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Free Divorce Papers
For Michigan

Michigan doubles its waiting period when children are involved — 60 days without kids, 180 days with them, plus a 180-day residency rule.

Reviewed by our editorial team Based on official state court forms

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Templates reviewed for the 2026 filing year · Based on official state forms

Document Templates

Michigan divorce template samples

Expand a template below to see exactly what's included before you fill it in.

Uncontested Divorce Sample See the full text of the agreement both spouses sign together.

Complaint for Divorce — Uncontested

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF [1. County], MICHIGAN

Case No: [2. Case Number]

[3. Plaintiff Full Name], Plaintiff, vs. [4. Defendant Full Name], Defendant.

Comes now the Plaintiff, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], and files this Complaint for Divorce against the Defendant, [4. Defendant Full Name], and in support thereof respectfully states:

Jurisdiction and Residency

Plaintiff has been a resident of the State of Michigan for at least one hundred eighty (180) days and a resident of [1. County] County for at least ten (10) days immediately preceding the filing of this Complaint, in accordance with MCL 552.9. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action.

Marriage Information

The parties were lawfully married on [5. Date of Marriage] in [6. City and State of Marriage], and separated on [7. Date of Separation]. There are no minor children born of or adopted during this marriage.

Grounds for Divorce

There has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved, in accordance with MCL 552.6. The marriage should be dissolved.

Property and Debt Division

The parties have reached a full and complete agreement regarding the division of all marital property, assets, and debts. The terms of this division are as follows: [8. Property and Debt Division Terms]

Spousal Support

The parties have agreed that spousal support, also known as alimony, shall be as follows: [9. Spousal Support Terms]

Request for Relief

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court:

(a) enter a Judgment of Divorce dissolving the marriage of the parties;
(b) approve the parties' agreement regarding property, debts, and spousal support;
(c) restore Plaintiff's former name of [10. Former Name], if requested; and
(d) grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

Dated: [11. Date of Signing]

Verification

I, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.

Executed this [12. Execution Date] day of [13. Execution Month, Year], at [14. City and State of Execution].

Contested Divorce Sample See how disputed terms are laid out before you fill anything in.

Complaint for Divorce — Contested

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF [1. County], MICHIGAN

Case No: [2. Case Number]

[3. Plaintiff Full Name], Plaintiff, vs. [4. Defendant Full Name], Defendant.

Comes now the Plaintiff, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], and files this Complaint for Divorce against the Defendant, [4. Defendant Full Name], and in support thereof respectfully states:

Jurisdiction and Residency

Plaintiff has been a resident of the State of Michigan for at least one hundred eighty (180) days and a resident of [1. County] County for at least ten (10) days immediately preceding the filing of this Complaint, in accordance with MCL 552.9. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action.

Marriage Information

The parties were lawfully married on [5. Date of Marriage] in [6. City and State of Marriage], and separated on [7. Date of Separation]. There are no minor children born of or adopted during this marriage.

Grounds for Divorce

There has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved, in accordance with MCL 552.6. The marriage should be dissolved.

Property and Debt Division

The parties are unable to agree on the division of their marital property, assets, and debts. Plaintiff requests that this Court divide the parties' marital property and debts equitably. The relevant marital assets and liabilities include: [8. Property and Debt Description]

Spousal Support

The parties are unable to agree on spousal support. Plaintiff requests that the Court award spousal support in an amount and for a duration that is just and reasonable, considering the factors set forth in MCL 552.13. Relevant facts include: [9. Spousal Support Facts]

Request for Relief

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court:

(a) enter a Judgment of Divorce dissolving the marriage of the parties;
(b) equitably divide the parties' marital property and debts;
(c) award spousal support as the Court deems just and reasonable;
(d) restore Plaintiff's former name of [10. Former Name], if requested; and
(e) grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

Dated: [11. Date of Signing]

Verification

I, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.

Executed this [12. Execution Date] day of [13. Execution Month, Year], at [14. City and State of Execution].

Uncontested Divorce with Children Sample See the agreement plus the parenting plan section in full.

Complaint for Divorce — Uncontested with Children

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF [1. County], MICHIGAN

Case No: [2. Case Number]

[3. Plaintiff Full Name], Plaintiff, vs. [4. Defendant Full Name], Defendant.

Comes now the Plaintiff, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], and files this Complaint for Divorce against the Defendant, [4. Defendant Full Name], and in support thereof respectfully states:

Jurisdiction and Residency

Plaintiff has been a resident of the State of Michigan for at least one hundred eighty (180) days and a resident of [1. County] County for at least ten (10) days immediately preceding the filing of this Complaint, in accordance with MCL 552.9. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action.

Marriage Information

The parties were lawfully married on [5. Date of Marriage] in [6. City and State of Marriage], and separated on [7. Date of Separation].

There are [8. Number of Children] minor child(ren) born of or adopted during this marriage: [9. Children Names and Birthdates].

Grounds for Divorce

There has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved, in accordance with MCL 552.6. The marriage should be dissolved.

