Divorce Lawyers in Michigan – ChooseGoldman

Are you in need of an expert Michigan divorce attorney to guide you through the judgment of divorce? We’re here to help you with every step of the divorce process.

When married couples are considering divorce in Michigan, you may find yourself inundated with advice from nearly everyone. Suddenly, family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors all have opinions. They share their fears, their horror stories, and their suggestions with you.

The opinions and advice you receive, however, might contain myths or misconceptions about grounds for divorce and other legal issues.

Why Choose Our Michigan Divorce Attorney?

The only way to get real answers tailored to your situation is to seek legal advice from a highly qualified Michigan divorce attorney. At Goldman & Associates Law Firm, our Michigan divorce lawyers offer sound advice while debunking any myths or misconceptions you may have heard about the divorce process. This advice will enable you to realistically assess your situation, giving you the confidence to work toward a new future. Our Michigan divorce attorneys offer the following to each Michigan client:

Competitive cost-effective solutions
Timely results
Expert courtroom litigation
Competent communication

Whether the issues you face in your divorce include complex property division, child custody, child support, and/or spousal support (alimony), we can help. Contact our Family Law today for your free consultation so that we may assist you in conquering these challenges.

Divorce & Family Practice Areas

Some of our family law practice areas include:

Child Custody & Support
Family Law
Military Divorce
Military Child Support, Custody & Visitation
Spousal Support
Child Visitation
Collaborative Divorce

How to Divorce in Michigan Without Children

Much of our article entitled “How to Divorce in Michigan” is applicable to a divorce that does not involve minor children. There are a couple of differences. First, the wait time for getting a divorce is not as lengthy. Secondly, these divorces are far more likely to end amicably as there is not as much for the parties to fight over. Having said that, it is still important to hire a divorce attorney in the event that you are getting a divorce because it is important to protect what you are entitled to.

How Long Does A Divorce Take?

A divorce involving children in Michigan requires a six-month waiting period. For those without children, a sixty-day wait suffices.

When no kids are involved, consider separate maintenance (legal separation). You can file for this even if kids are involved. This option suits those who don’t want a divorce due to financial or religious reasons. Decisions about property and support follow similar rules as in a divorce process.

Divorce

Divorce refers to the legal end of a marriage. Each state has its own requirements governing when a divorce may be granted, including a residency requirement and grounds or a reason for the divorce.

Michigan Divorce Law Facts

Michigan is an “equitable division” state, which means that the division of property is a decision made by the court according to principles of justice and fairness. It is also a no-fault divorce state, which means that residents can obtain a divorce without establishing that the other party did anything wrong. Establishment of fault may, however, still be relevant in determining child custody or division of property. If one party can prove that another party was at fault, for example, they may be entitled to a greater portion of the other party’s property.

Did You Know…

By law, a divorce is recognized by the courts and the state of Michigan as the dissolution of a marriage between two people. The judgment of divorce isn’t to be confused with legal separation or annulment. Often, divorces can become lengthy without proper assistance from a knowledgeable legal specialist, particularly when custodial parents are involved. When children are part of the equation, the process extends to 180 days to allow for adequate time to establish child custody arrangements and child support payments.

Speak With A Family Law Specialist Today

Time is always of the essence, especially when your rights and those of your loved ones are at stake. Hence, it’s crucial to get legal advice from our Family Law Attorneys in Michigan before discussing your options with anyone else.

For your convenience, we offer free phone consultation and urge you to contact us today by calling (248) 588-3333 or toll-free (877) 737-8800. An experienced Michigan divorce attorney is waiting to discuss your case and to present you with the legal options and solutions that you deserve. Some of the legal areas we can assist you with include:

Mediation
Does arbitration avoid lawsuits in MI?
How to file for divorce in MI?
Separation involving minor children
Moving with children

Free Consultation With A Michigan Divorce Attorney

If you’re thinking of getting a divorce, or your spouse already filed for it, and you have no idea as to how you’re supposed to proceed. Your spouse’s lawyer has already told you that he or she is willing to help you both out. Can you trust that lawyer to look out for your interests as well as your spouse’s? What if you can’t afford an attorney of your own? What’s going to happen to the kids? Are you going to get kicked out of your house? This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the thoughts that run through a typical client’s mind.

Why You Need to Consult With an Attorney

An experienced divorce attorney can help you put a lot of that fear and anxiety to rest. An attorney can let you know what makes sense for you and your children. They can help you file motions before the divorce has been finalized, negotiate with opposing counsel to help you get the best settlement possible, represent you at various hearings and conferences, and they can see to it that your rights are adhered to.

Red flags should be raised for those attorneys who charge for an initial consultation. If they’re charging you for that, can you really trust them to do what they can to keep your costs down later?

Divorce Consultation

There are a lot of lawyers out there who think that giving free divorce consultations is a waste of their time. Others can’t afford to give their time for free. Neither of these scenarios applies to our firm. Free consultations underlie our firm’s commitment to public service. Why pay for an initial consultation when you can get it for free from us?

