Michigan Complaint Divorce Template

Michigan Complaint Divorce Template

The Michigan Complaint Divorce form is a legal document that officially initiates the divorce process within the state. This form outlines the necessary personal information of both spouses, the circumstances surrounding the marriage, and any children involved. Completing this form accurately is crucial for your divorce proceedings to move forward efficiently; start by filling out the form below.

Content Overview

The Michigan Complaint Divorce form serves as a critical legal document for individuals seeking to initiate a divorce within the state's judicial system. This form requires essential information about both parties, including their names, addresses, and contact details, thereby ensuring that the court can identify and communicate with all involved. It seeks to establish the residency requirements, confirming that both spouses have lived in Michigan for the stipulated duration prior to filing. The form also outlines the marriage details and provides space for the parties to declare any minor children and their current living arrangements. It addresses property matters, indicating whether there are assets or debts to divide or if these issues will be resolved through a Property Settlement Agreement. Additionally, the form emphasizes the necessity of an amicable resolution regarding custody and support, aiming to prioritize the children's welfare. Finally, it concludes with a request for the court to dissolve the marriage, demonstrating a commitment to follow the legal process for a dignified separation.

Michigan Complaint Divorce Sample

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 -

Document Attributes

Fact Name Details
Governing Law The Complaint for Divorce form is governed by Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 552.6.
Residency Requirement The Plaintiff and Defendant must have been residents of Michigan for at least 180 days and of the specific county for at least 10 days before filing.
Copies Required The form requires multiple copies: original for the court, and additional copies for the Plaintiff, Defendant, Friend of the Court, and one for return.
Children Information Parties must provide details on any minor children, including names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers.
Notification of Other Actions The form requires a declaration that there are no other pending or resolved actions in the Family Division concerning the parties.
Property Division The form includes information about property and debts, indicating whether there will be a Property Settlement Agreement.
Marriage Breakdown The Plaintiff must state that the marriage has irretrievably broken down and cannot be saved.
Name Restoration The Plaintiff can request restoration of a maiden name, or state that no restoration is requested.
Notarization Requirement A Notary Public must witness the signing of the complaint to confirm the identity of the signatory.
Filing with Circuit Court Complaints must be filed with the Family Division of the Circuit Court in the appropriate county.

Michigan Complaint Divorce: Usage Instruction

Filling out the Michigan Complaint for Divorce form is an essential step in initiating divorce proceedings. After completing the form, be prepared to file it with the court and provide copies to the involved parties as required. The following steps will guide you through the process of filling out the form accurately.

  1. Start by entering the court information at the top of the form. Include the court address and court telephone number.
  2. Fill in your details as the Plaintiff. Provide your name, address, and telephone number.
  3. Input the Defendant's information, including their name, address, and telephone number.
  4. If applicable, include the names and contact details of your attorney and the Defendant’s attorney, including bar numbers.
  5. Confirm that no other pending or resolved actions exist in the Family Division involving either party.
  6. In the section regarding residency, indicate whether the Plaintiff, Defendant, or both have been residents of Michigan for at least 180 days and of the specified county for at least 10 days.
  7. Fill in the statistical information for both parties, including names, previous names (if any), current addresses, dates of birth, occupations, and employer details.
  8. State the date and location of the marriage. Include the Wife’s maiden name in the specified section.
  9. Detail the date of separation, confirming that the parties lived together as Husband and Wife until that date.
  10. Indicate whether the parties have property to be divided. If not, state accordingly.
  11. List any minor children from the marriage along with their names, dates of birth, and social security numbers.
  12. Complete the custody-related statements regarding where the children currently reside, if there have been other custody proceedings, and if any individual has legal custody or parenting time rights.
  13. Affirm that there has been a breakdown in the marriage, and that preservation of the marriage is no longer viable.
  14. Note the miscellaneous household items and property owned by both parties, along with plans for a Property Settlement Agreement.
  15. State that issues related to minor children, such as care, custody, and support, will be handled in the Separation and Property Settlement Agreement.
  16. List the requests for the court, including dissolution of the marriage, approval of the Property Settlement Agreement, and any name restoration requests.
  17. Date the form and sign it as the Plaintiff.
  18. Calculate the required copies: the original, a copy for the court, a copy for the Defendant, and one for the Friend of the Court.
  19. Consider getting the form notarized before submitting it to ensure its validity.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the purpose of the Michigan Complaint Divorce form?

