How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Michigan?

If you’re considering getting a divorce, you might wonder, “How much does a divorce cost in Michigan?” However, various factors determine how much you’ll pay. It’s essential to know what to expect during the divorce process so that you can manage your finances accordingly. Here, we discuss the requirements to file for divorce in Michigan, the cost of divorce in Michigan, and how an experienced divorce attorney could help you. 

Requirements to File for the Divorce in Michigan

Before initiating a divorce in Michigan, you should know the state’s requirements. First, Michigan is a no-fault state, meaning you are not required to prove that either spouse did something wrong to get a divorce. The only grounds for divorce recognized in Michigan is that the marriage has broken down and there is no reasonable chance of reconciliation.

However, you must meet the residency requirement to file for divorce in Michigan. You or your spouse must have resided in Michigan for at least 180 days before filing for divorce. Additionally, you must have resided in the county where you plan to file for at least ten days. If your spouse lives out-of-state, it is still possible to file for divorce in Michigan. 

You can file for a contested or uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce means you and your spouse agree on all the terms of your divorce. A contested divorce is more complicated and means you and your spouse need the court’s help to settle issues such as alimony, property division, and child custody arrangements. 

Costs Associated with a Divorce 

It is challenging to provide an exact estimate of the potential costs of a Michigan divorce. Numerous factors can impact the cost, including the case’s complexity and whether you and your spouse agree on fundamental issues. A contentious divorce where high-dollar assets are at stake can cost more to resolve than a divorce where both parties amicably agree on the terms of the divorce.

Some of the basic costs associated with a Michigan divorce can include: 

• Court fees – To file for divorce, you generally need to pay filing fees to the court. These fees can vary depending on whether you have minor children.
• Attorney’s fees – Attorney’s fees also vary depending on the complexity of your case. However, an attorney can be instrumental in helping you resolve your issues and protect your rights.
• Additional expenses – There may be other expenses you need to factor into the cost of your divorce. These costs will vary for each divorce. Some additional expenses you may need to plan for include:
  • Legal service fees
  • Guardian ad litem fees if your case involves contested child custody 
  • Custody and parenting time evaluations
  • Subpoena fees, deposition costs, and other expenses related to discovery
  • Mediation fees
  • Expert witness fees

After carefully reviewing your situation, an experienced family law attorney can give you a better idea of what a Michigan divorce may cost. A lawyer can help you navigate the divorce process and provide crucial counsel as your case progresses. 

Are There Ways to Lower the Cost of a Divorce? 

Yes. Generally, filing for an uncontested divorce is less expensive and time-consuming than a contested divorce. However, you and your spouse must agree on the divorce’s terms, such as property division, child custody arrangements, and spousal support. 

If you cannot pay your attorney’s fees, you might get your ex-spouse to cover the cost, but only if you can demonstrate that you cannot pay the fees yourself and that your ex-spouse can. If you want your ex to cover your attorney’s fees, you’ll want to work with an experienced divorce lawyer who can review your situation. 

You may also request your filing fees be waived by submitting a Fee Waiver Request. You won’t have to pay court fees during your divorce if approved.

While there is a cost associated with mediation, mediation may help you amicably resolve some of the contested issues in your divorce, saving you money in the process. 

How Is Marital Property Divided in Michigan? 

Michigan divides marital property via equitable distribution, meaning the court attempts to divide marital assets fairly and equitably. However, this does not necessarily mean an equal 50/50 split of marital assets. The court will review all aspects of the divorce and decide what is a fair division based on various factors. The court might consider the following when determining equitable distribution: 

• Duration of the marriage
• Contributions of the spouses to the marital estate
• The age and health of the spouses
• The needs and circumstances of both spouses
• Life status of the spouses
• Earning capacity of each spouse
• Past relations and conduct of the spouses
• Whether a spouse contributed to the acquisition or increased the value of separate property
• General principles of equity

How Long Does a Divorce Take? 

There is no definitive timeline for getting a divorce in Michigan. The length of the process depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case. Couples who file for an uncontested divorce and agree on the terms of the dissolution of their marriage may find the process moves quickly. Contested divorce cases can take longer to resolve, especially if they involve multiple court appearances. Furthermore, high net-worth divorces can take a long time because there are several assets to divide, and professional appraisals or sales may have to occur first. 

There is a 60-day waiting period before a judge will hear your case after you file for divorce. That waiting period extends to 180 days if you and your spouse have children together. 

How Can an Attorney Help in My Divorce? 

Even if you and your spouse agree on the terms of your divorce, several complicated issues may arise. An attorney can help you navigate the process and alleviate some of the stress of filing for divorce.

A lawyer can help you by: 

• Reviewing marital property and assets to be divided
• Protecting your legal rights
• Negotiating child support and custody issues
• Preparing necessary legal paperwork

Contact an Experienced Michigan Family Law Attorney Today for Help 

The cost to file for divorce in Michigan can vary depending on several factors. However, an experienced attorney can help determine how much you will pay. Contact Alward Fisher today to speak to one of our Michigan family law attorneys. Our knowledgeable legal team can help make the divorce process go more smoothly. Contact our office today for a free and confidential consultation.