Oakes Law Group
East Lansing Divorce Attorney
East Lansing, MI
5-Star Rating
1-888-886-5711
East Lansing Family Law Attorney
Oakes Law Group: East Lansing Divorce Lawyer
Compassionate and Experienced Divorce and Family Law Attorneys in East Lansing, MI
Navigating the complexities of divorce and family law can be an emotional and challenging journey. At Oakes Law Group, we understand the profound impact these legal matters can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. Our dedicated team of divorce lawyers and family law attorneys in East Lansing is here to provide the support, guidance, and expert legal representation you need during this difficult time.
Understanding Divorce Law in Michigan
What Is Divorce?
Divorce is the legal termination of a marriage by a court or other competent body. It involves the resolution of various issues such as property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support. In Michigan, divorce can be filed on a no-fault basis, meaning that neither party needs to prove wrongdoing by the other.
The Divorce Process
- Filing for Divorce: One spouse, the plaintiff, files a complaint for divorce with the court.
- Serving the Divorce Papers: The other spouse, the defendant, is served with the divorce papers.
- Response: The defendant has a specified time to respond to the complaint.
- Discovery: Both parties exchange information and documents related to assets, income, and other relevant matters.
- Negotiation and Settlement: The spouses and their attorneys negotiate the terms of the divorce. If they can agree, a settlement is drafted.
- Trial: If an agreement cannot be reached, the case goes to trial, where a judge makes the final decisions.
- Final Judgment: The divorce is finalized when the judge signs the judgment of divorce.
Key Issues in Divorce
Property Division
Michigan follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning that marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Factors considered include the length of the marriage, the contributions of each spouse, and the needs and circumstances of each party.
Child Custody and Parenting Time
The best interests of the child are the primary consideration in determining custody and parenting time. Factors include the emotional ties between the child and parents, the parents’ ability to provide for the child, and the child’s adjustment to home, school, and community.
Child Support
Child support is calculated based on the Michigan Child Support Formula, which considers both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children.
Spousal Support
Spousal support, or alimony, may be awarded to ensure that neither spouse is unfairly disadvantaged after the divorce. Factors include the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and the needs and abilities of each party.
What Our Clients
Are Saying
Oakes Law
Our Approach to Divorce Cases
At Oakes Law Group, we take a personalized approach to each divorce case. We understand that every family is unique, and we tailor our strategies to meet the specific needs and goals of our clients. Our East Lansing divorce lawyers are skilled negotiators and litigators, dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Family Law Attorneys You Can Trust
Comprehensive Family Law Services
In addition to divorce, our family law attorneys handle a wide range of family law matters, including:
- Child Custody and Visitation: We help clients establish and modify custody and visitation arrangements that serve the best interests of the children.
- Child Support: We assist with the establishment, modification, and enforcement of child support orders.
- Spousal Support: We advocate for fair spousal support arrangements, whether seeking support or contesting unreasonable demands.
- Property Division: We ensure that marital assets are divided equitably, taking into account the unique circumstances of each case.
- Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: We draft and review agreements to protect our clients’ interests before and during marriage.
- Domestic Violence: We provide legal support for victims of domestic violence, including obtaining protective orders.
Why Choose Oakes Law Group?
- Experience and Expertise: Our team of divorce lawyers and family law attorneys has extensive experience handling complex family law cases.
- Compassionate Representation: We understand the emotional toll of family law matters and provide compassionate, client-centered representation.
- Personalized Service: We take the time to understand our clients’ unique situations and tailor our strategies to meet their specific needs.
- Strong Advocacy: Whether negotiating a settlement or representing clients in court, we are strong advocates for our clients’ rights and interests.
- Proven Track Record: We have a history of successful outcomes in divorce and family law cases, earning the trust and respect of our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Michigan?
The length of a divorce process in Michigan varies depending on the complexity of the case and whether the parties can reach an agreement. On average, an uncontested divorce may take a few months, while a contested divorce can take a year or more.
Can we use mediation to resolve our divorce?
Yes, mediation is a valuable tool for resolving divorce issues amicably. It allows parties to negotiate and reach agreements with the help of a neutral third-party mediator, often resulting in a more efficient and less adversarial process.
What if my spouse does not want a divorce?
In Michigan, you can still proceed with a divorce even if your spouse does not want one. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that you do not need your spouse’s consent to file for divorce.
How is child custody determined?
Child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child. Factors considered include the child’s emotional ties to each parent, the parents’ ability to provide for the child, and the child’s adjustment to their home, school, and community.
What if I need to modify a child support or custody order?
If there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income or living arrangements, you can request a modification of child support or custody orders. Our family law attorneys can help you navigate the modification process.
Contact Oakes Law Group Today
If you are facing a divorce or family law matter in East Lansing, the experienced attorneys at Oakes Law Group are here to help. We provide compassionate and skilled legal representation to guide you through this challenging time. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you.
At Oakes Law Group, we are committed to providing exceptional legal services to our clients. Our divorce lawyers and family law attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcomes for you and your family. Let us be your trusted legal advocates during this difficult time.
