Divorce FAQs

Michigan Divorce FAQs

1. Don’t I need an attorney to represent me in court?

No. There is no requirement that you have an attorney represent you in court. In fact, parties represent themselves in approximately 25% of divorce matters in Michigan.

2. What the difference between Michigan Divorce Helper and other online divorce form websites?

There are a number of online services that provide legal forms. On these sites, you complete an online questionnaire, and the site then provides you with copies of your completed forms. However, these forms are generic and usually do not fully comply with the requirements of Michigan courts. There are several advantages to using Michigan Divorce Helper:

  1. We provide you with forms that are specifically tailored to meet the requirements for Michigan courts and the county where your divorce will be filed. Each court has their own “local rules” and our forms comply with the local rules in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties.
  2. During the intake process, we will ask you about every issue related to your children and your assets and liabilities to make sure that your paperwork resolves every issue.
  3. We provide you with detailed instructions on how to complete your case, down to the room number of the clerk’s office.
  4. We are available to answer questions during the process.

3. Doesn’t the court offer divorce forms for free?

Yes, you can find divorce forms your local bar association law library. However, you will not find detailed instructions and the bar association staff are prohibited from providing legal advice.

4. What are “limited legal services”?

Rather than representing you throughout your divorce, we will prepare the paperwork and provide you with instructions and advice, so you can represent yourself in court. Therefore, you are agreeing to limit our representation to the following:

Michigan Divorce Helper will:

  1. Meet with you to review all the issues in your case and provide you with legal advice.
  2. We will complete all of the paperwork necessary to complete your divorce.
  3. We will provide you with step by step instructions explaining where you have to go, what forms to file and what to say during each stage of the process.
  4. We will provide you with telephone support throughout the process.

Michigan Divorce Helper will not:

  1. File any documents for you.
  2. Pay any court filing fees. You are responsible for all court costs.
  3. Negotiate with your spouse.
  4. Appear in court with you.

If you have any additional questions, please call us at (248) 399-5400.