    The Michigan Complaint Divorce form initiates the legal process of obtaining a divorce. It outlines basic information about the parties involved, their marriage, any children, and the proposed division of property and assets. This form is filed with the court to formally request the dissolution of the marriage.

  2. Who can file the Complaint for Divorce?

    Either spouse can file the Complaint for Divorce, provided they have been a resident of Michigan for at least 180 days and have lived in the county where they file for at least 10 days before submitting the form. This requirement ensures that a court has jurisdiction to hear the case.

  3. What information is required on the form?

    The form requires several pieces of information, including:

    • Names and addresses of both spouses
    • Date and location of marriage
    • Date of separation
    • Details about any children, including their names, dates of birth, and current living arrangements
    • An acknowledgment of any prior custody proceedings
    • Information about property and debts
  4. What happens after filing the Complaint for Divorce?

    Once the Complaint is filed, the defendant must be served with a copy of the paperwork. Following this, the court may schedule a hearing. Both parties can negotiate any agreements regarding child custody, support, and property division. If an agreement is reached, it can be submitted to the court for approval.

  5. Can the complaint be modified after filing?

    Yes, the complaint can be amended after it's filed, but both parties usually need to agree to any modifications. Factors leading to a change might include new information regarding child custody or property issues. It's recommended to notify the court of any changes as soon as they arise.

  6. What should I do if I need help completing the form?

    If assistance is needed when completing the Michigan Complaint Divorce form, individuals can seek help from legal professionals, especially if complex issues like property division or child custody are involved. There are also self-help resources available through local courts and legal aid organizations.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Michigan Complaint Divorce form can be intimidating. One common mistake is failing to provide complete and accurate personal information. Plaintiffs must enter their own name, address, and telephone number accurately, as well as the Defendant's information. Incomplete forms can lead to delays in the process, so it’s crucial to double-check that all fields are filled in correctly. Missing details or typos might give the impression of negligence and could cause complications in court.

Another frequent error occurs in the residency requirement section. The form specifies that at least one party must have been a Michigan resident for at least 180 days and a resident of the County for at least the last 10 days before filing. Misunderstanding or misrepresenting the timeframe can lead to outright dismissal of the case. Careful attention to residency details not only strengthens the case but ensures compliance with state requirements.

People often overlook the importance of clarity regarding child custody and support. Section 6 requires information about minor children, including their names and birth dates. Errors or omissions here can lead to substantial issues later, especially concerning custody arrangements. Whether children are involved or not, all relevant details must be clearly stated to avoid unnecessary confusion.

Additionally, when addressing the status of marital property, many individuals mistakenly indicate that there are no assets to divide without fully considering all property. For example, if a couple shares household items or vehicles, failing to mention these could misrepresent the nature of the division, leading to complications in negotiations. It’s both imperative and fair that all property matters are addressed upfront in the Complaint.

Lastly, individuals sometimes neglect to sign and date the form correctly. A signature is essential for the court to recognize the Complaint. Notary acknowledgment is also required. Forgetting this step can nullify the filing. Make sure to read through everything carefully, and seek help if needed to ensure that all required signatures and dates are included.

Documents used along the form

When filing for a divorce in Michigan, several additional forms and documents may be required in conjunction with the Michigan Complaint Divorce form. These documents help facilitate the legal process and ensure that all necessary information is accurately presented to the court.

  • Appearance Form: This form is filed by a lawyer who represents a party in the divorce action. It notifies the court and other parties that the attorney is representing the individual.
  • Summons: This document informs the defendant that a divorce action has been initiated against them. It also provides details on how to respond and the time frame for doing so.
  • Affidavit of Service: This is a sworn statement confirming that the defendant was properly served with the Complaint and Summons. It is essential for the court to have proof that the other party was notified.
  • Financial Disclosure Form: Both parties are typically required to provide this financial statement, outlining their income, expenses, assets, and debts. This helps the court determine issues like spousal support and property division.
  • Parenting Plan: If children are involved, this plan outlines custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and parental responsibilities. It is intended to serve the best interests of the children.
  • Motion for Temporary Orders: This document requests the court to issue temporary support or custody orders while the divorce is pending. It can provide necessary stability during the divorce process.
  • Property Settlement Agreement: If the parties have agreed on how to divide their property and debts, this document outlines those terms and is submitted to the court for approval.
  • Pleading Information Sheet: This form collects basic information about the case and helps streamline court proceedings. It includes details about the parties and the nature of the case.
  • Judgment of Divorce: This document officially finalizes the divorce once all matters have been resolved. It outlines the terms of the divorce, including custody arrangements and division of assets.
  • Notice of Hearing: When a hearing is scheduled, this document informs all parties of the time and place of the hearing, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to be present.

