It may be the happiest time of year!

However, January is not referred to as "Divorce Month" for no reason.

Before you pull the plug on your marriage, here are the things you need to know to get a divorce in Michigan.

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Michigan Divorce Laws

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Did you know that you do not need a reason to justify getting a divorce in Michigan?

Kelly Kelly Law says that there is only one reason required for a divorce in Michigan.

"Michigan is a no-fault divorce state which means that, unlike many other states, there does not have to be a specific justifiable cause for one or both parties to initiate a divorce. The only standard required for a divorce in Michigan, is covered under MCL 552.6(1), which requires one or both parties to allege that “…there has been 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.”

While you can divorce without faults, those faults can also be considered in the divorce proceedings.

What Do You Need To Do To Get Divorced In Michigan?

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First, you or your spouse must have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days before you file.

You do not have to be separated or living separately to file for divorce.

Secondly, as mentioned above, you do not have to "prove" anything to get a divorce.

What Will Get Decided For The Divorce?

Besides the end of your marriage, a divorce also decides how the property and/or debt will get distributed.

In order to be fair and divide evenly, the judge will consider the following:

  • The length of your marriage
  • Your contribution to the marital estate
  • Your age
  • Your health
  • Your standard of living during the marriage
  • Your needs and your current living situation
  • Your ability to earn money
  • Your conduct during the marriage (fault)

If you have a child, custody, parenting time, child support, and which parent will claim the child on taxes will be decided as well.

10 Michigan Cities With The Highest Divorce Rate

Gallery Credit: TSM Lab

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