Michigan Divorce Lawyers
When Divorce Disrupts Your Life, You Deserve Steady Support
Divorce occurs for many reasons. Maybe the signs built up over time—distance, arguments, silence. Or, maybe a single moment changed everything. However it began and now you’re here, searching for a way forward. The decisions you make right now will shape your future and your children’s lives too. That’s a heavy burden to carry alone.
A Michigan divorce lawyer from Friedman Law Firm is here for you and your family. We help people across Royal Oak, Southfield, Novi, Sterling Heights, and throughout Oakland County move through the divorce process with clarity and strength. Whether you’re just considering separation or you’re ready to file, we offer steady legal support grounded in decades of family law experience.
We don’t just file paperwork and quote legal codes. We listen. We explain what each option really means for you. We take the lead so you don’t have to carry the stress of court dates, asset division, custody agreements, or support payments by yourself.
If you need a Michigan divorce lawyer who knows how to protect what matters most, contact Friedman Law Firm today. Your first consultation is at no cost.
Our Michigan Divorce Services
No two divorces unfold the same way. Some couples agree on nearly everything. Others fight over property, parenting, and support at every turn. That’s why Friedman Law Firm handles the full spectrum of family law services, adapting our approach based on your situation and goals.
Contested Divorces
In a contested divorce, spouses don’t agree on major issues—like who gets the house, how much parenting time each parent has, or what’s fair when it comes to support. These cases often require court appearances and strategic planning. Our attorneys build strong cases backed by facts, not emotion, and work to secure fair outcomes that hold up over time.
Uncontested Divorces
Even when both spouses agree to split, the paperwork and procedures still matter. We help couples finalize uncontested divorces smoothly and efficiently. Our team makes sure every document is correct and every agreement protects your future, so you don’t run into trouble down the road.
Legal Separation Agreements
Legal separation gives couples time and space without legally ending the marriage. It can help clarify financial responsibilities and custody arrangements while you decide what comes next. We draft clear, enforceable agreements to protect your rights during this in-between stage.
High-Asset Divorces
When substantial assets are involved—business interests, investments, retirement accounts, or multiple properties—the financial stakes run high. Our attorneys work with forensic accountants and valuation professionals to trace assets, assess value, and divide property fairly while minimizing unnecessary conflict.
Child Custody
Few things matter more to parents than where their children live and who makes decisions about their care. We work to build parenting plans that reflect your children’s best interests, preserve your relationship, and meet Michigan’s legal standards for custody and parenting time.
Child Support
Michigan law uses specific guidelines to calculate child support, but those numbers don’t always tell the whole story. We make sure support orders reflect your family’s reality—whether you’re receiving or paying—and advocate for fair outcomes based on accurate income and needs.
Spousal Support
Spousal support (also called alimony) isn’t guaranteed in every case. Courts weigh many factors when deciding whether to award it, how much, and for how long. We guide clients through those decisions with an eye on both short-term stability and long-term financial independence.
Prenuptial Agreements
Prenuptial agreements aren’t just for the wealthy. They offer a smart way to clarify financial expectations before marriage. We help clients craft agreements that reduce conflict and provide a clear foundation for the future.
Postnuptial Agreements
Sometimes couples decide to put financial agreements in writing after they’re already married. Whether you’re reconciling after a rough patch or planning ahead, a postnuptial agreement can define rights and responsibilities in case of separation or divorce.
Why Choose Our Michigan Divorce Attorneys
Choosing the right legal team can make all the difference during a divorce. At Friedman Law Firm, we know that family law requires more than legal knowledge—it demands trust, attention, and strength when you need it most.
Based in Royal Oak and Familiar with Local Laws
We know the Michigan courts. Our attorneys handle divorce cases regularly in Royal Oak, Ferndale, Birmingham, Berkley, and nearby communities. That local insight helps us anticipate procedures, timelines, and judicial preferences to serve you better.
Over 30 Years of Combined Divorce Experience
Our team has spent decades helping Michigan families restructure their lives with dignity and fairness. We’ve seen just about every situation you can imagine and use that depth of experience to help you prepare for what’s ahead.
Personalized Attention to Your Case
We never treat clients like case numbers. Whether your situation is straightforward or filled with complications, we take the time to understand your story. That personal connection drives everything we do—from how we communicate to how we fight for you.
Compassionate But Assertive Representation
We lead with empathy. But we don’t back down when your future is on the line. Our team combines compassionate support with firm legal action, holding others accountable and pushing for outcomes that put your interests first.
Open Communication and Responsive Service
You won’t be left wondering what’s happening with your case. We return calls promptly, explain each step clearly, and keep you informed from start to finish.
Free Initial Consultations
You don’t need to commit before knowing your options. We offer a free, confidential consultation so you can get clear answers and decide how to move forward with confidence.