Understanding these documents can simplify the divorce process. It is crucial to have all necessary paperwork completed accurately and submitted on time to avoid delays. Seeking assistance from a qualified professional can provide clarity and guidance throughout this challenging time.

Similar forms

  • Petition for Legal Separation: Similar to the Complaint Divorce form, a Petition for Legal Separation is filed when one spouse wants to live separately while remaining legally married. Both documents require residency details and information about the marriage and children.
  • Child Custody Complaint: This document addresses child custody matters when parents separate. Like the Complaint for Divorce, it outlines the parties involved, residency requirements, and details about minor children. It focuses on custody arrangements, similar to how the divorce complaint addresses custody and support.
  • Petition for Annulment: This is filed to declare a marriage invalid. Similar to the Divorce Complaint, it requires information about the marriage, but it focuses on different grounds, such as fraud or incapacity, emphasizing the dissolution of the marital status.
  • Dissolution of Marriage Agreement: This agreement details the terms of a divorce, including asset division and custody arrangements. Like the Divorce Complaint, it aims to finalize the separation of the parties, but it is an agreement rather than a petition to the court.
  • Property Settlement Agreement: Often accompanying the divorce complaint, this document outlines how property and debts will be handled. It shares the requirement for details about the assets, making it similar in some respects to the Complaint for Divorce.
  • Motion to Modify Custody: Filed when a parent seeks to change existing custody arrangements, this motion shares similarities with the custody provisions in the Divorce Complaint, focusing on the welfare of the children involved.
  • Restraining Order Petition: This document may be filed in cases of domestic violence. While primarily for safety, it might relate to the Divorce Complaint concerning custody and the living arrangements of the parties.
  • Application for Child Support: This application requests financial support for children following separation or divorce. It parallels the Divorce Complaint’s focus on child-related aspects, ensuring that parental responsibilities are clearly defined.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Michigan Complaint for Divorce form, consider the following do's and don'ts:

  • Do ensure that all information is complete and accurate to avoid delays.
  • Do clearly state your residency in Michigan to meet the legal requirements.
  • Do provide the full names and addresses of both spouses and any attorneys involved.
  • Do check for any other pending divorce actions that may affect your case.
  • Don't leave any sections blank; each part of the form is important.
  • Don't forget to sign the document and provide the correct date.

Misconceptions

  • All divorces require the use of the Complaint Divorce form. This is not true. While the Complaint Divorce form is commonly used, other methods like uncontested divorces or mediation may not require this form.
  • The form guarantees a quick divorce. The completion of the form does not guarantee a speedy resolution. The timeline for divorce varies based on factors such as the complexity of the case and court schedules.
  • Filing the Complaint means you will go to court. Not all divorce cases require a court hearing. If both parties agree to the terms, a judge may grant the divorce without a hearing.
  • You can only use the Complaint Divorce form if you have children. Even if there are no children, individuals can still file for divorce using this form. It's meant for all divorcing couples.
  • The contents of the form don’t matter. Every detail on the form is important. Misrepresentations or incomplete information can lead to delays or complications in the divorce process.
  • Once filed, you can’t change your mind. Filing the form does not lock you into the divorce if you and your spouse reconcile. Withdrawal is possible before the final judgment is granted.
  • Legal representation is not needed to file. While you can file without an attorney, seeking legal advice can clarify the process and help ensure all rights are protected.

Key takeaways

  • The Michigan Complaint for Divorce form requires multiple copies: the original for the court, a second for the plaintiff, a third for the defendant, and a fourth for the Friend of the Court.

  • Ensure you have your personal information and that of your spouse correctly filled in, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers.

  • Before filing, verify that you have been a resident of Michigan for at least 180 days and of the county for at least 10 days.

  • Include statistical information about both parties such as date of birth, occupation, and employer details.

  • Document the date and location of the marriage and any separation that has occurred.

  • Indicate whether there are any minor children from the marriage, their names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers.

  • Disclose any participation in previous child custody proceedings and any knowledge of related cases.

  • The form must address whether there has been a breakdown in the marriage and state that the marriage cannot be preserved.

  • Include information about jointly or individually owned property and any agreements about property settlement.

  • State how issues of child custody and support will be handled, ideally within a Property Settlement Agreement.

  • The plaintiff must sign the document and have it notarized to validate the complaint.

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