Divorce
Grand Rapids Divorce Attorneys
Guiding Spouses In Michigan
Divorce is an important step toward the next phase of your life. It may feel like a challenging process to go through alone, but assembling a strategic, experienced team of divorce attorneys can provide the crucial guidance and support you need to make informed decisions and approach your future with greater confidence.
At Thacker Sleight, we can walk you through divorce confidently and strategically. From your initial call to our team’s responsiveness to our use of technology, we are with you at each step of the divorce process.
The impact of divorce on your personal life is likely to be complicated, exploring family law issues of child custody, child support, and property division that could either improve or complicate your future. However, we are here to build a strong divorce case that will pave the way for greater security and flexibility.
Whether You Are In The Early Stages Of Filing For Divorce Or Have Questions About Divorce Issues Like Child Custody, Child Support, Or Spousal Support, Thacker Sleight Can Help. Contact Us To Get Started. Give Us A Call Today.
Filing For Divorce In Michigan
To file for divorce in Michigan, you can:
Find the circuit court in the county where you or your spouse live
File a written legal document called a complaint with the Family Division of the Circuit Court
Bring your signed and dated paperwork to the court clerk and file it
Pay the filing fee, which is $175 or $255 if you have children
Some courts in Michigan require that you file the papers electronically.
The complaint must state that the party filing the complaint has lived in Michigan for 180 days and in the county in which they are filing for ten days. You can file a complaint for divorce if you allege that the marriage relationship has broken down.
Courts in Michigan require you to provide full disclosure of your financial situation. These details include your income, expenses, assets, and debts. Both parties must complete the Domestic Relations Verified Financial Information Form. This form must be signed under penalty of perjury.
Both parties must attend a formal settlement conference in which the goal is to resolve legal family issues related to spousal support or property division.
Michigan has no requirements for how long a couple must be separated or living apart before they can divorce.
Is It Better To File For Divorce First In Michigan?
From a legal standpoint, there is no difference in who files first for divorce in Michigan. Nevertheless, filing first does propose a chance for the initiating spouse to request various demands to the court before notifying your spouse of the divorce proceedings.
There is no requirement to provide a reason (“grounds”) to obtain a divorce, as Michigan is a "no-fault" divorce state. However, you can still cite a ground in your divorce complaint (such as adultery) that the court may take into account when deciding on other divorce issues like property division.
Depending on whether you and your spouse mutually agree to separate or if only one of you is filing the complaint, you can pursue one of two types of divorce:
Uncontested divorce: Both spouses agree on all the divorce-related issues, such as child custody, spousal support, and property division. We provide collaborative divorce services in such cases.
Contested divorce: Spouses disagree on an element of the divorce and must consequently default to the court to decide these issues.
Determining Child Custody
One of the most contentious issues in a divorce involving children is child custody. Parents can be given legal custody (decision-making authority) and/or physical custody (whom the child will reside with). You can either negotiate this arrangement between yourselves with your attorneys, or you will have to proceed to court for the final decision if you cannot agree.
When deciding on child custody, the court will consider factors impacting the child’s best interests as outlined in Michigan’s Child Custody Act, including:
The ability and willingness of each parent to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care, and meet their other material needs
The ability and willingness of each parent to provide the child with the love, affection, and guidance they need
The ability and willingness of each parent to support the child’s educational needs
The love, affection, and emotional ties that exist between each parent and the child
The moral fitness of each parent
The desirability of maintaining continuity and stability for the child
The child's home, school, and ties to the community
The permanence of the family unit in the existing or proposed custodial home(s)
The mental and physical health of each parent and the child
The child's preference (if they are of mature age)
Each parent's ability and willingness to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing relationship between the child and the other parent
Any history of domestic violence, whether directed against or in the presence of the child
Any other factor deemed relevant to child custody
Calculating Child Support
Child support will also be an important issue to resolve in a divorce. Michigan has a generic formula for calculating child support based on both parents’ net incomes and their parenting time. Typically, the noncustodial parent will pay child support, as the custodial parent is presumed to be paying their share of child support in their direct care of the child.
The court may be open to adjusting the amount of child support calculated by the Child Support Formula if doing so is in the child’s best interests.
Who Gets Spousal Support?
Spouses in Michigan who demonstrate a financial need may request spousal support (also called alimony) if the other spouse can afford to pay support. The purpose of spousal support is to help an under-earning spouse meet their financial obligations during and after the divorce process.
Spouses can either agree on a spousal support arrangement on their own or defer to the court if they cannot reach an agreement.
