Livingston County Divorce Lawyer

At Gormley Law Offices, PLC, our attorneys are here to guide you through the divorce process with skill and empathy. Our Michigan divorce attorneys have in-depth experience at trial, which greatly benefits our clients when divorce disputes proceed to litigation. However, litigation is never our first choice. Our primary mission is to help you resolve your concerns in the most economical and efficient manner possible.

To learn more about our approach or to arrange a free consultation with one of our Livingston County, MI divorce lawyers, call 517-219-9301 today.

We are here to assist with all aspects of the divorce process, including the following:

Marital property division, including the division of IRAs, 401(k) accounts, pension plans and other retirement accounts
Child support orders intended to help one parent contribute financially to his or her children’s care
Child custody agreements and parenting times schedules that truly work for each family

Exploring The Benefits Of Divorce Mediation

When possible and appropriate, we encourage our clients to participate in mediation to begin the process of reaching an agreement in property division, child custody and parenting time matters. We support our clients through that process. If an agreement cannot be reached, the process of mediation has often still allowed the clients to have a greater understanding of the issues and their own goals.

Taking A Strategic Approach To Litigation

When it is necessary to take your divorce or child custody case to court, we are experienced legal advocates who know when to take a strategic approach. You may or may not get everything you want in an initial court order. By carefully structuring your agreement, we can often put you in a better position if you need to go back to court later.

We Have The Divorce Experience You Seek

Our knowledge of real estate, finance and business law benefits clients with more complex marital assets, as well as clients who believe that a spouse is not being honest about his or her income from self-employment. We work hard to get the property division agreements our clients deserve. Our years of experience can also benefit you in all other aspects of divorce.

To learn more, schedule a free initial consultation with our divorce lawyers by calling our Brighton or Fowlerville office at 517-219-9301. We serve Livingston County and surrounding communities like Howell, Lansing and East Lansing. You can also contact Gormley Law Offices, PLC, online.

Answers To Common Divorce Questions

At Gormley Law Offices, PLC, we understand that a divorce is a significant life change with many unknowns for individuals across Livingston County. We are here to guide you through the process and eliminate the anxiety and stress that this major change can cause.

Over the years, we have been asked many of the same questions. Here are some common questions and answers.

Can One Attorney Handle The Divorce For Both Parties?

Put simply, no. A divorce attorney is an advocate for a person, not a process. Each spouse must have their own representative.

Do Both Spouses Have To Have An Attorney?

Technically no. Although it is recommended that each spouse attain legal representation to have the “legalese” explained. Having an attorney represent you can also ensure that you understand what you are agreeing to and the options you have. A divorce attorney is someone who acts as your advocate. This person should have your best interests at heart.

Will I Get To See My Kids After My Divorce?

The courts generally agree that it is in the best interest of the child to have both parents in the child’s life. It is also in the child’s best interest to be in a stable home environment with as consistent a schedule as possible. Some considerations can affect child custody. These include abuse, mental illness, criminal activity or addiction issues on the part of a parent.

Will I Have To Pay Child Support?

Guidelines established by the Supreme Court determine child support in Michigan. The income of both the parents and the time the child or children spend with each parent are factors. The costs associated with bringing up the child are also taken into consideration. These costs can include medical, dental, educational, health care and child care cost.

Can Child Support Be Modified?

In certain instances, child support can be modified. This can include a job loss, a health crisis or a major family change. Payments are ordered and modified via the circuit court. You must file a motion and it must be approved to get a payment modified. Past payments cannot be modified.

Will I Have To Pay Alimony?

In Michigan, alimony is determined by an established set of criteria that considers 12 separate factors. These include the ages of each spouse, their earning capacity, fault and their health. The court may also take into consideration behavior, contributions and dependence. Michigan alimony is decided on a case-by-case basis.

Get Answers To Your Questions

Still have questions? We offer a free, one-hour consultation at our office or by phone. We can answer your questions and explain the divorce process, its timeline and our rates. Call 517-219-9301 and speak with our divorce lawyers. You can also send us a brief email describing your issue and we will get back to you.