Detroit · MI · Vetted Directory

Top Divorce Lawyers in Detroit

You are thinking about a divorce in Detroit, and you want to know what it costs, how long it takes, and who to call. Michigan is a no-fault state, so you do not have to prove anyone did anything wrong. Your case runs through the Family Division of the Third Judicial Circuit Court for Wayne County. The waiting period is 60 days with no minor children and at least 180 days if you have kids. Below are vetted Detroit divorce firms, several with free or low-cost first consultations.

No-Fault
Michigan grounds
60 / 180 days
Minimum wait
Wayne Circuit
Family court
$1.5K–$25K+
Typical fee range

Updated May 20, 2026

When you need a Detroit divorce lawyer

Not every divorce needs a courtroom fight, but most people benefit from a lawyer who knows the Wayne County family judges and the local filing rules. A Detroit divorce lawyer protects your share of the house, your retirement, and your time with your children, and keeps a paperwork mistake from costing you months. If you and your spouse agree on everything, a lawyer can still review the judgment so you do not sign away something you cannot get back.

The stakes go up fast when there is a house, a business, a pension, or a custody disagreement. An experienced lawyer values the marital estate correctly, builds a parenting-time schedule that holds up, and keeps support numbers tied to Michigan's formula instead of guesswork.

Talk to a Detroit divorce lawyer if any of the following describes your situation.

  • You or your spouse owns a home, a business, or retirement accounts to divide.
  • You have minor children and disagree about custody or parenting time.
  • Your spouse has already hired a lawyer.
  • You are worried about hidden accounts, debts, or income.
  • You need temporary support or exclusive use of the home while the case is open.
  • There has been domestic violence and you need a personal protection order.
  • You signed a prenuptial agreement and want to know if it holds up.
  • You want an uncontested divorce done correctly the first time.
  • Your spouse lives out of state and you are unsure where to file.
  • You simply want to understand your rights before you say or sign anything.

How a Detroit divorce actually moves

Step 1: one spouse files a complaint for divorce in the Wayne County Circuit Court and serves the other. Step 2: the court can enter temporary orders for support, parenting time, and use of the home while the case is open. Step 3: discovery, where both sides exchange financial records and value the marital estate. Step 4: mediation or a settlement conference, where most Wayne County cases resolve. Step 5: if you cannot agree, a judge decides property, support, and custody at trial. The 60-day clock (180 days with minor children) runs from filing, so even a fully agreed divorce rarely finishes faster than two months.

What this typically costs in Detroit

$1.5K–$4K
Uncontested flat fee
$5K–$25K+
Contested divorce
$200–$400
Hourly rate
$2K–$5K
Typical retainer

An uncontested Detroit divorce where you agree on everything often runs $1,500 to $4,000 in flat or low fees. A contested case with custody or property disputes commonly lands between $5,000 and $25,000 or more, billed against a retainer at roughly $200 to $400 an hour. Filing fees in Wayne County add a few hundred dollars. Ask each firm whether they offer a flat fee for an uncontested case, what the retainer covers, and how they bill for mediation and court time. Get the fee agreement in writing before you hire anyone.

What is specific about Michigan divorce law

  • No-fault. You only have to state that the marriage has broken down with no reasonable hope of repair. Fault can still affect property and support, but you do not have to prove grounds.
  • Waiting periods. Michigan requires at least 60 days from filing to judgment, and a minimum of 180 days when you have minor children.
  • Equitable distribution. Michigan divides marital property fairly, which is not always 50/50. Separate property you brought into the marriage may stay yours.
  • Child support formula. Support follows the Michigan Child Support Formula, based on both incomes and parenting time, so the number is largely predictable.
  • Wayne County Family Division. Detroit divorces are heard in the Third Judicial Circuit Court, which assigns one judge to your whole case, including custody and support.

Detroit firms that handle divorce

Updated May 20, 2026. Verified across Avvo, Super Lawyers, Justia, and firm records. We do not accept payment for placement. Where a firm's aggregate client rating is not yet compiled, we say so rather than invent one.

1

Goldman & Associates Law Firm

Divorce & family law Metro Detroit Highly reviewed family practice

A well-known Michigan family law firm handling divorce, custody, and support across Metro Detroit, with attorneys available by phone seven days a week. A strong fit when you want a responsive team and a clear plan for a contested or high-asset Wayne County divorce.

Consultation Available Custody High-Asset Responsive
2

Hauer & Snover, Attorneys at Law

Family law (50+ years) Bingham Farms, serving Detroit AAML past president

A long-established family law practice serving Detroit for more than 50 years, handling contested, uncontested, and high-asset divorces. Senior partner Harvey Hauer has served as president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. A good fit for a complex divorce with significant property at stake.

Consultation Available High-Asset Experienced Trial-Ready
3

Bazzi Law, Attorneys & Counselors

Divorce & family law Dearborn / Metro Detroit Bilingual service

A Metro Detroit firm handling divorce and family matters with bilingual (Arabic and English) service for the region's large Arab-American community. A good fit if you want culturally aware counsel who can explain each step in plain language.

Consultation Available Bilingual Custody Local
4

Elkouri Heath, PLC

Family law Northville, serving Metro Detroit Recognized family firm

A family law practice serving the Detroit area that handles contested and uncontested divorces, military divorces, custody, and asset division, and has been recognized among top family firms by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. A solid fit for military families and divorces with retirement or business assets.

Consultation Available Military Divorce Asset Division Mediation
5

All Legal Solutions

Divorce & family law Detroit area Ratings not yet aggregated

A Detroit-area firm listed for divorce and family work across local attorney directories. We have not yet compiled an aggregate client rating for this office, so confirm reviews, fees, and fit during your consultation.

Consultation Available Uncontested Custody Local

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Divorce in Detroit — FAQ

How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Detroit?
An uncontested Detroit divorce where you agree on everything often runs $1,500 to $4,000. A contested case with custody or property disputes commonly costs $5,000 to $25,000 or more, billed at about $200 to $400 an hour against a retainer. Ask for a flat fee where one is possible and get the agreement in writing.
How long does a divorce take in Michigan?
Michigan requires a minimum of 60 days from filing to judgment, and at least 180 days when you have minor children. A simple uncontested divorce can finish near the minimum; a contested case with custody or property fights often takes 6 to 18 months.
Is Michigan a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. You only have to state that the marriage has broken down with no reasonable likelihood it can be preserved. You do not have to prove your spouse did anything wrong, though fault can still affect property division and support.
How is property divided in a Detroit divorce?
Michigan uses equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly rather than always equally. Property you owned before the marriage may stay separate. The court weighs each spouse's contributions, the length of the marriage, and need.
Which court handles my Detroit divorce?
Detroit divorces are filed in the Family Division of the Third Judicial Circuit Court for Wayne County. One judge usually handles your entire case, including custody, parenting time, and support.
Do I need a lawyer if my divorce is uncontested?
Not strictly, but it helps. Even when you agree on everything, a lawyer can draft or review the judgment so you do not unintentionally give up retirement, equity, or parenting time you cannot recover later. Many firms offer a flat fee for uncontested cases.

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