Ending a marriage can put your finances, your home, and your time with your children in question all at once. Our Novi divorce attorneys offer steady, compassionate guidance so you can make clear decisions and move forward with confidence.
Key Takeaways:
- Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, so you do not need to prove wrongdoing by your spouse to end your marriage.
- Michigan law generally requires a waiting period of at least 60 days after filing, or six months when minor children are involved, before a judge can finalize a divorce.
- Most divorces resolve outside the courtroom through negotiation, mediation, or a collaborative process, which can save time, money, and emotional strain.
A divorce rarely arrives as one big decision. It shows up as dozens of smaller ones: who keeps the house, how the retirement accounts get split, and where the kids wake up on holiday mornings. Each choice carries real weight, and making those choices while emotions run high can feel overwhelming.
Michigan treats divorce as a no-fault process under MCL 552.6, which means the court focuses on a fair division of your shared life rather than on assigning blame. Even so, your outcome depends heavily on preparation and the quality of guidance you receive.
Steslicki & Ghannam, PLC is an all-female, boutique family law firm with more than 56 years of combined experience. Our attorneys take the time to explain every option, answer every message within 24 hours, and let you stay as involved in your case as you want to be.
Book a free consultation with our Novi divorce attorneys today.

How Michigan Courts Decide Property, Support, and Custody
Dividing marital property. Michigan follows equitable distribution, which means the court divides marital assets fairly, though not always equally. Homes, retirement accounts, and business interests acquired during the marriage typically count as marital property. Assets you owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance may stay separate, but only if they were kept apart. Our guide on how property is divided in a Michigan divorce covers this in more detail.
Spousal support. Courts weigh factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's earning ability, health, and contributions to the household. Support may be short-term to help a spouse regain financial footing, or it may last longer after a lengthy marriage. You can learn more on our spousal support page.
Custody and parenting time. Every custody decision rests on the best interests of the child. Judges look at stability, each parent's relationship with the child, and each parent's willingness to support the child's bond with the other parent. Parents can share legal custody, physical custody, or both.
Child support. Michigan calculates support through the Michigan Child Support Formula. The formula considers both parents' incomes, the number of overnights each parent has, and costs such as health insurance and childcare.
Choosing Between Settlement, Mediation, and Trial in Your Divorce
Uncontested divorce. When spouses agree on property, support, and parenting, an uncontested divorce is often the fastest and most affordable path. Our attorneys still review every term carefully so you do not give up rights you did not know you had.
Mediation. A neutral mediator helps both spouses work through disagreements and reach a written agreement. Michigan courts frequently order mediation before a case goes to trial, and many couples find it gives them more control over the outcome than a judge's ruling would.
Collaborative divorce. In a collaborative divorce, both spouses and their attorneys commit to resolving every issue without court. Neutral financial and parenting professionals can join the process when needed. This approach works especially well for parents who want to protect their co-parenting relationship.
Litigation. When a spouse hides assets, refuses to negotiate, or safety is a concern, court may be the right path. Our attorneys prepare thoroughly and advocate firmly to protect your interests in front of a judge.
Our Novi divorce attorneys will walk you through the benefits and tradeoffs of each option and help you choose the one that fits your family.
Why Clients Trust Our Novi Divorce Attorneys
- Our boutique practice keeps caseloads manageable, so you work with attorneys who know the details of your case rather than a rotating cast of staff.
- You will hear back from us within 24 hours, so your questions never sit unanswered while you worry.
- Our secure client portal gives you access to your documents, case updates, and messages at any hour.
- You decide how involved you want to be. Some clients review every draft, while others prefer a summary at each milestone, and we adapt to both.
- Our all-female team brings more than 56 years of combined experience and a compassionate approach that keeps your family's future at the center of every decision.
Start Your Next Chapter With Steslicki & Ghannam, PLC
You do not have to sort through property, support, and parenting decisions on your own. Our Novi divorce attorneys at Steslicki & Ghannam, PLC will listen closely, explain your options in plain language, and stand beside you until your case is resolved. Book a free consultation today.
Helpful Resources
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Who Keeps the 401(k)? How Retirement Accounts Are Divided in a Michigan Divorce
For many couples, retirement savings are the largest asset on the table in a divorce, and a single mistake in dividing them can cost thousands…
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What Happens When a Guardian Can No Longer Serve? Successor Guardianship in Michigan
Guardianship arrangements are created to protect vulnerable individuals, including minors and incapacitated adults. But guardianship is not always permanent. Over time, circumstances can change, and…
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How to Update Your Will After the Birth or Adoption of a Child in Michigan
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