Michigan costs hinge on how many issues you need to resolve, your level of conflict, and how quickly you exchange financial information. Court scheduling, Friend of the Court processes in parenting cases, and whether you need specialized work like QDROs for retirement accounts can also affect the budget and timeline.
Expect a court filing fee, plus costs for service of process, copies, and certified judgments. If you use professionals, you may see fees for mediation, limited-scope attorney review, document preparation, FOC-connected services, and financial experts for valuation, tracing, or tax analysis. Parents may also pay for parent education where required.
Costs rise with complex property (business interests, separate-property claims, retirement division), high-conflict parenting disputes, and late or incomplete disclosures that trigger continuances. Costs drop when you organize bank, credit, pay, and tax records early, agree on valuation dates, work from a single shared settlement draft, use mediation to narrow issues, and coordinate with FOC efficiently.
Start with mediation, then have a lawyer review your settlement for completeness and clarity. Use attorneys strategically for coaching and targeted negotiations. Exchange clean, labeled disclosures early. If you own a home or retirement accounts, agree on an appraisal method, a refinance/buyout timeline, and plan for any QDRO work to avoid duplicate steps and hearings.
Hello Divorce can prepare all your Michigan divorce forms for you with our divorce plans.
Can I get a filing fee waiver in Michigan?
Yes. You can request a fee waiver if paying would be a hardship by submitting financial information to the court.
Does filing first make divorce more expensive?
No. Cost depends more on conflict, organization, and how quickly you exchange information and settle.
Will I have to appear in person?
Many uncontested cases finalize on paperwork or brief hearings; remote appearances may be available depending on the judge and county.