Divorce Lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Choosing the right divorce lawyer in Grand Rapids, Michigan is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during a divorce. Whether your case involves custody issues, real estate, business ownership, or you're seeking a straightforward uncontested divorce, this guide explains everything you need to know about family law in Grand Rapids — including local court procedures, attorney fees, residency requirements, and affordable alternatives to traditional legal representation.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Grand Rapids?

You may need a Grand Rapids divorce lawyer if your case involves:

• Disputes over custody, parenting time, or decision-making

• High-conflict communication

• Real estate, retirement accounts, or investments

• A business, medical practice, or professional assets

• Disagreements over spousal support

• Domestic violence or PPOs

• Suspected hidden assets or complex finances

• A case that may require 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 & alimony

• Division of assets & debts

• Retirement, pensions & investments

• Real estate & property division

• Who stays in the marital home

For uncontested divorces, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Grand Rapids divorce documents for a fraction of the cost of hiring an attorney.

Where to File for Divorce in Grand Rapids, MI

Divorces in Grand Rapids are handled by the Kent County Circuit Court — Family Division.

Primary Filing Location

Kent County Courthouse
180 Ottawa Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 632-5220

The Family Division handles:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Custody & parenting time

• Child support & spousal support

• Domestic violence protection orders

• Mediation services

• Hearings & trials

Michigan supports partial e-filing, depending on the case type and county.

Michigan Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in Grand Rapids:

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

• Lived in Kent County for at least 10 days

Michigan is a no-fault divorce state — you only need to state that the marriage is broken.

How Divorce Works in Grand Rapids, MI

Here’s how the process typically works:

1. File the Complaint for Divorce

This begins the case and outlines basic information.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Service may be completed by:

• Sheriff

• Certified mail

• Process server

• Acceptance of service

3. Required Disclosures

Michigan requires both spouses to exchange:

• Financial information

• Income statements

• Retirement & investment documents

• Property & debt details

4. Waiting Period

Michigan imposes:

• 60 days for divorces without minor children

• 6 months for divorces with minor children

5. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Kent County typically requires:

• Mediation

• A formal parenting plan

• Possible parenting classes

6. Mediation, Settlement, or Trial

Uncontested cases move quickly.
Contested cases may involve:

• Temporary hearings

• Discovery

• Depositions

• GAL (guardian ad litem) investigations

• Custody evaluations

• Trial

7. Final Judgment of Divorce

A judge signs the Final Judgment, legally ending the marriage.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Grand Rapids, MI?

Attorney costs in Grand Rapids vary based on complexity.

Typical fees:

• Hourly rate: $250–$425

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $2,500–$5,000

• Contested divorce: $8,000–$22,000+

• High-asset or business-owner cases: $25,000–$60,000+

Custody and property disputes significantly increase the cost.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Grand Rapids, MI

Here are the top Grand Rapids divorce lawyers from your directory:

1. WN Law, PLLC

https://www.wnlawgr.com

2. Johnsen Wikander, P.C.

https://www.johnsenwikander.com

3. Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, P.C.

https://www.kreisenderle.com

These firms specialize in contested custody cases, mediation, business valuations, and litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your divorce is uncontested, you don’t need to pay Grand Rapids law firm rates.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee alternatives:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all Michigan divorce documents.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file all documents with the Kent County Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A divorce specialist supports you every step of the way.

These services are perfect for couples with agreements in place.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Grand Rapids divorce lawyer if:

• Custody or parenting time is disputed

• Domestic violence or PPOs are involved

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You own a business or substantial assets

• You suspect hidden assets or irregular finances

• The case may require hearings or trial

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Grand Rapids Couples

• Michigan-specific forms

• Transparent flat-fee pricing

• Filing service available

• Experienced divorce specialists

• Faster & more affordable than attorney-led divorce

• Ideal for uncontested cases

Divorce.com helps Grand Rapids families complete their divorce with ease, clarity, and confidence.

Start Your Grand Rapids Divorce Today

Whether you choose traditional representation or an online platform, the most important step is getting started. Divorce.com provides an affordable, guided, and stress-free divorce process for couples in Grand Rapids.