Michigan’s Divorce Process
Divorce in Michigan follows a structured legal process that protects the rights of both spouses and any children involved. While every case brings its own challenges, the same state laws and timelines apply across the board. Working with a knowledgeable Michigan divorce lawyer can help you stay informed and prepared at each stage of the process.
Overview of Michigan Divorce Laws
Michigan allows for “no-fault” divorce. That means a spouse doesn’t need to prove wrongdoing to file. Instead, one party must state that the marriage has broken down and there’s no reasonable chance for reconciliation. That single statement is enough to begin divorce proceedings.
Even though Michigan uses a no-fault system, behavior like infidelity or domestic violence may still influence outcomes. For example, a judge might consider that behavior when deciding how to divide property or assign custody.
Residency Requirements
To file for divorce in Michigan, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for a minimum of 180 days before filing. In addition, the filing must happen in a county where either spouse has lived for at least 10 days. For example, if you live in Royal Oak or Southfield, you’ll likely file in Oakland County Circuit Court.
Meeting these residency rules is the first step in moving a case forward. If neither spouse qualifies yet, it may be necessary to wait before filing.
Grounds for Divorce in Michigan
Michigan law only requires one reason for divorce—that the marriage relationship has broken down beyond repair. This standard makes the legal process more straightforward, especially when both parties agree that the marriage should end.
However, if a case involves child custody, spousal support, or property division, a judge may review additional facts. For instance, one spouse’s financial misconduct or abusive behavior could impact how the court distributes marital assets or determines parental responsibilities.
Timeline Expectations
Michigan imposes a waiting period before finalizing any divorce. The timeline depends on whether minor children are involved.
- Without minor children: A minimum 60-day waiting period applies from the date of filing.
- With minor children: The court requires a six-month waiting period, though in limited situations, a judge may shorten it.
Even after those periods pass, the total timeline can extend further based on how much spouses agree—or disagree—about key issues. Contested divorces may take several additional months to resolve, especially if court hearings or mediation are necessary.
A Michigan divorce lawyer from Friedman Law Firm can help you understand how long your case might take and what steps you can take to keep things moving efficiently.
Common Challenges and How We Address Them
Divorce often uncovers hidden disputes, especially around finances and parenting. One spouse may try to hide assets, delay court proceedings, or push for unreasonable custody terms. In other cases, intense emotions can lead to poor communication and stalled negotiations.
At Friedman Law Firm, we handle these obstacles with a steady, solutions-focused approach. Our team identifies potential problem areas early, prepares for resistance, and pursues resolutions that hold up both legally and personally. Whether the issue involves business valuations, retirement accounts, or a parenting schedule that works for both sides, we bring clarity to every stage of the case.
By knowing what to expect from Michigan’s divorce process, you’ll feel more prepared for the road ahead. And with a strong legal advocate by your side, you won’t have to handle the legal work—or the stress—alone.
What To Do If You’re Facing a Divorce in Michigan
Start by learning your rights. Don’t sign anything or move out of the house without speaking to a lawyer. Gather financial documents—bank statements, tax returns, retirement accounts—and keep records of communication with your spouse. If you have kids, stay consistent with your parenting and avoid conflict in front of them.
Above all, don’t try to handle this alone. A Michigan divorce lawyer from Friedman Law Firm can protect your interests from day one. We’ll take the legal burdens off your shoulders so you can focus on your well-being and the people you love.
FAQs About Michigan Divorces
How much does a divorce cost in Michigan?
Costs vary depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. Filing fees in Michigan usually start around $175–$250. Additional costs include attorney fees, court appearances, mediation, or expert evaluations if needed.
Do both spouses have to agree to the divorce?
No. One spouse can file for divorce, and the other can’t stop it from proceeding. However, disagreements over custody, support, or property can turn the process into a contested case.
Can we live in separate homes during the divorce?
Yes. Spouses often live apart during divorce proceedings. However, moving out before settling custody or property issues could affect your rights. Always talk to a lawyer before making major moves.
What happens to our house in the divorce?
Michigan follows “equitable distribution” rules, meaning property is divided fairly—but not necessarily 50/50. The court may award the home to one spouse or order it sold with proceeds divided.
Can I change my name during the divorce?
Yes. You can request a name change as part of the divorce judgment. This change becomes legally binding once the divorce is finalized.
Contact Our Divorce Attorneys in Michigan Now
Divorce can reshape every part of your life—from your home to your finances to your time with your children. But you don’t have to manage that transition alone.
The family law attorneys at Friedman Law Firm are ready to stand by your side. With decades of family law experience in Royal Oak and surrounding Michigan communities, we offer steady legal representation you can count on. Our goal is to reduce stress, protect your rights, and help you take back control of your future.
Call (248) 932-0900 now to schedule your free, confidential consultation. Let’s talk about what matters most—your peace of mind, your family, and your next chapter.