Fill Out a Valid Michigan Complaint Divorce Form

Fill Out a Valid Michigan Complaint Divorce Form

The Michigan Complaint Divorce form is a legal document used to initiate divorce proceedings in the state of Michigan. This form outlines essential details about the marriage, including residency requirements, information about children, and property considerations. Completing this form accurately is crucial for ensuring that the divorce process proceeds smoothly through the court system.

Access This Michigan Complaint Divorce Now

The Michigan Complaint Divorce form is a crucial document for individuals seeking to initiate a divorce in the state. It serves as the official request to the court, outlining essential details about both spouses, including their names, addresses, and contact information. The form requires the plaintiff to affirm residency in Michigan for at least 180 days and in the specific county for at least 10 days before filing. Key information about the marriage, such as the date of marriage and the date of separation, must be included. If there are minor children involved, the form captures their names, dates of birth, and current living arrangements. Additionally, it addresses the division of property and debts, ensuring that both parties can agree on a Property Settlement Agreement. The plaintiff may also request the restoration of a maiden name. Finally, the form concludes with a prayer for relief, asking the court to dissolve the marriage and approve any agreements made. Each section is designed to provide the court with a comprehensive view of the situation, facilitating a smoother legal process.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Michigan Complaint Divorce form, there are important dos and don’ts to keep in mind. Following these guidelines can help ensure that your form is completed correctly and submitted without unnecessary delays.

  • Do ensure that all information is accurate and complete. This includes names, addresses, and dates.
  • Do include all necessary copies of the form. You will need to provide copies for the court, yourself, the defendant, and the Friend of the Court.
  • Do check the residency requirements. Both parties must have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days and in the county for at least 10 days before filing.
  • Do provide detailed information about any children involved, including their names and birthdates.
  • Do sign the form in front of a notary public to ensure it is valid.
  • Don’t leave any sections blank. If a section does not apply to you, write "N/A" or "None" instead of skipping it.
  • Don’t forget to include your spouse's name and contact information accurately. Mistakes can lead to delays.
  • Don’t submit the form without reviewing it for errors. A second pair of eyes can help catch mistakes.
  • Don’t forget to retain copies of the completed form for your records after submission.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the Michigan Complaint Divorce form, consider the following key takeaways:

  • Multiple Copies Required: Ensure that you prepare several copies of the form. The original goes to the court, while copies should be provided to the plaintiff, defendant, and the Friend of the Court.
  • Residency Requirements: Both parties must have resided in Michigan for at least 180 days and in the county where you are filing for at least 10 days prior to submitting the complaint.
  • Statistical Information: Fill in the statistical information accurately, including both parties' names, addresses, dates of birth, occupations, and employers. This information is crucial for the court's records.
  • Marriage Details: Clearly state the date and location of the marriage, along with the wife's maiden name if applicable. This information helps establish the context of the divorce.
  • Children’s Information: If there are minor children, provide their names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. This information is essential for custody and support considerations.
  • Property Settlement Agreement: Indicate if the parties will execute a Property Settlement Agreement to resolve property and debt issues. This can simplify the divorce process by avoiding court intervention.
  • Notary Requirement: After completing the form, it must be notarized. This step verifies the identity of the person filing and confirms that the information provided is true to the best of their knowledge.
  • Final Requests: In the "WHEREFORE" section, clearly outline your requests to the court, including the dissolution of marriage, approval of the Property Settlement Agreement, and any name restoration if desired.

Find Common Documents

Example - Michigan Complaint Divorce Form

Original - Court

2nd copy - Plaintiff

4th copy - Friend of the Court

 

1st copy - Defendant

3rd copy - Return

STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

COUNTY FAMILY DIVISION

COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE

Page 1 of 5 pages

CASE NO.

Court address

Court telephone No.

Plaintiff’s name, address, and telephone no(s).

V

Defendant’s name, address, and telephone no(s).

Plaintiff’s attorney, bar no., address, and telephone no.

Defendant’s attorney, bar no., address, and telephone no.

