Divorce Attorney Midland MI

Contemplating divorce is difficult for everyone involved, and can be complicated regardless of whether it is contested or uncontested. Attorneys at Wilson Law Office, P.C. will vigorously advocate for you and will use the company’s years of experience to guide you through the process.

Michigan is a “no fault” divorce state, which means simply that a person seeking a divorce does not have to prove that the other party is at fault in order to have their request for divorce granted. In Michigan, all that must be alleged is that the marriage relationship has been irretrievably broken and there is no reasonable likelihood of reconciliation.

Before a divorce may be granted, four basic issues typically must be resolved. These issues are:

• Child Custody and Parenting Time
  • Michigan law determines custody in two parts: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody concerns the ability of one or both parents to make decisions regarding important events in the child’s life. Those decisions can include, but are not limited to, religion, medical and educational. Physical custody relates to where the child primarily spends his/her time.
  • Michigan Courts will determine the “best interests” of the child when determining custody. A child’s “best interests” are determined by examining a number of factors enumerated in Michigan Law.
  • Custody can be addressed during a divorce, in a separate cause of action, in a paternity case, in a support case, or in a post judgment motion to change or modify custody. The attorneys at Wilson Law Office, P.C. are experi-enced in handling custody determinations in every situation.
  • PARENTING TIME. Michigan law presumes it is in the child’s “best interests” to have a relationship with both parents. Barring clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, both parents will be given reasonable parenting time. Reasonable parenting time can be agreed upon between parents or the Court can set a schedule.
  • Parenting time can be addressed during a divorce, in a separate cause of action, in a paternity case, in a support case, or in a post judgment motion to change or modify parenting time. The attorneys at Wilson Law Office, P.C. are experienced in handling custody determinations in every situation. 
• Property Division
  • In disputes regarding property division during divorce proceedings, Michigan law requires that property be divided equitably. Generally, marital property and marital debt are divided equally between the parties. Courts are able to take certain factors into consideration to deviate from an equal division. These factors include:
    • Duration Of Marriage
    • Contributions To The Marital Estate
    • Age
    • Health
    • Life Status
    • Necessities And Circumstances
    • Earning Ability
    • Past Relations Or Fault In Causing The Divorce
    • Other General Principles Of Equity
  • Property settlements are not modifiable in Michigan, which makes it even that much more important to have an experienced attorney advocating for your rights during a divorce. Wilson Law Office, P.C. has that experience and knowledge to vigorously fight for what is rightfully yours. 
• Child Support
  • All parents have a duty to support their children financially until the child is 18 years of age or until graduation from high school, but only until age 19 1/2. Child support in Michigan is determined based upon the Michigan Child Support Formula. The formula takes into consideration many factors including:
    • Each Parent’s Gross Income
    • The Custody And Parenting Time Arrangement
    • Health Insurance Costs
    • Child Care Costs
    • Child Support Payments Paid By Either Parent For Other Children
  • Wilson Law Office, P.C. has represented numerous child support clients. Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to evaluate your situation and assist you in obtaining child support from the other parent, whether in a divorce or a separate action.
• Alimony/Spousal Support
  • One area of concern for many people facing divorce is how to maintain their lifestyle following the dissolution of the marriage, or how to pay a spouse a specified amount of money following the divorce.
  • Spousal support following a divorce is not a guarantee. Michigan law requires that a court review a number of factors when determining whether or not to award spousal support.
  • These factors include:
    • Past Relations And Conduct Of The Parties
    • Length Of The Marriage
    • Source And Amount Of Property Awarded To The Parties
    • Age Of Parties
    • Ability To Pay Alimony
    • Present Situation
    • Needs Of The Parties
    • Health Of The Parties
    • Prior Standard Of Living
    • Whether Either Of The Parties Is Responsible For The Support Of Others
    • Contributions Of The Parties To The Joint Estate
    • A Party’s Fault In Causing The Divorce
    • The Effect Of Cohabitation On A Party’s Financial Status
    • General Principles Of Equity
  • Regardless of whether you are seeking alimony or being asked to pay alimony, the attorneys at Wilson Law Office, P.C. can help. Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge of the law to guide you through this process

These issues can be resolved through an agreement between parties, making the divorce uncontested, or through judicial intervention, making the divorce contested. Whether contested or uncontested, a divorce can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s life. Wilson Law Office, P.C. can protect you through this trying time.

If you are looking for a dedicated lawyer with significant experience and knowledge, call Wilson Law Office, P.C. today at 989.631.2000 to schedule an appointment.