Michigan Divorce Checklist (2026) — Complete Phase-by-Phase Guide

Work through each phase in order. Don't skip ahead — Michigan has mandatory timing requirements that must be respected.

Before you start: Note your filing date. The 60-day (no children) or 180-day (with children) mandatory wait begins on the day your Complaint is stamped by the Clerk.

Phase 1 — Before You File

• Confirm you have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days
• Confirm you have lived in the county where you'll file for at least 10 days
• Determine whether you have minor children together — this controls the wait period (60 vs. 180 days)
• Identify your corroborating witness — a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker who can testify that your marriage has broken down. Confirm their availability now.
• Contact your county Circuit Court Clerk's office to confirm current filing fee (typically $175–$250) and any local procedures
• Gather financial documents:
  • Most recent 2 years of tax returns (federal and state)
  • Recent pay stubs (last 2–3 months) for both spouses if available
  • Bank account statements (all accounts, last 3 months)
  • Retirement account statements (401k, IRA, pension statements)
  • Mortgage statement and latest property tax bill
  • Vehicle titles and loan statements
  • Credit card and loan statements
  • Business financial statements (if applicable)
• Create a complete list of all marital property and debt
• Discuss settlement terms with your spouse (property, debt, spousal support)
• Draft a Settlement Agreement (MSA) if you and your spouse agree on all terms — have it ready before or at the final hearing
• If children: familiarize yourself with the Michigan Child Support Formula and calculate guideline support (courts.michigan.gov calculator)
• If children: draft a proposed Parenting Time Agreement

Phase 2 — Preparing the Forms

Download all forms free from courts.michigan.gov.

Without minor children:

• DC 100a — Complaint for Divorce (no minor children): complete all sections; include name restoration request if applicable
• Review the DC 100a instructions carefully
• Prepare a Judgment of Divorce draft (your county may have a standard form or template)

With minor children:

• DC 100c — Complaint for Divorce (with minor children): complete all sections
• FOC forms — your county's FOC office will tell you which forms to include at filing. Common forms: FOC 10 (Uniform Child Support Order), FOC 23, parenting time schedule
• Prepare a Consent Order or draft Judgment of Divorce including custody, parenting time, and support terms
• Calculate child support using the Michigan Child Support Formula — attach the worksheet

All cases:

• Compile all forms and make 2 extra copies of everything before filing

Phase 3 — Filing

• Take completed forms to the Circuit Court Clerk's office in your county
• Pay the filing fee ($175–$250)
• If children: pay the Friend of the Court service fee ($80–$150, varies by county)
• The Clerk stamps and files your Complaint and issues the Summons (DC 100)
• Note your case number
• Note today's date as Day 0 of your mandatory wait period
  • No children: earliest hearing date = Day 60
  • With children: earliest hearing date = Day 180

Phase 4 — Service

• Serve the Complaint and Summons on your spouse using one of:
  • Sheriff or process server (~$25–$75): most reliable
  • Certified mail with return receipt requested: send and retain the signed receipt
  • Acknowledgment of Service (DC 108): cooperative spouse signs voluntarily, returns to you for filing
• File the Proof of Service or Acknowledgment of Service with the Clerk
• If spouse cannot be located: petition for alternative service (substituted service or service by publication) — requires court order

Phase 5 — Response Period

• Wait for your spouse's response:
  • Served in Michigan: 21 days to file an Answer
  • Served outside Michigan: 28 days to file an Answer
• If spouse files an Answer: review it; if contested, consider mediation or attorney consultation
• If no Answer filed after the deadline: you may be able to proceed to default (consult your county's procedures)
• If uncontested: both parties sign the Settlement Agreement and prepare the Consent Judgment of Divorce

Phase 6 — Friend of the Court (With Children Only)

• Expect a FOC interview or investigation — the FOC may contact both parents
• Submit any required FOC forms or questionnaires promptly
• Review the FOC's Interim Recommendations for custody, parenting time, and support
• If you agree with FOC recommendations: they become part of the Consent Order
• If you disagree: request a FOC hearing within the time specified in the notice
• Ensure your child support amount matches the Michigan Child Support Formula calculation

Phase 7 — Final Hearing Preparation

• Confirm the hearing date is on or after Day 60 (no children) or Day 180 (with children)
• Confirm your corroborating witness is available on the hearing date — confirm the exact time and location
• Check with your county whether your corroborating witness must appear in person or can submit a sworn affidavit
• Prepare your testimony: your name, Michigan residency (how long), county residency (how long), that the marriage has broken down beyond repair
• Prepare your corroborating witness: they will testify (or swear in an affidavit) that they know you or your spouse and have personal knowledge that the marriage has broken down
• Bring to the hearing:
  • Your ID
  • Original signed Settlement Agreement (if applicable)
  • Proposed Judgment of Divorce — filled out and ready for the judge to sign
  • All supporting documents (support worksheet, parenting plan, property list)
  • Your corroborating witness (or their affidavit)

Phase 8 — The Final Hearing

• Appear at the scheduled hearing with your corroborating witness
• Testify under oath: name, residency dates, that the marriage has broken down
• Corroborating witness testifies (or affidavit is submitted)
• Judge reviews and signs the Judgment of Divorce
• Request 3–5 certified copies of the signed Judgment from the Clerk before leaving

Phase 9 — After the Divorce

Name restoration (if applicable):

• Social Security Administration (bring certified copy of Judgment)
• Michigan Secretary of State — driver's license and state ID
• Passport, bank accounts, insurance, employer records

Property transfers:

• Vehicle titles: Michigan Secretary of State
• Real estate: deed prepared, signed, notarized, and recorded with county Register of Deeds
• Retirement accounts: QDRO filed with plan administrator for employer plans; IRA retitling

Financial updates:

• Update beneficiary designations on all accounts, insurance policies, and retirement plans
• Close or retitle joint bank and credit accounts
• Address joint debt per Settlement Agreement

Quick Reference: Michigan Divorce Forms

All forms available free at courts.michigan.gov.

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Michigan Legal Help at michiganlegalhelp.org provides free instructions for completing each form.

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.