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Legal issues involving family members, spouses and intimate partners are some of the most emotionally charged and challenging situations a person will experience in their life. When you’re in the middle of these situations, it can be difficult to maintain a clear and rational thought process, especially when your children are involved. During times like these, it is critical to have an experienced family lawyer in your corner to ensure your rights and interests are protected. This can mean the difference between losing everything or coming up with an amicable solution that allows you to retain what you’ve worked hard for and ensure you will be a part of your children’s lives.
George Law has over a decade of experience successfully representing Michiganders in various family law issues such as filing for divorce, contested divorces, child custody, parenting time, domestic violence, abuse and more. Our attorneys and counselors are ready to provide the strong legal support needed to deal with problems that affect your relationships and precious loved ones. If you or someone you know has legal issues involving family law, contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our expert family law attorneys.
How George Law Can Help
The expert family law attorneys at George Law have decades of combined experience with Michigan’s family courts and legal system. Our attorneys specialize in all areas of family law, such as divorces, custody battles, paternity suits and more. We are veterans in high conflict cases that involve narcissists, substance abuse issues, dissipation of assets and disputed child custody.
We fully know that the emotional toll of family disputes can be extreme, and we work diligently with all parties to achieve beneficial results. George Law provides complete legal advice, counsel and representation in all areas of Michigan Family Law, specifically:
Divorce & Separation – When reconciliation is not desired, relationships can be legally terminated, with appropriate terms for protection of assets and maintenance. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, meaning there does not need to be justification for one party to initiate a divorce.
Child Custody & Support – Minor children are a top priority for our law firm and the courts. Custody and support disputes must be settled to provide adequate care and education for minor children. Occasionally, these agreements may be altered for many reasons, including financial support needs, relocation and remarriages.
Collaborative Divorce – Collaborative divorce allows married couples to navigate the divorce process in a supportive, team environment.
Relocation – Relocation of one partner may also require relocation of minor children. In that situation, custody and support issues may also need renegotiation.
Spousal Support – Financial agreements generally should allow adequate and fair living conditions for the former spouse. As earning ability changes over time, support amounts may also need to be altered.
Rights – Parents and grandparents sometimes must resort to the legal system to ensure that they are allowed visitation and accessibility to minor children after a divorce.
Property Division – Equitable disposition of marital property is often an area of fierce contention. We work with all parties through negotiation or litigation to ensure fairness prevails.
Domestic Abuse – Protection of ex-spouses and minor children are the goal when domestic abuse is even a potential problem. Enforcement may require court intervention as well.
Pre-Marital & Post-Divorce Agreements/Modifications – Many couples want to adjust prior agreements at a later date; this is possible and often desirable.
Adoption – Adding a new child to the family is an important and life-changing step that needs to meet all applicable legal rules.
How to File For Divorce in Michigan
Because Michigan is a “no-fault” divorce state, there is no need to prove anything in order for an individual to file for divorce. However that being said, there are certain requirements that must be met for a individual to file for divorce in Michigan, which include:
- Either you or your spouse must have had official residency in Michigan for a minimum of six months prior to filing for divorce.
- The filing for divorce must occur in the circuit court within the county that you or your spouse reside
- One party must officially testify that there has been a “breakdown of the marriage” per Michigan’s Divorce Statute 552.6
Once you have completed the filing for divorce, the other spouse will then need to be served with the Summons and Complaint, as well as any additional documents that were filed with the court during the initial filing process. Often referred to as being “served”, this can be accomplished in a number of different ways depending on the cooperation of the other spouse as well whether or not they’ve retained counsel.
Our expert divorce attorneys have experience handling these filings across the state and are uniquely equipped and qualified to work with you from the beginning of the filing process all the way through any issues that may arise along the way, including when divorces become disputed and turn ugly.
Child Custody and Parenting Time
Within the scope of family law, matters involving children can become especially challenging and emotionally charged. Custody battles can be time consuming, costly and ugly, with the child essentially stuck in the middle. Because of this, the State of Michigan has a standard for determining child custody which is known as the best interests of the child. In these situations, a judge will examine the facts and circumstances surrounding the case and make a decision based on the findings.
Once custody is determined, further issues that can arise down the road involve matters surrounding parenting time, as well as the determination and enforcement of child support. Parenting time can be particularly controversial and the subject of considerable dispute between parents, often resulting in considerable legal battles between the former spouses. In situations like this, the importance of having competent legal counsel cannot be overstated, especially if you desire to have an active part in your children’s lives going forward.