Michigan Divorce Facts

Michigan divorce may differ from the way divorce law is structured in other states, so it is important for residents to understand several factors. One of the first questions individuals coming to a divorce attorney in Shelby Township, MI usually ask is how long a divorce will take. The answer depends on whether or not the married couple has children. If there are no children, there is a minimum 60 day waiting period before a divorce may be granted. If there are children, the minimum period is six months.

Other factors, such as how cooperative each party is in the divorce and what kind of legal conflicts are involved, may lengthen the amount of time it takes to get divorced in Michigan beyond these periods. Before you can file for divorce in the state of Michigan, you need to have been a resident for a minimum of 180 days. You also need to have lived in the county in which you are filing for at least ten days leading up to the day you file.

Since Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, the judge can finalize a divorce on the basis of an individual’s desire to terminate the marriage regardless of the actions of either party. Fault may play a role in the distribution of assets and liabilities, child custody and spousal support, but it usually means further litigation and can lengthen the time it takes and the amount of money it costs to divorce considerably. A divorce attorney in Shelby Township, MI can help you to determine if it is appropriate or worth it to litigate in terms of fault for these factors or not.

Statistically, most divorces do not proceed to court, but settle in order to save money and time. Also, many couples find mediation to be an effective way of coming to an agreement without the implied hostility of a courtroom setting. Couples who are able to come to an agreement and determine for themselves how they will arrange their future lives and the lives of their children are usually much happier with the results than those who allow a judge to settle the case in court. A divorce attorney in Shelby Township, MI will help willing clients to find mediation and proceed to a mutually satisfying settlement.

Most reasonable people prefer settling out of court to going before a judge in a family law court context. If you have children or property, it is a good idea to hire an attorney in Shelby Township, MI before going to mediation or court for divorce.