In Michigan, there are two ways to end a marriage:  (1) the death of a spouse and (2) divorce.  Michigan is a “no-fault” divorce state.  That is to say, the only ground for divorce is that the there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved.

 

Thus, issues of fault are strictly irrelevant to a Michigan divorce except that a party’s bad behavior may effect the division of property, child custody, and/or parenting time.  For instance, if one party’s heavy drinking or drug use caused a breakdown in the marriage, a court may order a disproportionate property award.  Similarly, if a party’s heavy drinking or drug use impairs that party’s parenting skills, a court may award custody to the non-impaired parent and/or diminish or restrict the impaired party’s parenting time.       

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Apart from the emotionally devastating impact of divorce anyone considering divorce in today’s economy must assess its financial impact.  Many couples that file for divorce asserting that they cannot go on another day with their spouse later change their minds when they discover the financial impact.  For instance, gone are the days of selling the marital home and splitting the equity after the sale.  Frequently, a divorce leaves the party to whom the marital home is awarded with an untenable choice between refinancing a home that’s under water or selling the home at a loss.

If you are considering a divorce, we can help you.  We can help you assess . . .

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CHILD CUSTODY
• How custody of your children is likely to be decided?

 

PARENTING TIME

• How your parenting be decided?

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CHILD SUPPORT
• How much child support is like to be awarded and to whom?

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PROPERTY DIVISION
• How marital property is likely to be divided?

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SPOUSAL SUPPORT
• The likelihood and amount of spousal support?

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We effectively litigate contentious divorces and fight to achieve client objectives, including full physical and legal custody of minor children.



Please feel free to call our office to briefly discuss your case, schedule an appointment, or if we may answer any question(s) that you may have.