What Does No-Fault Divorce Mean in Michigan? | Michigan No-Fault Divorce

Practice Areas Divorce Attorney What Does No-Fault Divorce Mean in Michigan? | Michigan No-Fault Divorce

What Does No-Fault Divorce Mean in Michigan? | Troy Divorce Lawyer

If you’re facing divorce in Michigan and worry that you need to prove your spouse did something wrong, you should know that Michigan law has made the process simpler. A no-fault divorce in Michigan means you can end your marriage without proving fault or wrongdoing — and Hermiz Law in Troy can help you understand your options and rights throughout the process.

No-fault divorce is the legal framework under Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) § 552.6 that allows either spouse to dissolve a marriage without alleging or proving marital misconduct. Under Michigan’s no-fault statute, the only ground for divorce is a “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.” Despite being a no-fault divorce state, Michigan law still allows judges to consider fault in determining property division, spousal support (alimony), and custody outcomes. This guide explains Michigan’s no-fault divorce framework, what you must say in court, how fault can still affect your divorce, Michigan’s divorce history, and why an experienced divorce attorney matters.

Madana M. Hermiz, Esq., is the founding attorney at Hermiz Law and has dedicated her career to guiding Michigan families through family law disputes. Her focused practice in divorce and family law — spanning Oakland County, Macomb County, and Metro Detroit — gives her clients deep insight into how Michigan’s no-fault framework works in real court proceedings and negotiations. She brings clarity, strategy, and advocacy to every divorce case, from understanding statutory grounds to negotiating fair outcomes on property, support, and custody.

What Is a No-Fault Divorce in Michigan?

A no-fault divorce in Michigan means you can end your marriage without proving your spouse did anything wrong. Under MCL § 552.6, the only legal 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 that the marriage can be preserved.

Michigan is a pure no-fault divorce state. This means neither spouse can allege fault grounds (such as adultery, cruelty, or abandonment) in the divorce complaint. Unlike some “hybrid” states that allow both fault and no-fault grounds, Michigan has eliminated fault as a pathway to divorce entirely. One spouse can unilaterally pursue divorce even if the other spouse objects — no permission required, no proof of misconduct required.

Is Michigan an At-Fault State for Divorce?

No. Michigan is not an at-fault state. Michigan provides a single statutory ground for divorce: breakdown of the marriage relationship under MCL § 552.6. Neither spouse must prove fault to obtain a divorce. Historically, Michigan required proof of fault grounds (adultery, cruelty, desertion, habitual drunkenness, imprisonment), but that changed on January 1, 1972, when the state adopted its no-fault divorce law. Today, fault grounds cannot be alleged in the divorce complaint.

However — and this is critical — fault can still affect the outcomes of your divorce. While fault is not the basis for divorce itself, Michigan courts can consider fault when deciding how to divide property, award spousal support, or determine custody. This distinction often surprises clients: Michigan is no-fault for filing, but not no-fault for all consequences.

What Does “Breakdown of the Marriage Relationship” Mean?

The term “breakdown of the marriage relationship” is the statutory language you must use in court to obtain a no-fault divorce in Michigan. It is not a definition you choose — it is the exact phrase required by MCL § 552.6(3). In plain English, a breakdown of the marriage relationship means that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, the couple cannot reconcile, and the purposes of marriage have been destroyed.

The statute specifically requires that this breakdown be “to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed.” The “objects of matrimony” refer to the purposes and functions of marriage under law: mutual support, companionship, procreation, and cohabitation. If a court finds that these purposes no longer exist and that there is no reasonable likelihood the marriage can be preserved, the legal threshold for no-fault divorce is met.

You do not need to explain *why* the marriage broke down. You cannot provide reasons, blame, or narrative in your divorce complaint. The complaint must allege the statutory language only (MCL § 552.6(1)). The burden is simply to testify in open court that the marriage has experienced an irretrievable breakdown and that reconciliation is not possible.

Ready to Discuss No-Fault Divorce Filing With a Michigan Divorce Attorney?

If you’re ready to move forward with a no-fault divorce in Michigan, the steps and timelines matter. Hermiz Law helps you file correctly, meet all deadlines, and present your case clearly in court. Call (248) 825-8042 to schedule a consultation and get answers specific to your situation.

