Not knowing what comes next is part of what makes divorce so stressful. Here's the path most Michigan families follow, start to finish — and where the calmer, out-of-court options fit in.
The basic steps
- Decide and get informed — understand your options before anything is filed.
- Understand your finances — income, accounts, debts, property, and the home.
- Choose your process — mediation, collaborative, DIY-with-guidance, or, if needed, litigation.
- File the initial paperwork to formally begin the divorce.
- Put temporary arrangements in place, if needed, for parenting and bills while things are worked out.
- Reach agreement — through mediation or negotiation rather than a trial, whenever possible.
- Observe Michigan's waiting period (more on that below).
- Finalize — your agreement is drafted, entered with the court, and your judgment is granted.
About the waiting period
Michigan has a built-in waiting period — generally 60 days when there are no minor children, and six months when children are involved (a court can sometimes shorten the longer period). Choosing mediation won't change the waiting period, but reaching agreement quickly means you're not stuck in limbo any longer than the law requires.
A clear map makes a hard road feel a lot less frightening.
This article is educational and not legal advice. Every situation is different. If you're in Grand Rapids or anywhere in West Michigan and want help understanding your specific path, reach out to the team at Quist Homier Law.
This article is general information, not legal advice, and reading it doesn’t create an attorney–client relationship. For guidance on your own situation, please speak with a licensed attorney.