If your income is low, you can file for divorce in Kent County without paying a lawyer and without paying the court. This page lists the real costs, how to get them waived, where to get free help, and aid programs for single moms.
You don't need a lawyer to get divorced in Michigan. If you handle it yourself, the court fees are the only required cost, and a fee waiver can cover them.
Item
Normal
With waiver
Filing fee, divorce with minor children
$255
$0
Filing fee, divorce without children
$175
$0
Each motion you file later
$20
$0
Forms from the Michigan Legal Help DIY Divorce tool
Free
Free
Printed forms packet at the Legal Assistance Center (optional)
$20
$20
Serving papers by certified mail (a friend or relative mails them)
Postage
Postage
Serving papers by the sheriff
Varies
County pays*
30-minute lawyer consult through the Grand Rapids Bar
$25
$25
Typical total with kids, doing it yourself (plus postage)
$255
$0
* If your fees are waived and you need the sheriff or a process server, the court orders the county to pay the service fee. You file a short affidavit explaining why you need that kind of service.
Automatic: the clerk must approve it if you get food assistance (SNAP), Medicaid, FIP cash assistance, WIC, or SSI, or if Legal Aid represents you.
By income: otherwise, the judge must waive fees if your household's gross income is under 125% of the federal poverty level. The judge can also waive them for other financial hardship. The judge decides within 3 business days.
Household size
125% of poverty
200% of poverty
2 (you and 1 child)
$27,050
$43,280
3
$34,150
$54,640
4
$41,250
$66,000
5
$48,350
$77,360
Yearly gross income, based on the 2026 federal poverty guidelines. Under 125% qualifies you for the fee waiver and Legal Aid. Up to 200% qualifies you for child care help and the free collaborative divorce, and for Legal Aid if you have certain qualifying expenses.
Steps to file
To file in Kent County, you or your spouse must have lived in Michigan for the last 180 days and in Kent County for the last 10 days.
Put safety first.If your spouse has hurt or threatened you, talk to a domestic violence program before you file. Abuse can get worse when a relationship ends. Abuse also opens up more free legal help. See If there is abuse.
Call Legal Aid of Western Michigan.Ask if they can give you a free lawyer: 616-774-0672.
File at the Kent County Courthouse.180 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids. Turn in your fee waiver request with your papers. Ask the Legal Assistance Center on the 5th floor where to file.
Serve your spouse.You can't do it yourself. A friend or relative who is 18 or older and not part of the case can hand them the papers or send them by certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested. If you can't find your spouse, ask the judge for alternate service. See How to Serve Divorce Papers.
Wait for the answer.Your spouse has 21 to 28 days to respond. If they don't, you file a Default Request and Entry and the case goes on without them.
Wait out the waiting period.With minor children, it's 6 months from the day you file. If waiting causes unusual hardship, the judge can shorten it, but not below 60 days. The Friend of the Court may make recommendations on custody, parenting time, and support.
Free lawyers for people with low income. For divorce, they take cases for domestic violence survivors and some special money or property situations. They also defend custody for parents.
Qualify
Income at or below 125% of poverty, or up to 200% with certain expenses. Countable assets under $15,000.
Phone
616-774-0672 or 800-442-2777, Mon to Fri, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
A $25 fee gets you a 30-minute meeting with a lawyer. Use it to ask about one tricky issue, like the house, debts, or custody. After 30 minutes, the lawyer's normal rate applies.
Divorce and parenting mediation, so you and your spouse can work out an agreement without fighting it out in court. Low-cost and free services are available.
Investigates and makes recommendations on custody, parenting time, and child support. Helps parents settle disputes and enforces orders after the divorce.
Phone
616-632-6888. Case information line, 24 hours: 877-543-2660