Michigan Divorce Lawyer - Kraayeveld Family Law

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Pursuing a divorce in Michigan can raise many questions. “What steps should I take to start my divorce?” “How long does a divorce take?” “Do I need a lawyer to get a divorce?” At Kraayeveld Family Law, we’re here to provide the answers and support you need.

Our experienced family law attorneys have a reputation for taking on contentious and complex divorce matters throughout West Michigan. We can guide you through each step of your divorce case, from initial filings to final agreements, and ensure that your best interests are at the forefront.

We understand how immensely life-changing a divorce can be on you, your children, and your future. You have real concerns and crucial questions that need immediate answers. So, our lawyers and legal team make it a priority to promptly respond to your calls and emails. We have a one-business-day guarantee, which assures that you won’t have to wait longer than necessary for us.

If your marriage is coming to an end, contact us for an initial consultation session. We’ll discuss your needs and let you know how we can assist you throughout the divorce process.

Why You Need an Attorney for Your Divorce Case

If you’ve been wondering how to get a divorce in Michigan, your first step should be to hire a lawyer. The process of divorce is often complex, with numerous legal steps and important decisions that can have significant impacts on your future. An attorney will help you understand every aspect of the process and guide you effectively on how to file for divorce in Michigan. They will also protect your rights during the entire process, whether you’re dealing with splitting property, arranging child custody, or negotiating financial support.

For over 30 years, Kraayeveld Family Law has assisted clients with all types of divorce cases, including:

Divorces with children
Divorces without children

Our experienced Michigan divorce lawyers can also handle other divorce-related matters, such as:

Property and asset division
Temporary relief orders
Annulments

What Are the Differences Between Contested Divorce and Uncontested Divorce?

In a contested divorce, the parties cannot agree on one or more key issues, such as child custody, property division, or alimony. This typically means they must go through a discovery process and possibly a trial where a judge will decide on these contested issues. This type of divorce can be lengthy and expensive due to the legal proceedings and the potential for multiple court appearances. There may also be situations in which one of the divorcing parties will want to appeal a ruling, which could add more time and expense to the matter.

On the other hand, an uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all essential issues from the start. This agreement allows them to avoid a trial, significantly speeding up the process. Uncontested divorces are generally simpler, less stressful, and less costly because they require fewer legal services and less time in court.

Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. This means that you don’t need to prove wrongdoing by the other party to get a divorce. You simply have to state that your marriage has irretrievably broken down and cannot be repaired. This rule applies to both contested and uncontested divorces, which simplifies the process, as the couple doesn’t have to provide proof of the reasons behind their divorce in court.

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Client Reviews

I highly recommend Kraayeveld Family Law to anyone needing a family law attorney. The attorneys and staff fight hard to get the best possible outcome for your individual case. They are honest, trustworthy, and experienced, focusing solely on family law. I always know I am getting the best advice from attorneys Courtney Sierra and Jim Kraayeveld, and couldn’t imagine working with any other law firm. You will feel better knowing you have Kraayeveld Family Law in your corner.

- Wes on Google Review

Kraayeveld Family Law were extremely helpful! Jordan was working with me and my child time case. He was helpful, nice and responsive. He is very knowledgeable and explained information and the steps thoroughly.

- Jake on Google Review

Professionalism, Integrity and Rigor are a few words that best describe Kraayeveld Family Law. Jim is kind and hard working and gets the job done. I trust them to know their stuff.

- James on Google Review

The services that Kraayeveld Family Law are one of the best everyone who helped me there had a smile on their face, they also where very professional and right to the point they got everything resolved in a very timely manner i would highly recommend them.

- Julian on Google Review

In a state of distress I called multiple family law firms, I’m so blessed that this is where I was led. Even through multiple stalls from opposing counsel my attorney kept me informed and comforted in the process. I am pleased with the outcome.

- Anna on Google Review

Brooke A. Johnston

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Does it Matter Who Files the Divorce First in Michigan video image

What Are Common Issues in Getting a Divorce?

