Are you concerned about what divorce will mean for your kids, your home, or your future? The decisions you make during this process will have long-term effects, so it’s important to get them right from the start. Delays and paperwork mistakes could cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
At Creighton McLean & Shea PLC, our Michigan divorce lawyers help clients across Southeast Michigan work through divorce with clear planning and solid legal support. We know how to handle property division, custody, support, and everything in between.
Contact us today for your free initial consultation to speak with an attorney who will help you focus on what matters most.
You can only file for divorce in Michigan on a no-fault basis, which means you don’t need to prove that your spouse did anything wrong to get a divorce. You only need to tell the court that your marriage has broken down, and there’s no chance of fixing it. You do not need to show evidence of cheating, abuse, or any other problem. Even if one person wants to stay married, the judge can still approve the divorce. However, the judge may look at each spouse’s behavior when deciding on issues like spousal support or dividing property. So, while fault does not affect whether or how you can file for divorce, it might affect the final outcome in some cases.
You can file for divorce in Michigan if you or your spouse has lived in the state for at least 180 days before filing. One of you must also live in the county where you file for at least ten days.
You do not need to be separated to file for divorce. Even if your spouse lives in another state, you can still file if you meet Michigan’s residency rules. If you were married in another state or country, you can still get divorced in Michigan as long as you meet the requirements.
If you do not have children with your spouse, your divorce case will usually move faster. Michigan requires a 60-day waiting period before the court can finalize a divorce between spouses without children. However, if you have children, Michigan law requires a six-month waiting period for these cases unless the judge sees a good reason to shorten it. For example, a judge may agree to shorten the waiting period in cases involving the risk of domestic violence or other situations in which waiting would lead to unusual hardship.
Whether your situation is simple or more complicated, each Michigan divorce case begins the same way—by filing paperwork with the right court. From there, what happens depends on how your spouse responds and whether you both agree on major issues like money, property, and child custody. Below is a step-by-step look at how divorce works in Michigan:
Divorce in Michigan involves more than just filling out paperwork. You also need to decide how you will divide your property and debt, sort out support, and—if you have children—deal with custody matters. These issues can get stressful, especially if you and your spouse don’t agree. Even when things seem simple at first, disagreements can arise, and simple mistakes can cause delays or poor outcomes. A lawyer can help you prepare, stay organized, and avoid missteps that could hurt your case.
A lawyer can explain your rights, protect your interests, and make sure the court sees your side from day one. If serious problems come up, like your spouse hiding money, moving assets, or dragging out the case, your attorney can spot those signs and take action quickly. With legal representation, you can make informed choices, avoid common problems, and respond quickly if anything goes wrong. Whether your case seems straightforward or has more at stake, an experienced family law attorney can help you stay prepared and focus on getting the results you need.
Since 1945, Creighton McLean & Shea PLC has been helping people across Livonia and Southeast Michigan handle divorce and other family law matters with skill and care. We are Livonia’s longest-serving law firm, and we bring over 77 years of experience to every case we handle. Our team understands how divorce affects every part of your life—your family, your home, your finances, and your future. We take that seriously when you come to us for help.
We don’t rush cases or overlook details. We take time to understand your situation, review the facts, and build a strategy that fits your unique situation. We strive to act with fairness and honesty in all we do, and we treat every client with respect.
When you hire us, you get a law firm with a trusted name and a long history of real results. Our attorneys are here to protect your rights, explain your options, and give you steady support throughout your divorce case.
Whether you’re just thinking about divorce or have already started the process, now is the time to get legal advice that fits your situation. The attorneys at Creighton McLean & Shea PLC have been helping Michigan clients with divorce and family law matters since 1945, and we’re ready to help you, too. Contact us today to arrange your free consultation and learn more about how we can support you.
