Grand Rapids Divorce Attorney
A Trusted Michigan Divorce Firm for 10+ Years
Divorce is never an easy situation, but having a reliable advocate on your side can go a long way in making the process smoother and end quicker. Regardless of whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, it is in your best interest to speak with a divorce attorney early in the process to get an evaluation of your situation from an experienced legal perspective.
At The Wealthy Street Law Firm, we offer free initial consultations with our knowledgeable Grand Rapids divorce lawyer. This is a chance for you to tell us about your situation and learn more about the divorce process. If you decide that you would like legal representation and become a client, we can help you to plan out your next steps.
Call (616) 202-3988 to speak with a Grand Rapids divorce attorney and schedule a free consultation.
Filing for Divorce in Michigan
Every state has different rules and regulations for divorce. Having an experienced Grand Rapids divorce lawyer by your side can be a major benefit in that they can help you understand the various legal procedures and get through them efficiently.
The basics of divorce in Michigan:
- You must be a resident of Michigan for 180 days before filing for divorce in the state. Only the person filing for divorce must meet this criteria.
- If you have no minor children, you must wait 60 days before finalizing the divorce. If you do have children, the waiting period is usually 6 months unless there are special circumstances.
- Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not need grounds for divorce other than stating that there has been a breakdown in the marriage.
- If there is a dispute in how to divide property, spouses may begin making fault claims against each other in order to obtain more. This is one reason you always want an attorney representing you in these matters.
- If you took your spouse’s surname at the time of marriage, you can have it changed back at the time of divorce or change it to something completely different.
- Spouses cannot be legally remarried until a divorce is finalized.
As stated above, the waiting period to finalize divorce can take time. Couples sometimes opt for reconciling their differences through legal separation or mediation counsel instead. In this case, our divorce attorney in Grand Rapids can still assist you!
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in Michigan
In Michigan, divorces are classified as either contested or uncontested, each with distinct processes and implications.
Uncontested Divorce:
- An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all major issues, such as property division, child custody, child support, spousal support, and debt allocation. This type of divorce is usually quicker and less costly because it requires less legal intervention and fewer court appearances.
- The process starts with one spouse filing a divorce complaint. The other spouse responds, agreeing to the outlined terms. A judge reviews the agreement to ensure it is fair and complies with Michigan law. Once approved, the judge finalizes the divorce decree.
- Benefits of uncontested divorce include lower legal costs, faster resolution, and reduced emotional stress. It allows both parties to maintain greater control over the outcome rather than leaving decisions to a judge.
Contested Divorce:
- In a contested divorce, spouses disagree on one or more key issues. This type of divorce can be more complex, time-consuming, and costly due to the need for legal representation, court hearings, and possibly a trial.
- The contested divorce process begins similarly, with one spouse filing a complaint and the other responding. However, due to the lack of mutual agreement, both parties must engage in discovery, exchange financial documents, and participate in mediation or negotiation sessions. If disputes remain unresolved, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge makes the final decisions on said issues.
- Contested divorces can be emotionally taxing and adversarial, but they are sometimes necessary to ensure a fair resolution when significant disagreements exist.
In Michigan, whether a divorce is contested or uncontested significantly impacts the duration, cost, and complexity of the process. Understanding the differences can help individuals navigate their divorce more effectively.
Seeking an Annulment in Michigan
An annulment is a unique type of matrimonial action which is different from divorce. While a divorce recognizes that a marriage took place and terminates it, an annulment essentially acts as if the divorce never happened. There are very specific conditions that must apply to your situation to qualify for an annulment, which we can go over with you to see if this is the right action for you.
You may qualify for an annulment if:
- You or your spouse was under the age of 18 when you got married
- Mental illness or incapacitation prevented either spouse from consenting to the marriage
- There is proof of fraud, false pretenses, or force which led to the marriage
- One spouse has been incapable of consummating the marriage
Get a Free Consultation with a Grand Rapids Divorce Lawyer Today!
Even when a divorce is amicable at first, the situation can take many turns as the situation progresses when it comes to making decisions about child custody, visitation, child support, and alimony If you do not have a Grand Rapids divorce attorney to represent you, at least have one in mind in case you need professional legal assistance. Call The Wealthy Street Law Firm to set up a free case review. We go above and beyond to protect our clients’ futures.
Contact The Wealthy Street Law Firm online or call (616) 202-3988 today to speak with a Grand Rapids divorce lawyer.
Client Testimonials
See What People Are Saying
-
"Lee Coppage is amazing!"Lee Coppage is an absolute Lion in court! When I first saw this fresh-faced and young Attorney I had a moment of doubt until I heard him speak in Court and to opposing Attorney. He was fearless, articulate, forceful, and didn't hesitate to make himself heard. After 3 years of court dates, I believe this circus would have continued if not for him. Thank you Lee, you are my hero!!!- Millie
-
"An amazing team."I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of their phenomenal services!- Hannah C.
-
"Never judge a book by its cover!!!!"I can’t express my gratitude enough to Mike for the excellence in his field! At first I wasn’t sure, he was so quiet, but don’t let that fool you! He knows what he’s doing! I was totally impressed as time moved along. I’ve definitely learned, you don’t judge a book by the cover! And Leah was outstanding working with on any questions that I had! Thank you Mike and Leah and the firm! Outstanding! If you need a good lawyer, YOU FOUND THEM HERE!- Jim
-
"Great lawyers the best I have ever seen."Great lawyers the best I have ever seen. This place has the best people who are extremely nice and happy people. And the price is set at such a fair and great price.- Michael K.
-
"Amaizing team"They fight for whats best for you, family is their most importan mater. Michael King help me with my divorce when I was feeling hopeless about my case. He stud up for my daughter's safety and my rights I would go to them in a heart beat if ever needed help again. I just can't thank them enough Michael, Jackelyn, and hennessey they are all exelent people.- Veronica G. Herrera
-
"Outstanding professional service"Wayne and his staff turned an otherwise painful situation into a quick and easy process. Thorough and professional. Thanks Wayne!- Timothy Stamm
-
"Great results"Thank god I found this firm. The offices of Wayne Crowe came through for me big time. I wanna especially thank Mr. Lee Coppage he was exactly what my case needed. He was very aggressive but professional at the same time. I got full custody of my daughter today and couldn't be happier.- Steve Hernandez
-
"Very honest and caring people."Very honest and caring people. Highly would recommend using this law firm.- Kelsey C.
