Troy Divorce Lawyers
The decision to end a marriage is rarely an easy one. Sometimes, speaking with an attorney who can answer your questions and provide insights into possible outcomes will help you and your spouse decide what steps to take.
At Sakis & Sakis, PLC, in Troy, we represent individuals throughout metro Detroit in divorce and the full spectrum of
family law matters. We help our clients understand Michigan family laws regarding
child custody,
child support,
property division and
spousal support.
Navigating The Divorce Process
In Michigan, a person filing for divorce is known as the plaintiff and the respondent is the defendant. An individual must be a resident of Michigan for the past six months in order to file for divorce. The complaint is filed in the county where you or your spouse has lived for the previous 10 days.
A defendant is required to file a formal answer to a complaint for divorce within 21 days (28 days if the complaint is served by mail or if the defendant is out of state). Interim orders regarding temporary custody of children and how financial issues will be handled while the divorce is completed must be filed with the court. If you and your spouse cannot agree, a judge will make these decisions.
Parents of minor children must attend a meeting with the Friend of the Court to determine both parties’ mindset regarding parenting plans, custody and child support. If wide discrepancies in these areas exist, more than one meeting may be necessary.
Collaborative Divorce And Legal Separation
Increasingly, couples are interested in avoiding litigation completely by agreeing to terms on the key decisions that must be made amicably through negotiation or mediation. This allows the parties to reduce stress, save costs and retain more control over the look and feel of their post-divorce lives. Even in these collaborative divorces, however, it is important to have experienced legal counsel protect your rights and guide you through the process.
Other married couples opt for legal separation as a precursor or alternative to divorce. Michigan law allows for a “separate maintenance action,” which essentially divides a couple’s assets and debt, establishes custody and creates a parenting plan, but the couple remains married. Separate maintenance actions may be used for religious purposes when divorce is prohibited or in situations where one spouse needs to remain on the other spouse’s medical insurance coverage.
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