Divorce, like marriage, is a deeply personal matter. Many people considering divorce do not want to discuss the nuances of their motivation with others. Even when they have a clear reason for wanting to end the marriage, they may not necessarily be able to prove the reasoning behind their decision in a court of law.
Some people worry that they may not be able to divorce because they lack evidence of qualifying circumstances. People who understand the legal grounds for divorce in Michigan can more confidently evaluate their circumstances and make appropriate decisions about a prospective divorce filing.
Michigan only recognizes one type of divorce
Some states have more than a dozen different grounds for divorce. People may spend months gathering the necessary documentation to prove that their circumstances meet the criteria established in law.
The process in Michigan is much less convoluted. The state only recognizes no-fault divorces. Either spouse can file for divorce by citing an irretrievable breakdown of the marital relationship. If they can state under oath that the marriage is beyond saving and they have no reasonable expectation of the situation improving, they can choose to file.
Proof of misconduct is not necessary to secure an equitable share of the marital estate or shared custody of minor children. Neither spouse can prevent the other from securing a divorce on no-fault grounds.
Those preparing to file for divorce may need to discuss their circumstances with an attorney to explore their options and plan in advance to achieve the best possible outcome. Pursuing a no-fault divorce does not require evidence of misconduct, and anyone in an unhealthy or unsatisfying marriage potentially has the option of filing for divorce.