THERE IS NO OTHER PENDING OR RESOLVED ACTION WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE FAMILY DIVISION OF THE CIRCUIT COURT INVOLVING THE FAMILY OR FAMILY MEMBER OF THE PERSONS WHO ARE THE SUBJECT OF THE COMPLAINT.

THERE IS NO PENDING OR RESOLVED CIVIL ACTION ARISING OUT OF THE TRANSACTION OR OCCURRENCE ALLEGED IN THE COMPLAINT.

COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE

NOW COMES the Plaintiff, _________________________, (Wife/Husband) and for

his/her Complaint For Divorce against the Defendant, _________________________,

(Wife/Husband) states as follows:

1.The Plaintiff Defendant Both Plaint and Defendant has/have been a resident of the State of Michigan for at least 180 days, and of _________________________

County, for at least 10 days, prior to filing this Complaint.

2.The statistical information of the parties is as follows:

Plaintiff

Name:

Name prior to marriage, if any Current Address:

Date of Birth:

Occupation:

Employer’s Name and Address:

Defendant

Name:

Name prior to marriage, if any Current Address:

Date of Birth:

Occupation:

Employer’s Name and Address:

- 1 -

STATE OF MICHIGAN

COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE

CASE NO.

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

 

COUNTY

Page 2 of 5 pages

 

FAMILY DIVISION

 

 

Court address

 

Court telephone no.

 

 

 

Plaintiff

V

Defendant

3.On the ______ day of __________, the Plaintiff, _________________________, was legally married to the Defendant, _________________________, in the County of

_______________. The Wife’s maiden name was _________________________.

4.The Plaintiff, _________________________, and the Defendant,

_________________________, lived and co-habited together as Husband and Wife until on or about ____________________, on which date they separated.

5.The parties have do not have property to be divided.

6.There are _______ minor children of said marriage:

Name

 

Date of Birth

 

Social Security Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.Pursuant to MCL 722.1209, Plaintiff states:

a.The children presently reside with _________________________ at

_________________________ and for the last five years have resided with

_________________________ at _________________________.

b.I have have not participated as a party or witness or in another capacity, in another child custody proceeding concerning the children.

c.I know do not know of a proceeding that could affect the current child custody proceeding, including a proceeding for enforcement or a

COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE

CASE NO.

- 2 -

STATE OF MICHIGAN

 

 

 

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

Page 3 of

5 pages

 

COUNTY

 

 

 

 

FAMILY DIVISION

 

 

 

Court address

 

 

Court telephone no.

 

 

 

 

Plaintiff

V

Defendant

proceeding relating to domestic violence, a protective order, termination of parental rights, or adoption.

d.I know do not know of any person who is not a party to this child custody proceeding and has physical custody of the children or claims rights of legal custody or physical custody of , or parenting time with, the children.

8.There has been a breakdown in the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed, and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the parties' marriage can be preserved.

9.The parties own and possess, jointly and individually, miscellaneous household effects, household goods, furniture, fixtures, motor vehicles, real and personal property. The parties will execute a Property Settlement Agreement resolving all property and debt issues of the Parties, dispensing with the necessity of the Court making a division of the parties’ assets and debts.

10.All issues regarding the care and custody of the parties’ minor children, including issues of support and visitation, will be resolved by the Separation and Property Settlement Agreement to be executed by the parties.

WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff prays that:

A.The marriage between the Plaintiff and the Defendant be dissolved and that a divorce from the bonds of matrimony be adjudged, according to the statute in such case made

-3 -

STATE OF MICHIGAN

COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE

CASE NO.

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

 

COUNTY

Page 4 of 5 pages

 

FAMILY DIVISION

 

 

Court address

 

Court telephone no.

 

 

 

Plaintiff

V

Defendant

and provided;

B.That the Property Settlement Agreement be approved by the Court;

C.

or

That wife be restored her maiden name of ________________,

No restoration of name is requested;

D.The Plaintiff be granted such other or further relief as this Court may deem just

and equitable.

