|
Learn More About:
Divorce.
Child Custody
Child Support
Parenting Time (Visitation)
Spousal Support (Alimony)
Division of Assets
Fees & Costs
Choosing a Lawyer
Legal Resources
|
"No Fault" Divorce Explained-
In Michigan, all divorce actions are considered "No Fault" divorce. This means that a divorce will be granted even if one of the parties does not want the divorce. The person who files the divorce action is called the plaintiff, and their spouse is called the defendant.
An "Uncontested Divorce" refers to a situation where one spouse files for divorce and the other spouse does not "contest" or answer the divorce complaint.
Residency Requirements-
The family division of Circuit Court handles all divorce cases in Michigan. There are certain "residency requirements" regarding the County Circuit Court in which you can file for a divorce. If you want to file for a divorce in Michigan, one of the parties must have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days, and one of the parties must have lived in the County where the case will be filed for at least 10 days before filing.
The "Waiting Period" Before a Divorce Becomes Final-
If there are no children under the age of 18, there is a 60-day waiting period (from the date of filing) before a divorce can be granted in Michigan. With minor children, the waiting period is generally six months. Divorces, however can take much longer than this if one or both parties can not agree on custody or support and/or the division of property.
Understanding How the Divorce Process Works-
There are many steps involved in obtaining a divorce in Michigan: a complaint must be filed at the Circuit Court, filing fees must be paid (the filing fee is more if there are children of the marriage under the age of 18), a summons must be issued, the parties must be "served" properly, hearings must be scheduled and noticed, answers must be filed, and hearings must be attended. The end result of the case will be entry of a Judgment of Divorce.
If there are minor children, the divorce judgment will also specify child custody, support, and parenting time. In Michigan, the "Friend of the Court" is the office of the Court that makes evaluations and recommendations regarding child support, custody, and parenting time. (These issues are covered in our other articles.)
There are many complicated steps involved in obtaining a divorce. The best way to ensure that you will obtain the property division, spousal support, child support, custody
and visitation arrangement that you deserve, is to hire a highly experienced and skilled divorce lawyer to fight for your rights.
Experienced family law
attorney Starla Zehr has successfully represented hundreds of individuals in
their divorces. She will offer you compassionate advice and aggressive representation at affordable rates, to
ensure that your rights are always protected.
Call Starla Zehr today for your confidential consultation.
|
|
The
content of this website is provided as general information only, and
is not intended to be specific legal advice, nor does it create an
actual or implied attorney-client relationship. The laws governing
divorce and family law matters are complex and are different in each
State. This information is based upon the laws of Michigan in effect
at the time of publication. However, laws can and do frequently
change. Legal information that you find on the internet may be
incorrect or outdated, or may not apply in Michigan. Only an
experienced family law attorney in your state can explain how the
law applies to your circumstances. If you would like to know how
Michigan law applies to your situation, please call us for a free
and confidential telephone consultation.
|
|
Copyright © Starla Zehr 2011 - All Rights Reserved - Website Design
by www.katcrane.com
|
|
