Michigan · Serving papers · Updated Oct 2026

Serving divorce papers in Michigan

How your spouse gets the divorce papers in Michigan: who can deliver the papers, how your spouse can accept or waive service, the deadline to respond, what happens without a response and the law.

In short

Your spouse must be served with the summons and complaint by someone 18+ who is not a party (personal service), or by registered or certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt. Your spouse then has this long to respond: 21 days after personal service; 28 days if served by mail or outside Michigan.

Accept or waive service
Yes
Law
MCR 2.105, 2.108; Michigan Legal Help

How papers are served in Michigan

  • Your spouse must be served with the summons and complaint by someone 18+ who is not a party (personal service), or by registered or certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt.
  • Your spouse can also sign an acknowledgment of service.

Law: MCR 2.105, 2.108; Michigan Legal Help

Deadline to respond and default

21 days after personal service; 28 days if served by mail or outside Michigan.

If your spouse doesn't answer, you can finish by default; if you agree, you can submit a consent judgment after the waiting period.

Serving your spouse in Michigan, step by step

  1. File your papers first

    File with the Circuit Court (family division) in the county where you or your spouse has lived at least 10 days. Service comes after filing.

  2. Serve the papers

    Your spouse must be served with the summons and complaint by someone 18+ who is not a party (personal service), or by registered or certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt.

  3. Or have your spouse sign

    Your spouse can also sign an acknowledgment of service.

  4. File proof of service

    File the proof of service with the court.

  5. Watch the deadline

    21 days after personal service; 28 days if served by mail or outside Michigan.

  6. If there is no response

    If your spouse doesn't answer, you can finish by default; if you agree, you can submit a consent judgment after the waiting period.

Questions about serving divorce papers in Michigan

How do you serve divorce papers in Michigan?

Your spouse must be served with the summons and complaint by someone 18+ who is not a party (personal service), or by registered or certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt. Your spouse can also sign an acknowledgment of service.

Can my spouse accept or waive service in Michigan?

Your spouse can also sign an acknowledgment of service.

How long does my spouse have to respond in Michigan?

21 days after personal service; 28 days if served by mail or outside Michigan.

What if my spouse doesn't respond in Michigan?

If your spouse doesn't answer, you can finish by default; if you agree, you can submit a consent judgment after the waiting period.

More about divorce in Michigan

Serving papers in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.