1. Make sure you are eligible for a divorce in Michigan.
In order to file for divorce in Michigan, you must be a resident of the state. You must also have been married in Michigan or another state, and your marriage must be valid. There are other requirements as well, so it is best to speak with an attorney to determine if you are eligible for a divorce in Michigan.
2. Gather all of your important documents, including your marriage certificate, driver's license, Social Security card, and birth certificates for both you and your children.
You will need to provide copies of these documents to the court during the divorce process. It is important to have them all together so that you can easily access them when needed.
3. Complete the divorce petition form.
The divorce petition is the document that formally starts the divorce process. It is important to fill out the form accurately and completely. You will need to have it notarized before filing it with the court clerk's office.
4. Have the form notarized.
The notarization process ensures that the document is legally binding. This is an important step, so be sure to have the form notarized before filing it with the court clerk's office.
5. File the petition with the court clerk's office.
Once you have completed and notarized the divorce petition form, you will need to file it with the court clerk's office. This will officially start the divorce process in Michigan.
6. Serve the divorce papers on your spouse (this can be done by hiring a process server or having someone else hand them to your spouse).
Your spouse will need to receive a copy of the divorce papers in order for the process to move forward. You can hire a process server to deliver them or have someone else hand them directly to your spouse.
7. Wait for your spouse to file an answer to the petition (they have 21 days to do so).
Once your spouse has received a copy of the divorce papers, they will have 21 days to file an answer with the court clerk's office. If they do not respond within this time frame, you may be able to get a default judgment granted by the court.
8. Attend any required court hearings and/or mediation sessions.
Throughout the course of the divorce process, you may need to attend hearings or mediation sessions. These are typically held in order to resolve any outstanding issues between you and your spouse.
9. Finalize the divorce by signing a decree of dissolution of marriage document in front of a judge or magistrate.
Once all of the necessary paperwork has been filed and all required steps have been taken, you will need to sign a decree of dissolution of marriage document in front of a judge or magistrate. This document officially ends your marriage and allows you to move on with your life.