The Friedman Law Firm’s Birmingham divorce attorneys bring over 70 years of combined experience, direct attorney access, and a compassionate yet assertive approach to helping Michigan families navigate custody, property division, and support matters through both contested and uncontested divorce proceedings.
Key Takeaways:
- Michigan is a no-fault divorce state with mandatory waiting periods of 60 days for couples without minor children and six months for couples with minor children, and at least one spouse must have lived in the state for 180 days and in the filing county for 10 days before a case can be filed.
- Property division in Michigan follows an equitable distribution model, meaning the court divides assets and debts based on what is fair rather than an automatic 50/50 split, considering factors like each spouse’s income, earning capacity, age, and health.
- Child custody in Michigan is divided into legal custody, which covers major decision-making authority over issues like education and healthcare, and physical custody, which determines the child’s living arrangements, mainly for purposes of school attendance, and both types can be awarded jointly or solely based on the best interests of the child.
Divorce is hard – legally, emotionally, and financially. We don’t sugarcoat the tough reality that you’re facing, because we respect you enough to give you the honest truth about your situation and your options for moving forward.
At The Friedman Law Firm, we take the time to get to know you, your family, and your unique goals so that we can give you a clear, tailored path for navigating the divorce process in a way that aligns with the life you’re trying to build in the next chapter. With over 70 years of combined experience, our seasoned Birmingham divorce attorneys bring the straightforward, hands-on guidance you deserve when everything that matters most is on the table.
We aren’t a divorce mill shuffling through clients like files in a drawer. You’ll get direct access to the attorney handling your case, so you’ll never feel in the dark about the work that’s being done on your behalf. Let our team help you take back control of your life today—book your no-cost consultation now.
Divorce in Michigan: What You Need to Know
There are a few basic prerequisites that are important to be aware of when it comes to filing for divorce in Michigan.
- Residency – At least one spouse must have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days before filing, and the filing must happen in a county where either spouse has lived for at least 10 days.
- No-Fault System – Michigan does not require divorce to be filed based on any certain fault grounds. This means that neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing in order to be granted a divorce. However, it’s important to note that some behavior (like infidelity or abuse) may still influence outcomes.
- Waiting Periods – Michigan imposes mandatory waiting periods before divorces can be finalized. For couples without minor children, it is 60 days; for couples with minor children, it is 6 months (though in limited situations, a judge may shorten it).
Whether you have already filed and begun the process, are ready to file and don’t know where to start, or are simply exploring your options, our skilled Birmingham divorce attorneys are here to put you on the right track forward.
Challenges Our Birmingham Divorce Attorneys Help You Navigate
Child Custody and Parenting Time
If you have children, this is likely one of the issues weighing most heavily on you. In Michigan, custody is divided into two main components: legal and physical. Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions about the kids’ lives, like their education and medical care, while physical custody refers to their living arrangements.
Custody can either be shared between parents in a joint arrangement, or allocated solely to one parent in a sole arrangement. Our dedicated Birmingham divorce attorneys craft parenting plans that prioritize your kids’ well-being, keep you actively involved in their lives, and satisfy Michigan’s custody and parenting time standards.
Property Division
Many people entering divorce proceedings have a false expectation that they are entitled to an even 50% of all the marital assets, but this isn’t exactly how it works. Rather than splitting things down the middle, Michigan follows an equitable distribution model, which means the court divides things in a way that’s fair rather than equal.
You and your spouse always have the opportunity to reach your own agreement about how you’ll divide your assets and debts, and our team can help negotiate favorable deals that align with your unique financial goals. But if you aren’t able to reach an agreement, the court will make the final decision based on a variety of factors, like each spouse’s income, earning capacity, age, health, and more.
Support Matters
In Michigan, child support is calculated using a specific formula that takes into account each parent’s income and the custody arrangement. However, the numbers on paper don’t always capture the full picture. We dig into the details to make sure support orders reflect what’s actually going on in your household and fight for a fair result, whether you’re on the paying or receiving end.
On the other hand, spousal support (alimony) is not automatic in every Michigan divorce. Whether spousal support is on the table, how much, and for how long all depend on the specifics of your marriage and financial situation. We walk you through the factors the court considers and advocate for an outcome that balances your immediate needs with your long-term financial future.
Contested and Uncontested Procedures
There are two main ways a divorce can play out in Michigan: contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce happens when both spouses reach a full agreement on every major issue, including property division, custody, parenting time, and support. These cases tend to move faster, cost less, and carry far less emotional strain because there’s no need for a judge to step in and make decisions for you.
A contested divorce is what happens when you and your spouse can’t see eye to eye on one or more key issues. That doesn’t necessarily mean things have to turn ugly. Many contested cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation before they ever reach a courtroom. But when the other side won’t budge or isn’t acting in good faith, having attorneys who are ready to take the fight before a judge makes all the difference.
Regardless of which path your divorce takes, the decisions you make during this process will shape your life for years to come. Our Birmingham divorce attorneys approach both contested and uncontested cases with the same level of care, preparation, and personal attention because your family’s future deserves nothing less.
Why Choose The Friedman Law Firm?
The firm you choose to represent you in your divorce is a decision that should be weighed carefully. Our team stands apart due to our:
- Experience and Proven Success – 70+ years of combined experience and countless satisfied clients have allowed us to build a deep arsenal of tools and resources we utilize to get you where you want to be, faster.
- Personal, Hands-On Attention – Every client who walks through our door gets the same thing: our full attention. We take the time to understand your circumstances, your priorities, and your concerns, and that knowledge drives how we communicate with you, how we plan your case, and how hard we fight for your outcome.
- Compassionate But Assertive Representation – We care about what you’re going through, and we channel that care into action. Our team brings warmth to every client relationship and backbone to every legal battle, making sure the people on the other side know we mean business when your future is at stake.
- Open Communication and Responsive Service – You should never have to wonder what’s going on in your own case. Our Birmingham divorce attorneys pick up the phone, give you straight answers, and keep you informed every step of the way so you always feel confident about where things stand.
- Payment Plans Available – Divorce can throw even the most financially stable individuals off track, which is why we’re proud to offer payment options that allow you to focus on your family’s future instead of worrying about how to afford the legal help you need right now.
Learn How Our Experience and Compassion Can Make a Difference for Your Family. Contact Us Today.
Divorce changes everything at once. Your living situation, your finances, your relationship with your kids, your sense of stability. It’s a lot to carry, and trying to navigate it without the right support only makes it harder. Let’s sit down, talk about where things stand, and start building a plan that puts you back in control. Book your no-cost consultation today!