Three professionals engaged in a discussion at a modern office desk with documents and a laptop.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Oakland County, Michigan?

When you make the difficult decision to end your marriage, you may want to know about the speed of the process. A timeline can help you breathe a sigh of relief and start focusing on building your new normal. How long does a divorce take in Oakland County, Michigan?

Sometimes, that can range from a few months to over a year. And it will depend on whether you have minor children and how well you and your spouse can cooperate.

Knowing how the timeline works can help you map out the road ahead.

Is There a Mandatory Waiting Period?

Under MCL §552.9, the law states how fast a divorce can be finalized. Even if you and your spouse agree on every detail on day one, the court cannot sign your final Judgment of Divorce until a mandatory statutory waiting period has passed.

Divorces Without Minor Children: 60 Days

If you do not have minor children, Michigan requires a minimum 60-day waiting period from the date the complaint is filed. For an uncontested divorce where both parties are aligned on asset and debt division, the process in Oakland County can wrap up neatly in about 60 to 90 days.

Divorces With Minor Children: 6 Months (180 Days)

If you have minor children together, the statutory waiting period is 6 months. This longer timeline is designed by the state to give parents time to work through:

  • Custody options
  • Establish parenting schedules

Make sure that choices about the children are not made in a state of high emotional distress

While an Oakland County judge can technically shorten this six-month window to 60 days if an unusual hardship is proven, you will need a formal motion and judicial approval. This is not an automatic process.

Do Uncontested vs. Contested Divorces Make a Difference?

After the legal waiting periods, the amount of conflict between you and your spouse can determine the next timeline. If you and your spouse can sit down to amicably agree on asset distribution, spousal support, and a child custody arrangement, your divorce is considered uncontested. The timeline for these divorces is quick. Many times, they can be resolved in a few months.

On the other hand, if there are major disagreements about business valuations, executive compensation, or custody arrangements, your timeline will be extended. Sometimes, this can push the process past the one- or two-year mark.

What Can Delay the Process in Oakland County?

Unfortunately, there are several factors that can affect how quickly your divorce moves through the court system. While some issues are unavoidable, you may be able to overcome some with preparation and cooperation. Some of the reasons a divorce may take longer include:

Close-up of a wooden judge's gavel with two gold wedding rings on a desk, blurred hand writing in the background.
  • Disputes over child custody or parenting time: When parents cannot agree on custody arrangements or parenting schedules, the court may need additional hearings or evaluations before making a decision.
  • Complicated property division: Dividing businesses, retirement accounts, investment portfolios, or multiple properties needs additional time to value and distribute these assets.
  • Financial disclosure issues: Michigan law requires both spouses to provide complete and accurate financial information. If one party delays producing documents or disputes financial records, the timeline can be extended.
  • Negotiations and mediation: While mediation can save time and money by helping spouses reach an agreement, multiple sessions may be required before all issues are resolved.
  • Court scheduling: Hearing dates and judicial availability can also affect how long your case takes. Even when both parties are ready to move forward, the case docket in Oakland County may be full.

Working with an experienced Michigan divorce attorney can help keep your case on track. They will make sure paperwork is completed correctly, deadlines are met, and potential issues are addressed before they cause unnecessary delays.

Preparing for the Road Ahead

How long does a divorce take in Oakland County, Michigan? It depends. The process could take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years.

While no two divorces follow the exact same timeline, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the road ahead.

Whether your divorce is uncontested or involves child custody or assets issues, you want to have an experienced legal team on your side. At the Law Office of Melissa M. Pearce, we are here to answer your questions and protect your interests. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.