Divorce Lawyers St. Clair Shores

Divorce is an extremely difficult thing for anyone to go through, even if you filed the divorce papers first. Divorce will touch every aspect of your life and can bring major changes. It is natural to have many questions, and you may even have to answer some yourself, particularly if you have children. Every divorce case presents its own unique challenges, which only makes the situation even more complex. If you are going through a divorce, it is important to speak to our divorce lawyers in St. Clair Shores today.

Michigan is a No-Fault State

You may be considering divorce because your spouse had an affair, or simply because you and your spouse have drifted apart. Regardless of the reason you are getting a divorce, legally it does not matter. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. This means that only one party must state that the marital relationship has broken down and that there is no chance of reconciliation. This means that a couple can get a divorce even when one spouse does not agree to it, and it is not necessary for any spouse to prove the other was at fault for the breakdown.

While the court cannot consider grounds of fault when a complaint is filed, a judge will take wrongful behavior into consideration when making decisions on other terms of a divorce. For example, if one spouse extravagantly spent marital funds on an affair, a judge may award their spouse more in property division.

Michigan Imposes Waiting Periods

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding a divorce case, a couple must wait a certain amount of time before their case is finalized. If a couple did not have children together, the waiting period is only 60 days from the date one spouse filed for divorce. When the couple did share children together, the waiting period is extended to 180 days from the date one spouse filed for divorce. While these waiting periods are the law, a divorce case can take much longer than this. A divorce lawyer in St. Clair Shores can help ensure a divorce case proceeds as quickly as possible.

Couples Have Many Divorce Options

When people think of divorce, they often envision a long and expensive courtroom battle. Fortunately, today this is the last resort for divorce cases. Couples have many options, such as mediation and collaborative law. These two options can give the couple more control over the process so they can reach an agreement that is suitable for both parties.

Call Our Michigan Divorce Lawyers Today

If you are going through a divorce, our divorce lawyers in St. Clair Shores can advise on your case. At Iafrate & Salassa, our experienced attorneys can explain the divorce process, help you navigate it, and give you the best chance of securing the fair settlement you deserve. Call us today or contact us online to arrange a free consultation with one of our seasoned attorneys and to learn more about how we can help with your case.