Finding Solutions, Fighting Battles
Contested Divorce
A contested divorce is when spouses disagree on issues the court must decide. These issues can include child custody, parenting time, property division, child support, alimony, and more.
An Oakland County contested divorce lawyer at Richards Family Law is your first line of defense to protect your rights and litigate decisively when necessary.
Practice Areas
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- 7563 Sweetbriar W. Bloomfield, MI 48324
- (248) 325-8613
- Mon - Sat: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Oakland County Contested Divorce
Michigan is a no-fault state, which means a spouse can’t block a divorce by refusing to cooperate or sign divorce papers. Their refusal to participate only affects the timeline and required procedures, not whether the marriage ends. Clients do not have to prove wrongdoing to dissolve their marriage in Oakland County.
In a contested divorce, however, spouses must settle issues before the marriage can be legally dissolved. But contesting doesn’t automatically mean spouses go to trial. Many contested divorces in Oakland County settle through mediation before going to trial.
Legal Guidance for Contested Divorce in Michigan
Under Michigan’s no-fault statute, only one spouse has to state that the marriage is over with no reasonable likelihood of repair. Spouses can dispute the terms of the decree, delay filing, or refuse to sign the papers, but they can’t force the other spouse to stay married.
The divorce case moves forward even when the other spouse refuses to participate or cooperate. This usually triggers a default judgment. Richards Family Law handles contested and uncontested divorce proceedings, helping every client move toward an equitable resolution.
Temporary Orders in Divorce
A spouse contesting divorce can delay proceedings for weeks or months, but some issues can’t wait that long. Either party can request temporary court orders to govern the situation while the divorce is pending.
Temporary divorce orders can cover matters such as finances, stability, housing, and relationships with children. Contact an Oakland County contested divorce lawyer for more information.
The Contested Divorce Timeline and Process
Michigan requires spouses to wait for their divorce to be finalized. Couples without minor children must wait 60 days from the filing date. Couples with minor children must wait 180 days. However, your Oakland County contested divorce lawyer can ask the court to shorten the waiting period for unusual hardships.
These waiting periods are only minimums, as contested divorces can take longer because of additional processes, including:
- Discovery – Both spouses exchange records and other information before a settlement or trial.
- Negotiation – Our attorneys help you reach an agreement on disputed matters to resolve them without court intervention.
- Mediation – A neutral third party helps find common ground on disputed issues before going to court.
- Litigation – Our Oakland County contested divorce lawyers take the case before a judge to decide the outcome.
Disputed issues and opposing-party conduct can affect the process and timeline. Schedule a confidential consultation with Richards Family Law today to plan your next steps.
The Process
Our lawyers can help you understand the contested divorce process, which begins when one spouse files a complaint and serves the other. Spouses exchange information through discovery, and parties attempt to resolve issues in or out of court. A trial judge can decide remaining issues, but negotiation or mediation can give both parties more control than a court ruling.
Richards Family Law pursues favorable resolutions but prepares as if the case may go to trial. We leave no stone unturned for our clients, explaining options and consequences in plain language. Reach out now to discuss your case.
Fault, Property, and Support
Although Oakland County courts don’t need fault to grant a divorce, the court may still consider marital misconduct when dividing property, calculating child support, or awarding spousal support.
Concealing assets or spending marital funds on indiscretions can impact the outcome, even in a no-fault divorce case. Trust our team to help you determine whether fault is relevant and raise it effectively in negotiation or court.
Why Richards Family Law?
A contested divorce in Michigan can be complex and emotional. These cases require an Oakland County contested divorce lawyer prepared to settle or litigate, depending on what the situation demands. Richards Family Law brings over a decade of experience and a track record of legal excellence.
We help clients develop a strategy, prepare for possible outcomes, organize and present documentation, collect evidence, and advocate for fair arrangements to protect assets and rights. Our firm is focused solely on family law in Oakland County, allowing us to give each case the attention and defense it deserves.
Talk to an Oakland County Contested Divorce Lawyer Today
You don’t have to face a contested divorce alone. Our Oakland County contested divorce lawyers stand with you and fight for what matters when it counts. Your life, rights, family, and future are all worth protecting. Contact us today to get started.