What Do You Have to Say in Court to Get a No-Fault Divorce in Michigan?

To obtain a no-fault divorce in Michigan, you must testify in open court. The court cannot enter a judgment of divorce without a hearing at which proofs are taken (MCL § 552.9f). At that hearing — called a pro confesso hearing — the plaintiff (the spouse who filed) must establish the statutory grounds in person.

Under MCL § 552.6(3), your testimony must follow this formula: “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 that the marriage can be preserved.” You may be asked follow-up questions by the judge or the defendant’s attorney to confirm that this is your honest testimony. The defendant may admit or deny the grounds but may not add further explanation (MCL § 552.6(2)).

This is often called an uncontested or pro confesso hearing. If the defendant does not contest the breakdown allegation, the hearing is typically brief — sometimes just 5 to 10 minutes. The judge will confirm that you meet residency requirements, that the waiting period has elapsed, and that your testimony establishes the statutory standard. Then the judge will grant the divorce.

Can You Explain Why Your Marriage Failed in a Michigan Divorce Complaint?

No. Michigan law forbids the plaintiff from including any explanation of the grounds in the divorce complaint. MCL § 552.6(1) explicitly states: “The plaintiff may not include any other explanation of the grounds in the complaint.” This is unusual among states and reflects Michigan’s strict commitment to no-fault divorce without blame or narrative.

You cannot write that your spouse cheated, was abusive, abandoned the marriage, spent marital funds recklessly, or was unsupportive. You cannot describe the breakdown. You can only allege the statutory language: that there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship and the objects of matrimony have been destroyed. Any other narrative is prohibited.

The same restriction applies to the defendant’s response. If your spouse files an Answer, they may admit or deny the grounds but cannot add an explanation (MCL § 552.6(2)). This keeps the no-fault framework pure and prevents the divorce filing from becoming a detailed airing of grievances.

Ready to Discuss No-Fault Divorce Testimony With a Michigan Divorce Attorney?

Knowing exactly what to say — and what not to say — in your divorce complaint and testimony is essential. Hermiz Law ensures your paperwork is compliant and your testimony clearly establishes grounds. We also protect your rights if your spouse contests the divorce or raises disputes about custody, property, or support. Call (248) 825-8042 for guidance.

Does Fault Still Matter in a Michigan No-Fault Divorce?

Yes. This is the most misunderstood aspect of Michigan’s no-fault divorce system. While Michigan is a no-fault state for the purpose of *obtaining* a divorce, fault can and does matter when courts decide property division, spousal support, and custody outcomes. The no-fault rule only eliminates fault as the *basis* for filing — it does not eliminate fault as a *factor* in the judgment.

Michigan courts have broad discretion to award property, alimony, and custody based on many factors, several of which explicitly invite consideration of marital conduct. Understanding how fault can affect your specific situation — property you built together, alimony you may owe or receive, or custody of your children — is critical to negotiating or litigating a favorable outcome.

How Does Fault Affect Property Division in a Michigan Divorce?

Property division in Michigan is governed by the framework established in Sparks v. Sparks, 440 Mich 141 (1992), the leading Michigan Supreme Court case on equitable distribution. Under the Sparks standard, courts must consider nine factors when dividing marital property, including:

• Duration of the marriage and the parties’ ages and health at the time of divorce
• Ability of each party to earn income
• Source and amount of each party’s property and income
• Past relations and conduct of the parties (this is where fault enters property division)
• General principles of equity
• Contribution of each party to the property and to the marital estate
• A party’s ability to pay for property division based on earning ability
• Presence of prior property divisions and agreements
• Other relevant factors

The fourth factor — “past relations and conduct of the parties” — explicitly allows judges to consider fault. However, Michigan courts have held that trial judges cannot assign disproportionate weight to marital misconduct alone. Fault is one factor among nine. Judges must balance conduct against earning ability, duration of marriage, and contributions to the estate.

In practice, fault typically justifies a modest adjustment in property division — often 55% to one spouse and 45% to the other — rather than a dramatic or punitive split. Dissipation of marital assets (spending joint funds on an affair, gambling, substance abuse, or business ventures that failed) has a stronger bearing on property division than marital infidelity alone.

How Does Dissipation of Marital Assets Affect a Michigan Divorce?

