Top 10 Reasons Why Couples Divorce in Michigan

Practice Areas Divorce Top 10 Reasons Why Couples Divorce in Michigan

Top 10 Reasons Why Couples Divorce in Michigan

If your marriage feels like it is falling apart, you are not alone — and you do not have to navigate this alone either. Divorce in Michigan affects thousands of couples every year, with over 20,491 divorces recorded statewide in 2023. Whether you are questioning your relationship, preparing to file, or simply trying to understand what went wrong, Hermiz Law helps Michigan couples understand their rights and options at every stage of the divorce process. Call (248) 825-8042 to schedule a confidential consultation with a Michigan divorce attorney who will listen.

Divorce — also called marital dissolution — is the legal process that permanently ends a marriage. In Michigan, divorce is governed by MCL 552.6, the state’s no-fault divorce statute, which requires only that one spouse demonstrate an “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage relationship.” The reasons behind that breakdown, however, are far more complex. This page covers the top 10 reasons couples divorce in Michigan, how each reason interacts with Michigan law on property division, child custody, and spousal support, the step-by-step Michigan divorce process, alternatives to divorce, and current Michigan divorce statistics you should know.

Attorney Madana Hermiz has spent over 14 years representing Michigan families through contested and uncontested divorces across Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties. Recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and a Top Women Attorney in Michigan, she brings the courtroom experience and legal knowledge you need when your marriage — and your future — are on the line. Her practice at Hermiz Law focuses exclusively on divorce and family law, ensuring that every client receives focused, strategic counsel tailored to Michigan law.

What Is Divorce and How Does It Work in Michigan?

Divorce in Michigan is the legal process that ends a valid marriage through a Judgment of Divorce issued by a Michigan circuit court. Unlike some states that require you to prove specific grounds like adultery or cruelty, Michigan operates as a pure no-fault divorce state. You only need to allege one thing: that there has been a breakdown of your marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood the marriage can be preserved. MCL 552.6(1).

This does not mean fault is irrelevant. Although you do not need to prove misconduct to obtain a divorce in Michigan, the conduct of each spouse — including infidelity, abuse, or financial irresponsibility — can influence how the court divides property, awards spousal support, and determines child custody. Understanding this distinction is critical to protecting your interests.

To file for divorce in Michigan, at least one spouse must have resided in the state for at least 180 days and in the filing county for at least 10 days. MCL 552.9(1). The process begins when the plaintiff files a Complaint for Divorce with the circuit court. The defendant then has 21 days to respond. Michigan’s divorce rate ranges from approximately 2.3 per 1,000 residents (CDC data) to 4.1 per 1,000 (state data), depending on the source — a discrepancy caused by different data collection methodologies.

Michigan’s No-Fault Divorce Law Explained (MCL 552.6)

Is Michigan a no-fault divorce state? Yes. Michigan is a pure no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not need to blame your spouse for the divorce. Under MCL 552.6, the only statutory ground for divorce is 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 the marriage can be preserved.

The statute explicitly prohibits either party from providing any other explanation of the grounds in the complaint. MCL 552.6(1). The defendant may admit or deny the allegation — without explanation — but even a denial will not prevent the court from entering a divorce judgment if the evidence supports it. MCL 552.6(3).

This stands in contrast to fault-based states, where a spouse must prove specific grounds such as adultery, abandonment, or cruelty. In Michigan, the legal threshold for obtaining a divorce is low — but the consequences of marital misconduct still matter. Courts can and do consider fault when dividing property under the equitable distribution standard (Sparks v Sparks, 440 Mich 141, 485 NW2d 893 (1992)) and when awarding spousal support under MCL 552.23(1).

How Michigan’s Divorce Rate Compares to the National Average

Michigan recorded 20,491 divorces in 2023. The state’s divorce rate has declined significantly in recent years, dropping from approximately 5.2 per 1,000 residents in 2019 to 4.1 per 1,000 in 2023.

