Michigan Divorce Forms & Papers

Divorce Papers > Michigan Divorce Forms & Papers

Couples residing in Michigan should be aware of the procedure to file a divorce and the laws of the state before they apply for a divorce. This would help them better understand how to apply for divorce, the basic ground on which a divorce can be filed and how should one respond if they happen to be served with divorce documents. It is also important for partners to know where they can find Michigan divorce forms and papers if their marriage is not working or if there have been irreconcilable differences in the marriage.

Michigan divorce forms and papers can be obtained at any local legal office. One can also download the forms from a reliable website. For filing a divorce in the state of Michigan, it is mandatory that both spouses must have been residents of Michigan for 180 days and residents of the county where the divorce is filed for 10 days. The residency requirement is one year if the cause of the divorce arose outside of Michigan. [Michigan Compiled Laws Annotated; Section 552.9].

The no-fault ground for divorce in Michigan is: 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. [Michigan Compiled Laws Annotated; Section 552.6].

Procedure to file for divorce in Michigan:

• Get the divorce documents and forms from the local legal office or download it from the INTERNET
• Complete the form, mentioning the reason for divorce and submit it to the court
• The court would present the divorce paper to your spouse who is expected to respond within 21 days. The allegations can either be denied or accepted by your spouse.
• The couple undergoes a waiting period which is a minimum of 60 days. The waiting period can also extent to 6 months if the couple has children.
• Once the waiting period is over, the divorce is finalized by a judge.
• Upon finalization of the divorce, the judge will also ascertain the custody of children and the division of assets that has been previously agreed upon.

In most cases marriages are dissolved because of irreconcilable differences between the spouses leading to frequent fights and a disturbed state of living. No matter what the reason would be to dissolve a marriage, divorce cases are either filed on agreed terms or default.

• Agreed divorce: In an agreed divorce both the spouses abide by the Michigan law and sign the papers based on the terms and conditions of the law. Distribution of property and child custody or support is what both parties agree upon. An agreed divorce is preferred by most people owing to the fact that the process is mutually agreed upon and the same is reflected on the divorce papers.
• Default divorce: A default divorce is where one of the partners is completely out of all the divorce procedures and proceeding. The other spouse does not even sign the papers. The spouse filing for divorce gets whatever they have asked which is also listed in the paperwork. The other spouse by default has to agree upon all the terms and conditions laid.

The Michigan divorce law has a set guidelines on child support in case the partners cannot agree on an amount towards child support. These guidelines are chalked in the best interest of the child however most spouses agree on a higher figure depending on the child's needs and requirements.

USE THESE WORDS IN THE COURT DOCUMENTS FOR MICHIGAN

1. Use these exact words, all in capital letters: STATE OF MICHIGAN, JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, - COUNTY
2. Use these exact words, all in capital letters: COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE
3. Use the word "Plaintiff". Be sure the "P" is capitalized.
4. Use the word "Defendant". Be sure the "D" is capitalized.
5. Use these exact words, all in capital letters: JUDGMENT OF DIVORCE
6. Use the word "County" here.

For detailed divorce laws in Michigan state, please see Michigan Divorce Laws page.

Free Michigan Divorce Forms for Download

• Petition to Change Name
• Order Following Hearing on Petition to Change Name
• Glossary of terms
• Instructions for completing the forms
• Review the Resources you may need to obtain your order
• Understanding the Law

• Instructions for completing the forms - The Marital Settlement Agreement
• Glossary of terms you should be aware of while going through your divorce
• Review your State's Guidelines

• Declaration under the Child Custody Act
• Marriage settlement Agreement
• Verification required by both parties

• Form 1- Uniform Support Petition
• Form 2- Summons: Personal Service on an Individual
• Form 3- Process Service Memorandum
• Form 4- Non-Military Affidavit
• Form 5- Financial Affidavit
• Form 6- Motion for Health Insurance Coverage
• Form 7- Final Judgment Modifying Child Support

• Documents for the Court

• Affidavit by a third party

• Financial Affidavit
• Notice of Hearing

• Answer and Affidavit in response

If you don't want to file for divorce papers directly then find Divorce Lawyers in Michigan here.

Divorce Papers