Dissipation of marital assets is one of the most consequential forms of marital misconduct in Michigan divorce. Dissipation occurs when one spouse spends, wastes, or misappropriates marital funds or property on non-marital purposes — such as an extramarital affair, gambling, substance abuse, risky business investments, or gifts to third parties — with the intent to deprive the other spouse of their share of the marital estate.

When a court finds dissipation, it typically adjusts the property division to compensate the innocent spouse. For example, if marital assets were $500,000 and one spouse dissipated $75,000 during the marriage, the court may award the innocent spouse an additional $75,000 or more, reducing the guilty spouse’s share accordingly. Dissipation is one of the strongest factual bases for fault-based adjustments to property division.

To prove dissipation, you must show: (1) that marital funds were spent; (2) that the spending was on non-marital purposes; and (3) that the spouse who spent the funds intended to deprive the other spouse of their share of the estate. Documentation is critical — bank statements, credit card records, witness testimony, and forensic accounting often determine whether dissipation is proven.

How Does Fault Affect Spousal Support in Michigan?

Spousal support (also called alimony) in Michigan is determined under MCL § 552.23 and guided by the Parrish factors — a set of fourteen discretionary factors courts must consider. Like property division, spousal support is not automatic; judges have broad discretion.

The Parrish factors include: ability to pay, standard of living during marriage, duration of marriage, contribution to the other party’s education or career, child care responsibilities, employability, presence of disabilities, and — importantly — conduct of the parties during the marriage. This last factor explicitly permits judges to penalize marital fault when awarding or denying alimony.

A spouse who commits adultery, engages in abuse, or dissipates marital assets may be denied alimony or awarded a lower amount than they would receive based on financial factors alone. Conversely, a spouse who supported the family while the other pursued education or career advancement, or who tolerated infidelity or abuse, may receive higher alimony to compensate.

The landmark case Loutts v. Loutts, 826 N.W.2d 152 (2012), confirmed that Michigan courts can consider adultery’s direct impact on alimony awards, particularly when the affair caused the breakdown of the marriage or drained marital resources.

Does Adultery Affect a No-Fault Divorce in Michigan?

Adultery itself — sexual infidelity — does not automatically affect property division or alimony in a Michigan no-fault divorce. Simply proving that a spouse had an affair is not enough. However, adultery can affect your divorce outcomes if it is tied to financial misconduct, dissipation of assets, abuse, or abandonment of family responsibilities.

For example: If your spouse used marital funds to support an affair (hotel stays, gifts, travel), that dissipation can significantly affect property division and alimony. If adultery caused psychological harm to you or your children, affected your ability to earn income, or destabilized the home, those consequences may influence custody or support decisions. If adultery coincided with abandonment of parental duties or financial support, those factors matter.

Courts distinguish between “affair” and “misconduct.” Mere infidelity, without financial or custodial impact, carries limited weight. Misconduct linked to money, parenting, or health typically carries far greater weight in court determinations.

Does Fault Affect Child Custody in a Michigan No-Fault Divorce?

Yes. Child custody in Michigan is determined under MCL § 722.23, which codifies twelve best-interest factors that judges must consider when deciding custody and parenting time. One of those factors is the moral fitness of the parties — a direct reference to marital conduct.

Marital fault can affect custody if it demonstrates unfitness to parent or if it has harmed the child. For example, substance abuse, domestic violence, criminal conduct, or abandonment of parental responsibilities can all influence custody decisions. Infidelity alone typically has little bearing on custody unless it demonstrates moral unfitness or has directly affected the child’s welfare.

Courts focus on the child’s best interest, not the punishment of the parent. If both parents are fit and both can provide stable homes, marital conduct alone will not change custody arrangements. However, if one parent’s conduct — fault or otherwise — demonstrates risk to the child, the court will act to protect the child’s welfare.

Ready to Discuss Fault and Outcomes With a Michigan Divorce Attorney?

Understanding how fault can strengthen or weaken your position on property, support, and custody is essential to strategy. Hermiz Law evaluates whether fault plays a role in your specific case and builds evidence to support your claims or defend against the other side’s allegations. Call (248) 825-8042 to discuss the strength of fault-related issues in your divorce.

When Did Michigan Become a No-Fault Divorce State?