The national average divorce rate stands at approximately 2.5 per 1,000 residents, according to the CDC. Michigan’s CDC-reported rate of 2.3 per 1,000 falls slightly below the national average, while the state-reported rate of 4.1 per 1,000 sits higher. This discrepancy reflects differences in how the CDC and state agencies count divorces — the CDC uses a household survey methodology, while state data draws from vital records filed with county clerks.

Michigan-specific demographic data reveals important patterns. The median marriage duration before divorce in Michigan is approximately 9 years and 8 months. The median age at divorce is 44 for men and 41 for women. The 20–24 age group faces the highest divorce rate at 20.8 per 1,000 for women and 19.3 per 1,000 for men, while the 25–34 age group sees the highest raw numbers at 37.0 (female) and 34.8 (male) per 1,000.

1. Lack of Commitment — The Leading Cause of Divorce

Lack of commitment in marriage occurs when one or both spouses emotionally disengage from the relationship, stop investing effort in its survival, and avoid future planning together. It is the most frequently cited reason for divorce nationwide, with 75% of divorced respondents in a long-term study attributing their divorce to one or both partners lacking commitment.

What does lack of commitment look like in practice? It can manifest as refusing to attend marriage counseling, avoiding difficult conversations about the relationship, emotional withdrawal, and consistently prioritizing individual interests over the partnership. In one survey, 63% of divorced couples cited a lack of commitment from their spouse as a major factor. Among those same respondents, 21% of women and 35% of men later said they wished they had tried harder to make the marriage work.

The pattern is insidious because it rarely announces itself. Instead of a single dramatic event, lack of commitment erodes a marriage gradually — missed anniversaries, avoided conversations, separate social lives — until the relationship reaches the point of irretrievable breakdown that Michigan law recognizes as grounds for divorce.

How Does Lack of Commitment Affect Divorce Outcomes in Michigan?

Lack of commitment itself does not create a distinct legal claim in Michigan’s no-fault divorce system. You do not need to prove your spouse was uncommitted — you only need to demonstrate the marriage has broken down beyond repair under MCL 552.6.

However, the behaviors that accompany disengagement can affect legal outcomes. If one spouse’s withdrawal led to financial neglect — such as refusing to contribute to household expenses or abandoning marital obligations — the court may consider this conduct when dividing property under equitable distribution principles. If the disengagement harmed the children’s well-being, it may factor into the best interests of the child analysis under MCL 722.23.

If you recognize this pattern in your marriage, two paths are available: proactive intervention through marriage counseling and structured communication, or consultation with a Michigan divorce attorney to understand your rights and options before the situation deteriorates further.

Ready to Discuss Your Situation With a Michigan Divorce Attorney?

If your spouse has checked out of the marriage and you are unsure what to do next, a confidential consultation with Attorney Madana Hermiz can help you understand where you stand legally. Call Hermiz Law at (248) 825-8042 to discuss your options under Michigan law.

2. Infidelity and Extramarital Affairs

Infidelity — also called cheating, adultery, or an extramarital affair — is a fundamental breach of marital trust where one spouse engages in a sexual or emotional relationship outside the marriage. Studies consistently place infidelity among the top reasons for divorce, with 21–28% of divorced individuals citing it as a primary cause. The Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts (IDFA) reports 28%, while a Pennsylvania State University national panel identified infidelity as the single most common cause of divorce.

The emotional devastation of discovering an affair — betrayal, resentment, jealousy, loss of self-worth — makes it one of the most difficult marital crises to survive. Some statistics suggest that 60% of men and 40% of women participate in an extramarital affair at some point during their marriage. Recovery is possible but requires sustained, dedicated effort from both partners, and many unfaithful spouses refuse to pursue counseling.

Infidelity can also take less obvious forms. Emotional affairs — deep, intimate connections with someone outside the marriage that do not involve physical contact — can be equally destructive. Financial infidelity — secretly spending marital funds, maintaining hidden accounts, or accumulating undisclosed debt — represents another form of betrayal that frequently accompanies or precedes physical affairs.

Can Cheating Affect Your Divorce Settlement in Michigan?

Yes — although Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, infidelity can still influence property division and spousal support decisions.

