Real numbers for Michigan — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
Forms and local rules differ, but the path through a Michigan divorce is fairly consistent:
Consider this a general orientation rather than Michigan-specific legal advice — your county self-help center or a licensed local attorney can confirm the current procedure for your situation.
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Calculate My Michigan Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in Michigan ranges from roughly $2,700 for a simple uncontested case to $30,400 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.
Michigan has a 60-day minimum waiting period (6 months if minor children are involved).
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $175 | $850 | $4,500 |
| Uncontested with children | $2,700 | $4,500 | $6,750 |
| Contested, no trial | $10,450 | $19,000 | $30,400 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $30,400 | $36,100 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $14,500 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in Michigan is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Filing fee note: $175 statewide uniform fee
| Wayne County (Detroit) | $175 |
| Oakland | $175 |
| Macomb | $175 |
| Kent (Grand Rapids) | $175 |
| Washtenaw (Ann Arbor) | $175 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in Michigan average $230 per hour.
A Detroit-area couple with no children going through an uncontested divorce would spend $175 in filing fees and $1,500–$3,500 in attorney costs — total about $1,700–$3,800. With minor children and a contested custody dispute, expect $20,000–$35,000+ per party.
How much does a divorce cost in Michigan?
An uncontested divorce in Michigan typically costs $4,500–$6,750 including the $175 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $19,000–$30,400 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
What are Michigan's waiting periods for divorce?
Michigan requires 60 days minimum for divorces without minor children, and 180 days minimum when the couple has minor children.
Is Michigan a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. Michigan is a no-fault state. The only ground for divorce is that the marriage has broken down with no reasonable likelihood of reconciliation.
How is property divided in Michigan?
Michigan uses equitable distribution. Courts divide marital property fairly, considering contributions, length of marriage, and each spouse's financial needs.
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Open Michigan Calculator →Filing fees based on Michigan court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.