In Michigan, you file for divorce in the county in which you or your spouse reside. However, there are certain requirements which must be met before you can file for divorce which are set forth in Michigan Compiled Laws section 552.9.
State residency requirment: Prior to filing a complaint for divorce you or your spouse are required to reside in the state of Michigan for at least 180 days.
County resdiency requirement: Prior to filing the compliant for divorce you or your spouse must reside in the county for at least 10 days.
Exception to 10-day county residency requirement. If all of the following conditions are met you can file for divorce without meeting the county residence requirement: (a) The defendant was born (or is a citizen) of a country other than the United States of America; (b) there are minor children; and (c) there is a risk of the children being taken and retained out of the United States.
Pursuant to MCL 552.9, you file for divorce in Michigan in the County in which, either you or your spouse have lived for 10 days provided you or your spouse have resided in Michigan for 6 months (180 days).
What if you were married in another state or country?
You can file for divorce in Michigan even if you were married in another state or country.
What if your spouse lives in another state or country?
You can file for divorce in Michigan even if your spouse lives in another state or country provided you have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days and the county for 10 days prior to filing.
What if your spouse and child live in another state?
If your child lives with your spouse in another state, you may have to file for divorce in the home state of the child. This is governed by the UCCJEA which is addressed in this article.
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