Grand Rapids Family Law Attorney

Michigan attorney helping families move forward

Most people have little experience with the legal system, so it’s understandable that many approach a divorce or other domestic legal issue with a sense of uncertainty and fear. Since 2013, Core Legal, PLC has been representing the interests of clients throughout Michigan dealing with divorce, struggling with child custody and support disputes or facing other challenges. Our Grand Rapids family law attorney provides compassionate and effective legal services, working diligently to protect each client’s interests while pursuing positive outcomes. 

Filing for divorce in Michigan

No one expects their marriage to end, but when the relationship breaks down, divorce may be the right alternative. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, which means a divorce does not need to be based on either party’s misconduct. A divorce can be obtained simply because the marriage has irretrievably broken down. Michigan law generally requires that the spouse filing for divorce have been a resident of the state for at least 180 days and of the county of filing for at least 10 days. There are numerous other conditions that must be met. Once served with divorce papers, the other spouse can file a response either admitting or denying the grounds for divorce. If the spouses agree on all essential issues, such as property division and parenting rights, they can get an uncontested divorce, which proceeds on a fast track. Contested divorces require proofs and thus take longer.

Grand Rapids family lawyer helps with child custody, support and parenting time

Our firm’s attorney has more than 18 years of experience delivering first-class service to clients throughout the state in matters related to: 

  • Child custody and parenting time — We advocate strongly for your parental rights, negotiating whenever possible to gain the other parent’s assent to reasonable child custody and parenting time agreements. When necessary, we litigate to overcome the other parent’s resistance.
  • Child support — Whether you will receive child support or will pay it, we ensure the proper financial information is presented to the court so you can get a fair result.
  • Child support modification and enforcement — We represent parents in actions for child support enforcement and modification based on alleged significant changes in circumstances.

We make well-focused arguments in the recognition that courts approve child custody, parenting and support arrangements based on the best interests of the child.

Filing for alimony in Michigan

Michigan divorce courts may award alimony — known officially as spousal support — generally based on one spouse’s financial need and the other spouses ability to make payments. Courts deciding on spousal support consider multiple factors, such as the length of the marriage, the standard of living established during the marriage and each spouse’s earning ability and level of education and training.

There are several types of spousal support, depending on the particular circumstances. These include:

  • Temporary support, usually ordered immediately after one spouse files for divorce.
  • Periodic support, awarded for a specified amount and period of time. Commonly, one year of alimony is paid every three years of marriage
  • Permanent support, awarded after longer marriages or when one spouse lacks a career or job skills.

We represent you in negotiations and court proceedings to see that your interests are protected, whether you are the paying or receiving spouse.

Marital agreements prepared and reviewed by a Grand Rapids family law attorney

Once the concern of the very wealthy, prenuptial agreements — or “prenups” — have become increasingly prevalent as more and more marriages involve people of independent means. We draft agreements that are valid and enforceable under Michigan’s Uniform Premarital Agreement Act (UPAA), which requires that a prenup be in writing and executed voluntarily by both parties based on full and fair disclosure of both of their finances. We also make sure agreements are not unconscionable, do not violate state law or public policy and do not unfairly favor one spouse over the other. 

Securing protective orders for families

We assist clients in obtaining or defending against personal protection orders (PPO), which are issued to protect individuals from domestic violence. The person seeking the order must show that they have been subjected to physical harm, threats of harm or other forms of abuse by a family or household member. A PPO can also be issued when a parent has violated a child custody order or parenting time agreement. The order can place restrictions on contacting a family member or entering certain premises and contain other provisions aimed at ensuring a party’s safety. 

Contact an experienced Michigan family law attorney

Core Legal, PLC in Grand Rapids represents clients throughout Michigan in a wide range of family law matters. We offer a la carte, flat fee pricing for many family law services. To schedule a free initial consultation, please call 616-855-2145 or contact us online.