Can We Stop Our Divorce if We Change Our Minds?

 Posted on February 18, 2026 in Divorce

Divorce is a complex period for a couple in many ways. Financially, emotionally, and physically, a couple may feel worn down and discouraged before they reach the point of divorce. Making final decisions can be difficult, especially when both spouses feel as though their marriage may still have redeeming qualities. You should know that Michigan generally allows spouses to stop a divorce before it is finalized.

The decision to end a marriage may be so conflicted that some spouses may be determined to pursue a divorce, only to later change their minds. If this sounds familiar to you and you have already filed for divorce in Michigan, you may be wondering whether it is too late to stop the divorce process. At Elkouri Heath, PLC, our Novi, MI family law attorneys are here to provide you with compassionate legal counsel. We have been named among the 10 Best Law Firms for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, so you can rely on us to attend to your needs.

Why Do Couples Change Their Minds During Divorce? 

There are many reasons why spouses change their minds about divorce at some point during the process. Filing paperwork and talking about separation can feel very different from actually living apart or preparing to divide finances and parenting time.

Some couples begin to worry about the financial impact of maintaining two households. Others become concerned about how the divorce may affect their children. In some cases, time and distance allow spouses to see each other differently, and they may realize that the emotional connection is still there.

Religious beliefs, cultural expectations, or pressure from extended family can also influence a change of heart. For some couples, counseling or a trial separation leads to renewed commitment. For others, the practical realities of divorce simply feel more daunting than expected.

Changing your mind does not mean you are confused or unreasonable. Divorce is a major life decision, and it is natural to experience uncertainty before moving forward.

What Can We Do if We Want to Stay Together But Already Filed For Divorce in 2026? 

Whether you can stop the divorce process depends on how far through it you are. If the divorce has already been finalized, the judgment generally cannot be dismissed. Spouses who have a divorce decree will have to get married again if they want to continue a marital relationship.

However, if the divorce has not been finalized, one or both parties must submit a dismissal to the court where the divorce is being processed. If only one spouse has filed for divorce and the other spouse has not responded, only the spouse who files will need to submit a dismissal. Keep in mind that both spouses must agree to dismiss the divorce. If just one spouse changes their mind but the other party wants to move forward, the divorce will still proceed.

Can a Couple Get Legally Separated While Remaining Married in Michigan?

Michigan does not offer "legal separation" in the way some other states do. There is no formal legal status called separation that keeps you married but legally separated.

However, Michigan does allow something called separate maintenance. This is similar to legal separation in other states. In a separate maintenance action, a couple remains legally married but asks the court to decide issues such as property division, child custody, parenting time, and support.

Separate maintenance can create clear rules while spouses live apart. It can address finances and parenting arrangements without ending the marriage. For couples who want space but are not ready to divorce, it may be an option worth discussing with an attorney.

If one spouse files for separate maintenance and the other spouse files a counterclaim for divorce, the court must grant the divorce (MCL - Section 552.7). In other words, one spouse cannot force the other to stay married through separate maintenance.

Does Michigan Give Spouses a Chance to Reconcile Before Divorce?

Michigan law includes mandatory waiting periods before a divorce can be finalized. These waiting periods can provide time to reflect and possibly reconcile.

If a couple has no minor children, the waiting period is 60 days from the date the divorce complaint is filed. The court generally cannot enter a final judgment until those 60 days have passed.

If the couple has minor children together, the waiting period is longer. In most cases, it is 180 days from the filing date. This six-month period is designed to give families time to consider the impact of divorce on children. In certain situations, the court may shorten the 180-day waiting period for good cause. This does not happen automatically. A spouse must request it, and the judge must approve it.

These waiting periods are not counseling programs. The court does not require spouses to attend reconciliation sessions in most cases. Still, the delay can give couples time to talk, seek counseling, and think carefully about their decision. If you change your mind during the waiting period, you can move to dismiss the case. Acting before the final judgment is entered keeps your options open and preserves your marriage.

Can You Get Remarried to Your Ex-Spouse After a Divorce?

If your divorce has already been finalized, you can legally remarry your former spouse. Once the Judgment of Divorce is signed, the marriage is officially ended. The law then treats both of you as single. That means you are free to marry again, including to each other.

There is no special process for remarrying an ex-spouse. You must apply for a new marriage license, just like any other couple. You will also need to go through a new marriage ceremony.

Before remarrying, it is wise to think about why the divorce happened. Have the problems truly been resolved? Have you both made changes? Remarriage creates new legal and financial ties. Taking time to talk openly, and possibly seek counseling, can help you start again on stronger ground.

Contact an Oakland County, MI Family Law Attorney

At Elkouri Heath, PLC, our Novi, MI divorce lawyers want to make sure that your divorce process suits your needs and preferences, including if you decide to change your mind. To schedule a free consultation with one of our responsive, experienced lawyers, call us today at 248-344-9700.