Michigan Named “Divorce Capital”

Divorce is a common occurrence that can stem from a wide variety of factors, including family, money, career, personal and other issues. For some reason, however, couples seem to be calling it quits more frequently in one area of Michigan than elsewhere.

More than 20 percent of all residents 15 or older in the City of Ishpeming have been divorced at least once, according to a study by 24/7 Wall St. That makes the Upper Peninsula community Michigan’s divorce capital.

The researchers didn’t identify a reason for the relatively high rate of divorce in Ishpeming, home to some 6,500 residents and the National Ski Hall of Fame. Infidelity, incompatibility, drinking and drug use, and growing apart are the most common reasons people give for divorce, according to the Institute for Family Studies. Researchers in a study for the journal Couple Family Psychology said “lack of commitment,” infidelity, arguing, and marrying too young were the most cited reasons for married couples splitting up.

The 24/7 Wall St. report counted only people who legally divorced and have not remarried. Another 29 percent of Ishpeming residents have never tied the knot.

Truth or Consequences (yes, that’s the name of the city), New Mexico earned the top spot as divorce capital of the United States, with a divorce rate of nearly 27 percent. It was followed by Brattleboro, Vermont (25 percent) and Rochester, Indiana. (24 percent).

Michigan’s Divorce Law

You don’t have to live in Ishpeming to consider getting a divorce. That decision raises a number of questions, including how a couple will care for any children and divide their assets when they go their separate ways. It’s vital that you understand your legal rights and options before you start divorce proceedings.

The good news is that in many cases, couples can divorce in a way that is respectful and efficient. An uncontested divorce is a good option under the right circumstances that can help people avoid long, protracted legal proceedings and the costs that come with them.

In many other cases, however, a judge will have to decide issues like alimony, child support and property division. Those can be contentious situations in which the help of a seasoned family law attorney can go a long way.

Talk with a Grand Rapids Divorce Lawyer

If you are considering getting a divorce or grappling with alimony, child support and other issues following a divorce, it’s important that you seek the advice and counsel of an experienced family law attorney.

At Kraayeveld Law, Grand Rapids divorce lawyers have been assisting clients in a wide range of family law matters for more than a quarter of a century. Our lawyers combine decades of experience in complex matters to help people efficiently untangle their marriages.

We are conveniently located at 300 State Street SE in Grand Rapids. Call (616) 285-0808 or contact us online to make an appointment to speak with a Grand Rapids divorce lawyer about you situation.