Divorce refers to the dissolution of marriage. When you and your spouse make the decision to end your marriage, it's important to obtain legal representation separate from that of your spouse. For any divorce case there are a number of issues that must be addressed and resolved before the divorce is finalized, such as matters involving child custody, child support, spousal support, QDROs, marital property division, and more. Hiring your own Lansing family law & divorce attorney is the best way to ensure your rights will be protected, and that you'll have an experienced legal professional advocating for your needs, wants, and best interest in court or mediation.
Michigan Divorce Laws
Michigan is a "no fault" state, which means couples do not need to meet any legal grounds in order to be granted a divorce. In Michigan, couples wishing to divorce can file on grounds of irreconcilable differences. Fault, however can be taking into consideration by the court in division of property and in child custody arrangement. It is important that you have legal counsel helping you to properly evaluate assets, finding hidden assets, and finding all income sources.
Although a couple doesn't need to have legal grounds, there are residency requirements that must be met. Before a couple will be granted a divorce, they must prove they have lived in the state of Michigan for at least six months prior to filing the divorce paperwork. A couple must also have lived in the county in which they are filing for divorce for at least three months. Lastly, once the divorce papers have been filed with the court, there is a six-month waiting period before the divorce is legally finalized.
Lansing Divorce Attorneys
Divorce is a very serious legal matter that needs to be handled responsibly. The terms of your divorce will have an effect on your life for many years to come. It's important to have a clear objective of what you wish to achieve in your divorce, and then make sure those objectives are followed through. An experienced Lansing divorce attorney can help you through the divorce process while protecting your rights and helping you make informed decisions that best serve your unique needs and interests. Being an experienced divorce attorney, attorney David M. Clark has developed a solid understanding and keen insight into the divorce process, and can confidently provide you with the resources, advice, and guidance you need at each stage of your case. David M. Clark and The Clark Law Office are focused solely on helping you resolve the terms of your divorce in a way that satisfies the needs of you and your family, and allows you to move forward after this often difficult process.
Legal Separation
Another type of action, separate from dissolution, is a legal separation. A legal separation greatly resembles an action for divorce except that the parties are not free to remarry. One major advantage of filing a legal separation action is that, unlike dissolution, there are no residency requirements. In Michigan, a person does not have to obtain a "legal separation" before filing a divorce.
Paternity
DNA testing is routinely used to establish paternity. But advances in reproductive technology and the changing nature of families are creating new challenges in paternity actions and other family law proceedings. Once paternity has been established and legally confirmed in a court, unmarried fathers and mothers both have rights with regard their child, including:
Physical custody or visitation.
The right to receive child support, depending upon custody considerations.
The right to make and have input into decisions about their child's medical care, education, and religious upbringing.
Contact a Lansing Divorce Attorney Today!
We are skilled in the area of Michigan divorce law and we are committed to helping our many clients in Howell, Jackson, and the surrounding areas. Call 517-347-6900 today for your free consultation.Contact our premier Lansing divorce attorneys today, we are equipped to offer you legal counsel concerning your divorce.
