Professional East Grand Rapids Divorce Lawyer

Divorce can be a challenging and difficult time, impacting nearly every aspect of your life, including what you own and how much time you get to spend with your children. Choosing the right divorce lawyer can significantly influence the outcome of your case. Anne E. Lewis, P.L.C., offers dedicated legal services in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, providing the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.

Attorney Anne Lewis has extensive experience in family law, advocating for clients’ rights and best interests in East Grand Rapids and throughout Kent County for over 15 years. Her comprehensive understanding of the law allows her to handle divorce matters effectively, no matter how complex or emotional they might be. Using contested or uncontested divorce, she provides dynamic representation tailored to your case’s unique needs.

Anne E. Lewis, P.L.C., is a small firm focused on creating a comfortable and safe environment for clients. Effective communication is a cornerstone of the practice, ensuring legal representation that is carefully tailored to your circumstances and priorities. The attorney’s approachable nature helps clients feel at ease during what can be a challenging time.

Versatile And Flexible Legal Services

Attorney Lewis offers comprehensive service in family law matters as an advocate in the courtroom and negotiator of fair and amicable settlements. She adjusts to how your case proceeds, providing dynamic representation in a field of law that often involves numerous hurdles. This versatility ensures that you receive the best possible outcome, regardless of how your case unfolds.

How To File For Divorce In East Grand Rapids

Anne Lewis will guide you through step by step through the divorce process. While every divorce is different, here is a basic overview of what to expect:

Step 1: Filing the Complaint

A divorce officially begins when the initiating spouse files a Complaint for Divorce with their county court. This document states the basic facts about the parties, including names, minor children, dates of marriage and separation, and a statement that there has been a breakdown in the marital relationship. The filing spouse must have lived in Michigan for 180 days and in the county where they are filing for at least 10 days, or the filing is invalid.

Step 2: Signing a Verified Statement

The Verified Statement is provided to the Friend of the Court and contains information about the parties, their employers and health care details for minor children.

Step 3: Ex Parte Orders

Ex Parte Orders may be entered based on the allegations of the spouse who files the Complaint. These orders can establish temporary child custody, support, and other issues related to the children, or prevent dissipation of assets. They remain in effect unless the defendant files objections within 14 days.

Step 4: Serving the Complaint

The initiating spouse serves the Complaint and any Ex Parte Orders on the other spouse. The spouse can sign an “Acknowledgement of Service” or be served by a process server. In amicable divorces, it is encouraged to use the acknowledgment method to avoid hostility.

Step 5: Filing an Answer

Once they receive proper service, the other spouse has 21 days to file an Answer with the court. The Answer must admit or deny each allegation in the Complaint. Failure to file an Answer results in default, limiting the spouse’s ability to contest the issues in the divorce.

Step 6: Friend of the Court Appearance

If the spouses have minor children together, both parties must appear in front of a Friend of the Court Referee for an Early Intervention Conference (EIC) scheduled 56 days after the Complaint is filed. This conference provides an overview of the Friend of the Court and attempts to resolve temporary issues related to the children.

Step 7: Discovery

Both parties must disclose all assets and liabilities through Interrogatories or Depositions. Subpoenas may be used to obtain financial information. Failure to disclose assets can result in the Judge awarding the undisclosed asset to the other party.

Step 8: Mediation and Settlement

If settlement negotiations do not settle all necessary issues, the judge will appoint a mediator to help the parties reach an agreement. If the parties can settle on their own or through mediation, the attorneys draft a Judgment of Divorce. Otherwise, a trial might be necessary to resolve the outstanding issues.

Step 9: Judgment of Divorce

One party attends a court hearing to testify regarding the divorce’s terms. Once signed by the Judge, the Judgment finalizes the divorce.

Step 10: Waiting Period

In divorces without minor children, a 60-day waiting period applies. In a contested divorce, it is common for discovery and negotiations to last longer than 60 days anyway. For divorces with minor children, the waiting period is 180 days but can be waived if it is in the children’s best interests.

What Forms Do I Need To File For Divorce In West Michigan?

Filing for divorce in Michigan requires several key forms:

• Complaint for divorce: Initiates the divorce process and outlines the grounds for divorce.
• Summons: Notifies the other spouse about the divorce proceedings.
• Record of divorce or annulment: Used for statistical purposes.
• Marital settlement agreement: Outlines the division of assets, debts and other arrangements if both parties agree.
• UCCJEA affidavit: Required if there are minor children, detailing custody arrangements.
• Parenting plan: Outlines custody and visitation schedules for minor children.
• Financial affidavit: Both parties disclose their financial information, including income, expenses, assets and debts.

What Is The Timeline For Divorce In East Grand Rapids?

The timeline for divorce in East Grand Rapids involves several steps, including filing a complaint for divorce, signing a verified statement, serving the complaint and attending court hearings. The timeline can vary depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested and if minor children are involved. An uncontested divorce between a couple with no minor children or major disagreements about asset division could be completed as soon as 60 days. Other cases could take several months or even years.

Does Legal Separation Exist In Michigan?

In Michigan, legal separation is known as “separate maintenance.” This court case can divide property, decide child support, custody, and parenting time and award spousal support, similar to a divorce. However, the couple remains married at the end of the case.

Some people prefer separate maintenance for religious or other personal reasons. But it has some downsides, such as potential loss of health insurance coverage and complications with child custody. You can discuss separate maintenance versus divorce with your attorney.

Free Consultations Available

Anne E. Lewis, P.L.C., offers free consultations to help you determine the best course of action for your divorce. If you are in East Grand Rapids or Kent County and need a family law attorney, contact the firm today at 616-818-1812. Let attorney Lewis provide the support and legal services you need during this challenging time.