At Kraayeveld Family Law, we provide compassionate and thoughtful support for the following common issues that typically arise during divorce proceedings:

Child Custody

Determining who the couple’s child or children will live with and how the parents will divide parenting responsibilities based on the child’s best interests

Visitation

Setting a schedule for the non-custodial parent to spend time with the child or children so both parents can maintain a relationship with them

Child Support

Calculating how much money the non-custodial parent will pay the other to help cover their children’s living expenses based on the parents’ incomes and the children’s needs

Parental Relocation

Addressing whether a move is in the children’s best interests and how it will affect visitation and custody when a parent wants to move to a new location

School Choice

Deciding where the child should attend school, which often requires agreement from both parents, especially when they share custody

Spousal Support

Determining whether one spouse must provide financial support to the other during and after the divorce based on such factors as the length of the marriage and both parties’ incomes

Grandparents’ Rights

Addressing grandparents’ rights to seek visitation with their grandchildren, especially if family dynamics change significantly after a divorce

Prenuptial Agreements

Accounting for prenuptial agreements, which come into play if the couple set terms before marriage about the division of assets and responsibilities

Asset Division

Dividing property and debts between spouses, aiming for a fair allocation based on their individual needs and respective contributions during the marriage

Parental Alienation

A serious issue that arises when one parent negatively influences the child against the other, potentially impacting custody decisions

What Does a High Net Worth Divorce Involve?

A high net worth divorce involves the dissolution of marriage between individuals with substantial assets. These divorces typically require complex legal considerations and detailed financial valuations of substantial and diverse properties in order to divide wealth equitably.

Divorce attorneys often must work with financial experts in these cases to identify and split valuable assets, which might include:

Homes and other real estate, such as vacation, rental, and timeshare properties
Closely held business interests and other corporate assets
Luxury items like cars, jewelry, and art collections

Financial investments, including stock options and extensive portfolio holdings
Retirement assets, which can include pensions, 401(k) plans, and IRAs
Insurance policies

If you’re in a high net worth situation, contact a Michigan divorce attorney at Kraayeveld Family Law to learn how to protect your interests.

Are There Residential Requirements When Filing for a Michigan Divorce?

Yes, there are residential requirements when filing for a divorce in Michigan. Specifically, one of the spouses must have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days before filing. Additionally, you must file in the county where either spouse has lived for at least 10 days before filing. These requirements ensure that Michigan courts have the jurisdiction to handle the divorce. Determining whether you meet these residency requirements is one of the first steps to starting the divorce procedure in Michigan.

Are There Factors of ‘Fault’ a Judge Could Consider in a Divorce Judgment?

Yes. Even though Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, there are situations where a judge might consider factors of fault in a divorce judgment. These factors can influence decisions on alimony, property division, and even custody arrangements.

Fault-based factors that a judge might consider include:

Spousal abuse
Adultery or infidelity
Desertion or abandonment
Criminal matters

If one spouse’s behavior negatively impacts the marriage or the family’s financial situation, the judge might use this information to adjust the divorce terms. It’s worth noting that while these factors can play a role, they do not prevent either spouse from filing for divorce.

How Long Could It Take for My Divorce to Become Finalized?

The time it takes to finalize a divorce in Michigan can vary significantly depending on several factors. There is a mandatory waiting period of 60 days for divorces without children and 180 days for divorces involving children. However, these are just minimums. The whole process could take much longer if there are contested issues such as child custody, asset division, or spousal support. If both parties agree on all terms, the divorce can proceed quickly after the waiting period. In cases with disputes, it could take months or even years to finalize, depending on the complexity of the issues and the court’s schedule.

Can I Have My Divorce Decree Modified?

Yes, you can modify your divorce decree in Michigan, but you must meet specific conditions to do so.

Modifications are usually possible when significant changes in circumstances affect the original terms of the divorce. For example, a substantial change in either party’s income might necessitate changes to spousal support or child support payments. Additionally, custody or visitation rights changes might be possible if one parent’s living situation or behavior changes in a way that impacts their ability to parent effectively.

To modify a decree, you must petition the court, demonstrate that the changes are necessary, and justify an alteration of the divorce terms.

What Divorce Situations Would Necessitate an Appeal?

Appealing your divorce judgment might be necessary if you believe a legal error occurred during the proceedings. Common situations that might necessitate an appeal include:

A judge misapplying the law
Wrongly admitting or excluding evidence
Making decisions without sufficient factual support

An appeal could also be appropriate if asset division, custody, or financial support determinations seem grossly unjust or not based on accurate information.

Filing an appeal requires you to act quickly, as there are strict deadlines for challenging a court’s decision. It’s best to consult an experienced appellate lawyer from Kraayeveld Family Law to understand your options in these situations.

How Much Does a Divorce Cost?

The cost of the Michigan divorce process can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case and whether it is contested or uncontested.

Generally, an uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all terms, is less expensive. For contested divorces, where disagreements about assets, custody, or other issues lead to court battles, the costs can escalate significantly.