Lansing Divorce Attorney With 30 Years Of Experience
When I founded Martinez Family Law, PLLC, I sought to offer tailored and knowledgeable guidance to Michigan families. In my three decades of experience, I have honed my practice in on family law and have been able to provide assistance to countless families in the Lansing area and across central Michigan.
My name is Jennipher Martinez, and my zealous yet compassionate approach to family law concerns has enabled me to develop a trusting relationship with clients in my local community, allowing me to personally guide them through some of the most challenging moments in their lives.
Are There Requirements To File For Divorce In Michigan?
When a divorce seems unavoidable, many people believe that they can simply file for a legal separation. In many instances, this is true, but for some spouses, they may need to ensure they meet a few requirements first.
In Michigan, there is a residency requirement for divorce that individuals must meet. Legally, one spouses must reside in the state for a minimum of 180 days or six months and in the county they are filing for divorce in for at least 10 days. This is effectively a divorce waiting period and pertains to contested divorce and no-fault divorce.
How Do Michigan Courts Divide Marital Assets?
Marital property division is a common worry for divorcing spouses and can be quite convoluted. Due to Michigan’s status as an equitable distribution state, couples can expect their marital property to be divided in a manner the courts deem fair. To accomplish this, judges will take these factors into consideration:
- Marriage duration
- Spousal contributions
- Income
- Age
- Health
Additionally, if children are present in the marriage, their needs may also impact a judge’s decision. Spouses in Michigan who know what to expect during the asset division process can approach their divorce with confidence and an understanding of what is to come.
What Benefits Does Mediation Offer Divorcing Spouses?
Divorce mediation is an often overlooked alternative to the traditional process. While not the same as a collaborative divorce, mediation is similar in that both spouses will have the opportunity to work together to reach a divorce settlement that is mutually beneficial.
Mediation also offers a chance to avoid the divorce litigation process, which can be immensely time-consuming and expensive. Moreover, mediation gives each spouse more control over the final outcome of their divorce and the ability to maintain cordiality, which is imperative when the divorce involves children. Lastly, couples who choose to attend mediation can keep the details of their divorce private, which the general divorce process does not allow.
Serving Lansing Area Spouses With Compassion And Tenacity
A divorce lawyer’s assistance matters when a marriage is irretrievably broken. Michigan spouses who want to begin preparing themselves for divorce can contact my office by emailing my staff or calling 517-684-0212.