Grounds for Divorce

Michigan is known as a “no-fault” divorce state. However, the words “no fault” can be misleading. In Michigan, “no fault” simply means one party to the marriage can obtain a divorce regardless of whether the other spouse wants a divorce. However, the issue of fault, meaning one party is responsible for the breakdown of the marriage, may be a factor in the case. A judge may consider fault in deciding disputed alimony, property, support, visitation, or custody questions.

Michigan has one ground for divorce: that there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved. In court, some judges require simply an assertion that your marriage is over.