Michigan Divorce Lawyers

Even in the best of circumstances, divorce is often difficult for the people going through it. Just as marriage is more than just a legal status, divorce is more than a legal end to that relationship. Divorce has many aspects: financial; social; emotional; and of course, legal. The prospect of a divorce can make it feel like everything in your life is changing—and that can make it hard to know how to proceed. Our Michigan divorce lawyers are experienced in helping clients navigate this difficult process.

People arrive at the divorce process in one of three ways: they realize they need a divorce and decide to file; their spouse files and then presents them with divorce papers; or they mutually agree with their spouse on the need to divorce. How you feel about your divorce depends partly on which category you fall into.

Regardless of how you came to divorce, you want to get through the process with a minimum of stress and with the resources you need to move forward. At Nichols, Sacks, Slank, Sendelbach, Buiteweg & Solomon, P.C., we share that goal, and we are committed to helping you achieve it.

Michigan Divorce Options for Every Family

In some ways, every divorce is the same. There are certain legal requirements every couple must meet in order to file for and be granted a divorce in Michigan. For instance, you or your spouse must have lived in Michigan for at least six months, and in the county where you plan to file for at least ten days, before filing for divorce. And there are common emotions most people going through divorce experience, like grief at the loss of the marriage they hoped for, and worry about what the future holds.

But in most ways, every divorce is different—because every family is different. You may need a little legal guidance with your divorce, or a lot. You and your spouse may or may not have children together. You may have significant or complex assets, or limited resources. Your decision to divorce may be mutual and amicable, or one-sided and contentious. Many variables can affect your needs in divorce, and how you approach the process.

Because marriages and divorces are not all alike, it makes sense that the divorce process should not be “one size fits all.” We offer our clients a variety of divorce options designed to meet their needs and those of their families: divorce mediation, Collaborative practice, attorney-negotiated settlement, arbitration, limited-scope representation, and trial litigation. Regardless of which divorce option is best for you, the right legal guidance can make all the difference to both the outcome and your experience of the divorce process.

How We Help You Through Divorce

The Michigan divorce lawyers at Nichols, Sacks, Slank, Sendelbach, Buiteweg & Solomon have handled hundreds of divorces since the firm was founded in 1994, but it is important to us to treat every client with the same care as if they were our only client.

We begin by listening to your story, getting to know you, and understanding your concerns. Once we learn what is important to you, we explore your options for moving forward with your divorce and help you know what to expect from the process. When you work with our firm, you get the benefit of each attorney’s extensive experience in Michigan divorce.

Our attorneys helped to pioneer the use of alternative dispute resolution processes like Collaborative practice and mediation in Michigan divorce matters. They have earned a reputation for helping clients end their marriages amicably, preserving cordiality and resources while minimizing conflict and stress. While most Michigan divorces end in settlement, a few divorces proceed all the way to trial. When litigation is necessary, we are firm and effective advocates for our clients’ interests.

Our broad-based involvement in the Michigan family law community allows us to remain at the forefront of legal developments. Our attorneys not only have their fingers on the pulse of family law in Michigan, they have helped to shape it in both courts and conference rooms. Many have held leadership positions and continue to be leaders in the family law community at the local, state, national and international levels, including with the State Bar of Michigan (SBM), American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL), and the Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan (CPIM).

In addition, our attorneys have been regular presenters at family law education programs and seminars for attorneys offered by the AAML and Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE).

If you have questions about the Michigan divorce process, please contact our Michigan divorce lawyers to learn more. We will listen to you, prepare you for the road ahead, and help you focus on the future.

Arbitration

Divorce arbitration is a binding dispute resolution tool that gives couples and families flexibility and finality to choose their decision-maker and resolve their case outside the courtroom. Submitting your dispute to arbitration can help resolve mat…

Attorney-Negotiated Settlement

Sometimes spouses simply can’t work out their divorce settlement on their own. Difficult legal issues, financing concerns, and hard feelings can interfere with your ability to resolve your issues quickly or in a way third parties (like banks and re…

Collaborative Law

When couples aren’t looking for a fight, collaborative divorce focuses on settlement, instead of winning. Many Michigan couples today know that life carries on after divorce. By focusing on settlement and conflict resolution instead of litigation,…

Limited Scope Representation

Limited Scope Representation Puts You in Control of Your Family Law Case Not every family needs, wants, or can afford to have an attorney managing their divorce or child custody matter every step of the way. If you are looking for a more cost-effecti…

Divorce Trial

Filing a Complaint for Divorce in Michigan starts a months-long litigation process that includes exchanges of information, motions, mediations, informal negotiations, and ultimately the divorce trial. Having a divorce litigation attorney experienced…

Uncontested Divorce

Uncontested Divorce Lets Michigan Couples Move On Without Expensive Court Costs Most families do not need a long or bitter divorce proceeding to divide up their property, arrange for their children, and go their separate ways. Especially, when the co…