Livingston County Divorce Lawyer

Last updated on June 2, 2026

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 a Livingston County, Michigan alimony lawyer or property division lawyer, 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
• Spousal support and other matters handled by an alimony attorney

The Divorce Process In Michigan

Going through a divorce is often a prolonged, unpleasant phase in your life when you face a lot of concerns about your future. Learning about the divorce process can help reduce your anxiety. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state and most divorces follow a specific legal path; here is a generalized roadmap to let you know what you can expect in the process:

• Step one: File the complaint. The divorce begins when you or your spouse files a Complaint for Divorce with the Circuit Court to open the case. It usually takes one day to file.
• Step two: Notify your spouse. The spouse who didn’t file receives a formal notification about the divorce through a process server or certified mail. They must respond within 21 days of receipt, or 28 days if served by mail.
• Step three: Observe the mandatory waiting period. Michigan law mandates a delay between the divorce filing and the finalization of the marriage dissolution. The wait is a minimum of six months if you have minor children, but it can be reduced to a minimum of 60 days if you do not.
• Step four: Involve the Friend of the Court (FOC). An FOC assists in cases involving children by conducting investigations and offering recommendations to the judge about the divorce. They may stay present throughout the entire divorce process.
• Step five: Exchange financial information. Both parties must share a complete report of their debts, assets and income to ensure an equitable division. The process may take three months or more, depending on the marital estate’s complexity.
• Step six: Abide by temporary orders. The courts may issue temporary orders tackling custody, support and use of marital assets while the case is pending. This may occur after the waiting period and last until the judge issues final orders.
• Step seven: Negotiate through mediation. You and your spouse may enter a court-ordered mediation to negotiate matters about property, custody and spousal support without a judge’s intervention. This may take a few weeks to months, depending on the complexity of your divorce.
• Step eight: Proceed to trial if necessary. A judge will decide the contested issues if an agreement is not possible. This may occur nine months or more after the date of filing.
• Step nine: Finalize the judgment of divorce. The final document, signed by the judge, legally ends the marriage. Once both parties sign, the divorce is official.

It is important to note that not all divorce cases are the same. Some may finish in less than six months, while others can take as long as two years. Contacting a divorce attorney right away can help place you in a beneficial long-term situation. You won’t have to handle the paperwork or negotiation alone, and you’ll have the benefit of relying on an experienced team. This can be particularly helpful in cases involving a significant amount of assets.

Contested Versus Uncontested Divorce: What’s The Difference?

When you file for divorce in Michigan, your case will be either contested or uncontested. The main difference depends on whether you and your spouse agree on key issues.

In an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on all major terms. This includes property division, custody, child support and spousal support. Because there are no disputes, uncontested divorces often move faster and cost less. They can also reduce stress and give both parties more control over the outcome.

For a divorce to be contested, you and your spouse must not agree on one or more key issues. These cases may require court hearings, mediation or even a trial. A Michigan contested divorce attorney can represent and guide you in this process. The court will then decide how to resolve the disagreements based on Michigan law.

While contested divorces can take longer, they allow both spouses to fully present their side of the story. In either type of divorce, having clear goals and reliable guidance helps you make informed choices for your future.

Determining Which Path You Should Take For Your Divorce

Navigating the legal landscape during a split can feel overwhelming, but understanding your choices empowers you to make informed decisions.

Whether you are facing a highly contested split or an amicable separation, we want you to be familiar with your options. Learning the four legal paths can help you choose which one fits your family’s needs, timeline and budget:

• Negotiation: A direct negotiation between attorneys takes place. This tends to be the most efficient path because both parties are working together without formal mediation or court intervention. Because of its efficiency, a negotiation can resolve in just months and cost less without sacrificing your privacy or control over the final outcome.
• Mediation: Michigan courts can mandate a couple to go through mediation to work out disagreements. A neutral third-party mediator helps spouses discuss their conflicts and reach a mutual agreement on child custody, high net worth asset division and other matters. Both parties’ legal teams may be present and support their clients throughout the sessions. This is a cost-effective approach that keeps the decision-making power in your hands rather than a judge’s, adding structured time but saving litigation costs.
• Collaboration: This is a cooperative process where both spouses and their attorneys sign a formal commitment to resolve the divorce entirely outside of court. It is ideal for couples who want to preserve their privacy and maintain a good relationship for co-parenting their children. While this has less conflict, it can become costly and require starting over when the process doesn’t end in cooperation and one party decides to proceed with a court battle.
• Litigation: Couples may go to court when cooperation fails or when certain circumstances require formal intervention, such as domestic violence and hidden assets. A judge has the authority to preside over contested issues, which may take months or years to reach a final order. This is also the most costly and publicized path, but sometimes it is the only way to protect your rights.

Deciding which path depends on your case and the willingness of both parties to cooperate. You do not have to figure this out alone because we are here to help you assess your situation. Our team’s collaborative approach will serve as the support you need in moving forward.

LGBTQ Divorce In Michigan

Divorce affects every family differently, and LGBTQ couples may face unique challenges during this time. As your Michigan LGBTQ divorce lawyers, we know that fairness and respect are essential. You deserve a process that recognizes your rights and your relationship history.

Many of the same laws apply to LGBTQ and heterosexual divorces, but certain issues can be more complex. For example, questions about property ownership, parental rights or name changes may require extra attention. If children are involved, the court focuses on their best interests, just like in any other custody case.

It’s also important to address matters like shared assets, support and legal parentage if only one spouse has a biological connection to the child. By preparing carefully, you can protect both your rights and your family’s stability.

Every family deserves clear, caring guidance through divorce. With support from a knowledgeable attorney, you can move forward with dignity and peace of mind.

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 enforce agreements and 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 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.