Divorce
Contested and uncontested divorce, property division, and spousal support in Wayne County and across Michigan, handled in English and Arabic.
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How divorce works in Michigan
Michigan is a no-fault state. The only ground for divorce is that the marriage has broken down with no reasonable likelihood of repair. You do not have to prove your spouse did anything wrong, and your spouse cannot block the divorce by refusing to agree to it. What is actually negotiated and decided is everything that comes with ending the marriage: property, debt, support, and, when there are children, custody and parenting time.
The timeline
Two things set the pace. First, the statutory waiting period, a minimum of 60 days when there are no minor children and a minimum of six months when there are. These are legal floors that apply even to a fully agreed divorce. Second, how much is in dispute. An uncontested divorce where both spouses agree on the terms can finish close to the minimum. A contested case involving a business, real estate, retirement accounts, or a custody fight takes longer because each of those has to be valued and resolved.
Dividing property and debt
Michigan uses equitable distribution: a fair division based on the circumstances, not an automatic even split. The court looks at factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions and conduct, earning ability, and need. Property and debt acquired during the marriage are generally on the table; assets owned before the marriage may be treated as separate, though that line blurs when separate property is commingled. Retirement accounts, a home, and a family business are the items that most often require careful work, sometimes with a valuation expert.
Spousal support
Spousal support, what many people call alimony, is not automatic in Michigan. When it is awarded, the amount and length depend on factors including the length of the marriage, the parties’ ages and health, earning capacities, and the standard of living during the marriage. It can be negotiated as part of a settlement or decided by the judge.
How we handle it
Divorce in Wayne County is decided in the Family Division of the Circuit Court, but most of the work, gathering financials, negotiating terms, and drafting the judgment, happens away from the courtroom. The same attorney handles your case throughout, in English and Arabic, and we are direct about whether your situation is likely to settle or head toward trial so you can plan accordingly.
This is a focused part of our family law practice. Call (313) 425-5555 to talk through your situation.
Divorce FAQ
No. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. The only ground is a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of marriage have been destroyed and there is no reasonable likelihood it can be preserved. You do not have to prove wrongdoing, and your spouse cannot stop the divorce by objecting.
There is a statutory waiting period: a minimum of 60 days with no minor children, and a minimum of six months when minor children are involved. Those are floors, not estimates. An uncontested case can finish near the minimum, while a contested case over property or custody usually takes longer.
Michigan follows equitable distribution, which means a fair division, not necessarily a 50/50 split. Marital property and debts are divided based on factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's contributions, and the circumstances. Property owned before the marriage may be treated as separate, depending on the facts.
Generally you must have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days and in the county where you file for at least 10 days before filing. There are limited exceptions. We confirm residency early so the case is filed in the right court.
Family Law Across Metro Detroit
We represent family law clients throughout Wayne County from our Dearborn office.
Visit Our Dearborn Office
We represent divorce clients throughout Wayne County and Metro Detroit from our Dearborn office.
- Address 22226 Garrison St
Dearborn, MI 48124 - Phone (313) 425-5555
- Hours Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Languages English & Arabic
Talk through your options before you file
A first conversation maps out timing, property, and what to expect, with no pressure to file.