Dedicated Divorce Attorneys in Plymouth, Michigan

At Steslicki & Ghannam PLC, our highly experienced Plymouth family law attorneys understand that divorce is a complex process. Even when couples mutually agree to separate, numerous details need to be resolved, negotiated, or litigated before the divorce is finalized.

Our skilled divorce attorneys represent clients throughout Michigan, including those engaged in complex, contested divorces involving high conflict or high assets, collaborative divorces, and uncontested divorces.

Divorce Attorneys

With over 30 years of combined family law experience, our Plymouth divorce lawyers will walk you through each process step with precision, including the division of property, spousal support, child custody and parenting time, and child support.

Contact our dedicated divorce lawyers in Wayne County today to learn more about our customized approach to producing actual results for our clients.

Is Michigan a No-Fault Divorce State?

Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that a divorce can be granted without either spouse having to prove fault or misconduct on the other spouse’s part. Instead, the grounds for divorce are based on the assertion that the marriage has irretrievably broken down and there is no reasonable likelihood of reconciliation.

While the divorce itself doesn’t consider fault, it’s worth noting that fault can still play a role in other aspects of the divorce process, such as property division and determining alimony, as outlined below.

What Details Will Need to Be Determined During Michigan Divorce Proceedings?

During divorce proceedings in Michigan, several important details must be determined to finalize the divorce and establish each spouse’s rights and responsibilities.

These details typically include:

  • Division of Marital Property

The divorcing couple must divide their marital property, including assets and debts acquired during the marriage. Marital property may include real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, and personal belongings. Michigan is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not equally.

In fault-based divorces, fault may be considered one of several factors in determining the division of marital property. For example, if one spouse wastes marital assets through gambling, substance abuse, or other misconduct, the court may take this into account when dividing property.

  • Spousal Support/Alimony

If one spouse is financially dependent on the other, the court may award spousal support to provide financial assistance to the dependent spouse. Spousal support may be temporary or permanent, depending on the circumstances of the case, and is determined based on factors such as the length of the marriage, the spouses’ incomes, and their respective financial needs.

Fault may also be considered a factor determining spousal support awards in Michigan. For example, if one spouse’s misconduct led to the breakdown of the marriage and caused financial harm to the other spouse, the court may award spousal support as compensation or remedy.

For divorcing parents with minor children, additional details must be outlined and agreed upon before the divorce can be finalized, and include:

  • Child Custody

A custody arrangement outlines where the children will live and how parental responsibilities will be shared. Custody arrangements may be joint (shared between both parents) or sole (awarded to one parent) and may include legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (residential arrangements).

  • Parenting Time (Visitation)

In addition to custody, divorcing parents must establish a parenting schedule that specifies when the children will spend time with each parent. The schedule should be detailed and address holidays, vacations, and other special occasions.

  • Child Support

Parents must determine their child support obligations, including the amount and frequency of payments. Child support calculations are based on the Michigan Child Support Formula, which considers the parents’ incomes, parenting time arrangements, and other relevant factors.

Whether you have been married for two years and have no children or married for ten years and have multiple kids, if you have questions about divorce in Michigan and how it will impact your life going forward, our skilled Plymouth divorce lawyers have answers. Contact us today to discuss the details of your divorce so you can start making informed decisions about where to go from here.

What Types of Divorces Do the Family Law Attorneys at Steslicki & Ghannam Handle?

At Steslicki & Ghannam, our Plymouth family law attorneys know that no two Michigan divorces are alike. Your family dynamics and resulting legal needs make your case unique, so we provide customized legal strategies for each client.

That includes those who are engaged in:

  • Contested Divorces

In contested divorces, the spouses cannot agree on one or more issues related to the divorce, including child custody, property division, or spousal support. These issues are resolved through litigation, with the court making decisions on behalf of the spouses based on our skilled legal representation.

  • Uncontested Divorces

In uncontested divorces, the spouses can reach a mutually acceptable agreement on all issues related to the divorce without court intervention. Uncontested divorces are typically faster, less expensive, and less contentious. Our dedicated divorce attorneys can help ensure the details you and your spouse have agreed upon in private represent your best interests. Alternatively, we can negotiate the details on your behalf so you can focus on starting your new life without delay.

  • Collaborative Divorce

In a collaborative divorce, each spouse retains their attorney and agrees to work together to reach a mutually acceptable settlement outside of court. Collaborative divorce encourages cooperation and communication between spouses and can result in a more amicable resolution.

Whether you know you are in a battle with your soon-to-be-ex-spouse, unsure of how the proceedings will unfold or want to protect your best interests, our Plymouth divorce lawyers can help. Contact Steslicki & Ghannam today to get started.

What are the Residency Requirements and Waiting Periods for Divorce in Michigan?

Either you or your spouse must have lived in Michigan for at least the last 180 days before filing. You must file your divorce in circuit court in the county where either you or your spouse has lived for at least ten days before filing.

After filing for divorce, the other spouse will be served with the Summons and Complaint and any other documents filed with the court. The manner of service depends on the spouse’s cooperation level and whether they have legal representation. The spouse served has 21 days (or 28 days if served out of state or by mail) to respond to the complaint.

While couples may wish to terminate the marriage as soon as possible, a mandatory waiting period is mandatory for a Michigan divorce. After filing a complaint, couples without children must wait 60 days before the divorce is finalized, while couples with minor children typically wait six months.

How Can the Michigan Divorce Attorneys at Steslicki & Ghannam Help With My Case?

Partnering with our Plymouth divorce lawyers can help you confidently navigate the divorce process, protect your legal rights, and achieve the best possible outcome for your future.

We will:

  • Provide objective advice and perspective during an emotionally charged time. This will help you understand your options, evaluate the potential outcomes of different decisions, and make informed choices in your best interests.
  • Prepare and file all paperwork and documentation, including petitions, pleadings, financial disclosures, and settlement agreements, ensuring everything is completed accurately and according to legal requirements.
  • Serve as strong advocates, representing your interests in negotiations, mediation, or court proceedings by developing a strategic approach to your case, negotiating with the other party or their attorney, and working to achieve a favorable resolution.

Without legal representation, you may risk making costly mistakes that could affect the outcome of your divorce. We can help you avoid common pitfalls, such as waiving essential rights, agreeing to unfavorable terms, or overlooking key issues while offering reassurance, answering your questions, and helping you stay focused on the practical aspects of your case.

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Contact Our Skilled Plymouth Divorce Attorney Today

Contact our skilled Plymouth divorce attorneys at Steslicki & Ghannam PLC today to learn more about our customized legal approaches to producing results for our Michigan clients.

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