Michigan became a no-fault divorce state on January 1, 1972, when Public Act 75 of 1971 took effect. Prior to that date, Michigan required proof of fault grounds to obtain a divorce. After fifty-four years of no-fault divorce law, Michigan’s system is now so ingrained that many people assume the nation has always allowed no-fault divorce — but that is not the case.

Why Did Michigan Adopt a No-Fault Divorce Law?

The Michigan Law Revision Commission recommended the adoption of a no-fault divorce statute to modernize the state’s family law. The commission recognized that fault-based divorce systems created perverse incentives: spouses had to manufacture or prove allegations of wrongdoing even in cases of mutual agreement. This led to collusion, perjury, and unnecessary adversarial litigation.

A no-fault framework was seen as more humane and efficient. Michigan modeled its no-fault statute after Iowa’s no-fault law, using similar language about “breakdown of the marriage relationship” and “objects of matrimony.” The shift reflected a national movement toward no-fault divorce, pioneered by California in 1969. Today, all fifty states offer some form of no-fault divorce, though Michigan remains one of the strictest — pure no-fault, with no fault-based alternative.

What Were the Grounds for Divorce in Michigan Before No-Fault?

Before January 1, 1972, Michigan required proof of one of the following fault grounds to obtain a divorce:

• Adultery — sexual infidelity by the defendant spouse
• Cruelty — willful and malicious infliction of physical or mental cruelty
• Abandonment — willful desertion of the plaintiff for two or more consecutive years
• Habitual Drunkenness — habitual intoxication or drug use
• Imprisonment — conviction and imprisonment in a state or federal prison for a felony or crime of moral turpitude
• Other court judgment — a decree of divorce or annulment from another state

The plaintiff had to prove one of these grounds beyond a reasonable doubt or by clear and convincing evidence. This required expensive, time-consuming litigation and often involved embarrassing testimony about infidelity, abuse, or personal failings. The fault system incentivized collusion (spouses agreeing to fake evidence) or perjury (lying under oath to escape a bad marriage). Michigan’s shift to no-fault divorce eliminated these problems.

Ready to Discuss No-Fault Divorce History With a Michigan Divorce Attorney?

Understanding Michigan’s no-fault framework and its history helps you navigate your own divorce with confidence. Hermiz Law explains how the law applies to your circumstances and guides you through every stage of the process. Call (248) 825-8042 to discuss your divorce options.

Can Your Spouse Stop You From Getting a No-Fault Divorce in Michigan?

No. One of the hallmarks of Michigan’s no-fault divorce law is that one spouse cannot prevent the other from obtaining a divorce. Even if your spouse objects, refuses to cooperate, or denies that the marriage has broken down, Michigan courts will grant the divorce if the plaintiff testifies to the breakdown of the marriage relationship in open court.

This is called a unilateral right to divorce. It is one of the most significant protections of Michigan’s no-fault system. Your spouse cannot block your divorce by refusing to sign settlement agreements, hiding assets, or claiming the marriage is still salvageable. The court will enter a judgment dissolving the marriage if you meet the statutory and procedural requirements.

However, your spouse’s objections to *unresolved issues* (property division, custody, support) can delay the final judgment and require contested litigation. What your spouse cannot do is deny the divorce itself.

What Evidence Do You Need to Prove Fault in a Michigan Divorce?

Remember: you do not need to prove fault to obtain a no-fault divorce in Michigan. You only need to testify that the marriage has broken down and the objects of matrimony have been destroyed. This is the fundamental advantage of no-fault divorce.

However, if you want to use fault to influence property division, spousal support, or custody, you must present evidence. The type of evidence depends on the fault you are alleging:

• Adultery: Bank records showing payments to the other party, hotel receipts, credit card statements, text messages, email, social media evidence, or testimony from witnesses with personal knowledge.
• Dissipation of assets: Bank statements, credit card records, loan agreements, written or verbal testimony, forensic accounting, and expert valuation of assets spent on non-marital purposes.
• Domestic violence or abuse: Medical records, police reports, protective orders, witness testimony, photographs of injuries, or records from domestic violence shelters.
• Abandonment of parental duties: School records, medical records, testimony from the other parent or family members, and evidence that the spouse failed to contribute to childcare, medical decisions, or financial support.
• Substance abuse: DUI arrests, rehabilitation records, medical documentation, family testimony, and expert evaluation (if custody is at issue).