Dated: ____________________

____________________________________

 

Plaintiff Signature

 

Address

 

City, State Zip

 

Phone

 

 

 

 

Plaintiff

 

 

 

 

 

 

Defendant

Name:

 

 

Name:

Name

prior to marriage, if any

 

 

Name

prior to marriage, if any

Current Address:

 

 

 

 

 

Current Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date of Birth:

 

Date of Birth:

Occupation:

 

 

 

 

Occupation:

 

 

Employer’s

Name and Address:

 

 

Employer’s

Name and Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- 4 -

STATE OF MICHIGAN

COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE

CASE NO.

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

 

COUNTY

Page 5 of 5 pages

 

FAMILY DIVISION

 

 

Court address

 

Court telephone no.

 

 

 

Plaintiff

V

Defendant

STATE OF MICHIGAN

)

 

)ss.

County of ____________________

)

On this ______ day of _________________________, 20______, before me, a Notary

Public, in and for said County, personally appeared _________________________, to me known

to be the same person described in and who executed the foregoing Complaint for Divorce and who acknowledged the same to be his/her free act and deed, and that the same is true on his/her knowledge, except to those matters therein stated to be on information and belief, and he/she believes the same to be true.

_____________________________

Notary Public

My Commission Expires: ____________________

- 5 -

Misconceptions

Understanding the Michigan Complaint Divorce form is essential for anyone considering divorce. However, several misconceptions can lead to confusion. Here are nine common misunderstandings:

  • Filing the form guarantees an immediate divorce. Many believe that submitting the Complaint for Divorce will result in an instant divorce. In reality, the process involves several steps, including court hearings and possibly mediation.
  • Only one party needs to file the form. Some think that only the plaintiff must submit the Complaint. However, both parties may need to be involved in various aspects of the process, especially concerning property and child custody.
  • The form can be filled out without legal assistance. While individuals can complete the form on their own, legal guidance is often beneficial. Understanding the implications of each section can prevent future issues.
  • All divorces are contested. Many assume that every divorce filed using this form is contentious. In fact, some couples may agree on terms, leading to an uncontested divorce.
  • There is a time limit for filing. Some believe there is a strict deadline for submitting the form after separation. While there are residency requirements, the timing can vary based on individual circumstances.
  • Children's custody is automatically decided in the form. People often think that filling out the form will automatically resolve custody issues. In reality, custody arrangements must be negotiated and approved by the court.
  • Property division is straightforward. There is a misconception that property division is simple. The form indicates that a Property Settlement Agreement is necessary, which can involve complex negotiations.
  • Restoration of a maiden name is mandatory. Some believe that a woman must request the restoration of her maiden name when filing. This is optional and depends on personal preference.
  • The form is the only document required. Many think that the Complaint for Divorce is the sole document needed for the divorce process. Additional documents, such as financial disclosures and custody agreements, may also be required.

Addressing these misconceptions can help individuals navigate the divorce process more effectively, ensuring that they are better prepared for what lies ahead.

Similar forms

  • Petition for Divorce: Similar to the Complaint for Divorce, this document initiates the divorce process. It outlines the grounds for divorce and requests the court to dissolve the marriage. Both documents require information about the parties involved and any children.
  • Separation Agreement: This document details the terms agreed upon by both parties regarding property division, child custody, and support. Like the Complaint for Divorce, it aims to resolve issues stemming from the marriage but focuses on the terms rather than the dissolution itself.
  • Child Custody Agreement: This agreement specifically addresses the custody arrangements for minor children. It is similar to the Complaint for Divorce in that it requires information about the children and the parents' living situations, ensuring the best interests of the children are prioritized.
  • Property Settlement Agreement: This document outlines how the couple's assets and debts will be divided. It is similar to the Complaint for Divorce in that it seeks to finalize the financial aspects of the divorce, ensuring both parties understand their rights and responsibilities.
  • Motion for Temporary Orders: This motion requests the court to issue temporary orders regarding custody, support, or property while the divorce is pending. Like the Complaint for Divorce, it is a formal request to the court and includes relevant information about the parties and their needs during the divorce process.