Michigan Divorce Filing Fees — Complete Cost Breakdown (2026)
Michigan divorce fees are set locally by each county's Circuit Court, so the exact amount varies by where you file. Here is what to expect.
Disclaimer: Fee amounts change. Always confirm the current fee with your county's Circuit Court Clerk before filing.
Base Filing Fee: $175–$250
Michigan does not set a uniform statewide divorce filing fee. Each county sets its own fee schedule. As of 2026, the typical range for the Complaint for Divorce filing fee is $175–$250.
Examples by major county:
| County | Approximate Divorce Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Wayne County | ~$175 |
| Oakland County | ~$250 |
| Macomb County | ~$220 |
| Kent County | ~$200 |
| Washtenaw County | ~$195 |
| Ingham County | ~$185 |
Call or check online with your county's Circuit Court Clerk for the current fee before filing.
Friend of the Court (FOC) Fee: $80–$150 (Cases With Children)
When your divorce involves minor children, you must also pay a Friend of the Court service fee at the time of filing. This fee funds the FOC's oversight and enforcement functions. It is paid by the plaintiff at filing and may also be assessed against the defendant.
The FOC fee varies by county and is typically $80–$150. Confirm the amount with the Clerk's office at the time you file.
Service Fees
After filing, you must serve the Complaint and Summons on your spouse. The method you choose affects cost.
| Service Method | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Process server (private) | $50–$150 |
| County Sheriff service | $25–$75 |
| Certified mail with return receipt | $10–$20 |
| Acknowledgment of Service (cooperative spouse signs) | Free |
| Substituted service (court permission required) | $50–$100 |
| Service by publication | $75–$300+ (newspaper publication costs × 4 weeks) |
Certified Copies of Judgment
After the Judgment of Divorce is entered, you will need certified copies for:
- Name change (Social Security Administration, Secretary of State)
- Deed transfers
- Retirement account changes
- Bank and financial account updates
Certified copies from the Circuit Court Clerk typically cost $10–$25 per copy (a small per-page fee plus certification fee). Request 3–5 copies on the day of the hearing — returning for additional copies later requires another trip and more fees.
Additional Costs by Situation
| Situation | Estimated Additional Cost |
|---|---|
| Real estate deed transfer (attorney or title company prep) | $200–$500 |
| Register of Deeds recording fee | $15–$30 per document |
| QDRO for employer retirement plan (401k, pension) | $400–$1,500 |
| Business valuation | $1,500–$5,000+ |
| Mediator (if property or custody disputes) | $150–$350/hour |
| Attorney review of Settlement Agreement | $200–$600 |
| Parenting coordinator (contested custody) | $150–$300/hour |
Fee Waiver: Can't Afford the Filing Fee?
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can apply for a fee waiver (formally, a Waiver of Fees and Costs) at the Clerk's office. You will need to complete a form describing your income, expenses, and financial situation. The court reviews your application and determines whether to waive all or part of the fees.
Who qualifies: Generally, applicants who receive government assistance (Medicaid, food assistance, FIP) or whose income is at or near the federal poverty level.
What's waived: The filing fee and potentially other court costs. Service fees and miscellaneous expenses outside court control are typically not waived.
To request the form, ask at the Circuit Court Clerk's office or check courts.michigan.gov.
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total DIY Cost |
|---|---|
| Simple, no children, no real estate or retirement accounts | $250–$400 |
| With children (add FOC fee, longer process) | $400–$600 |
| With real estate and retirement accounts (DIY, no attorney) | $700–$2,000 |
| With contested property or custody (attorney involvement likely) | $5,000–$25,000+ |
Free Resources
- Michigan Legal Help: michiganlegalhelp.org — free forms and instructions
- Legal Aid of Michigan: legalaid.mich.gov — free representation for income-qualified
- Michigan Bar Lawyer Referral Service: michbar.org/referral
- Michigan Courts forms: courts.michigan.gov
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Filing fees are set by each county and change periodically. Always confirm with your Circuit Court Clerk.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.