So you’ve decide that you want to end your marriage. As a Michigan resident, you can make that choice and you don’t need to tell the court why you want a divorce, or prove that there are reasons behind your decision. However, if you want your divorce to go off without a hitch, you’re going to need to do things in a specific order, and at a specific time.

Before we begin with the break down, however, you have to make this point first – we recommend you not do this on your own. Yes, we know what you’re thinking. You’re think we only recommend you hire an attorney because we’re attorneys and we want your money, but that’s not it at all. In truth, we’ve helped many clients over the years to refile after they tried to do it alone and botched it up. So we know what it involves, and we know it can be a very complex, and very contentious process. Having an attorney on your side will make every part of this that much easier!

But if you choose to go ahead and do this alone, here’s where you need to start:

1. Make sure you’re eligible.

Michigan law says you or your spouse must have lived in Michigan for at least six months. If neither of you have lived in Michigan that long, you’re going to have to wait until you’ve met the six month residency requirement. In addition, either you or your spouse has to have lived in the county where you’re filing for at least 10 days.

2. Search online to find a site with the forms you need.

There are numerous online sites that you can find the paperwork you need to file for divorce. Some sites charge you a fee to download the papers, and some provide free downloadable divorce forms. Make sure that the site you choose provides paperwork that is compatible with Michigan law.

3. Talk to your spouse about how to divide your assets

You and your spouse will need to sit down and discuss how to divide up your assets and your debts. This means everything that you own, and everything that you owe needs to be fairly split between you. If you can’t agree, you might want to talk to a mediator who can help you reach an equitable division of assets. If you aren’t able to come to an agreement, the court will decide how your assets should be divided.

4. Discuss with your spouse the issue of child custody and support

You and your spouse are going to have to sit down and figure out how best to manage your children’s schedules in the future. Whether you choose joint custody, or sole custody for one parent with visitation, as long as it’s a reasonable agreement and you’re both happy, the courts are likely to support your choice. If you can’t agree, you may need to involve the family court, and get help coming to an agreement that works for both of you and honors your child’s needs.

All divorces are easier when you have help from a good attorney!

Having a skilled and experienced divorce attorney on your side makes every aspect of the process easier. Whether it’s dividing up your stuff, figuring out your custody, or agreeing on alimony, a good attorney can help you every step of the way. Doing it alone means you might get taken advantage of, may not know your rights, and don’t have anyone to help you make critical decisions.

Here at The Kronzek Firm we’ve been helping people with their divorces for decades, and we’re very good at it. We understand how to help you make the most of this situation without being antagonistic or creating a hostile environment. We also know how to defend you and your rights in the event that your spouse becomes aggressive and tries to take advantage of you. Call 866 766 5245 today, and get help from the people with a stellar track record and decades of success. And join us next time for the rest of the list.