Brighton Divorce Lawyer

More and more, divorcing couples are looking to a Brighton divorce lawyer to save them time, money, and stress during the divorce process. For many people, divorce can be one of the most tumultuous and emotionally taxing experiences of their lives. Handling all the relevant paperwork, negotiating property distribution, and navigating custody or support agreements can quickly become burdensome.

At Melissa Pearce & Associates, PLC, we provide our clients with guidance to achieve a peaceful and smooth divorce. While disagreements are often inevitable, they do not need to become expensive and time-consuming problems. We advocate and negotiate on behalf of our clients to avoid these pitfalls. Regardless of which phase of the divorce process you are in, our experienced Brighton divorce lawyers can help. Call us at (248) 397-9606 to set up a pre-engagement meeting today.

What is Divorce?

Divorce is a legal process that results in the dissolvement of a formal marriage. Given the legal and financial ramifications of divorce, there is an incredibly specific set of procedures and laws that govern the process. Courts must oversee the process from start to finish, ultimately approving of the terms of the divorce before a marriage is officially terminated.

It should be noted that divorce is different from separate maintenance or annulment. While these processes are similar under Michigan law, the end result is different. For instance, when a couple pursues separate maintenance in Michigan, their assets, property, and debts are divided but their marriage is not legally terminated.

What We Do

Melissa Peace & Associates, PLC, is a foremost Michigan based law firm focusing on all areas of family law. Our Brighton divorce lawyers have been counseling individuals and families through the divorce process for over a decade, handling even the most complex cases and issues. Our practice is holistic, touching on all areas of divorce and family matters, including:

Filing divorce complaints
Negotiating spousal support and alimony
Handling child custody and care agreements
Evaluating and distributing assets
Drafting pre and post-nuptial agreements
Filing and enforcing protective orders
Navigating paternity issues

Our practice is flexible by design, meaning we can (and do) adapt our services to fit the needs of our clients. Above all, we seek to serve as trusted confidants, diligent advocators, and adept negotiators for our clients, providing the support system they need to work through the divorce process.

Children & Divorce

It is common for disagreements to arise when children are present in a divorce. In many cases, parents cannot reach a compromise regarding custody, care, and/or support. These issues can have a great impact on children and can lead to them feeling stuck in the middle. We take great care in handling these challenges, protecting them from undue involvement and stress. Having conversations regarding divorce can be exceedingly difficult and we offer counseling on how to best talk through these matters with your children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Every day, our Brighton divorce lawyers answer a variety of different questions from current and prospective clients alike. Two of the most frequently asked questions that we receive include:

How Do I Get Divorce Papers?

To get papers, you must begin the process of initiating the divorce. To do so, it is important that you or your spouse meets the residency requirement in the state. According to MCL Section 552.9, either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months in order to file for divorce here.

After confirming that you meet the residency requirements, it is necessary to gather the appropriate documentation to file with the court. This includes a summons, complaint, and other required paperwork. The required paperwork will depend on whether you have children and whether custody and support must be worked through. This documentation will be filed with the appropriate county court. For residents of Brighton, this is the Livingston County Circuit Court – Family Division.

What Happens After My Divorce Papers Are Filed?

Once the courts receive your filing, it is necessary to serve your spouse with papers. Another person can serve your spouse with papers – be it a relative, friend, or the local or county police department. Alternatively, you can choose to mail the papers by certified or registered mail. Make sure that papers are served within the allotted time frame (91 days in Michigan), otherwise the divorce case will be dismissed.

Once your spouse is served with the divorce papers, they have the option to either respond, accept all terms of the divorce, or ignore the papers altogether. The latter two options will result in an uncontested divorce, which is smooth and straightforward for all parties involved. If your spouse does not agree to the terms, however, they have the option to respond and present counterclaims. In this case, speaking with a Brighton divorce lawyer can be valuable to ensure that your rights and goals are upheld during negotiations.

Speak With An Experienced Brighton Divorce Lawyer Today

Divorce is a legally complicated process, riddled with formal requirements and excessive paperwork. We help individuals and families to navigate this process, avoiding potential pitfalls along the way. At Melissa Pearce & Associates, PLC, we pride ourselves on being more than just legal counsel for our clients; we are trusted advisors and confidants as well. For more information regarding how we can help you navigate divorce, or to simply speak with a knowledgeable Brighton divorce lawyer about your case, consider contact us at (248) 397-9606 today.

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