If you’re considering filing for divorce, you might wonder if you can get a divorce without a lawyer. While it is possible to file for divorce in Michigan without a lawyer, the chances of obtaining a fair outcome increase significantly with effective legal representation.
Representing yourself in divorce proceedings can be stressful and time-consuming because of complex laws, tight deadlines, and lengthy paperwork. A divorce is challenging enough without the extra burden of handling a legal case. An experienced divorce attorney can offer sound advice and take care of all the legal details, giving you peace of mind and time to focus on yourself and your family. It’s essential to consider the divorce laws in Michigan, the assets that might be contested, and how an attorney could help secure your future.
What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Michigan?
Michigan is a “no-fault” divorce state, meaning a person doesn’t need to prove that their spouse did anything wrong, such as adultery or abuse, to get a divorce. Someone filing for divorce only needs to show an irretrievable breakdown in the marriage that is unlikely to be repaired.
The only requirements for obtaining a divorce in Michigan are that the person filing or their spouse must have lived in Michigan for 180 days before filing and must have lived in the county where the divorce papers are filed for at least ten days before filing.
What Is the Difference Between a Contested and Uncontested Divorce?
In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all divorce-related issues, including property division, custody, child support, and alimony. While the parties can work out the significant divorce terms themselves, an attorney can still help ensure that all the necessary legal documents are accurate before filing.
In a contested divorce, the parties cannot agree on one or more material issues. In such cases, the court might decide on these matters or order the parties to work with a mediator. Contested divorces are typically complex, time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally challenging.
Some of the common reasons for contested divorces include disagreements over:
- Division of marital property or debts
- Division of retirement benefits
- Asset valuation
- Child custody or visitation rights
- Child support payments
- Parenting decisions
- Alimony payments
How Can a Family Lawyer Help in a Divorce?
When you hire a seasoned family lawyer for your divorce case, you can count on them to help you by:
- Offering objective advice based on years of experience
- Ensuring your case paperwork is prepared accurately and submitted on time
- Providing a buffer between you and your spouse to minimize conflict and reduce stress
- Exploring alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation
- Gathering and presenting evidence to support your case
- Negotiating on your behalf to achieve favorable outcomes
- Representing you in court hearings, if necessary, and advocating for your interests
Contact the Michigan Divorce Lawyers at Alward Fisher
The family law lawyers at Alward Fisher offer effective legal representation, personalized services, and decades of combined experience. Trust our team of talented attorneys and support staff to protect your rights at every stage of the divorce process. Contact us now for your confidential case evaluation.
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At Alward Fisher, we provide more than savvy legal representation. We provide peace of mind. Peace of mind for your business. Peace of mind for your family. And the peace of mind for your future. No matter what types of legal challenges you are facing, we can help you find solutions.