Michigan courts consider marital misconduct, including adultery, as one factor in determining what constitutes a fair and equitable property division. Under the Sparks v Sparks factors (440 Mich 141 (1992)), the “past conduct of the parties” is a recognized element in the court’s analysis. If your spouse spent marital funds on an affair — hotel rooms, gifts, travel, or supporting a romantic partner — the court may treat this as dissipation of marital assets and award you a larger share to compensate.

However, Michigan courts have also cautioned against overemphasizing fault. In McDougal v McDougal, 451 Mich 80 (1996), the Michigan Supreme Court stated that “fault is an element in the search for an equitable division — it is not a punitive basis for an inequitable division.” In Berger v Berger, 277 Mich App 700 (2008), the court of appeals remanded a 70/30 property split that was based primarily on punishing the husband for an extramarital affair. Adultery may also be considered in custody determinations if it negatively affected the children’s well-being under the MCL 722.23 best interests factors.

3. Financial Problems and Money Conflicts

Financial problems in marriage encompass chronic disagreements over spending habits, debt management, savings goals, and income disparities that create sustained stress between spouses. The IDFA attributes 22% of divorces to financial issues, while broader studies cite figures as high as 54%. Research from Kansas State University found that financial arguments are the single strongest predictor of divorce, regardless of income level.

Specific financial triggers include hidden debt, reckless spending by one partner, job loss, income disparity, failed investments, and financial infidelity — the deliberate concealment of accounts, purchases, or debts from a spouse. Couples with lower household incomes face statistically higher divorce risk, and divorce rates tend to increase during economic downturns. Forbes research found that feeling a spouse spends money “foolishly” increases the likelihood of divorce by 45%.

How Financial Stress Leads to Divorce in Michigan Households

Financial arguments are different from other marital disputes in both intensity and duration. The National Survey of Families and Households found that money fights last longer and generate more anger than other types of marital disagreements, making them harder to recover from emotionally.

In Michigan, financial stress can be amplified by regional economic factors — auto industry layoffs, housing market fluctuations, and cost-of-living pressures that affect household stability. When chronic financial tension remains unresolved, the pattern cascades: irritability leads to arguments, arguments lead to emotional distance, and emotional distance leads to marital breakdown.

In a Michigan divorce, financial behavior matters legally. Property is divided under equitable distribution principles — meaning debts are also divided. If one spouse secretly accumulated credit card debt, gambled away savings, or made reckless financial decisions that depleted the marital estate, the court may consider this when determining what division is fair and equitable under the Sparks factors.

Talk to a Michigan Divorce Attorney About Protecting Your Financial Future | Call (248) 825-8042

Financial problems do not resolve themselves, and they can significantly affect your divorce outcome. Attorney Madana Hermiz helps Michigan clients protect their assets and pursue equitable financial settlements. Call Hermiz Law at (248) 825-8042 to schedule a confidential consultation.

4. Poor Communication and Unresolved Conflict

Poor communication in marriage is the inability or unwillingness to express needs, listen actively, and resolve disagreements constructively. It erodes the foundation of a relationship over time and is cited by 44–53% of divorcing couples as a primary factor in their decision to end their marriage.

The pattern is familiar to most marriage counselors: misunderstandings build into bottled-up emotions, which build into resentment, which escalates minor issues into major confrontations. Constant arguing — often listed as a separate reason for divorce — is typically a symptom of poor communication rather than an independent cause. The arguments themselves are rarely the problem. The inability to resolve them is.

Communication skills are learnable. Techniques like active listening, scheduled relationship check-ins, and structured conflict-resolution frameworks have helped many couples break destructive communication cycles. The Gottman Method, developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, is one of the most evidence-based approaches to rebuilding marital communication.

Why Communication Breakdown Destroys Michigan Marriages

Communication breakdown creates a self-reinforcing cycle. One partner withdraws to avoid conflict; the other escalates to be heard; both eventually disengage entirely. This pattern — known in clinical research as the “demand-withdraw” cycle — is one of the strongest predictors of divorce.

Michigan marriage counseling providers, including practices like Perspectives of Troy Counseling Centers and Heron Ridge Associates, offer evidence-based techniques, including the Gottman Method, cognitive behavioral therapy for couples, and positive psychology approaches. If you and your spouse are caught in destructive communication patterns, professional intervention before filing can make a meaningful difference.

