How Long Does Divorce Take in Michigan?

“How long will this take?” is one of the first questions people ask, and a fair one — you want to plan your life. Michigan sets minimum waiting periods, and the rest of the timeline depends on your particular case. Here is what to expect in 2026.

The statutory waiting periods

Michigan law requires a minimum waiting period before a divorce can be finalized:

• 60 days when there are no minor children.
• At least 6 months when minor children are involved.

These are minimums, not maximums. Your divorce cannot be finalized sooner, but it can certainly take longer depending on the issues.

Why is there a waiting period?

The waiting period gives spouses time to be certain, to work through the practical questions of property, support, and children, and — when minor children are involved — to make careful, lasting decisions about their care. It is built into Michigan law and applies even to the friendliest divorces.

Can the waiting period be shortened?

The 60-day period generally must be observed. In cases with minor children, a court has limited discretion to shorten the 6-month period for good cause, but this is uncommon. It is safest to plan around the full waiting period rather than count on a reduction.

What affects the overall timeline

• Agreement. An uncontested divorce can finalize soon after the waiting period passes.
• Disputes. Disagreements over property, support, or custody add time for negotiation, mediation, or hearings.
• Children. Beyond the longer waiting period, custody and support issues take additional steps.
• Court schedules. Busy counties can mean longer waits for hearing dates.
• Complex finances. Valuing a business, dividing retirement, or tracing hidden assets lengthens a case.

Typical ranges

A straightforward, fully agreed divorce with no children often wraps up in roughly two to four months. A contested case, or one involving minor children, commonly takes six months to a year, and complex or high-conflict cases can run longer. These are general ranges, not promises — your facts control.

What can slow things down

Cases stall when a spouse refuses to cooperate, when financial information is incomplete, when new disputes keep arising, or when court dockets are full. The good news is that several of these are within your influence.

How to keep your divorce moving

Respond quickly to your attorney, provide documents promptly, stay organized, and try to resolve what you reasonably can by agreement. Choosing your battles — focusing energy on what truly matters — is often the single biggest factor in finishing sooner. Learn more about the Michigan divorce process.

A simple timeline at a glance

While every case differs, a straightforward Michigan divorce tends to follow this rhythm: file the complaint and serve your spouse in the first few weeks; exchange financial information and, if needed, set temporary orders in the following weeks; negotiate or mediate the terms; observe the mandatory waiting period; then finalize with a judgment once everything is agreed and the waiting period has passed.

What happens during the waiting period?

The waiting period is not dead time. It is when most of the real work happens — gathering documents, valuing property, working out parenting time, and negotiating a settlement. Couples who use this window productively are often ready to finalize as soon as the period ends, rather than only then starting to sort things out.

Does an uncontested divorce skip the waiting period?

No. The waiting period applies even when both spouses fully agree. What agreement does is let you finalize promptly once the minimum time has passed, instead of stretching the case out with disputes. An uncontested divorce is usually the fastest realistic path.

Why cases with children take longer

Beyond the longer six-month minimum, divorces involving children require working out custody, parenting time, and child support, and the court reviews those terms to be sure they serve the children. That extra care is a feature, not a delay for its own sake — it helps produce arrangements that last.

Can my spouse drag the divorce out?

A spouse can slow a case with delay tactics, missed deadlines, or refusing to provide information, but they cannot stop it. If your spouse stalls, your attorney can ask the court to compel documents, set firm hearing dates, or move forward by default if they fail to respond. Michigan’s no-fault law means one motivated spouse is enough to complete a divorce, so persistent delay usually hurts the person attempting it more than it helps.

Planning around your timeline

Because the finish date depends on both the waiting period and your circumstances, it is wise to plan for a range rather than a single date. Ask your attorney early for a realistic estimate based on your facts, and revisit it as the case develops so you can make housing, financial, and scheduling decisions with confidence.

This article is general information about Michigan family law and is not legal advice. Every case is different. Connect with a licensed Michigan attorney about your specific situation.