Courts require clear and convincing evidence of fault — not just suspicion or assumption. Hearsay and unsupported allegations carry little weight. If you intend to raise fault issues in your divorce, document everything and consult an attorney early to build the strongest case.

How Do You File for a No-Fault Divorce in Michigan?

Filing for a no-fault divorce in Michigan begins with preparing and submitting a Complaint for Divorce to the Family Division of the Circuit Court in the county where either you or your spouse resides. Here are the key steps:

Step 1: Confirm Residency Requirements. You must have resided in Michigan for at least 180 days and in the filing county for at least 10 days before filing (MCL § 552.9(1)). Residency is the place of your permanent home where you intend to remain.

Step 2: Prepare the Complaint for Divorce. The complaint must include: (1) your and your spouse’s full legal names and pre-marriage names; (2) residency information; (3) the statutory grounds (breakdown of the marriage relationship) without further explanation; (4) whether there are minor children, their names and ages; and (5) whether property division, spousal support, or child support will be requested. If minor children are involved, you must also attach an UCCJEA Affidavit (SCAO form MC 416).

Step 3: Pay Filing Fees. Divorce filing fees vary by county but typically range from $200 to $400. You may request a fee waiver if you demonstrate financial hardship (MCL § 600.2529(5)).

Step 4: File with the Circuit Court. Submit your Complaint for Divorce, Summons, and filing fee to the Family Division clerk in the appropriate county. In Oakland County (Troy, Birmingham, Pontiac, etc.), this is the Oakland County Circuit Court. In Macomb County (Warren, Sterling Heights, Mt. Clemens, etc.), this is the Macomb County Circuit Court. In Wayne County (Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia, etc.), this is the Wayne County Circuit Court.

Step 5: Serve Your Spouse. Within 91 days of filing, have your spouse served with copies of the Summons and Complaint. Service can be made by a process server, certified mail with return receipt, or by your spouse’s signed acknowledgment of service (MCR 2.105, 3.203). If minor children are involved, you must also serve the Friend of the Court.

Step 6: Wait for Response. Your spouse has 21 days (if served personally in Michigan) or 28 days (if served by mail or outside Michigan) to file an Answer (MCR 3.209).

Step 7: Comply with the Mandatory Waiting Period. No divorce judgment can be entered before the waiting period expires: 60 days if there are no minor children, 180 days if there are minor children (MCL § 552.9f). The waiting period starts on the filing date, not on the date of service or response.

Step 8: Schedule Your Hearing. If your spouse contests the divorce, the judge will order a hearing. If it is uncontested, you may request a pro confesso hearing (default hearing) where you testify to the breakdown of the marriage relationship.

Step 9: Testify at Hearing. You must appear in court and testify, under oath, that there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there is no reasonable likelihood the marriage can be preserved. The judge may ask follow-up questions.

Step 10: Obtain the Judgment of Divorce. Once the judge signs the Judgment of Divorce, the marriage is dissolved. The judgment addresses property division, spousal support (if awarded), custody and parenting time (if there are minor children), and child support (if awarded).

How Long Does a No-Fault Divorce Take in Michigan?

The timeline for a no-fault divorce in Michigan depends on complexity and whether the parties agree on all terms. Here is a realistic timeline:

The bottom line: An uncontested no-fault divorce in Michigan typically takes 2–4 months from filing to final judgment, with the 60-day (or 180-day with children) waiting period being the primary constraint. If your spouse contests the divorce or if there are unresolved disputes, the timeline stretches to 6 months to 2+ years.

Ready to Discuss Filing Your No-Fault Divorce With a Michigan Divorce Attorney?

Timing, paperwork, and procedural compliance matter. Hermiz Law handles the mechanics of filing, ensures your complaint meets statutory requirements, and represents you through waiting periods, discovery, and hearings. Whether your divorce is uncontested or contested, we manage the timeline and protect your interests. Call (248) 825-8042 to start.

Why Should You Work with a Michigan No-Fault Divorce Attorney?

While Michigan’s no-fault divorce system is streamlined compared to fault-based divorce, significant legal, financial, and personal issues remain. An experienced Michigan divorce attorney protects you at every stage.