Michigan offers four types of spousal support based on the situation:
Temporary: Support awarded for the duration of the pending divorce process
Periodic (rehabilitative): Rehabilitative short-term or long-term support to help a spouse become self-supporting, after which support will terminate
Permanent: A rare form of support reserved for spouses who have been married for a long time or for situations where one spouse is unable to become financially self-supporting due to illness, old age, or disability
Reimbursement: Designed to repay a spouse for specific expenses they paid for during the marriage, such as the cost of medical school for their spouse
Whatever divorce issues you are dealing with, Thacker Sleight is here to support you every step of the way. We take an assertive approach to divorce litigation and will be cognizant of your interests and goals to obtain as favorable an outcome as possible.
Schedule an initial consultation with Thacker Sleight today to get started. Give us a call today.
Grand Rapids Contested Divorce Lawyer
Trusted Advocates for Complex Divorce Cases in Michigan
When marriages reach a point of no return and amicable resolutions seem impossible, you may face a contested divorce. At Thacker Sleight PC, we recognize that this is a challenging time for you, and we're here to provide the experienced legal counsel you need to navigate the complexities of a contested divorce.
Call Thacker Sleight PC today at (616) 888-3810 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our contested divorce attorney in Grand Rapids!
What is a Contested Divorce?
A contested divorce, in essence, is a legal proceeding where spouses cannot agree on the critical aspects of their divorce. Unlike uncontested divorces, which are typically more straightforward and amicable, contested divorces involve disputes over various issues, such as:
Asset Division: In contested divorces, the division of marital assets and debts can become a contentious issue. These assets may include homes, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and business interests.
Child Custody: Determining child custody arrangements can be emotionally charged and complex. Parents may disagree about who should have primary custody, visitation schedules, and other vital aspects of their children's lives.
Alimony (Spousal Support): The issue of spousal support or alimony often arises in contested divorces, with one spouse seeking financial assistance from the other.
Child Support: Disagreements may arise regarding the amount and terms of child support payments intended to support the children's financial needs.
Legal Fees: Disagreements over the payment of legal fees and court costs are common in contested divorces.
Contested Divorce Requirements in Michigan
To file for a contested divorce in Michigan, some specific requirements and procedures must be followed:
Residency Requirements: You or your spouse must be a resident of Michigan for at least 180 days before filing for divorce. The specific county where you file must be where you or your spouse reside.
Grounds for Divorce: Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not need to prove fault or wrongdoing by your spouse to obtain a divorce. The only requirement is that there has been a breakdown in the marital relationship, making it unlikely that the marriage can be preserved.
Filing a Complaint: The process begins with filing a divorce complaint, which outlines your demands and the grounds for the divorce. Your spouse will then have the opportunity to respond, and this is where disputes may arise.
Legal Proceedings: Legal proceedings may be necessary to resolve disputes in a contested divorce. These proceedings may include mediation, negotiations, and, in some cases, a trial. Our experienced Grand Rapids contested divorce lawyers are well-versed in these procedures and will vigorously represent your interests.
How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take?
The duration of a contested divorce can vary significantly and depends on several factors, including the complexity of the issues in dispute and the willingness of both parties to resolve. Some contested divorces can take several months, while others may extend for a year or more. Key factors that influence the timeline of a contested divorce include:
Number of Issues: The more issues in dispute, the longer the divorce will likely take. Complex matters such as child custody, large marital estates, or extensive debts can prolong the process.
Cooperation: If both parties are willing to work together and reach compromises, the divorce process can be expedited through negotiation and settlement.
Court Scheduling: The court's docket and availability can affect the timeline of a contested divorce. Courts may be limited, particularly in heavily populated areas like Grand Rapids.
Legal Representation: The choice of legal representation can also influence the speed of the proceedings. An experienced contested divorce attorney can navigate the process more efficiently, potentially shortening the timeline.
While a contested divorce can be emotionally taxing and time-consuming, it is crucial to remember that our team of seasoned Grand Rapids contested divorce lawyers is here to guide you every step of the way. We will work diligently to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case while keeping your best interests in mind.
Contact Our Grand Rapids Contested Divorce Attorney Today
Amid a contested divorce, having a knowledgeable and dedicated legal team by your side can make all the difference. At Thacker Sleight PC, we are committed to providing expert legal counsel to those facing the challenges of a contested divorce in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Our attorneys are well-equipped to represent your interests and guide you through this complex process.
Contact Thacker Sleight PC today to schedule a meeting with our contested divorce lawyer in Grand Rapids!
