Divorce Basics

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Disclaimer

These notes are purposely vague and general. They DO NOT adequately address anyone's particular situation, ESPECIALLY YOURS. This information is intended only to provide the reader with a very basic overview of the issues involved in a typical divorce, the terms used, and some links to primary sources.

Residency Michigan Compiled Law

(MCL) 552.9

• 180 days minimum in-state presence of one party prior to filing.
• 10 days minimum in-county presence of one party prior to filing.

No-Fault State

MCL 552.6

• Michigan does not require fault to file for a divorce.
• Plaintiff must allege only that the marriage bond has been broken and it's unlikely the marriage can be saved. Legally, "the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved."

Parties to Divorce

• Plaintiff: The party who files the Complaint for Divorce.
• Defendant: The party who receives and answers the Complaint for Divorce.