Michigan is known as a “no-fault” divorce state. However, the words “no fault” can be misleading. In Michigan, “no fault” simply means one party to the marriage can obtain a divorce regardless of whether the other spouse wants a divorce. However, the issue of fault, meaning one party is responsible for the breakdown of the marriage, may be a factor in the case. A judge may consider fault in deciding disputed spousal support, property, parenting time, visitation, or custody questions.

Michigan has one ground for divorce: that there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved.