When you’ve decided to move forward with a divorce, the one question that often comes next is: “How long is this going to take?” When things drag on, they can become even more draining, so it makes sense to want to speed through this process as quickly as possible.

If you live in Grand Rapids or elsewhere in Michigan, the answer will depend on several factors, including whether you have children, how much you and your spouse agree on key issues, and the court’s current schedule.

Below, we break down variables that may affect the divorce timeline so you can plan ahead and set realistic expectations. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at McKinney Vos PLLC.

Michigan’s Required Waiting Periods

The first variable that influences divorce timelines in Michigan is the state’s mandatory waiting periods before a divorce can be finalized. These are designed to give both spouses time to consider the decision and, when children are involved, to ensure the court has time to review parenting arrangements.

Under MCL §552.9f:

• If you don’t have minor children, the minimum waiting period is 60 days from the date the divorce complaint is filed.
• If you do have minor children, the waiting period is six months (180 days).

Judges have very limited discretion to shorten these timelines. Usually, only in cases of significant hardship or emergencies affecting the children can these timelines be altered.

Uncontested vs. Contested Divorces

Even with required waiting periods, the total length of a divorce often depends on how quickly both parties can reach agreements. The more things you and your spouse agree on, the faster the process.

In uncontested divorces - when both parties agree on issues like property division, custody, child support, and spousal support - the process can move relatively quickly. In Grand Rapids, an uncontested divorce without children can often be completed close to the 60-day mark.

When there are disputes over finances, parenting, or other key issues (a.k.a., the divorce is contested), the process takes longer. Discovery (which includes the exchange of financial information), mediation, and possible court hearings can extend the timeline by six months to a year (or longer, depending on complexity and court scheduling).

Other Factors That Can Affect Your Divorce Timeline

Beyond the statutory waiting periods and level of conflict, several practical factors also influence how long a divorce takes in Grand Rapids:

• Court scheduling - Each court has its own caseload and calendar. Delays can occur if dockets are full.
• Property and business valuations - If you or your spouse own real estate, retirement accounts, or a business, obtaining accurate valuations can add weeks or months.
• Parenting evaluations - When custody or parenting time is disputed, the Friend of the Court may conduct investigations or evaluations. These take time but are crucial for determining the children’s best interests.
• Negotiation and mediation - These processes can actually shorten the overall case time if used effectively, but they do add steps before the final judgment.

How a Divorce Attorney Helps Keep Things Moving

A skilled family law attorney can’t eliminate Michigan’s waiting periods, but they can help prevent unnecessary delays. At McKinney Vos PLLC, we ensure all paperwork is filed correctly and on time, facilitate productive communication and negotiation between spouses, coordinate mediation and settlement conferences early in the process, and prepare you for each stage so you’re never waiting on surprise issues.

We know that divorce is never easy, but having an experienced legal team can make it smoother, faster, and far less stressful. If you’re considering divorce in Grand Rapids, call our family law attorneys to schedule a free consultation. We will help you plan your next steps, protect your rights, and empower you to move forward with confidence.