At Goldman & Associates Law Firm, we are experienced family law attorneys in the Metro Detroit area. We can let you know whether spousal support or invasion of separate assets is appropriate in your case; we can discuss likely custody and parenting time arrangements. Contact our firm today for a free initial consultation at (248) 590-6600.

Find out how we successfully worked with clients by watching our Testimonial videos.

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Watch more videos of how we successfully worked with clients in our Testimonials.

Divorce Lawyers in Michigan – FAQs | ChooseGoldman

At Akiva Goldman & Associates, we understand that divorce can be one of the most emotionally and financially challenging experiences of your life. Our experienced Michigan divorce lawyers are here to help you make informed decisions every step of the way—from filing to final decree. Whether you’re dealing with custody disputes, property division, or spousal support, we’re committed to protecting your rights and securing the best outcome for your future.

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about divorce in Michigan:

What are the basic requirements to file for divorce in Michigan?

To file for divorce in Michigan, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for 180 days and in the filing county for 10 days. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, which means you don’t have to prove wrongdoing to file—only that the marriage has broken down with no chance of reconciliation.

➡️ Learn more about Michigan divorce laws here.

Is Michigan a no-fault divorce state? What does that mean?

Yes. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. This means you don’t need to prove that your spouse did something wrong like cheating or abuse. You only need to state that there has been a breakdown in the marriage relationship to the point that it cannot be preserved.

Fault can still be considered during decisions about spousal support, custody, or property division.

How long does a divorce take in Michigan?

No children involved: Minimum waiting period is 60 days
With minor children: Minimum waiting period is 180 days

These are minimums; the process may take longer if disputes arise around assets, custody, or alimony.

Do I need a lawyer to get a divorce in Michigan?

While it’s not legally required, hiring a divorce lawyer is highly recommended—especially if your divorce involves:

Minor children
Shared property or debt
Alimony or spousal support
Domestic abuse or safety concerns

Our Michigan divorce attorneys can help you protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes.

How is property divided in a Michigan divorce?

Michigan uses the principle of equitable distribution, which means the court divides marital assets fairly—but not always equally. This includes:

Homes and real estate
Retirement accounts
Vehicles and personal property
Debts and liabilities

Property acquired before marriage is usually considered separate, unless commingled.

What is the difference between legal separation and divorce in Michigan?

Michigan does not have a formal legal separation. Instead, couples can file for separate maintenance, which allows for living apart while still being legally married. This may address:

Property division
Child custody
Support orders

However, if either spouse files for divorce, the court will proceed with a divorce instead.

How is child custody decided in a divorce?

Custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, guided by 12 factors in Michigan law. Courts consider:

Emotional ties with parents
Stability of the home environment
Parental ability to provide care
History of domestic violence or neglect

Joint custody is common, but not automatic.

See more on child custody laws in Michigan.

Will I have to pay or receive spousal support (alimony)?

Spousal support is not automatic. The court considers factors such as:

Length of the marriage
Age and health of both spouses
Each spouse’s income and earning ability
Standard of living during the marriage

Support can be temporary or long-term, depending on circumstances.

Can I get divorced if my spouse doesn’t agree?

Yes. Since Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, you can get divorced even if your spouse doesn’t consent. If your spouse refuses to participate, the court can still grant the divorce through a default judgment after proper notice and timeframes are met.

What happens to our debts in a divorce?

Like assets, marital debts are divided equitably. These may include:

Credit card balances
Mortgage loans
Car loans
Personal loans

Debts incurred before marriage usually remain with the person who incurred them.

How can I protect my parental rights as a father?

Fathers in Michigan have the same legal rights as mothers. You have the right to:

Seek custody and parenting time
Be involved in legal decisions for your child
Challenge unfair parenting plans

For more, see our Fathers’ Rights in Michigan page.

What if I suspect my spouse is hiding assets?

Your attorney can request discovery—a legal process requiring both sides to disclose financial information. Hidden assets can lead to:

Court sanctions
Revised settlements
Penalties for contempt

We work with forensic accountants when needed to uncover hidden property.

Do I have to go to court for a divorce in Michigan?

Not always. If both parties agree on all terms, your divorce may be finalized without a formal hearing. However, unresolved issues—like custody or property division—typically require court involvement.

Consider mediation to avoid litigation and speed up the process.

How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Michigan?

Fees vary depending on complexity, but generally include:

Hourly rates
Filing fees
Court costs
Retainers

Akiva Goldman & Associates offers transparent billing and custom legal plans. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case.

📞 Need Personalized Help with Your Divorce?

Our Michigan divorce lawyers at Akiva Goldman & Associates are here to protect your interests and guide you through every step of the divorce process. Contact us today for a free consultation—and take the first step toward peace of mind.