Meridian Charter Divorce Lawyers

For many spouses, the divorce process can seem like an insurmountable obstacle. However, Michigan residents who take the time to prepare for the upcoming process and seek out the representation of an accomplished divorce lawyer can find themselves in a strong position to protect their best interests and their futures.

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I’m divorce attorney Jennipher Martinez. As the founder of Martinez Family Law, PLLC, I have served clients throughout the Meridian Charter Township area and across central Michigan for 30 years. By completely focusing on family law, I have developed a unique understanding of the divorce process and have supported countless clients in my career. With my backing and experienced insight, spouses can enter the divorce process with confidence and the belief that a positive resolution is within reach.

In Michigan, spouses must meet certain criteria before they can legally file for a divorce. For example, at least one spouse in the marriage must be a Michigan resident for a minimum of 180 days prior to submitting a divorce application. Additionally, they must live in the specific county in which they are filing for divorce for at least 10 days. However, there are multiple exceptions to these rules, and spouses may qualify if their spouse was born abroad or is a citizen of another country. Couples who have a minor child can also potentially circumvent these requirements.

When the divorce process has begun, protecting premarital assets and the division of retirement accounts will be common concerns for many spouses. While guarding a portion of these assets is possible, spouses will likely not receive everything they desire due to equitable distribution.

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In Michigan, separate property is anything owned prior to the marriage. However, the assets must not be commingled with other marital property to retain this status. For example, an inheritance received before marriage is separate property, unless it is deposited into a joint account or used for marital purposes. A family home is another example of a separate asset that can become marital property if both spouses have contributed to improving the residence.

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On the other hand, any assets acquired during the marriage will automatically become marital property. Some common examples of marital assets include cars, joint accounts, businesses and retirement accounts. As an experienced divorce attorney, I can help you determine what assets will be considered marital property.

Child custody is another significant factor for many divorcing parents in Michigan. Parents should know that they will not automatically receive an equal share of custody time. In fact, courts will divide custody time based on numerous factors, including the best interests of the children. To make their determination, judges will evaluate the involvement of each parent in the children’s lives, financial stability and health. Finally, if the children are old enough, the judge may consider their preference, though this is not always the case.

Collaborating with a local central Michigan divorce attorney can be a lifeline for many spouses on the brink of divorce. To secure my urgent and tailored assistance, do not hesitate to call my office at 517-684-0212 or email my staff today.