Best Divorce Lawyers in Farmington Hills, MI

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Farmington Hills, Michigan?

  You may call the Farmington Hills Police Department at 248-871-2600 for non-emergency cases. The line is open 24/7.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Farmington Hills, Michigan?

  To obtain police reports, you may call the Farmington Hills Police Department Records Division at 248-871-2720. It is open from Mondays to Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• What are the documents that a person will sign if he/she gets a divorce petition in Farmington Hills?

  A spouse in Farmington Hills often receives common documents, such as summons and complaints, when he/she gets a divorce petition. Those documents include the other party's reason for the divorce and an explanation of the marriage. However, there are other documents that one might encounter, which include the following:

  • Motions for temporary orders
  • Ex parte orders
  • Case inventory addendum
  • Verified statement
  • Friend of the court handbook

• Are there any deadlines for responding to a divorce complaint in Farmington Hills?

  Yes, there are. If you have received a divorce complaint in Farmington Hills, you must respond to it within 21 days if the documents are handed in person, or 28 days if they are received by mail. You should also be aware that you are not required to accept your spouse's terms. You can file a counterclaim, requesting the divorce but specifying your terms. Your response includes a counterclaim.

• What are the grounds for divorce in Farmington Hills?

  Farmington Hills is located in Michigan, which is a no-fault state. Having said that, it has limited criteria for a person to file for a divorce. He/she must have lived in the state for at least 180 days. Additionally, there must have been a collapse in the marriage with no chance of reconciliation.

• How is a collaborative divorce in Farmington Hills beneficial for both parties?

  Collaborative divorce in Farmington Hills helps spouses create a win-win solution that is equitable and fair without bringing it to court, which makes it more cost-effective. It also gives each party control over the outcome of the negotiations, since both of them are in charge of the decision-making process rather than having a judge make those decisions. Additionally, collaborative divorce seeks to foster greater understanding and agreement between parties, which can lead to simpler post-divorce interactions.

• What happens when you avoid a divorce petition in Farmington Hills?

  If you choose to ignore a divorce petition in Farmington Hills, your spouse can request a final hearing. In addition, the judge may summon you to court for the final hearing. If you still choose to disregard it, the court is forced to proceed with the divorce based only on the facts of the filed petition. When a divorce reaches this stage, your opinion does not matter anymore. As a result, your spouse will certainly be granted a divorce based on their petition.

• What are the basic steps to filing for divorce?

  The steps required to file for divorce depend heavily on whether the divorce is contested, if there are minor children or property issues at stake, and if there are disagreements over child support or alimony. The process may also differ from state to state, but generally parties must:

  • File the divorce petition
  • Hire a process server to give the other party divorce papers/respond to the original petitioner's filing
  • Request temporary orders covering issues such as custody/visitation, support, and exclusive property use
  • Make financial disclosures
  • Request discovery from your spouse
  • Propose and/or consider a possible settlement
  • Go to trial if necessary
  • Receive a signed judgment from the court indicating the divorce is final
  • Address post-divorce tasks such as transferring property titles and closing joint bank accounts

• How much does it cost to get a divorce?

  The cost of a divorce differs dramatically based on a litany of criteria, such as whether the divorce is contested, where the divorce petition is filed, and whether the divorce requires a professional intermediary or other legal expert. A simple, low-frills DIY divorce can be as little as a few hundred dollars. Add in mediation and the cost may jump to the mid-four figures and can easily reach $7,000 or more. Hire a lawyer and you may pay anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000+ if there are major custodial issue or complex financial concerns.

• How much does a divorce lawyer cost?

  Most divorce lawyers charge by the hour and billing can vary dramatically. Some attorneys in more affordable markets and/or with less experience may charge as little as $75/hour. More experienced attorney or those who have large staffs, specialize in complex cases, or hold relevant certifications may charge premium rates in excess of $400/hour. Then there are the amount of hours invested; simple cases may be over in a matter of weeks while hotly contested divorces can drag on for years leading to lawyer's fees in the tens of thousands.

• How to choose a divorce lawyer/what to look for?

  Divorce lawyers are not one-size-fits-all. It's important to find a lawyer whose skill set, experience, and resources align with the demands of each specific situation. For instance, some attorneys will push mediation while others are naturals in the courtroom.

  • Know your budget
  • Limit your search to lawyers experienced in family law
  • Zero in on lawyers or firms that can handle the complexities of divorce, especially any issues that may be specific to the current case
  • Read reviews and ask friends for recommendations, but remember that their situations and needs may not be the same
  • Conduct interviews to see who feels trustworthy and can spell out an approach that feels appropriate
  • Try to ignore ad campaigns and office décor and instead consider track record and skills

• What is an uncontested divorce?

  An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree on the major issues, such as custody of any minor children, child support, alimony, and how to divide any assets and/or debt. While uncontested divorces still require a judge to approve the terms of the divorcing couple's signed agreement, these relatively simple splits tend to move faster, cost less money, and are easier to execute without the help of a divorce lawyer. A divorce filing that goes unanswered by the non-petitioning party may also be considered uncontested.

• Can you file for divorce without a lawyer?

  It's possible to file for divorce without a lawyer, especially if the divorce is uncontested. Many states offer free divorce forms either online or at legal self-help centers located in or near family court. There are often dispute resolution resources available as well; mediation services can help iron out disputes over custody or financial support without involving lawyers. Still, a free consultation with a divorce lawyer can offer valuable insight, and contentious divorces, whether they go to trial or not, all but require legal representation.

• How long does it take to get a divorce?

  The length of a divorce is contingent on four things: each state's mandatory waiting period, whether the divorce is uncontested or contested, how quickly both sides can come to an agreement, and how quickly a judge is able to hear or review the case and sign off. The best-case scenario is an uncontested divorce in a state with a short waiting period which could see a divorce finalized in a matter of weeks. For divorces with highly combative parties, long discovery periods, and other complications, a decision could take months or even years.

• How to prepare for divorce?

  It's difficult to ever feel truly prepared for the rigors of divorce, but there are several steps that can make the process more bearable and allow for a more positive outcome:

  • Interview attorneys
  • Locate and make copies of important documents like mortgage and car titles, insurance policies, business licenses, financial records, bank statements, and income tax returns
  • Take inventory of valuable household items that should be considered later while splitting assets
  • Make a detailed list of monthly expenses, including utilities, rent or mortgage, childcare, kids' activities like sports or dance classes, school tuition, and insurance
  • Know what the respondent's income is, including any income from self-employment, stock dividends, and interest
  • Double-check credit history and evaluate both short- and long-term earning potential
  • Set goals for ideal custody arrangement, support amounts, and living arrangements
  • Get support from friends and family

• What to do with an engagement ring after divorce?

  Most courts follow state laws that consider an engagement ring to be the recipient's property once a wedding takes place, which means it remains that recipient's individual property even after a divorce. Other states categorize engagement rings as marital property and as such the ring is subject to the same division of assets as a house or art collection might be. For spouses who get to keep their jewelry, engagement rings can be sold, dismantled and repurposed, returned to the original buyer, or kept and handed down to any children the marriage may have produced.

• What is divorce mediation?

  When divorces get heated or even just have the potential to become messy, a neutral third party can help calm both parties and resolve issues without the need for a trial. This is called mediation. A great mediator is unbiased and invested in a balanced, fair outcome; they will ideally listen to both parties, encourage respectful discussions, and raise questions or concerns when appropriate. Once an agreement is reached, the mediator will prepare documents detailing the agreed-upon terms. Using a mediator only works if both sides are willing to meet and discuss a compromise, but doing so can save a considerable amount of time, money, emotional strain, and overall stress.