 |
|||||||||||||
 |
|
|
|
| |||||||||
| |||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||
|
|
| |
 |
|||
|
“I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it.” Harry S. Truman Divorce? What should I do if a divorce is imminent? 1. Consult an attorney. Knowing your rights and responsibilities is the most important step in the divorce process. An experienced divorce attorney will be able to advise you on the law as it applies to your situation, and help you make informed decisions on what you should do or not do. 2. Copy Documents. Obtaining copies of documents before a case is started can go a long way towards keeping costs down in the discovery phase of your divorce case. Go through your household files and make copies of all documents related to your finances including: tax returns, bank statements, credit card statements, check registers, mortgage and loan statements, financial statements, etc. 3. Make an Inventory of Household Possessions. Take pictures and make a list of all major household items, including furniture, jewelry, artwork, and other items that could be removed from the home. 4. Determine your Household Expenses. Review your check register, bank statements and credit card statements to determine your monthly expenses. Knowledge of your monthly expenses will help if a determination of temporary support is required. 5. Put your Children First. Going through a divorce can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. You and your spouse may find yourselves directing considerable amounts of your time and attention on your case, to the detriment of your children. During a divorce, it is important to keep your children’s routines as normal as possible. Do not argue in front of your children. If you cannot be together without arguing, create a schedule of separate times for each of you to be with your children. Children need and deserve the love of both of their parents during and after the divorce. Do not disparage the other parent in front of children. The choices you make during your divorce and your behavior afterwards will have a lifelong impact on both you and your children. ? How much does a divorce cost? It always depends on the complexity of the case. Once I have ascertained the essential facts of your situation, I can estimate your potential legal fees. ? How long will the process take? The time needed to complete a divorce depends on whether and how many contested issues are involved. The Statutory waiting period in Michigan for obtaining a Judgment after filing a divorce case with no minor children is two months, and with minor children is six months. Whenever there are contested issues, the time period may be extended many months. ? What do we discuss at the initial consultation? Usually we will discuss several topics, including: the possibility of saving your marriage through marital counseling, financial matters such as temporary child and spousal support, division of marital property, court procedures, restraining order involving finances/personal protection, costs and attorney fees for your case. ? What should I do if my spouse has filed for divorce? You should consult an attorney promptly for advice. You have a limited time to file your response, or your spouse may obtain a default judgment against you. Even if you agree that a divorce is necessary, you need to obtain professional advice on all other issues in your case so you can decide how to proceed, and understand the consequences of doing nothing. Please feel free to contact me with your specific questions or concerns. Paul A. Buyers DISCLAIMER
| |||