Portage Divorce Lawyer Providing Practical Solutions
Dissolving a marriage can come with immense feelings of grief. Each case comes with varying levels of loss. For many people, filing for divorce is not just the end of a long-term partnership. It marks a permanent change in family dynamics and relationships, as well as living and financial situations.
Life can change drastically during divorce, and it’s important to have a compassionate yet practical legal professional in your corner. I am attorney Joseph Vander Horst, and I am dedicated to protecting and advocating for my clients’ rights inside and outside of court. Having worked as a divorce attorney in Kalamazoo County since 1993, I have the decades’ worth of experience necessary to handle your case.
In-Depth Experience In A Wide Range Of Divorce Cases
At Vander Horst Law Office PC, my goal is to address delicate divorce issues with minimal emotional and financial stress. I have 32 years of experience in resolving different types of divorce cases, including:
- Contested divorces
- Uncontested divorces
- Divorces involving children
- Divorces for long-term marriages
Divorce is already challenging and costly. I help clients by making a difficult process easier, ensuring that it is not complicated by any unnecessary legal conflicts. Moreover, I will explain every step in the divorce process, making sure that you are knowledgeable and informed in the decisions you make.
Equipped To Help You Address Critical Divorce Issues
Not all divorce cases have to be a heated and stressful battle in court. I assist in finding practical and peaceful solutions to complex issues, such as:
- Division of marital assets and liabilities
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements
- Child support determination and enforcement
- Spousal support/alimony considerations
- Post-judgment modifications
Protecting your interests without it resulting in high-conflict divorce proceedings is possible. At Vander Horst Law Office PC, I regularly help clients resolve matters efficiently and amicably, ensuring a smoother transition during challenging times.
Answering Your Questions About The Divorce Process
Understanding the various aspects of divorce can help ease some of the uncertainty and stress about the process. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long does the divorce process take in Michigan?
The timeline can depend on the specifics of your situation. Michigan has a required waiting time of around 60 days for divorcing couples without children. If there are children, the waiting time extends to 180 days. Only after this period can the actual proceedings start.
If the parties don’t agree on things like property division or child custody, the divorce process can take much longer, sometimes over a year. As your divorce lawyer, I can help you understand what to expect in your case.
How is property divided in a Michigan divorce?
Michigan courts divide property based on “equitable distribution.” This means that they aim to divide assets and debts fairly, based on factors such as:
- How long the marriage lasted
- What each person contributed to the marital estate
- Each party’s needs
- Their ability to earn
Note that this only applies to marital property, which are assets acquired by either spouse during the marriage. Courts may also honor any prenuptial or marital settlement agreements the parties agreed on. I can explain how these rules might apply to your situation in more detail during a divorce consultation.
What is the difference between contested and uncontested divorce?
A contested divorce and an uncontested divorce differ in terms of agreement between spouses. In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on all key issues like property division, child custody and support. This type of divorce is usually quicker and less costly because it doesn’t need a court trial.
In contrast, a contested divorce happens when spouses disagree on one or more issues. This can lead to court involvement in order to settle disputes, making the process longer and more expensive.
Talk To A Trusted Kalamazoo Divorce Attorney
When it comes to protecting your rights and interests during a divorce, experience and deep local knowledge are key. Schedule a free phone consultation with Vander Horst Law Office PC today. You can call my office at 269-348-7109, or send me your questions and concerns through my online form.