Custody and Parenting Plan

The parties have reached a full agreement regarding legal and physical custody of the minor child(ren), in accordance with the best interests of the child(ren) under MCL 722.23. The agreed parenting plan is as follows: [10. Parenting Plan Terms]

Child Support

The parties have reached an agreement on child support consistent with the Michigan Child Support Formula. The agreed monthly child support amount is [11. Child Support Amount], payable by [12. Paying Parent] to [13. Receiving Parent]. Additional terms: [14. Child Support Additional Terms]

Medical and Childcare Expenses

Unreimbursed medical, dental, vision, and childcare expenses for the minor child(ren) shall be shared as follows: [15. Medical and Childcare Terms]

Property and Debt Division

The parties have reached a full and complete agreement regarding the division of all marital property, assets, and debts. The terms of this division are as follows: [16. Property and Debt Division Terms]

Spousal Support

The parties have agreed that spousal support shall be as follows: [17. Spousal Support Terms]

Request for Relief

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court:

(a) enter a Judgment of Divorce dissolving the marriage of the parties;
(b) approve the parties' Parenting Plan regarding custody;
(c) order child support in accordance with the parties' agreement and the Michigan Child Support Formula;
(d) approve the parties' property and debt division;
(e) restore Plaintiff's former name of [18. Former Name], if requested; and
(f) grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

Dated: [19. Date of Signing]

Verification

I, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.

Executed this [20. Execution Date] day of [21. Execution Month, Year], at [22. City and State of Execution].

Contested Divorce with Children Sample See how custody and parenting terms appear in the full document.

Complaint for Divorce — Contested with Children

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF [1. County], MICHIGAN

Case No: [2. Case Number]

[3. Plaintiff Full Name], Plaintiff, vs. [4. Defendant Full Name], Defendant.

Comes now the Plaintiff, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], and files this Complaint for Divorce against the Defendant, [4. Defendant Full Name], and in support thereof respectfully states:

Jurisdiction and Residency

Plaintiff has been a resident of the State of Michigan for at least one hundred eighty (180) days and a resident of [1. County] County for at least ten (10) days immediately preceding the filing of this Complaint, in accordance with MCL 552.9. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter of this action.

Marriage Information

The parties were lawfully married on [5. Date of Marriage] in [6. City and State of Marriage], and separated on [7. Date of Separation].

There are [8. Number of Children] minor child(ren) born of or adopted during this marriage: [9. Children Names and Birthdates].

Grounds for Divorce

There has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved, in accordance with MCL 552.6. The marriage should be dissolved.

Custody and Parenting Time

The parties are unable to agree on legal or physical custody of the minor child(ren). Plaintiff requests that the Court award custody and establish a parenting time schedule in accordance with the best interests of the child(ren) under MCL 722.23. Relevant facts include: [10. Custody Dispute Facts]

Child Support

The parties are unable to agree on child support. Plaintiff requests that the Court order child support in accordance with the Michigan Child Support Formula. Relevant facts include: [11. Child Support Facts]

Medical, Dental, and Childcare Expenses

Unreimbursed medical, dental, vision, and childcare expenses for the minor child(ren) shall be allocated as follows, or as the Court determines equitable: [12. Medical and Childcare Terms]

Property and Debt Division

The parties are unable to agree on the division of their marital property, assets, and debts. Plaintiff requests that the Court equitably divide the parties' marital property and debts. The relevant marital assets and liabilities include: [13. Property and Debt Description]

Spousal Support

The parties are unable to agree on spousal support. Plaintiff requests that the Court award spousal support as the Court deems just and reasonable. Relevant facts include: [14. Spousal Support Facts]

Request for Relief

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court:

(a) enter a Judgment of Divorce dissolving the marriage of the parties;
(b) determine legal and physical custody and establish a parenting time schedule in the best interests of the minor child(ren);
(c) order child support in accordance with the Michigan Child Support Formula;
(d) equitably divide the parties' marital property and debts;
(e) award spousal support as the Court deems just and reasonable;
(f) restore Plaintiff's former name of [15. Former Name], if requested; and
(g) grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

Dated: [16. Date of Signing]

Verification

I, [3. Plaintiff Full Name], declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.

Executed this [17. Execution Date] day of [18. Execution Month, Year], at [19. City and State of Execution].

At a Glance

Michigan divorce at a glance

Residency requirement 180 days state + 10 days county
Waiting period 60 days (180 with children)
Filing fee $175
Grounds accepted Breakdown of marriage (no-fault only)
Official forms No standard numbers (SCAO forms)

Confirm with your county before filing — fees and rules can vary.

Overview

Divorce in Michigan: the children clock

Michigan is the clearest example of how children change a divorce timeline. Couples without minor children wait 60 days after filing before the court can enter a decree. Couples with minor children wait 180 days — a full three times longer, designed to give parents time to complete the required parent education class and think through custody arrangements.

The state is no-fault only: the sole ground is the breakdown of the marriage relationship, with no proof of wrongdoing needed. Filing requires 180 days of Michigan residency plus 10 days in the county where you file, and the Complaint for Divorce goes to the Circuit Court in that county.

Property is divided equitably, and child support follows the Michigan Child Support Formula — a guideline-based system that calculates support from both parents’ incomes. Custody is decided under the best interests factors in MCL 722.23, and spousal support follows MCL 552.13. The SCAO forms come from Michigan Courts, and filing runs about $175.

Official court source: Michigan Courts