Plymouth Divorce Attorney
There are many factors that play into the decision to seek divorce. Between the impact on children, the financial and legal implications, and the stress of the process, divorce can be incredibly daunting to many people. While it is true that divorce is a complicated process, it does not need to be overwhelming. Seeking guidance from an experienced Plymouth divorce attorney can help greatly to alleviate the anxiety surrounding divorce.
Melissa Pearce & Associates, PLC is a leading family law firm based in Michigan. We serve residents of the Plymouth area, helping them to navigate the bumpy roads of the divorce process one step at a time. Using our skill, knowledge, and dedication, we have helped numerous families to achieve a smooth divorce and begin the process of starting anew. To learn more about how we can improve your case, consider scheduling a pre-engagement meeting or call us at (248) 397-9606 today.
The Michigan Divorce Process
Each state has a unique set of laws that govern the divorce process. This is because divorce has significant legal consequences for a family, resulting in the termination of a formal marriage and the division of all assets, property, and debt. The process can be further complicated by the presence of sensitive matters, as disagreements may arise regarding the care and wellbeing of children, for instance. For this reason, laws have been put in place to guide these decisions and, if need be, grant decision-making power to the court in the event of serious disputes.
The divorce process begins when one spouse files paperwork with the relevant court system. For residents of Plymouth, Michigan, this is the Wayne County Circuit Court – Family Division. There does not need to be a specific reason for seeking divorce aside from an irreparable breakdown of the marriage, as stated in Section 552.6 of the MCL.
Once the courts have received the paperwork, which includes a complaint and summons, among other documentation, the other spouse must be notified. Serving a spouse with divorce papers can take place in person – by a third party – or via certified or registered mail. The spouse will have either 21 or 28 days to respond, depending on the way they were served papers. If the other spouse responds, then negotiations may begin. If they fail to respond, or they accept all the terms of the divorce, then the process can move forward uncontested.
How Long Does the Divorce Process Take?
Negotiations can take anywhere between a few weeks to a year, or more, depending on the circumstances of the divorce. If both parties cannot reach agreements regarding asset division and child care or custody, for example, then the divorce can take a great deal of time. Seeking assistance from a Plymouth divorce attorney at Melissa Pearce & Associates, PLC can help make the process faster and easier by handling difficult negotiations with sensitivity and tact.
How Can a Plymouth Divorce Attorney Help?
Our practice is client-centered, meaning we place your interests at the forefront of all negotiations and agreements. In doing so, we are able to deliver the highest quality services to Plymouth families. Our practice areas include:
- Divorce
- Legal separation or “separate maintenance”
- Child custody and support
- Visitation agreements
- Alimony and spousal support
- Asset evaluation and division
- Pre and post-nuptial agreements
- Paternity
- Protective orders
Every family is unique and the same approaches cannot be used across the board. We adapt our services to fit the needs of every individual and family that we serve. This is what sets our practice apart from the rest. We take the time to learn about your goals and your needs and work diligently to translate them into agreements that benefit you and your family.
Children and Divorce: Our Approach
When children are present in a marriage, divorce impacts them much differently than it does the parents. While the parents are focused on navigating the complexities of property division and support, children can easily feel the stress of the process.
When children are involved, we take the utmost care in protecting their interests and safeguarding them from difficult conversations as much as possible. When these conversations must involve the children, however, a Plymouth divorce attorney from our team can provide support and counseling to parents regarding how to better navigate these issues.
Frequently Asked Question
After spending over ten years counseling Plymouth families through divorce and separation, we have narrowed down the most pressing questions. One of the most frequently asked questions that we receive includes:
What Are the Most Important Questions to Ask My Plymouth Divorce Attorney?
When you are vetting a potential divorce attorney, it is important to take care in ensuring that their vision and practice aligns with what you need. While the questions that you ask a Plymouth divorce attorney will vary depending on your goals and your situation, some of the following can help get you started:
- How long have you been practicing family law? Do you focus on divorce and related issues?
- Do you have a strategy for my case?
- What should I expect from the divorce process?
- How will we communicate about my case? How often will we communicate?
- What is your law firm’s fee structure?
- Will I need to communicate directly with my spouse during the divorce?
These questions are an ideal starting point for you to get to know potential attorneys and evaluate how the process will move forward with their counsel. Above all, it is important that you can trust your Plymouth divorce attorney and that they will defend your rights throughout the process with honesty and integrity.
Navigating Divorce with Melissa Pearce & Associates, PLC
We began our practice to help families work through the difficulties of divorce in a smoother and more peaceful way. Over the past ten years, our law firm has steadily built upon the principles of trust and compassion, and this shows in our work.
As a leading Michigan family law firm, we provide high quality guidance and legal counsel relating to all matters of divorce. You do not need to navigate the process alone. Consider contacting Melissa Pearce & Associates, PLC at (248) 397-9606 to speak with an experienced Plymouth divorce attorney today.
Related Links: