage has broken down irretrievably and want to get divorced. This is the simplest form of divorce. A quick divorce does always require the co-operation of both parties.Oct 6, 2021

How do I start the divorce process?

To start the divorce you will need to the following: File a document, called a Petition, to the Court to initiate the divorce process. Only one spouse can file for a divorce (the Petitioner). The other party is known as the Respondent. ... Apply for a Decree Nisi. Apply for a Decree Absolute.

What is legal separation in Michigan?

People often talk about “legal separation” as an alternative to divorce. In Michigan, this legal action is called “separate maintenance.” This is a court case between a married couple that can divide property and debt, decide child support, custody, and parenting time, and award spousal support.

How can I get a free divorce in Michigan?

Divorce Filing Fees in Michigan If you can't afford to pay the filing fees, you can ask the judge to waive the fees by filing a Fee Waiver Request. You can fill out the form yourself, or use Michigan Legal Help's interactive tool to help you complete it.

Can you get a divorce online in Michigan?

In Michigan, a person can represent themselves in any divorce proceeding. If the divorce is uncontested, one can simply file the proper forms online (along with the requisite fee).

Can I get a divorce without my spouse knowing?

Now, though, it's possible to file for divorce even when you don't know where your spouse is. The only catch is that you can't get a divorce without at least attempting to formally notify your spouse about the proceedings.

Can you get a divorce without the other person signing the papers?

Applying for a divorce can be a difficult decision to make, especially if you're not sure your partner will sign your petition. Crucially though, you don't need your partner's consent to get a divorce. Although it may be a long process if your partner doesn't comply, they won't be able to stop you indefinitely.Feb 2, 2022

Can mutual divorce be done without lawyers?

A mutual consented divorce is an easier and faster way you can get a divorce without a lawyer. For obtaining a divorce mutually, both the parties must agree that the divorce should take place, and decided on other relevant factors.

What are the most contentious issues in divorce?

Conflicts over child support, custody, and parenting time are among the most contentious in any divorce. You love your kids. You want them to be well cared for and you want them to spend lots of time with you. Chances are, so does your spouse, and chances are also that the two of you disagree about what’s best for those kids you love so much. Having an attorney’s representation increases the likelihood that you’ll pay or receive an appropriate amount of child support, and that custody and parenting time arrangements will be favorable to you. Once these issues are decided, with or without you being represented, they are difficult and expensive to change later.

Is spousal support mandatory in Michigan?

Alimony, now called spousal support in Michigan, is not mandatory, but it is increasingly common. Unlike child support, alimony is not based on statutory guidelines. Couples agree to it, or the judge orders it in his or her discretion. There are many factors, such as length of marriage and health of the parties, that can affect whether spousal support is awarded.