Sterling Heights Divorce Attorney

• Divorces can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on your divorce;
• In Michigan, you must have been a resident of the state for at least 180 days prior to filing for divorce, and a resident of the county where you file for your divorce for at least 10 days;
• You must file your divorce with the circuit court of the county where you live or the county where your spouse lives, if it is different; and
• Michigan is a no-fault state, which means that you are not required to provide a reason, or “ground,” for divorce such as abandonment or domestic violence.

Why Do Couples Divorce?

Couples divorce when they feel their marriages are strained to the point of being irreparable. For some couples, this realization comes quickly and for others, it only surfaces after years of attempted repair, usually on the part of one party.

The issues that drive couples to this point frequently include:

• Differences in lifestyle goals;
• Differences in ideology about significant issues, such as how to save for retirement, how to raise their children, and the religion the couple follows;
• Domestic violence;
• Adultery;
• Addiction or criminal activity; and
• Constant fighting that the couple simply cannot resolve. This can be about anything. Often, it is about money issues.

Issues Determined in the Divorce Process

When a couple divorces, their entire marriage is systematically dismantled in a way that provides both partners with a fair, equitable settlement. The word “equitable,” rather than “equal,” is used here because sometimes, assets and custody arrangements are not split 50/50. Instead, the court relies on a list of factors to determine the best arrangements to serve the couple and their children’s needs.

The issues that may be determined during a divorce, depending on the couple’s circumstances, include the following:

• A child custody or parenting time arrangement;
• A child support order;
• The division of the couple’s marital property, which includes all financial assets; and
• A spousal support order.

How a Divorce Lawyer Can Help You

If you are considering filing for divorce, there could be options available to you that you were not aware existed. There could also be potential roadblocks to your divorce that you did not realize you could face. Talk through all of the potential issues with your divorce with an experienced divorce lawyers before you file to end your marriage.

While working through the divorce process, your lawyer can advocate for you by guiding you through each court interaction. If any issues need to be revisited after your divorce is finalized, such as your child support order, your lawyer can help you with this as well. This is known as a post-decree modification.

Work with an Experienced Sterling Heights Divorce Lawyer

If you are considering filing for divorce, first speak with an experienced Sterling Heights divorce lawyer to determine all of your options. You might be a candidate for mediation or a collaborative divorce, or you might be best served by a traditional divorce. To learn more, set up your free legal consultation with a member of our team of divorce lawyers at Iafrate & Salassa, P.C. today.