Grand Rapids Annulment Attorneys
Helping You Understand the Annulment Process in Michigan
Annulments are often misunderstood. Many people believe that an annulment is a religious process that can only be obtained if the marriage was not consummated. In reality, an annulment is a legal process that can be obtained for a variety of reasons. If you are considering an annulment, it is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney to understand your rights and options.
At Thacker Sleight, our Grand Rapids annulment lawyers have extensive experience handling a wide range of family law matters. We understand the complexities of the annulment process and can help you navigate the legal system. Our team is committed to providing you with the compassionate and personalized legal representation you deserve.
Call our office today at (616) 300-2367 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team.
What Is an Annulment?
An annulment is a legal process that declares a marriage null and void. In other words, an annulment is a legal declaration that the marriage was never valid. Unlike a divorce, which is the legal process of ending a valid marriage, an annulment is a legal process of declaring that a marriage was never valid in the first place.
There are two types of annulments in Michigan:
Void marriages: A void marriage is one that is considered invalid from the beginning. In Michigan, a marriage is void if one or both of the parties were already married at the time of the marriage. A marriage is also void if the parties are closely related by blood.
Voidable marriages: A voidable marriage is one that is considered valid until it is annulled. In Michigan, a marriage is voidable if one or both of the parties were underage at the time of the marriage, one or both of the parties were mentally incompetent at the time of the marriage, one or both of the parties were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the marriage, one or both of the parties were forced into the marriage, or one or both of the parties were physically unable to consummate the marriage.
It is important to note that an annulment is not the same as a religious annulment. A religious annulment is a process that is recognized by a church or religious organization. A religious annulment does not have any legal effect and does not end a marriage. If you are seeking to end your marriage, you must obtain a legal annulment or a divorce.
How to Get an Annulment in Michigan
The process of obtaining an annulment in Michigan is similar to the process of obtaining a divorce. You must file a petition with the court and provide evidence to support your request for an annulment. If your spouse contests the annulment, the court will hold a hearing to determine whether the marriage is valid.
There are several grounds for an annulment in Michigan, including:
Bigamy: If one or both of the parties were already married at the time of the marriage, the marriage is void and can be annulled.
Underage: If one or both of the parties were underage at the time of the marriage, the marriage is voidable and can be annulled. In Michigan, the legal age to get married is 18. If a person is 16 or 17 years old, they can get married with the consent of a parent or guardian. If a person is 15 years old or younger, they can get married with the consent of a parent or guardian and the approval of a judge.
Mental incapacity: If one or both of the parties were mentally incapacitated at the time of the marriage, the marriage is voidable and can be annulled. Mental incapacity means that a person is unable to understand the nature of the marriage contract and the duties and responsibilities that come with it.
Physical incapacity: If one or both of the parties were physically unable to consummate the marriage, the marriage is voidable and can be annulled. Physical incapacity means that a person is unable to engage in sexual intercourse.
Force or fraud: If one or both of the parties were forced into the marriage or if one or both of the parties were deceived about a material fact, the marriage is voidable and can be annulled. Force means that a person was physically or emotionally coerced into getting married. Fraud means that a person was deceived about a material fact, such as the ability to have children or a criminal history.
It is important to note that there are time limits for obtaining an annulment in Michigan. If you are seeking an annulment based on bigamy, you must file your petition within two years of the date of the marriage. If you are seeking an annulment based on any other ground, you must file your petition within two years of the date you discovered the ground for the annulment.
How Long Does an Annulment Take?
The length of time it takes to obtain an annulment in Michigan depends on the specific circumstances of your case. If your spouse contests the annulment, the process will take longer. In general, it takes several months to obtain an annulment in Michigan.
How Much Does an Annulment Cost?
The cost of an annulment in Michigan depends on the specific circumstances of your case. If your spouse contests the annulment, the cost will be higher. In general, an annulment is less expensive than a divorce because it is a simpler process.
How Does an Annulment Affect Children?
An annulment has no effect on children. If you have children with your spouse, you will still need to establish child custody, child support, and parenting time. The court will make these decisions based on the best interests of the child.
How Does an Annulment Affect Property?
An annulment has no effect on property. If you and your spouse own property together, you will still need to divide it. The court will divide your property based on the principle of equitable distribution.
How Does an Annulment Affect Debt?
An annulment has no effect on debt. If you and your spouse have debt together, you will still need to divide it. The court will divide your debt based on the principle of equitable distribution.
Call our office today at (616) 300-2367 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team.