Divorce Lawyer in Detroit, MI — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Hiring the right divorce lawyer in Detroit, Michigan can make a significant difference in your financial stability, parenting arrangements, and long-term wellbeing. Whether you're facing complex custody issues, dividing major assets, or completing a straightforward uncontested divorce, this guide covers everything you need to know about divorcing in Detroit — including local court procedures, attorney fees, residency requirements, and more affordable alternatives to hiring a law firm.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Detroit?

You may need a Detroit divorce lawyer if your case involves:

• Custody, parenting time, or legal decision-making disputes

• High-conflict communication or a spouse who won’t cooperate

• Real estate, retirement plans, or significant investments

• Business ownership, rental properties, or complex income

• Disagreements over spousal support

• Domestic violence or need for a Personal Protection Order (PPO)

• Suspected hidden assets, cash income, or cryptocurrency

• A case expected to go to mediation, hearings, or trial

However, you may NOT need a lawyer if your divorce is uncontested, meaning both spouses agree on:

• Custody & parenting schedules

• Child support & spousal support

• Division of assets & debts

• Pension & retirement distribution

• Real estate & marital home decisions

For uncontested divorces, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Detroit divorce documents for far less than a traditional attorney.

Where to File for Divorce in Detroit, MI

Detroit divorces are handled by the Third Judicial Circuit Court in Wayne County.

Primary Filing Location

Wayne County Circuit Court — Family Domestic Division (Coleman A. Young Municipal Center)
Two Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 224-5261

This court manages:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Custody & parenting time

• Child support & spousal support

• Domestic violence and PPOs

• Mediation & settlement conferences

• Hearings & trials

Michigan courts support electronic filing (MiFILE) for many family law documents.

Michigan Residency Requirements for Divorce

You may file for divorce in Detroit if:

• One spouse has lived in Michigan for at least 180 days, AND

• Has lived in Wayne County for at least 10 days before filing

Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, requiring only that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.

How Divorce Works in Detroit, MI

Here’s the typical divorce process in Wayne County:

1. File the Complaint for Divorce

This formally begins the case.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Service may occur through:

• Sheriff

• Private process server

• Certified mail

• Acceptance of service

3. Mandatory Waiting Periods

Michigan requires:

• 60 days for divorces without minor children

• 180 days for divorces with minor children (may be shortened for special circumstances)

4. Financial Disclosure Requirements

Both spouses must exchange:

• Income documents

• Tax returns

• Retirement & investment statements

• Real estate information

• Bank statements

• Debt disclosures

Michigan uses equitable distribution, meaning assets are divided fairly—not always 50/50.

5. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Detroit courts may require:

• A co-parenting class

• A detailed parenting plan

• Friend of the Court (FOC) involvement

• Custody investigations for contested cases

• Mediation

6. Mediation, Settlement, or Trial

Uncontested cases can finalize quickly.
Contested cases may involve:

• Temporary orders hearings

• Discovery

• Depositions

• Custody evaluations

• FOC recommendations

• Settlement conferences

• Trial

7. Entry of the Judgment of Divorce

A judge signs the final Judgment of Divorce.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Detroit, MI?

Attorney fees in Detroit vary widely based on conflict level and case complexity.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $225–$400

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $1,800–$4,500

• Contested divorce: $7,500–$25,000+

• High-asset or complex cases: $30,000–$75,000+

Custody disputes and financial evaluations raise costs significantly.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Detroit, MI

Here are respected Detroit divorce lawyers from your directory:

1. The Shaw Group, P.C.

https://www.shawgroup.com

2. The Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz, PLLC

https://www.youlawpc.com

3. Hertz Schram PC

https://www.hertzschram.com

These firms handle contested custody, mediation, financial analysis, and litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your divorce is uncontested, a traditional attorney may not be necessary.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee services:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all Michigan divorce documents.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file all required documents with the Wayne County Circuit Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A dedicated specialist supports your entire case from start to finish.

These services offer clarity, efficiency, and a far lower cost than most law firms.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Detroit divorce lawyer if:

• Custody or parenting time is contested

• Domestic violence or safety issues exist

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You own a business or significant assets

• You suspect hidden money

• The case is likely to go to trial

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Detroit Couples

• Michigan-specific divorce forms

• Flat-fee, transparent pricing

• Filing services available

• Experienced divorce specialists

• Faster & more affordable than attorney-led divorce

• Ideal for uncontested cases

Divorce.com helps Detroit families complete their divorce with clarity and confidence.

Start Your Detroit Divorce Today

Whether you choose a lawyer or an online divorce platform, the most important step is taking action. Divorce.com offers a fast, cost-effective, and supportive option for Detroit couples.