Jurisdictional Requirements
To file for divorce in Michigan the plaintiff must have been a resident of Michigan for at least 180 days, and must have resided in the county where the divorce complaint was filed for at least ten days prior to filing. The plaintiff can also file a divorce based upon the defendant's meeting those residency requirements. There are narrow circumstances under which the 10 day county residence period can be waived.
If the other spouse resides in another state, the Michigan court will be able to grant a valid divorce, but may be limited in its ability to divide property or determine custody and child support. However, it is possible for a spouse who lives in another state to consent to having all divorce-related issues decided by the Michigan court.