Divorce Committed to Excellence

Divorce Attorneys in Grand Rapids, MI

Guiding Families Through The Divorce Process in Kent County. Free Consults.

Are you contemplating a divorce in Michigan, or have you already filed? When going through this life-changing event, having a trusted Grand Rapids divorce attorney should not be optional. You will be facing some major decisions that can affect your life and the lives of your children for many years ahead.

Dissolving a marriage is more than just separating physically or emotionally. It involves the disentangling of finances and property, resolving issues of child custody and visitation, determining which parent will have primary custody and which parent will provide child support, dividing marital assets and debts, establishing spousal support/alimony, and innumerable other issues large and small in Grand Rapids.


Are you contemplating filing for a divorce? Call Tanis Schultz today at (616) 227-3737 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our divorce lawyers in Grand Rapids.


Contested & Uncontested Divorce in Michigan

Our Grand Rapids divorce attorneys handle both uncontested and complex contested divorce cases involving children, spousal support, complicated marital assets, and more. We will help you try to resolve any differences with your spouse through negotiation. However, if you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement on your divorce issues, we have extensive litigation experience.

Does It Matter Who Files for Divorce First in Michigan?

In Michigan, it typically does not matter who files for divorce first. The state of Michigan is a "no-fault" divorce state, which means that either spouse can file for divorce without proving that the other spouse did something wrong. Instead, the only requirement for divorce in Michigan is that the marriage has broken down irretrievably, and there is no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved.

When it comes to the actual divorce proceedings, the court will generally focus on issues such as property division, child custody, and spousal support, regardless of which spouse initiated the divorce. However, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind. For example, the spouse who files for divorce first may have more time to prepare their case and choose the jurisdiction in which to file. Additionally, the spouse who files first may have an initial advantage in setting the tone for the divorce proceedings.

Overall, while there may be some tactical advantages to filing for divorce first, it is unlikely to have a significant impact on the outcome of the divorce.

What Issues Need to Be Resolved Before Finalizing a Divorce in MI?

In any Michigan divorce, you will need to resolve the following issues in order to finalize your divorce:

Is Michigan a No-Fault Divorce State?

Michigan is a no-fault divorce state which can facilitate the divorce process since evidence of marital misconduct is not necessary. Fault may influence a court’s decisions, however, concerning child custody, asset division, and spousal support. It is only necessary to demonstrate to the court that your marriage has been irretrievably broken with no hope of reconciliation. Either spouse may file for a divorce in Michigan regardless of whether the other spouse wants one or not.

Contact Our Divorce Lawyers in Grand Rapids Today

At Tanis Schultz, we have helped thousands of individuals navigate the challenges of the divorce process. Our Grand Rapids divorce lawyers are here to address your concerns, answer your questions, and provide the sound counsel you need at every stage of the proceeding. We negotiate on your behalf, provide mediation services, or take your case to court when necessary. Our family law team is passionate about protecting your legal rights and helping you pursue the best possible outcome for your future.

Additional Reading:


Contact Tanis Schultz today to get started with our Grand Rapids divorce attorneys.


Testimonials
The Opinions That Matter

    “You can tell she really knows her stuff and will help you with all she’s got to offer every case, every time!”
    I would highly recommend Megan Mast! She is personable, communicates extremely well, is prompt and professional. You can tell she really knows her stuff and will help you with all she’s got to offer every case, every time!
    - M.H.
    “I could cry I'm so thankful to Ms. Yard and her office.”
    “Without this office's expert advice, professionalism, attention to detail, and preparation, I would still be disabled without benefits.”
    - A.
    “They are clearly dedicated to their clients. I would highly recommend them!”
    This is a great firm! They were extremely helpful and available to answer any of our questions. They are clearly dedicated to their clients. I would highly recommend them!
    - B.L.
    “What an amazing firm and attorney! Megan was able to help me with my case and she did everything she promised and executed!”
    Starting out by saying, what an amazing firm and attorney! Megan was able to help me with my case and she did everything she promised and executed! She went above and beyond in problem-solving and communication skills. I can't thank her and the firm enough! Highly recommended!
    - N.T.
    “Everything Jonathan did was smooth and it took a huge burden off of me.”
    Jonathan has helped me with a family law case. Everything he did was smooth and it took a huge burden off of me. I appreciate that he took the time to email me at every step to let me know what was going on. Oftentimes, with other lawyers, I was kept in limbo while I tried to get a hold of them. Jonathan was very professional and I will continue to use his services should anything else arise with my divorce case.
    - A.W.
    “I appreciated her communication and the respect she gave me during the process.”
    “I appreciated her communication and the respect she gave me during the process.”
    - C.A.
    “We would highly recommend Josh to anyone looking for an estate planning attorney.”
    Josh was professional and extremely helpful in creating our estate plan. He guided us through the process from start to finish. We would highly recommend Josh to anyone looking for an estate planning attorney.
    - S.N.
    “I hired Megan to defend me in my case, and I have to say, I am very happy I did.”
    She actually listened to me and answered all of my questions. Never did I feel like she was rushing through things. She explained everything very well. Very professional. Highly recommend her.
    - F.H.

Why Choose Tanis Schultz?

  • Dedicated Attorneys
    When you hire one of the experienced attorneys at Tanis Schultz, you get an entire team!
  • Track Record of Success
    Our attorneys have experience handling high-profile, complex cases with complete success.
  • Quality Representation
    Tanis Schultz is a professional law firm that provides a competitive advantage and the experience to address your legal issues.
  • Experience
    Our attorneys have over 50 yearsof combined experience handling various areas of the law with precision.