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We Handle Complex Family Law Matters for Clients in Ottawa County
Even under the best of circumstances, divorce represents an important transition point in the lives of everyone involved. Deciding to end a marriage is not easy. Neither is what follows. Unwinding a couple’s life requires careful attention to a number of details, from sorting out child custody and visitation rights to dividing up property.
Kraayeveld Family Law is a full-service Michigan divorce law firm that represents individuals in Hudsonville and throughout Ottawa County. We know that you are looking to finalize your divorce as quickly as possible and with the best end result possible. At the same time, we can advise you of all of your rights and options so that you do not feel pressured into accepting a settlement that does not meet your needs moving forward. Our team is prepared to litigate when necessary to help ensure the best possible outcome for you and your family.
What You Need to Know Before Filing for Divorce in Michigan
If you or your spouse live in Hudsonville, you can file for divorce in Michigan’s 20th Circuit Court, which oversees family law cases in Ottawa County. Michigan law does not require a couple to live separate and apart for any set amount of time before divorcing. But there are residency requirements. Either spouse must have lived in Michigan for the 180 days prior to the divorce filing. And at least one spouse must reside in Hudsonville or Ottawa County for at least 10 days before the 20th Circuit may assert jurisdiction.
Keep in mind, you still need to file a complaint for divorce and enter a divorce judgment with the court regardless if you reach an agreement with your spouse or the judge decides how your property will be divided. A Circuit Court judge must review and approve any agreement, especially any provisions related to child custody and child support. With respect to those matters, the court must independently determine what is in the best interests of the child.
If you and your spouse cannot agree on any terms of your divorce, the judge will conduct a trial and hear evidence from both sides. When it comes to property division, the court will order a “fair” distribution of any marital property but is not required to split everything 50/50. And while Michigan allows for “no-fault” divorce, the judge may take either party’s fault into consideration when deciding certain issues like whether to award alimony.
Contact Our Hudsonville Divorce Lawyers Today
Deciding to end a marriage is simply the first step when it comes to divorce. Our Hudsonville, Michigan, divorce attorneys can walk you through what comes next. Call Kraayeveld Family Law today at 616-285-0808 or start a conversation with us online to schedule a no-obligation consultation.