Some marriages inevitably end up in divorce. While divorce is undeniably stressful and daunting, sometimes it’s the only way out of a marriage that isn’t working. It also doesn’t help that the process itself can be overwhelmingly complicated. Needless to say, navigating divorce laws can be quite challenging.
As such, the seasoned divorce attorney at Coppins Law Group has decided to take you on a deep dive into these laws. In this article, we’ll be touching upon every crucial detail integral to understanding divorce laws in Michigan. We’ll be sharing some invaluable insights that could make your divorce process considerably simpler.
So, without much further ado, let’s dive in.
An Overview of Michigan’s Divorce Laws
Just like every state in America, Michigan too has rules related to divorce that are specific to the law. As someone going through a divorce in Michigan, it will be in your best interest to have an understanding of this process. There are certain conditions that need to be met if one wishes to file for a divorce.
For starters, the person filing for divorce should have lived in divorce for at least 180 days before the date of filing. Moreover, either party must have lived in the county where the divorce is being filed at least 10 days before the filing.
There are exceptions to these rules. To experience a hassle-free filing process, we suggest hiring the best divorce attorney in Michigan.
What are the Grounds for Divorce?
Like most states in the USA, Michigan too permits no-fault divorce proceedings. No-fault essentially means that the spouse filing for divorce does not need to prove that the other spouse is at fault or committed any wrongdoing. A spouse can simply cite “irreconcilable differences” as a reason for seeking divorce.
Although divorce will be granted, regardless of whether someone is at fault or not, the judge may take fault into consideration under certain special circumstances. These circumstances could pertain to spousal support, child custody, etc. Again, we would suggest having a good divorce attorney by your side for more clarity on the matter.
Here are just a few examples of fault that a deciding judge could take into consideration when passing judgment:
- Physical or emotional abuse
- Infidelity
- Deserting a spouse for a significant amount of time
- A spouse being incarcerated for some reason or another.
How Different Circumstances Influence Divorce Judgment in Michigan
In Michigan, how your divorce proceeding will move forward will depend on the circumstances surrounding it. For instance, you can expect your divorce process to be more contentious if it revolves around child custody, property division, or spousal support.
1. Child Custody
A judge will always take the child’s best interests into consideration when passing judgment on which parent gets rewarded with the custody of a child. It is always recommended for spouses to mediate and reach an agreement that works for both parties. If the parents cannot come to an agreement on time, it will be up to the court to make the decision for them.
A judge will assess the child’s relationship with each parent, the parent’s ability to pay for the child’s education and healthcare, and the parent’s financial and mental stability among many other things to make a decision they deem fair.
2. Property Division
Once a marriage dissolves, any assets or debts are supposed to be divided equally between both parties. Michigan follows the principle of equitable distribution when it comes to property division.
The judge will consider factors like the length of the marriage, age of the spouse, financial stability of both spouses, etc., to ensure the judgment on property division is fair. To ensure your ex isn’t unfairly being rewarded with a good chunk of your hard-earned assets, we suggest hiring the services of a good divorce attorney in Macomb County.
3. Spousal Support
Spousal support or alimony is typically rewarded to a spouse who earns less or cannot financially support themselves. Spousal support is granted to ensure a spouse can enjoy the same standard of living that they enjoyed while married. When calculating the alimony amount, the court will consider multiple factors.
This includes the length of a marriage, each spouse’s ability to earn, and a spouse’s ability to pay support.
A divorce can inflict undue stress on a person, especially if it revolves around situations like child custody, alimony, and property division. This is why it is imperative to have the best legal representation possible before proceeding with your divorce case.
There are a lot of family lawyers in Michigan. However, to increase your chances for the best outcome possible, you’ll need the assistance of seasoned attorneys who are experienced in Michigan’s legal system.
Things to Consider When Looking for Top Divorce Attorneys in Michigan
1. The Experience
Always choose a family law lawyer who specializes in divorce cases. They must have substantial experience representing clients in such cases
2. Reputation
Only go for attorneys or law firms that enjoy a respected reputation in the state. Go through online reviews, ask for recommendations from friends and family members, and assess client testimonials to find the right lawyers.
3. Credentials
Make sure the lawyer you choose has a license to practice law in Michigan. The lawyer you choose must enjoy a spotless reputation within the state bar association.
4. Style of Communication
You want a lawyer that explains your rights and options in simple terms, without the use of annoying legal jargon. They should be clear in their speech and compassionate in the way they consult you.
5. Availability
You need a lawyer who’ll have your back and call whenever you need them. You want your attorney to give your case the time it needs. So, make sure your lawyer isn’t buried with case load and will give you the time and attention you deserve.
6. Track Record
The lawyer you choose must have a good track record of representing clients with cases similar to yours. Their track record will give you a good idea of how effective the lawyer can be when undertaking your case.
7. Fee Structure
Finally, the lawyer must be upfront about their fees. They should explain how you will be billed and what services will be covered. They should not surprise you with any hidden charges.
Conclusion
Divorce laws in Michigan are complex. Some of the intricacies involved might be difficult to comprehend, which is why hiring legal help is imperative. Finding top divorce attorneys in Macolm County, MI, isn’t that difficult if you follow the tips we’ve shared above.
Once you have settled on your ideal lawyer, you can expect the divorce proceeding to be smoother and less stressful.
For top-quality legal aid in divorce matters, we suggest you look no further than the offices of Coppins Law Group. Over the years, we’ve helped countless individuals navigate their divorce proceedings with the highest results. Perhaps we can do the same for you.
Call us now to schedule a free consultation.