If communication has broken down to the point where productive conversation is impossible, that breakdown may itself constitute the irretrievable breakdown recognized under MCL 552.6. A Michigan divorce attorney can help you evaluate whether your marriage has reached that threshold.

5. Incompatibility and Growing Apart

Incompatibility — sometimes described as “growing apart” or “irreconcilable differences” — occurs when spouses’ values, interests, priorities, or life goals diverge so fundamentally that the relationship becomes unfulfilling or unsustainable. The IDFA found that basic incompatibility accounts for 43% of divorces, with broader studies citing a range of 19–55%.

Unlike infidelity or domestic abuse, incompatibility rarely involves a single triggering event. It is a gradual erosion — the slow realization that you and your spouse want different things from life, hold different core values, or simply no longer enjoy each other’s company. Common causes include getting married too quickly, marrying for circumstantial reasons (pregnancy, insurance, immigration), and the natural evolution of priorities as individuals mature.

What Does “Irreconcilable Differences” Mean Under Michigan Law?

In Michigan, “irreconcilable differences” is not a formal legal term, but it describes the practical reality behind the state’s sole ground for divorce — an “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage relationship” under MCL 552.6.

You do not need to prove specific differences to the court. You do not need to demonstrate that you tried to reconcile. You only need to testify that the marriage has broken down beyond repair and that there is no reasonable likelihood it can be preserved. MCL 552.6(3) requires this evidence to be presented in open court before a divorce judgment can be entered — but the standard is straightforward. This means incompatibility is essentially the most direct path to divorce in Michigan.

Considering Divorce Because You and Your Spouse Have Grown Apart?

Growing apart does not always mean the marriage is over — but it does mean you need clarity about your options. Attorney Madana Hermiz can help you evaluate your situation under Michigan law. Call Hermiz Law at (248) 825-8042 for a confidential consultation.

6. Domestic Abuse and Violence

Domestic abuse — including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse — creates an environment of fear and control that makes a safe marriage impossible. While often underreported, domestic violence is a significant trigger for divorce and one of the most legally consequential factors in Michigan family law cases.

Domestic abuse takes many forms: physical harm (hitting, pushing, choking), emotional manipulation (gaslighting, isolation, threats), verbal abuse (name-calling, constant criticism, intimidation), financial control (restricting access to money, sabotaging employment), and sexual coercion. Victims of domestic violence frequently experience severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic headaches, and insomnia.

If you are in danger, your safety comes first. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or Michigan’s domestic violence resources for immediate help. You do not need to have a plan for divorce before you get safe.

How Domestic Violence Affects Custody and Property Division in Michigan

Domestic violence carries significant legal weight in Michigan divorce proceedings, particularly in child custody determinations.

Under MCL 722.23, Michigan courts evaluate child custody based on 12 “best interests of the child” factors. Factor (k) specifically requires the court to consider “domestic violence, regardless of whether the violence was directed against or witnessed by the child.” In Brown v Brown, 332 Mich App 1 (2020), the Michigan Court of Appeals held that domestic violence under MCL 722.23(k) includes domestic violence as defined in MCL 400.1501 — broadening the scope of what courts can consider.

Factor (j) evaluates each parent’s willingness to facilitate a close relationship between the child and the other parent. The statute explicitly provides that a court may not hold against a parent any reasonable action taken to protect the child or that parent from sexual assault or domestic violence. MCL 722.23(j). A history of abuse can result in restricted parenting time, supervised visitation, or sole custody awarded to the non-abusive parent.

7. Substance Abuse and Addiction

Substance abuse and addiction — whether involving alcohol, drugs, gambling, or other compulsive behaviors — undermines the trust, stability, and emotional connection that a marriage requires. Studies attribute substance abuse as a factor in 7–45% of divorces, depending on how the question is framed and the population studied.

Addiction affects a marriage on every level. Financially, it can lead to depleted savings, accumulated debt, job loss, and bankruptcy. Emotionally, it creates volatility, broken promises, and a pattern where the addicted spouse’s relationship with the substance becomes more important than the marital relationship. Michigan has been particularly affected by the opioid crisis, which has devastated families across the state.

