Get Michigan Complaint Divorce Form in PDF Open Editor

Get Michigan Complaint Divorce Form in PDF

The Michigan Complaint Divorce form is a legal document that initiates the divorce process in the state of Michigan. This form outlines the essential information about the parties involved, their marriage, and any children from the union. Completing this form is a crucial first step for individuals seeking to dissolve their marriage in the Family Division of the Circuit Court.

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What to Know About This Form

  1. What is the purpose of the Michigan Complaint Divorce form?

    The Michigan Complaint Divorce form is used to initiate a divorce proceeding in the state of Michigan. It outlines the details of the marriage, the parties involved, and the grounds for divorce. By filing this form, the Plaintiff formally requests the court to dissolve the marriage.

  2. Who can file a Complaint for Divorce in Michigan?

    Either spouse can file a Complaint for Divorce in Michigan. However, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Michigan for at least 180 days and a resident of the county where the complaint is filed for at least 10 days prior to filing.

  3. What information is required in the form?

    The form requires various details, including:

    • Names, addresses, and contact information of both parties.
    • The date and place of marriage.
    • Information about any minor children from the marriage.
    • Details regarding property ownership and division.
  4. What should I do if there are minor children involved?

    If there are minor children, the form requires you to provide their names, dates of birth, and current living arrangements. It is essential to address custody and support arrangements, which can be resolved through a Separation and Property Settlement Agreement.

  5. What happens after I file the Complaint for Divorce?

    Once the Complaint for Divorce is filed, the court will schedule a hearing. Both parties will receive a notice to appear. During this hearing, the court will review the details of the case, including any agreements regarding property division and child custody.

  6. Can I request to restore my maiden name?

    Yes, if you wish to restore your maiden name after the divorce, you can make that request in the Complaint for Divorce. The court will consider your request as part of the divorce proceedings.

  7. What if my spouse does not agree to the divorce?

    If your spouse does not agree to the divorce, the process may become more complicated. However, you can still proceed with the divorce by following the court's procedures. The court will ultimately make decisions regarding the divorce and any disputes that arise.

  8. Are there any fees associated with filing the Complaint for Divorce?

    Yes, there are typically filing fees associated with submitting the Complaint for Divorce. The exact amount can vary by county. It is advisable to check with the local court for the specific fees and any potential fee waivers if you qualify.

Misconceptions

Understanding the Michigan Complaint Divorce form can be challenging, especially with the various myths surrounding it. Here are nine common misconceptions and clarifications to help you navigate this important document.

  • Filing the form is the only step in a divorce. Many people believe that submitting the Complaint Divorce form is all that’s needed to finalize a divorce. In reality, there are additional steps, such as serving the papers to the other spouse and possibly attending court hearings.
  • You can file for divorce without a lawyer. While it is possible to file for divorce without legal representation, having a lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected and that the process goes smoothly.
  • The form is the same for all divorces. Not all divorce situations are the same. The Complaint Divorce form may vary depending on specific circumstances, such as whether there are children involved or if there are property disputes.
  • Once filed, the divorce is automatic. Filing the form does not mean the divorce will be granted immediately. The court must review the case, and there may be hearings or mediation required before a final decision is made.
  • You need to be separated for a specific time before filing. In Michigan, you do not need to be separated for a certain period before filing for divorce. However, you must meet residency requirements.
  • Children’s custody is automatically determined when filing. Custody arrangements are not decided solely by filing the Complaint Divorce form. These matters require separate consideration and may involve mediation or court hearings.
  • All property is automatically divided equally. The form does not guarantee an equal division of property. The court considers various factors, and a Property Settlement Agreement may need to be created to address these issues.
  • You must restore your maiden name when filing. While you can request to restore your maiden name in the Complaint Divorce form, it is not mandatory. You can choose to keep your married name if you prefer.
  • The process is quick and easy. Many believe that completing the form is a quick fix for ending a marriage. However, the divorce process can take time and may involve negotiations, especially if there are disputes over custody or property.

By addressing these misconceptions, individuals can approach the divorce process with a clearer understanding of what to expect. Always consider seeking professional advice to navigate the complexities of divorce effectively.

Form Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Governing Law The Michigan Complaint for Divorce form is governed by Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 552.6 and MCL 722.1209.
Residency Requirement At least one party must have resided in Michigan for a minimum of 180 days and in the filing county for at least 10 days prior to filing.
Copies Required The form requires multiple copies: one for the court, one for the plaintiff, one for the defendant, one for the Friend of the Court, and one for return.
Children Information Parties must provide information about any minor children, including their names, dates of birth, and current living arrangements.
Property Division The form allows parties to indicate whether they have property to be divided or if they will execute a Property Settlement Agreement.
Signature Requirement The plaintiff must sign the form, and it must be notarized to confirm the authenticity of the complaint.

Common mistakes

  1. Failing to provide complete and accurate personal information for both parties, including names, addresses, and contact numbers.

  2. Not indicating the correct residency duration in Michigan, which is a requirement for filing.

  3. Leaving out essential details regarding the marriage, such as the date and location of the marriage.

  4. Incorrectly stating the number of minor children or failing to list them altogether.

  5. Omitting necessary information about the children's current living arrangements and custody history.

  6. Not addressing property division properly, including neglecting to mention any joint or individual assets.

  7. Failing to specify whether the plaintiff is requesting a name change after the divorce.

  8. Not signing the form or failing to date the document before submission.

  9. Overlooking the requirement for notarization, which is essential for the validity of the complaint.

  10. Providing incomplete or inaccurate information in the Property Settlement Agreement section.

Preview - Michigan Complaint Divorce Form

Original - Court

2nd copy - Plaintiff

4th copy - Friend of the Court

 

1st copy - Defendant

3rd copy - Return

STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

COUNTY FAMILY DIVISION

COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE

Page 1 of 5 pages

CASE NO.