Understanding Statute and Procedure: MCL § 552.6 and the Michigan Court Rules govern strict requirements for complaints, service, waiting periods, and testimony. One procedural misstep — a missing affidavit, incorrect statutory language, improper service — can delay your divorce months or require amendment. Hermiz Law ensures compliance.

Negotiating Fair Property Division: Even in a no-fault divorce, property division is complex. You need to understand the Sparks factors, equitable distribution principles, and the tax implications of dividing retirement accounts, real property, and business interests. An attorney ensures you negotiate fair terms.

Protecting Alimony and Support Interests: Spousal support and child support calculations involve financial analysis, the Parrish factors, and consideration of earning potential. Attorneys skilled in support calculations can help you maximize what you receive or minimize what you pay.

Advocating for Custody: If children are involved, the twelve best-interest factors matter. Your attorney works to present your strengths as a parent and challenge weaknesses in the other parent’s position. Custody determinations are complex, emotionally charged, and have lifelong consequences.

Handling Fault Issues Strategically: If fault is present — dissipation of assets, infidelity with financial impact, abuse, or abandonment — an attorney helps you gather evidence and present it persuasively. Fault properly documented and presented can shift property division, support, and custody outcomes significantly.

Managing Contested Divorces: If your spouse contests the divorce, property division, support, or custody, litigation becomes necessary. Hermiz Law litigates aggressively and prepares for trial. Our team manages discovery, depositions, expert witnesses, and courtroom advocacy.

Protecting Your Children: If children are involved, your attorney ensures custody arrangements prioritize their welfare, parenting time schedules are clear and enforceable, and child support calculations are accurate. Poorly drafted custody orders lead to disputes and enforcement problems down the road.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Many people represent themselves or work with inexperienced attorneys and make mistakes that cost thousands of dollars in property division, support miscalculations, or post-judgment litigation. Investing in an experienced attorney saves money overall.

Ready to Discuss Your No-Fault Divorce in Michigan With a Michigan Divorce Attorney?

A no-fault divorce in Michigan is simpler than fault-based divorce, but it is not automatic or simple. Hermiz Law brings fifteen+ years of Michigan family law experience to your case. We guide you through filing, negotiation, and trial — and we protect your rights and your family. Call (248) 825-8042 to schedule a consultation with Madana Hermiz and discuss your options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan No-Fault Divorce

Can I file for divorce in Michigan if my spouse does not agree?

Yes. Michigan is a pure no-fault divorce state. One spouse can unilaterally pursue divorce even if the other spouse objects. Your spouse cannot block the divorce by refusing to sign papers or denying the marriage has broken down. However, your spouse may contest unresolved issues like property division or custody, which can delay the final judgment.

What happens if my spouse does not appear in court for the no-fault divorce hearing?

If your spouse fails to respond to the Complaint or fails to appear at a scheduled hearing, you can pursue a default judgment. You must file a Default Request, Notice of Entry of Default, and potentially a non-military affidavit. The judge will still require you to testify to the breakdown of the marriage relationship before entering the divorce judgment. A default is not automatic.

Do I have to go to trial in a no-fault divorce in Michigan?

Not if both parties agree on all terms (property division, support, custody, parenting time). If you reach a settlement agreement, the judge will review it for fairness and sign a Judgment of Divorce without a trial. If any issue is contested — property, support, or custody — trial may be necessary. Many cases settle during mediation or settlement conferences before trial.

Can the judge refuse to grant my no-fault divorce if I meet all the requirements?

No. If you testify to the breakdown of the marriage relationship in open court, meet residency requirements, and comply with the waiting period, Michigan law requires the judge to grant the divorce. The judge has no discretion to deny a no-fault divorce on the grounds themselves — though the judge may delay ruling on property, support, or custody if issues are contested.

How does Michigan’s no-fault divorce affect alimony and child support?

The fact that divorce is no-fault does not determine whether you owe or receive alimony or child support. Those are separate analyses. Spousal support is discretionary and based on fourteen Parrish factors, including earning ability and conduct. Child support is calculated using Michigan’s statutory child support formula based on income and custody arrangement. Fault can influence these awards but is not the deciding factor.

The information provided on this page is for general informational and marketing purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every legal situation is unique — if you need advice specific to your circumstances, contact Hermiz Law at (248) 825-8042 to schedule a consultation with a Michigan family law attorney.

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