Michigan Divorce Without Children (2026) — The Straightforward Path

If you and your spouse have no minor children together, Michigan divorce is one of the more manageable DIY processes in the country. The mandatory wait is 60 days (not 180), there's no Friend of the Court involvement, and the final hearing is brief.

The two things that determine whether your divorce goes smoothly:

1. Your corroborating witness is lined up and ready
2. Your Settlement Agreement is signed before the final hearing

Disclaimer: This is general legal information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed Michigan attorney for questions about your specific situation.

What Makes a Childless Michigan Divorce Simpler

Without minor children:

• 60-day wait instead of 180 days
• No Friend of the Court — no FOC fee, no FOC forms, no FOC investigations or recommendations
• No child support calculation or parenting plan needed
• The final hearing is typically 15–30 minutes and is purely administrative

You still need:

• A corroborating witness (required in all Michigan divorces)
• A Settlement Agreement if you have any marital property to divide
• Residency in Michigan (180 days state, 10 days county)

Step-by-Step: Michigan Divorce Without Children

Step 1 — Meet Residency Requirements

You must have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days and in your county for at least 10 days.

Step 2 — Line Up Your Corroborating Witness

This is the most often overlooked requirement for self-represented filers. Before you file:

• Identify someone (friend, family member, neighbor, coworker) who can testify that your marriage has broken down
• Tell them what is involved — they'll testify briefly at the final hearing, or sign a sworn affidavit if your county accepts that
• Confirm they can appear on a weekday for a brief hearing (or ask your county Clerk whether affidavits are accepted in lieu of appearance)

Almost any adult who knows you personally qualifies. They don't need to know the private details of your marriage — just that they know you or your spouse and that from what they've observed, the marriage has broken down.

Step 3 — Negotiate Your Settlement Agreement

If you have any marital property (home, retirement accounts, vehicles, bank accounts, debt), resolve how it will be divided before the final hearing. Write up a Settlement Agreement covering:

• All property and who gets it
• All debt and who pays it
• Any spousal support (or a mutual waiver)

Both spouses sign the Settlement Agreement before a notary. Michigan Legal Help (michiganlegalhelp.org) has a free DIY Judgment tool that walks you through creating this document.

If you have no significant marital property, include a brief statement in the Judgment waiving all property claims.

Step 4 — Complete Form DC 100a

Download the Complaint for Divorce (no minor children) (Form DC 100a) from courts.michigan.gov. Complete every section:

• Your full legal name and your spouse's full legal name
• Your county and how long you've lived there (must be 10+ days)
• How long you've lived in Michigan (must be 180+ days)
• Date of marriage and place of marriage
• Statement that the marriage has broken down
• Name restoration request if you want your former name back

Step 5 — File at the Circuit Court Clerk

Take the completed DC 100a to the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Pay the filing fee ($175–$250 depending on county). The Clerk stamps the Complaint and issues the Summons (DC 100).

Day 0 of your 60-day wait starts today.

Step 6 — Serve Your Spouse

Your spouse must be formally served. Fastest option for a cooperative spouse: have them sign the Acknowledgment of Service (DC 108) and file it with the Clerk.

If your spouse isn't local or won't sign voluntarily, use sheriff or process server service.

Step 7 — Wait 60 Days

The 60-day wait runs from the filing date. Use this time to:

• Finalize and sign the Settlement Agreement
• Prepare the proposed Judgment of Divorce
• Confirm your corroborating witness's availability
• Contact the court to schedule the final hearing on or after Day 60

Step 8 — Final Hearing

At the hearing (typically 15–30 minutes):

You testify:

• Your name
• That you've lived in Michigan for 180+ days and in the county for 10+ days
• Date of marriage
• That the marriage has broken down beyond repair and there is no reasonable likelihood it can be preserved

Your corroborating witness testifies (or affidavit submitted):

• Their name and relationship to you
• That they have personal knowledge that the marriage has broken down

The judge:

• Reviews your Settlement Agreement
• Reviews the proposed Judgment of Divorce
• Signs the Judgment

That's it. Your divorce is final the moment the judge signs.

Step 9 — Certified Copies and Implementation

Request 3–5 certified copies of the Judgment before leaving the courthouse. Then:

• Name restoration: SSA → Michigan Secretary of State → accounts
• Vehicle titles: Secretary of State office
• Deed transfer: Register of Deeds (if real estate)
• Retirement accounts: QDRO for employer plans, retitling for IRAs
• Update beneficiary designations

Timeline Summary

Cost Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer for a Michigan divorce without children? Not legally required. Self-representation (pro se) is permitted. For a straightforward divorce with an agreed settlement, many people navigate it successfully without an attorney. If you have significant assets, retirement accounts, or any disputed issues, an attorney consultation is worthwhile.

What counts as "breakdown of the marriage" in Michigan? Michigan is pure no-fault. You simply state — and your witness confirms — that the marriage has broken down. You don't have to explain why or prove fault.

What if my spouse wants more property than I think is fair? If you can't agree, the divorce becomes contested. Consider mediation first. If that fails, the contested case goes to the judge, who will decide based on equitable distribution factors.

What if my spouse filed for divorce from me and I want to respond? You have 21 days to file an Answer after being served. If you have property or spousal support claims, file your Answer raising them. Consult an attorney promptly.

Can I waive the 60-day wait? No. The 60-day waiting period is mandatory under MCL 552.9f. Courts will not waive it for a divorce without children.

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Michigan divorce forms available free at courts.michigan.gov | Free help at michiganlegalhelp.org

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