How Addiction Impacts Michigan Divorce Cases

In custody proceedings, addiction implicates several of the 12 best interests of the child factors under MCL 722.23. Factor (f) — the moral fitness of the parties — may be affected by a documented pattern of substance abuse. Factor (g) — the mental and physical health of the parties — is relevant when addiction has compromised a parent’s capacity to function. Factor (l) — any other relevant factor — gives the court broad discretion to consider addiction-related behavior that affects the children.

On the financial side, addiction-related spending can constitute dissipation of marital assets. If one spouse gambled away savings, spent household money on drugs or alcohol, or incurred debt to fund addictive behavior, the court may factor this waste into the property division analysis under the Sparks factors, potentially awarding the non-addicted spouse a larger share of the marital estate.

Need Legal Guidance on Divorce Involving Substance Abuse in Michigan?

Addiction complicates every aspect of divorce — custody, property division, and spousal support. Attorney Madana Hermiz has extensive experience handling Michigan divorce cases involving substance abuse. Call (248) 825-8042 to discuss your situation confidentially.

8. Lack of Intimacy and Emotional Disconnect

Lack of intimacy in marriage includes both the loss of physical affection and the erosion of emotional closeness — leaving one or both spouses feeling unwanted, unloved, and isolated within the relationship. This reason is frequently cited alongside “growing apart” and often functions as both a cause and a symptom of other marital problems.

Intimacy operates on two levels. Physical intimacy refers to affection, sexual connection, and touch. Emotional intimacy involves the ability to share feelings, vulnerabilities, and deep conversation with your partner. When either dimension deteriorates, the marriage begins to feel more like a cohabitation arrangement than a partnership. Research shows that 24% of men and 44% of women report feeling a lack of autonomy within their marriage, which contributes to emotional distance over time.

When Emotional Distance Becomes Grounds for Divorce

In Michigan’s no-fault system, you do not need to prove why your marriage broke down — only that it did. Emotional distance that has caused an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage relationship satisfies the legal standard under MCL 552.6. There is no requirement to demonstrate a specific cause for the breakdown.

Before filing, couples struggling with intimacy have options. Couples therapy focused specifically on rebuilding emotional and physical connection, open conversations about unmet needs, and individual therapy to address personal barriers to intimacy can all make a difference — if both partners are willing to engage. If one spouse has sought fulfillment outside the marriage as a result of the intimacy deficit, this can create additional legal complications.

9. Marrying Too Young or Rushing Into Marriage

Marrying too young — generally before age 25 — or rushing into marriage after a short courtship significantly increases the statistical risk of divorce. Studies consistently show a 48–60% higher divorce rate for couples who marry young compared to those who marry after 25.

Michigan’s data confirms this pattern. The 20–24 age group experiences the highest per capita divorce rate in the state at 20.8 per 1,000 for women and 19.3 per 1,000 for men. The underlying reasons are consistent across research: emotional immaturity, limited self-knowledge, undiscovered incompatibilities, financial instability, and the inability to navigate major life transitions as a team.

Historical context matters. In the 1950s, the median marriage age was 20 for women and 23 for men. By 2004, those figures had risen to 26 and 27, respectively, contributing to lower overall divorce rates. Michigan’s current median age at divorce (44 for men, 41 for women) suggests that even those who marry young often remain in unhappy marriages for years before ultimately divorcing.

Michigan Divorce Risk by Age Group

Michigan’s age-specific divorce rate data reveals clear patterns:

• Under 20: Lowest rates overall
• 20–24: Highest per capita rates (20.8 female, 19.3 male per 1,000)
• 25–34: Highest raw numbers (37.0 female, 34.8 male per 1,000)
• 35–44: Rates begin declining
• 45+: Notable rates persist (18.3 female, 19.0 male per 1,000), connecting to the gray divorce trend

The significant rates among the 45+ age group warrant attention. These couples — many of whom married young — represent a growing segment of Michigan divorces and face unique challenges around retirement accounts, long-term spousal support, and the division of decades of accumulated marital property.

