Wixom Divorce Lawyer
The decision to file for divorce is never an easy one, however moving through this complicated process does not need to cause major stress. Melissa Pearce is a Wixom divorce lawyer experienced in handling all aspects of divorce and separation in Michigan. Through our holistic and steadfast approach, we are better able to help our clients achieve a smooth and peaceful divorce. Contact us today at (248) 397-9606 to learn more about how we can assist you and your family.
Understanding the Divorce Process
Divorce refers to the formal ending of a marriage. When a couple pursues a divorce, they are seeking legal action to terminate the bonds of matrimony. Since divorce is a legal process, overseen and confirmed by the courts, there are significant personal and financial consequences. It should be noted that divorce is different from separate maintenance, which results in the separation of assets but not the dissolution of marriage.
Seeking Divorce in Michigan
To seek divorce in Michigan, a residency requirement must be met. This means that at least one spouse is required to have lived in Michigan for a minimum of six months. Divorce will be filed in the county where either spouse lives. So, if one spouse lives in Oakland County while the other lives in Wayne county, divorce can be filed with the family court in either county.
To begin divorce proceedings in Michigan, either person will file a complaint with the court and serve papers to the other spouse. Once the other spouse is served with papers, they have the option to answer the complaint or agree to the terms of the divorce. If all terms of the divorce are agreed upon, or if the spouse fails to acknowledge the complaint altogether, then the divorce is considered uncontested.
Is Michigan a No-Fault Divorce State?
Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that no specific reason needs to be cited in order to legally end a marriage. Under MCL Section 552.6(1), either spouse can seek divorce due to a breakdown of marriage that is beyond repair. It is possible to provide more specific reasoning for the divorce, however, such as adultery or abandonment. While not necessary, these factors may play a role in how the court decides other matters, such as custody of children.
Navigating Divorce with Children
At Melissa Pearce & Associates, PLC, we center our practice around the values of compassion and care. Navigating divorce is particularly stressful for the children involved, and we approach issues of child custody and care with the utmost sensitivity.
We work to protect children as much as possible throughout the process, prioritizing their wellbeing at every step. Wixom divorce lawyer Melissa Pearce has counseled parents on how to approach conversations with their children and how to most successfully work through custody and visitation issues with minimal tension.
How We Can Help – Our Services
We have spent over a decade counseling our clients in every aspect of divorce and separation. Wixom divorce lawyer Melissa Pearce has dedicated years to her craft and clearly understands the unique needs of families navigating divorce. As such, as our team can offer a variety of flexible end-to-end divorce services to fit your needs, including:
- Divorce complaints
- Asset, property, and debt division
- Spousal support and alimony
- Child custody and visitation
- Asset evaluation and distribution
- Separation maintenance
- Protective orders
- Pre and post-nuptial agreements
Divorce is legally complex, and the stakes are high, impacting the personal and financial affairs of all parties involved. From asset division to child custody agreements, some of these issues can lead to disagreements and lengthy court disputes. Through empathetic and skillful negotiation, we help our clients avoid the most common time-consuming and costly pitfalls.
Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions are important to us. As a leading family law firm in Michigan, many individuals approach us with the following inquiries:
When Should I Contact a Wixom Divorce Lawyer?
The decision to seek professional legal counsel is an important one, and timing matters. Generally speaking, contacting an attorney at the onset of the divorce proceedings can be beneficial. An experienced family law attorney can help avoid the common mistakes that people make when filing (and responding to) a divorce complaint.
Seeking legal assistance as early in the process as possible can also help to avoid disputes. There are a variety of negotiation strategies and approaches, such as mediation and arbitration, that can be used to work through disagreements with as little stress as possible. A divorce lawyer will understand how to effectively navigate the divorce process and provide an objective, third-party perspective that can help avoid emotionally charged conversations between spouses.
How Do I Choose a Good Wixom Divorce Lawyer?
Assuming that you have made the choice to seek legal assistance, the question of how to select a good attorney naturally arises. Especially when it comes to family matters, it is important to choose a lawyer who you can trust to represent and advocate for your interests. To identify an attorney who you feel comfortable with and trust, consider having an honest conversation regarding your needs, concerns, and objectives. The following questions may help you shed light on whether this attorney is a good choice for you:
- How often are you able to settle divorce cases out of court?
- Will you communicate with me about the developments of my case? If so, how often will we be in contact?
- What are the costs of your services?
- Do you have experience navigating high-conflict divorces?
- What can I expect from the divorce process?
While these are merely a few points of conversation that you can bring up with a Wixom divorce lawyer, they can help you identify whether the attorney’s vision aligns with yours. Above all, however, it is critical that you can be open and honest with your divorce lawyer. Feeling comfortable and supported by the attorney is a good sign!
Speak With A Wixom Divorce Lawyer at Melissa Pearce & Associates Today
Whether you are considering filing for divorce or are during the process, we provide counseling to keep the proceedings on track and ensure that your interests are upheld. Divorce is never easy, but we can help reduce the stress. Set up a pre-engagement meeting with an experienced Wixom divorce lawyer at (248) 397-9606 today.
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