Ann Arbor Divorce Attorney On Your Side

Being a “no-fault” divorce state means that neither party has to prove fault as grounds for a divorce. If the parties in a divorce reach a final settlement on all issues, fault is not a factor. However, if there is a disagreement on alimony, property division, child support or child custody, fault can become an important issue. Reed Law Group, P.C., is here to help you.

Two Types Of Divorce

Primarily, when going through divorce, no matter how well-off both sides are or how long the marriage lasted, there will be one major question: do you agree? If both sides agree to all the questions of the divorce (custody, child support, alimony and property division), then it will be uncontested. This is the most amicable form of divorce and goes the fastest.

If there are any disagreements at all, the divorce becomes contested. Here, attorney Steven Reed will make the largest impact on your case. He will advocate for you, in both mediation and in the courtroom, to get the results you want in your divorce. A contested divorce is going to be more costly and take longer, but if you cannot come to a working agreement any other way, it is the only option.

The Divorce Process In Michigan

A divorce begins when one or both parties decide that the marriage relationship has broken down and should end. The divorce case is processed in the family division of the circuit court. The partner that files the court action is the plaintiff. The other party is the defendant. Let’s look closely at those roles:

• The plaintiff: The plaintiff files a complaint, which asks the court to grant an order. The complaint contains the names of the parties, pertinent background, the date of the marriage, the date of the separation, the relief requested and more.
• The defendant: The defendant receives a summons saying that a suit has been filed and that he or she has 21 days to respond. If the defendant does not respond, he or she is in default, and the case may continue without further notice to that person. If the defendant files a response with the county clerk’s office, the case is contested. The response deals with the complaint, paragraph by paragraph.

In addition, a defendant can file his or her own complaint, called a countercomplaint. This claim must be answered by the plaintiff. This back-and-forth is how divorces work in Michigan, whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

FAQs: Divorce In Michigan

It is not uncommon to enter the divorce process with concerns about the procedures and available options. The answers to the questions below can offer practical guidance tailored to Washtenaw County and Michigan law, allowing you to better understand what to expect.

How long is the waiting period for divorce in Washtenaw County?

Under Michigan law, spouses must follow a required minimum waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. If the case does not involve minor children, the statutory waiting period is sixty days from the date the complaint is filed.

When minor children are involved, the waiting period increases to 180 days. However, the court may shorten the deadline in limited circumstances when there is clear evidence that doing so serves the children’s best interests.

Timelines apply statewide, but local scheduling practices in Washtenaw County can affect how quickly hearings or conferences are set. This means the overall duration of a divorce case can extend beyond the statutory minimums.

What are the benefits of collaborative divorce, divorce mediation or other methods of ADR?

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) can help families resolve issues more efficiently and with less stress or conflict. ADR also allows spouses to retain more control over outcomes, reduce divorce costs and keep the matter out of the courtroom and away from public view. Common ADR options include:

• Mediation, where a neutral mediator helps both spouses identify issues and work toward mutually acceptable solutions
• Collaborative divorce, which involves trained attorneys and a structured process focused on problem-solving, not adversarial tactics
• Facilitative negotiation, which encourages open communication and creative settlement options

Each approach can reduce stress and promote more effective agreements, especially when children are involved. They allow spouses to tailor solutions to their specific needs rather than relying on a judge to make important divorce-related decisions.

What is the role of the Washtenaw County Friend of the Court in my divorce?

The Friend of the Court assists the circuit court with matters involving child custody, parenting time and child support. The office conducts investigations, makes recommendations, enforces existing orders and provides mediation services for parenting disputes.

In many cases, parties must participate in an early meeting or conference with the Friend of the Court to identify issues and encourage settlement. The office also monitors compliance with support and parenting time orders, helping ensure that children receive consistent care and financial support throughout the divorce process.

Find Out How Reed Law Group, P.C., Will Make A Difference In Your Divorce

Attorney Steven Reed will be on your side throughout your case. As your adviser and advocate, he’ll be constantly in touch with you to keep you informed and looped in on strategic choices. But every case is different, and to know exactly the legal strategy he’d take for you, reach out to the firm at 734-430-8001 or send an email today.