10. Unrealistic Expectations and Unmet Needs

Unrealistic expectations in marriage occur when one or both spouses enter the relationship with idealized assumptions about their partner’s behavior, roles, or the level of support and intimacy they will receive. Research suggests that unmet expectations contribute to 10–20% of divorces.

Common expectation mismatches include the division of household labor, parenting approaches, career prioritization, social life frequency, sexual expectations, and how each partner handles conflict. When reality fails to match the expectation — and the expectation is never recalibrated — disappointment compounds into resentment, resentment into emotional withdrawal, and withdrawal into breakdown.

The distinction between unrealistic expectations and incompatibility is worth noting. Unrealistic expectations involve mismatched assumptions — and assumptions can be corrected through honest communication. Incompatibility involves fundamentally different values, which are much harder to reconcile.

How Unmet Expectations Erode Michigan Marriages Over Time

The pattern follows a predictable arc. The early “honeymoon phase” of marriage fades, daily reality replaces romantic idealism, expectations go unspoken and unexamined, and persistent dissatisfaction sets in. Without deliberate intervention, this trajectory leads to the irretrievable breakdown that Michigan recognizes as grounds for divorce.

Changing economic conditions in Michigan — job loss, wage stagnation, cost-of-living increases — can accelerate this pattern by disrupting the lifestyle expectations both spouses held when they married. Proactive measures can interrupt this cycle: premarital counseling, regular relationship check-ins, and couples therapy can address the resentment that accumulates when expectations go unmet for years.

Struggling With Unmet Expectations in Your Marriage?

Whether you are trying to save your marriage or evaluating whether divorce is the right path, Attorney Madana Hermiz can help you understand your legal options. Call Hermiz Law at (248) 825-8042 to schedule a confidential consultation.

How the Michigan Divorce Process Works After You Decide

Once you have decided to move forward, understanding Michigan’s divorce process reduces uncertainty and helps you prepare.

Filing Requirements and Waiting Periods

To file for divorce in Michigan, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for 180 days and in the filing county for at least 10 days. MCL 552.9(1).

The process begins with filing a Complaint for Divorce. Michigan imposes a mandatory waiting period of 60 days after the complaint is filed before the court can hold a hearing for entry of the divorce judgment. If minor children are involved, the waiting period extends to six months. MCL 552.9f; MCR 3.210(A). The six-month period can be shortened to as few as 60 days on written motion showing “unusual hardship or compelling necessity” — but the 60-day minimum cannot be waived under any circumstances. Alexander v Alexander, 103 Mich App 263 (1981).

The waiting period runs from the filing date, not the date of service or the date of any agreement between the parties. Most uncontested Michigan divorces resolve within 3–6 months. Contested cases take significantly longer.

Property Division Under Michigan’s Equitable Distribution Law

Michigan divides marital property under an equitable distribution standard. This means property must be divided “fairly and equitably” — but not necessarily 50/50. MCL 552.19, .23, .401; Sparks v Sparks, 440 Mich 141 (1992).

The court considers a range of factors when determining what is equitable, including: the duration of the marriage, contributions of each party to the marital estate, the age and health of the parties, their earning abilities, their life status and needs, fault in causing the breakdown, and general principles of equity. Sparks, 440 Mich at 159–160.

Marital property generally includes everything accumulated through joint effort during the marriage. Separate property — premarital assets, inheritances, and gifts to one spouse alone — is typically excluded from division, but a court can invade separate property if the marital estate is insufficient for the suitable support of either party. MCL 552.23.

Child Custody and the Best Interests of the Child Standard (MCL 722.23)

Michigan courts determine custody based on 12 statutory “best interests of the child” factors under MCL 722.23. These factors include: the love, affection, and emotional ties between the parties and the child; the capacity to give the child love, affection, and guidance; the capacity to provide food, clothing, medical care, and material needs; the length of time in a stable environment and desirability of continuity; the permanence of the existing or proposed custodial home; the moral fitness of the parties; the mental and physical health of the parties; the home, school, and community record of the child; the reasonable preference of the child (if of sufficient age); each parent’s willingness to facilitate a close parent-child relationship with the other parent; domestic violence (regardless of whether directed against or witnessed by the child); and any other relevant factor.

