If you are considering getting a divorce, it’s always wise to work closely with an attorney who can help you to get a better understanding of what to expect in your individual case. For many people, the circumstances of their case make the biggest difference in their long-term outcome and in how long the process can take. Michigan divorce law does not specifically state that a case must be processed within a specific amount of time, but there are some guidelines available that can give you a better idea of what to expect.
If you do not have children, you can expect the divorce process to be a bit faster than if you do. Many times, a no-child divorce can be processed by Michigan’s courts within 60 days. If you do have children, the process is much more complex. In this situation, the divorce legally must take longer – and cannot be processed for at least six months. These are minimal waiting periods present under law. In the majority of cases, the divorce process can be much longer.
What will change the amount of time it takes? First of all, the more complex your case is, the longer it can take to process. For example, if you and your spouse are not on the same page and decisions must be made about possessions, this will increase the amount of time it takes for the divorce to go through. Additionally, many individuals delay the case themselves due to incomplete documents or improper methods for filing their case. This can easily be avoided with the help of a divorce attorney within the state.
It takes time for a divorce to be finalized under Michigan law, but that timeframe is due to the needs to ensure the process is done fairly and within the letter of the law. You can work closely with an attorney to learn more about what you can expect from this process.