Michigan Divorce Attorneys Deliver Comprehensive Counsel

Metamora family lawyers assist with the marriage dissolution process

The end of a marriage is a time of great turmoil. However, the decisions you make could affect you and your children for years to come, so it is essential to hire the right lawyer who can help you make smart choices. At Kohl, Harris, Nolan & McCarthy, P.C. in Metamora, we are Michigan family law attorneys who provide personalized counsel so that spouses can safeguard what’s important to them and obtain favorable terms on parenting and financial matters.

How are decisions on custody, child support and alimony made?

As a no-fault divorce state, Michigan does not dissolve marriages based on adultery or any other type of marital misconduct. The only ground that is recognized is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Even if you agree on all divorce terms, you must wait at least 60 days before the dissolution is granted. If you have one or more minor children, that timeframe is extended to 180 days. Though you and your spouse might want to resolve your issues promptly, sometimes you must engage in negotiations, or even litigation, to achieve your objectives. Our family lawyers deliver strong representation in matters related to:

• Child custody — Establishing a fair, detailed child custody framework helps both parents and children move forward positively after a divorce. After discussing your son or daughter’s needs, we will look to secure appropriate terms relating to legal authority, residence and parenting time.
• Child support — Michigan child support rates usually hinge primarily on the parents’ income and the amount of time the child or children spend in each home. Our firm handles all types of situations relating to child support, including enforcement actions and the funding of expenses that are not included in the state’s formula.
• Alimony — When one party earned most or all of the household income, spousal support might be awarded while the divorce is pending and after the marriage is dissolved. You can rely on us for honest advice regarding the factors used in alimony decisions and effective advocacy if a disagreement exists.

No one looks forward to divorce, but with the right guidance, you can obtain a favorable result that allows you to move to the next chapter of your life with confidence.

Property division matters

Most assets acquired by either spouse since the time they were wed are part of the marital estate that is to be divided in divorce. If possible, we attempt to negotiate an agreement that is amenable to both parties. Should you have a prenuptial agreement in place, our attorneys can advise you regarding its enforceability and how the terms would affect the outcome. In cases where property division is decided by the judge, Michigan uses an equitable distribution standard. This means that the judge decides what is fair after reviewing various factors. There is no requirement that each spouse is given equal value, so it is vital to have an attorney who can make a strong case on your behalf.

Post-divorce modifications

Many changes can occur in the months and years following a Judgment of Divorce. Child support, alimony, custody and parenting time schedules might require adjustments. Though some modification attempts are motivated by a desire to shirk current obligations, Michigan law does allow for adjustments if reasonable cause exists. For example, a change can be made to a child support rate prior to the standard three-year review if the new circumstances would change the amount by at least 10 percent in either direction using the state’s formula. Whether you seek to revise your current divorce order or believe that a change requested by your ex-spouse is not warranted, we can help.

Contact a skillful Michigan divorce lawyer to schedule a free initial consultation

Kohl, Harris, Nolan & McCarthy, P.C. represents Michigan clients in divorce proceedings. Please call 810-212-5005 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are located in Metamora.