The Friend of the Court (FOC) plays a central role in custody proceedings. The FOC investigates and makes written recommendations to the court regarding custody, parenting time, and child support. MCL 552.505(1)(g). These recommendations must be based on the best interests factors, though the court is not bound by them. Michigan law distinguishes between legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (where the child lives), and either type can be sole or joint.

Spousal Support Options in Michigan

Michigan recognizes two primary categories of spousal support: periodic (modifiable) spousal support and alimony in gross (typically nonmodifiable).

In practice, spousal support takes several forms. Temporary spousal support is awarded during the pending divorce to maintain stability. Rehabilitative spousal support — the current trend — provides transitional support to help a financially dependent spouse become self-supporting through education or job training. Permanent spousal support, which continues until death or remarriage, is becoming the exception and is generally reserved for long-term marriages where one spouse cannot become self-sufficient. Alimony in gross functions more as a property division mechanism, payable in a lump sum or fixed installments.

Spousal support is not automatic. The court considers multiple factors under MCL 552.23(1), including the ability of each party to pay, the parties’ conduct during the marriage (including fault), the length of the marriage, earning abilities, ages, health, and the standard of living established during the marriage.

Get Strategic Legal Counsel for Your Michigan Divorce

The Michigan divorce process involves critical decisions about property, custody, and support that will affect your life for years. Attorney Madana Hermiz guides clients through every step. Call Hermiz Law at (248) 825-8042 for a confidential consultation.

Marriage Counseling and Divorce Prevention Resources

Many Michigan marriages can benefit from professional counseling before either spouse files for divorce. Evidence-based approaches include the Gottman Method (which focuses on building friendship, managing conflict, and creating shared meaning), cognitive behavioral therapy for couples, and positive psychology-based interventions.

Michigan counseling providers such as Perspectives of Troy Counseling Centers and Heron Ridge Associates offer structured programs designed specifically for couples in crisis. While Michigan does not require counseling before filing for divorce, experienced Michigan family law attorneys consistently recommend that couples attempt professional intervention when both partners are willing.

Mediation and Collaborative Divorce as Alternatives

If your marriage cannot be saved, but you want to minimize conflict, mediation and collaborative divorce offer structured alternatives to traditional litigation.

Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps you and your spouse negotiate the terms of your divorce — property division, custody, support — without going to court. In Michigan, the Friend of the Court provides alternative dispute resolution services, including domestic relations mediation for custody and parenting time disputes. MCL 552.513(1); MCR 3.224. These proceedings are voluntary and confidential. If the parties do not reach an agreement, the mediator cannot make recommendations or serve as a referee in the case. MCL 552.515.

Collaborative divorce is a process where both spouses and their attorneys commit in writing to resolving all issues without litigation. Each spouse retains their own attorney, but all parties agree to work cooperatively. If the process breaks down and either party files for contested proceedings, both attorneys must withdraw.

These alternatives offer significant advantages: lower cost, faster resolution, less emotional damage to children, and greater control over outcomes. They are most effective when both spouses are willing to negotiate in good faith. In cases involving domestic violence, hidden assets, or extreme power imbalances, litigation may be the more appropriate path.

Michigan Divorce Trends and Statistics You Should Know

The Rise of Gray Divorce in Michigan

Gray divorce — the term for couples over 50 divorcing — has become one of the most significant demographic shifts in family law. Research from Purdue University found that the divorce rate among people 65 and older has tripled since the 1990s.

Michigan data reflects this national trend. Divorce rates among people 45 and older remain substantial — 18.3 per 1,000 for women and 19.0 per 1,000 for men — rates comparable to much younger age groups. Contributing factors include empty nest syndrome, financial independence (particularly among women who entered the workforce later in marriage), longer lifespans that make the prospect of decades in an unfulfilling marriage less acceptable, and shifting social norms that have reduced the stigma of late-life divorce.

