📅 2026 Update: Changes in Michigan Divorce Forms

Since the original article was published, there have been no significant legislative changes affecting Michigan divorce forms from 2024 to 2026. This means that the information about the forms and requirements remains mostly the same. Readers can find the earlier article further down this page for additional details.

📝 Current Fees and Costs

The costs associated with obtaining divorce records in Michigan have not changed. A certified copy of a divorce record still costs $34.00 per copy. For those needing to search additional years, the fee remains $12.00 for each year.

If you require more certified copies, the price is $16.00 each. An expedited processing fee of $12.00 is still available for quicker service.

⏳ Processing Times

Processing times for divorce-related requests have not changed. Regular processing takes about 4 to 6 weeks at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), plus an additional 1 to 2 weeks at the Secretary of State’s Office of the Great Seal. If you opt for expedited processing, it takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks at MDHHS, with the same additional time at the Secretary of State’s Office.

📄 Forms and Steps

The Record of Divorce or Annulment (MDHHS form DCH-0838) is still required to be completed and submitted with the divorce petition.

🌐 Free Resources

It provides free online tools and guidance for preparing divorce forms. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) also offers information and forms related to divorce records and procedures, making the process more accessible.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • No significant changes have occurred in Michigan divorce forms from 2024 to 2026.
  • Certified copy of divorce records costs $34.00.
  • Regular processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
  • Residency for filing requires living in Michigan for at least 180 days.

💡 Tips for Navigating Michigan Divorce Forms

Reviewing your personal situation with an attorney is essential for understanding your specific needs.

🏠 Understand Residency Requirements

Before filing for divorce, ensure that either you or your spouse has lived in Michigan for at least 180 days. This is a crucial step that must be met to proceed with your case.

📋 Complete Required Forms

Make sure to fill out the Record of Divorce or Annulment (MDHHS form DCH-0838) accurately. This form must be submitted with your divorce petition to the county clerk or court official.

⏳ Plan for Processing Times

Anticipate the time it will take to process your divorce forms. Regular processing can take about 4 to 6 weeks, so plan accordingly to avoid delays.

💵 Budget for Fees

Be aware of the costs associated with divorce records. A certified copy costs $34.00, and additional certified copies are $16.00 each. Budgeting for these fees can help prevent surprises later on.

🌐 Utilize Free Resources

This site offers tools to help you prepare your divorce forms without incurring extra costs.

📑 Keep Records Organized

Maintaining copies of all submitted forms and correspondence can help keep your divorce process smooth. This will also assist in following up if there are any issues.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the cost of a certified copy of a divorce record in Michigan?

A certified copy of a divorce record costs $34.00 in Michigan.

📅 How long does it take to process divorce forms?

Regular processing takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks at MDHHS, plus an additional 1 to 2 weeks at the Secretary of State’s Office.

🏠 Where do I file for divorce in Michigan?

Divorce must be filed in the circuit court of the county where either you or your spouse has lived for at least ten days before filing.

📝 Are there any deadlines for filing for divorce in Michigan?

Michigan does not impose specific deadlines for filing for divorce, but residency requirements must be met.

📃 What forms do I need to submit with my divorce petition?

You must complete and submit the Record of Divorce or Annulment (MDHHS form DCH-0838) along with your divorce petition.

🚫 Can anyone request a divorce record in Michigan?

Yes, divorce records are not restricted in Michigan. Anyone can request a search if the application is completed, signed, and submitted with the required fee.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Divorce in Michigan

Recent court rulings may impact divorce proceedings and required forms in Michigan. These rulings can provide insight into how courts interpret divorce laws and apply them to specific situations.

To stay updated on relevant court decisions that may affect your situation, check more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





Guide to Michigan Divorce Forms

Michigan makes many types of official court forms available online for public use.

However, the Michigan courts website states that there are no official, SCAO-approved Michigan divorce forms.

This makes filing divorce significantly less easy in Michigan than in states that offer state-approved divorce forms online, but there are still some choices.

Michigan Divorce Forms

Some private services offer Michigan divorce forms, but these will not be guaranteed by the state to be valid in court.

You may wish to consult with a divorce lawyer or go to your local courthouse to find more information about Michigan divorce forms that are valid in the county where you live.

Complaint About Divorce


The process of filing divorce papers in Michigan begins when one party files an official complaint for divorce with their local courthouse.

The spouse filing the complaint (the plaintiff spouse) will need to complete a complaint about divorce that is valid in the county where they are filing (usually the county where they currently reside).

Among other things, your complaint about divorce Michigan divorce forms must include the following things:

Your and your spouse's names

Your and your spouse's addresses (or last known address if your spouse is missing)
The names and birthdates of any children you have
The grounds for your divorce (typically these are “no-fault” grounds based on irretrievable breakdown of the marriage)

What you are requesting from the court (this is also called “relief” and can include child custody or child support, as well as alimony and an equal division of property)

The best way to find out how to file Michigan divorce forms on your own is to go to your courthouse and ask if they have forms available for “pro se” litigants (people who wish to represent themselves).

Answering a Divorce Complaint


If you have received divorce papers and want Michigan divorce forms so you can file an answer, you will need to ask at the courthouse where the divorce was filed (which will not necessarily be the courthouse nearest you).

Since no forms are approved on a state basis, you may need an attorney to help you file Michigan divorce forms if you cannot obtain them from the county where the divorce was filed.

In general, your answer will contain very similar content to the original complaint, including grounds for divorce and the requested relief.

Settling Your Divorce


Most divorcing couples eventually settle out of court before trial.

If you and your spouse agree on what to do with all of your property, you can begin to work on a marital settlement agreement that the court will sign off on.

Your marital settlement agreement must contain your names, details about your divorce complaint, and specific descriptions of property and how it is to be divided.

No state-approved marital settlement Michigan divorce forms exist that are valid in the whole state, so once more, you will need to look to the courthouse where the divorce has been filed. Attorneys can also help you fill out forms.

Remember that not all Michigan divorce forms available online are valid, and none of them have been officially approved.

Exercise caution before using a packet prepared by anyone unknown to you.