Livonia Divorce Attorney
Between strict deadlines, emotionally charged negotiations, and complicated legal paperwork, navigating the waters of divorce is a difficult task. It is for this reason that many people seek support from a Livonia divorce attorney, who has the skill and experience necessary to make the process smoother for all parties involved.
At Melissa Pearce & Associates, PLC, we put our clients’ goals and interests first, focusing on achieving the greatest outcomes for them and their families. Whether you are considering filing for divorce in Michigan, or you are already in the middle of the process, speaking with an attorney can benefit your case. Consider contacting us at (248) 397-9606 to learn more about how Melissa Pearce, a compassionate, dedicated Livonia divorce attorney can help you.
How Does Divorce Work in Michigan?
The process of divorce in Michigan is similar to that of other states, with minor differences in the procedural requirements. According to MCL Section 552.9, in Michigan, a person can file for divorce if they or their spouse have lived in the state for at least 180 days, or six months. Once the residency requirement has been met, a person can file divorce in the appropriate county. For Livonia residents, this is the Wayne County Circuit Court – Family Division.
Once all the relevant paperwork is filed with the county clerk, it is necessary to serve the other spouse with divorce papers. Papers can be served either in person, by a family friend or local law enforcement, or via certified or registered mail. Once the other spouse has been served with the papers, they can choose to respond or to ignore the complaint, resulting in an uncontested divorce.
Then, the divorce process will continue according to the unique circumstances of the family. Property and assets will be evaluated and divided. If there are children involved, their case and custody will be decided upon. If spousal support must be provided, these matters will be negotiated. Any issues that cannot be resolved between the spouses will be decided upon by the court. If disputes arise during negotiations, a Livonia divorce attorney can help settle these matters.
What Services Do We Provide?
At Melissa Pearce & Associates, PLC, we pride ourselves on having created a compassionate and sensitive atmosphere for the individuals and families we work with. Every family is unique and we offer flexible services to match. Some of the more common matters that we handle include:
- Divorce
- Legal separation
- Child custody and support
- Spousal support
- Asset and property evaluation
- Asset and property division
- Pre and post-nuptial agreements
- Paternity issues
- Protective and temporary orders
What sets us apart is that our services go beyond legal counsel. We help our clients work through the emotional matters that arise during the divorce process as well by offering support and guidance. This is especially true when children are involved in the divorce, as the challenges faced by them are particularly difficult. We work diligently to keep children separate from the process, and all potential disputes, as much as possible. Moreover, we offer support for how to better approach conversations regarding divorce with your children.
Melissa Pearce is an experienced Livonia divorce attorney with the knowledge and background necessary to make your divorce as smooth and stress-free as possible. By avoiding major pitfalls and mediating stressful disagreements, we help save our clients time and money during their divorce.
Frequently Asked Question
After spending more than a decade counseling individuals and families through divorce, the top question that we receive during client and pre-engagement meetings is:
What Do I Do If I Get Served Divorce Papers?
After being served divorce papers, you have a choice of how to act. The first step is crucial: read the papers thoroughly and ensure that you understand all deadlines and time-frames. The summons will list how many days that you have to respond. In any legal proceeding, maintaining deadlines is absolutely essential to the success of your case. If you fail to meet the deadlines listed on the divorce papers, the court may assume that you agree to all the terms listed by your spouse in the complaint. This can result in you being left out of key decisions and negotiations.
Once all the major deadlines have been acknowledged, it is time to decide how you want to respond to the papers. Generally, the options available to you are as follows:
- Respond: you can address each individual demand listed in the complaint, paragraph by paragraph, and pose any counterclaims that you have to the terms listed. You can approve or deny the terms or ask for further information to be provided.
- Ignore: if you wait too long to respond, or choose to ignore the papers altogether, the decision-making will be left up to your spouse and the court.
Responding to papers alerts the court that you wish to exercise your rights and be involved in the process. The divorce can proceed uncontested if you agree to all the terms listed in the complaint. If you reject any of the terms, however, it will be necessary to negotiate these issues with your spouse.
Seeking legal assistance from a Livonia divorce attorney can be incredibly valuable in the moments after being served with divorce papers. An experienced lawyer can ensure that all deadlines are met, that all negotiations are handled with tact, and that your rights are upheld at every step of the process.
How A Livonia Divorce Attorney at Melissa Pearce & Associates, PLC Can Help
While it is sometimes necessary, divorce is never easy. At its worst, the process can be emotionally draining, time-consuming, and costly. It is possible, however, to ease the burden and achieve a smooth divorce. With the help of an experienced Livonia divorce attorney, you can begin this new chapter of your life faster and easier than you imagined. For more information about how we can help with your unique case, consider contacting Melissa Peace & Associates, PLC at (248) 397-9606 today.
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