West Bloomfield Divorce Attorney

The end of a marriage is invariably difficult, and the way that your divorce is resolved can have an impact on some of the most important parts of your life. An experienced West Bloomfield divorce attorney can help you understand how the process works and what needs to be done to dissolve a marriage that can no longer be fixed. Perhaps more importantly, a lawyer can protect your rights and ensure that your divorce is resolved as favorably as possible.

Divorce in Michigan

Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that you can get divorced if you or your spouse state that your marriage is irretrievably broken.  A divorce can be granted without either party needing to show fault. That is not to say that fault has no place in the proceedings, and it may be used in determining spousal support or division of property. 

Definition of Marital Property

It is essential to understand the concept of marital property from the outset. Certain property is easily categorized, such as homes, furniture, jewelry, electronics, savings, and cash. Other assets require more effort to account for, such as stock options, business interests, investments, and retirement benefits due to be paid out in the future.

Marital property is that which was acquired during the marriage. This includes an asset that might have been earned during the marriage period but is received after the divorce.  The concept of separate property in an equitable divorce is different. Separate property is that which either spouse earned or received before the marriage. It also includes property either spouse inherited or was gifted during the marriage. In the divorce, separate property is not divided between the spouses but remains the owner spouse’s sole property.

Other Issues in Divorce

There are several other issues that need to be resolved before a divorce can be final. If you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement about these issues, a court will decide how they will be resolved for you. These issues include:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Spousal support (alimony)

Call a West Bloomfield Divorce Attorney Today for a Consultation

As you can see, no single divorce is the same as another. If you are filing for divorce or responding to your spouse’s request for dissolution of the marriage, you need the insight a seasoned divorce lawyer can provide. By contacting us, you can schedule a free case review. Let us help you protect your rights as you move through the divorce process.