"Joint Divorce" Options in Michigan: An Overview

Everyone is familiar with the phrase “filing” for divorce. “ Some clients are surprised to learn that “filing for divorce” typically refers to starting a lawsuit against your spouse. The “traditional” divorce lawsuit is one in which one spouse brings a lawsuit for divorce against the other spouse — and a divorce litigation ensues. The ultimate decisions rest in a court’s hands and, unless the parties can settle their lawsuit during the litigation process, they lose control of the major issues in their life: the custody and support of their children, what happens to their existing assets and their future finances. It is typically an expensive and often anguishing experience for the couple and their family. And the “traditional” divorce lawsuit options is NOT necessary in many instances. Is a lawsuit really the best way to deal with an often-painful (and preferably private) emotional and financial issues between a married couple?

When presented with alternatives to the traditional divorce lawsuit, in my experience, most clients prefer the alternatives. But what are the alternatives? In this blog series, I will discuss the options for “Joint Divorce” — more respectful and efficient ways to solve the typical “problems” which arise in divorce without starting a lawsuit.

In 2019, Michigan law changed to provide for two alternatives to the old-fashioned divorce lawsuit.  Now, couples who can agree that they want to stay out of the divorce litigation process have the options of (a) Collaborative Divorce and (b) a simplified, fast-track option, which is starting to become known as “Joint Divorce.”

There is more than one way to achieve a “Joint Divorce.” The Streamline Divorce process offered by Banfield Couling is our most efficient and cost-effective way to complete a Joint Divorce. But not every couple who wants to stay out of court has a situation that is right for the Streamline Divorce process.  In this new blog series, I will walk you through the options for “Joint Divorce” in Michigan and help to provide insights on which type of Joint Divorce process tends to work best in certain types of situations.