Are you going through a divorce in Michigan? If so, you might be concerned about the costs. How much you could have to pay will depend on the circumstances of your marriage and its dissolution. On the very low end, a divorce will cost a few hundred dollars. More realistically, even a simple divorce will cost at least $1,000. And, if the divorce is particularly complex or contentious, you can expect to pay into the five figures.
Costs to Expect During a Michigan Divorce
Here’s a breakdown of some of the costs to anticipate as you go through your divorce in Michigan.
Filing Fees
The most basic expense you can expect to pay is the court filing fee for your divorce petition. Michigan courts charge a $150 filing fee for civil actions, with an additional $25 electronic filing system fee. There are additional expenses for filing when shared children are involved. Couples of limited means may be entitled to a waiver of these fees.
Additional Fees
Beyond the basic filing fees, the petitioning spouse will need to pay to serve the divorce on the other spouse. Filing additional motions also involves additional fees. Budget at least a few hundred dollars for these.
Attorney Fees
While you could technically pursue your divorce pro se, meaning without the help of an attorney, there are considerable benefits to seeking experienced legal advocacy. A good lawyer can protect and assert your rights throughout the divorce process, negotiate a fair settlement with your spouse or their counsel, and handle the legal work of your case on your behalf. How much an attorney charges will depend on a number of factors, including their location, experience level, and reputation for success. The longer your divorce takes, the more you can expect to pay in attorney fees.
Mediation Expenses
Mediation is an increasingly common form of alternative dispute resolution. It seeks to resolve the outstanding matters of divorce in a collaborative fashion, reducing stress on both the spouses ending their marriage and the court system that would otherwise have to resolve those matters for them. If you choose this route, prepare to pay between $100 and $300 an hour for mediators’ fees. However, be aware that this expense is far less than it will cost if you have to go the path of traditional litigation.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Divorce in Michigan
A number of factors affect how much it costs to go through a divorce in Michigan, including:
- The length of the marriage
- Whether any minor children are involved
- The value and complexity of marital assets
- How contentious the divorce is
If you’d like to learn more about how much your particular divorce might cost, the best way to do so is by asking an experienced Michigan divorce attorney directly. Contact Rodnick, Piraino & Ingber, PLLC, today and set up a consultation with a member of our team. We can review your situation, explain what you can expect throughout the process, and represent you throughout your case.