Court address

Court telephone No.

Plaintiff’s name, address, and telephone no(s).

V

Defendant’s name, address, and telephone no(s).

Plaintiff’s attorney, bar no., address, and telephone no.

Defendant’s attorney, bar no., address, and telephone no.

THERE IS NO OTHER PENDING OR RESOLVED ACTION WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE FAMILY DIVISION OF THE CIRCUIT COURT INVOLVING THE FAMILY OR FAMILY MEMBER OF THE PERSONS WHO ARE THE SUBJECT OF THE COMPLAINT.

THERE IS NO PENDING OR RESOLVED CIVIL ACTION ARISING OUT OF THE TRANSACTION OR OCCURRENCE ALLEGED IN THE COMPLAINT.

COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE

NOW COMES the Plaintiff, _________________________, (Wife/Husband) and for

his/her Complaint For Divorce against the Defendant, _________________________,

(Wife/Husband) states as follows:

1.The Plaintiff Defendant Both Plaint and Defendant has/have been a resident of the State of Michigan for at least 180 days, and of _________________________

County, for at least 10 days, prior to filing this Complaint.

2.The statistical information of the parties is as follows:

Plaintiff

Name:

Name prior to marriage, if any Current Address:

Date of Birth:

Occupation:

Employer’s Name and Address:

Defendant

Name:

Name prior to marriage, if any Current Address:

Date of Birth:

Occupation:

Employer’s Name and Address:

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STATE OF MICHIGAN

COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE

CASE NO.

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

 

COUNTY

Page 2 of 5 pages

 

FAMILY DIVISION

 

 

Court address

 

Court telephone no.

 

 

 

Plaintiff

V

Defendant

3.On the ______ day of __________, the Plaintiff, _________________________, was legally married to the Defendant, _________________________, in the County of

_______________. The Wife’s maiden name was _________________________.

4.The Plaintiff, _________________________, and the Defendant,

_________________________, lived and co-habited together as Husband and Wife until on or about ____________________, on which date they separated.

5.The parties have do not have property to be divided.

6.There are _______ minor children of said marriage:

Name

 

Date of Birth

 

Social Security Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.Pursuant to MCL 722.1209, Plaintiff states:

a.The children presently reside with _________________________ at

_________________________ and for the last five years have resided with

_________________________ at _________________________.

b.I have have not participated as a party or witness or in another capacity, in another child custody proceeding concerning the children.

c.I know do not know of a proceeding that could affect the current child custody proceeding, including a proceeding for enforcement or a

COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE

CASE NO.

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STATE OF MICHIGAN

 

 

 

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

Page 3 of

5 pages

 

COUNTY

 

 

 

 

FAMILY DIVISION

 

 

 

Court address

 

 

Court telephone no.

 

 

 

 

Plaintiff

V

Defendant

proceeding relating to domestic violence, a protective order, termination of parental rights, or adoption.

d.I know do not know of any person who is not a party to this child custody proceeding and has physical custody of the children or claims rights of legal custody or physical custody of , or parenting time with, the children.

8.There has been a breakdown in the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed, and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the parties' marriage can be preserved.

9.The parties own and possess, jointly and individually, miscellaneous household effects, household goods, furniture, fixtures, motor vehicles, real and personal property. The parties will execute a Property Settlement Agreement resolving all property and debt issues of the Parties, dispensing with the necessity of the Court making a division of the parties’ assets and debts.

10.All issues regarding the care and custody of the parties’ minor children, including issues of support and visitation, will be resolved by the Separation and Property Settlement Agreement to be executed by the parties.

WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff prays that:

A.The marriage between the Plaintiff and the Defendant be dissolved and that a divorce from the bonds of matrimony be adjudged, according to the statute in such case made

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STATE OF MICHIGAN

COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE

CASE NO.

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

 

COUNTY

Page 4 of 5 pages

 

FAMILY DIVISION

 

 

Court address

 

Court telephone no.

 

 

 

Plaintiff

V

Defendant

and provided;

B.That the Property Settlement Agreement be approved by the Court;

C.

or

That wife be restored her maiden name of ________________,

No restoration of name is requested;

D.The Plaintiff be granted such other or further relief as this Court may deem just

and equitable.

Dated: ____________________

____________________________________

 

Plaintiff Signature

 

Address

 

City, State Zip

 

Phone

 

 

 

 

Plaintiff

 

 

 

 

 

 

Defendant

Name:

 

 

Name:

Name

prior to marriage, if any

 

 

Name

prior to marriage, if any

Current Address:

 

 

 

 

 

Current Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date of Birth:

 

Date of Birth:

Occupation:

 

 

 

 

Occupation:

 

 

Employer’s

Name and Address:

 

 

Employer’s

Name and Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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STATE OF MICHIGAN

COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE

CASE NO.

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

 

COUNTY

Page 5 of 5 pages

 

FAMILY DIVISION

 

 

Court address

 

Court telephone no.

 

 

 

Plaintiff

V

Defendant

STATE OF MICHIGAN

)

 

)ss.

County of ____________________

)

On this ______ day of _________________________, 20______, before me, a Notary

Public, in and for said County, personally appeared _________________________, to me known

to be the same person described in and who executed the foregoing Complaint for Divorce and who acknowledged the same to be his/her free act and deed, and that the same is true on his/her knowledge, except to those matters therein stated to be on information and belief, and he/she believes the same to be true.

_____________________________

Notary Public

My Commission Expires: ____________________

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