Gray divorce presents unique legal challenges. These cases typically involve larger marital estates, complex retirement benefit divisions under Michigan law, established standards of living that affect spousal support calculations, and adult children whose relationships with both parents may be strained.

How COVID-19 Changed Michigan Divorce Rates

Michigan’s divorce rate dropped notably during the pandemic years. The rate fell from approximately 5.2 per 1,000 in 2019 to 4.1 per 1,000 in 2023, with a brief spike to 4.5 per 1,000 in 2021 as courts reopened and backlogged cases moved forward.

Researchers suggest several possible explanations. Economic uncertainty made couples reluctant to risk the financial disruption of divorce. Extended quarantine initially intensified existing marital tensions — but may have also given some couples the time and proximity to reconnect. Court closures and backlogs created practical barriers to filing. The overall pattern suggests that couples tend to prefer marital stability during periods of broader uncertainty.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Michigan

What is the number one reason for divorce in Michigan?

Lack of commitment is the most frequently cited reason, with 75% of divorced respondents in a long-term study attributing their divorce to one or both partners’ lack of commitment. Michigan’s no-fault divorce law means you only need to demonstrate an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under MCL 552.6 — you do not need to prove a specific reason.

Is Michigan a no-fault divorce state?

Yes. Michigan is a pure no-fault divorce state under MCL 552.6. You do not need to prove adultery, abuse, or abandonment. The sole statutory ground is that the marriage has broken down to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood the marriage can be preserved.

How long does a divorce take in Michigan?

The minimum waiting period is 60 days without minor children or six months with minor children. MCL 552.9f. Uncontested divorces typically resolve within 3–6 months. Contested cases involving disputes over custody, property, or support take longer.

Does cheating affect divorce in Michigan?

While infidelity is not required to file, courts may consider it under the “past conduct of the parties” factor when dividing property (Sparks v Sparks) and awarding spousal support. However, fault must not be overemphasized — it is one factor among many. McDougal v McDougal, 451 Mich 80 (1996).

What are the grounds for divorce in Michigan?

The sole ground is an “irretrievable 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.” MCL 552.6(1).

Can you get alimony in Michigan?

Yes. Michigan courts may award spousal support when the property division alone is insufficient for the suitable support of either party. MCL 552.23(1). Awards are decided case by case based on factors including marriage length, income disparity, earning abilities, contributions to the marriage, and the conduct of the parties.

How is property divided in a Michigan divorce?

Michigan uses equitable distribution. Marital property is divided fairly and equitably — not necessarily 50/50. The court considers factors identified in Sparks v Sparks, including duration of marriage, contributions, age, health, earning abilities, needs, fault, and general principles of equity.

What is the divorce rate in Michigan?

Michigan’s divorce rate is approximately 2.3 per 1,000 residents (CDC) or 4.1 per 1,000 (state data). The state recorded 20,491 divorces in 2023.

What are the best interests of the child factors in Michigan custody cases?

MCL 722.23 outlines 12 factors: love and affection, capacity for guidance, ability to meet material needs, stability of environment, permanence of custodial home, moral fitness, mental and physical health, home/school/community record, child’s reasonable preference, willingness to facilitate the parent-child relationship, domestic violence, and any other relevant factor.

How can I save my marriage before filing for divorce in Michigan?

Marriage counseling (including the Gottman Method and cognitive behavioral therapy), structured communication work, and individual therapy are all available options. Mediation and collaborative divorce offer alternatives to traditional litigation if you do decide to end the marriage. Consulting a family law attorney does not mean you are committed to divorce — it means you are informed about your rights and options.

Protect Your Future — Call Hermiz Law Today

Every reason on this list represents a real crisis that real Michigan families face. Whether you are still deciding, ready to file, or somewhere in between, you deserve clear legal guidance from an attorney who understands Michigan divorce law.

Attorney Madana Hermiz and the team at Hermiz Law are ready to help. From property division and child custody to spousal support and alternative dispute resolution, Hermiz Law provides strategic, compassionate representation to clients throughout Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties.

Call (248) 825-8042 to schedule a confidential consultation. Our office is located at 5960 Livernois Road, Troy, Michigan.

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