How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Michigan? Filing Fees, Motion Fees and Fee Waivers
Michigan family law · Last reviewed October 23, 2026
Unlike many states, Michigan's divorce filing fees are set by statute and the same in every county. The State Court Administrative Office publishes them in its circuit court fee table.
The filing fee
| Your case | Filing fee | Made up of |
|---|---|---|
| No children (no custody, parenting time or support) | $175 | $150 filing fee + $25 electronic filing system fee |
| Custody or parenting time to be decided | $255 | $175 + $80 |
| Child support only, without custody or parenting time | $215 | $175 + $40 |
Sources: MCL 600.2529(1)(a) and (1)(d); MCL 600.1986(1)(a); SCAO circuit court fee table (February 2025). The fee table's note on the $80 and $40 says: "To be paid at the time of filing."
There's no separate "judgment fee." Some websites tell readers to budget another $80 at judgment. That's wrong: the statute says these fees "are payment in full for all clerk, entry, and judgment fees in an action" (MCL 600.2529(2)).
The $80 or $40 can be waived if the order is submitted with the initial filing as a consent order, if the filer is a public officer, or for other good cause (MCL 600.2529(6)). If the case later becomes contested, the court can reimpose it.
Answering costs nothing. No fee applies to filing an answer.
Other court fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Motion | $20 (MCL 600.2529(1)(e)) |
| Jury demand | $85 |
| Friend of the Court service fee, in cases with support | $3.50 a month (MCL 600.2538) |
| Post-judgment motion to change custody, parenting time or support | $20 plus the $80 or $40 in many courts; check yours |
| Appeal to the Court of Appeals | $375 (MCL 600.321), plus a $25 circuit court fee |
| Certified copy of the judgment | Set by the county clerk; see records |
Fee waivers
You can ask the court to waive fees with the Fee Waiver Request (MC 20). Under MCR 2.002:
- Automatic waivers. The clerk must waive fees if you receive means-tested public assistance or are represented by a legal services program that qualifies.
- Low income. "The court must waive fees when the individual lives in a household with gross income under 125% of the federal poverty guidelines."
- Hardship. Above that level, the court may still waive fees if paying would be a hardship.
- Review. If the waiver is denied, you have 14 days to pay or ask for review.
A waiver of the filing fee also waives the electronic filing system fee: in that case "the court shall also waive payment of the electronic filing system fee" (MCL 600.1986(3)).
Other costs to plan for
- Service. A process server or the sheriff charges for delivering papers; publication costs extra.
- Parenting classes. Some counties require a parenting program for parents with minor children; Oakland County's is free.
- Mediation. Court-ordered mediation fees are usually split between the parties.
- Attorney's fees. A spouse may ask the court to order the other to pay attorney's fees if the requesting spouse can't afford them and the other can, or if the other spouse's violations or discovery misconduct caused the fees (MCR 3.206(D)).
- Valuations and retirement orders in cases with a business or pensions.
This page doesn't publish an average cost of divorce: the only figures available come from law-firm marketing, not official sources.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Michigan?
$175 without children, or $255 if custody or parenting time will be decided ($215 if only support is involved). The fees are the same in every county.
Is there an extra $80 judgment fee in Michigan?
No. The $80 custody and parenting time fee is part of the $255 and is paid at filing. The statute makes the filing fees payment in full for all clerk, entry and judgment fees.
Can I file for divorce in Michigan for free?
If you qualify for a fee waiver. The court must waive fees if your household income is under 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and the clerk must waive them if you receive public assistance.
Does the person who answers a Michigan divorce pay a fee?
No. There's no fee for filing an answer.
How much does it cost to file a motion in a Michigan divorce?
$20 for an ordinary motion. Motions to change custody, parenting time or support after the judgment often carry an additional $80 or $40; check your court.