Thinking about filing for divorce in Romulus or elsewhere in Wayne County, Michigan? You don’t have to figure out your next steps on your own. Divorce brings up many important questions about money, children, and your future. It helps to talk with someone who understands the local court system and can guide you toward your goals.
A divorce lawyer from Smith Law can explain your options, help you prepare, and stand by your side throughout the process. We offer personal attention, clear answers, and affordable service from our nearby Westland office. Contact us now to arrange your free initial consultation with our attentive and compassionate team.
If you live in Romulus or anywhere in Wayne County, you will file your divorce at the Wayne County Circuit Court in Detroit. Michigan law says either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least 180 days and in the county for at least 10 days before filing.
The court charges a fee when you file for divorce, which can change depending on whether you have children. If you can’t afford the fee, you can ask the court for a waiver.
Michigan only allows you to file for divorce on a no-fault basis. That means you only need to say that your marriage has broken down and cannot be saved to get a divorce.
In some other states, people can file for a fault-based divorce if their spouses cheated, abandoned them, or committed abuse. Those states allow judges to consider fault as a legal ground to end the marriage. However, Michigan doesn’t use fault grounds to grant a divorce.
In Michigan, your spouse also doesn’t even need to agree to the divorce. If one person wants out, the court can still end the marriage. However, even in a no-fault case, the court can still look at each spouse’s behavior when deciding on matters like property division and spousal support.
Divorce cases in Michigan can be either contested or uncontested. In an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse agree on all matters relevant to the divorce, including property, child custody, and support. These uncontested cases usually move more quickly and cost less.
If you and your spouse disagree on one or more issues, your divorce will be a contested divorce. In a contested divorce, you might need help from a judge or a mediator to work things out. That’s why these cases often take longer, cost more, and require additional time in court.
When you get divorced in Michigan, you and your spouse must divide all the property and debt you accumulated during your marriage. If you can’t agree on how to divide everything, the court will decide for you. Property division matters because it determines who keeps which assets after the divorce and who assumes any remaining debt.
There are two main types of property in a divorce case: marital and separate. Marital property includes anything either of you earned or bought during the marriage—homes, cars, bank accounts, and even retirement savings. It also includes any debts you took on while you were married. Separate property usually includes any assets or debts you owned before the marriage. Things you received as gifts or inheritances during your marriage can also count as separate property as long as you kept them apart from your marital assets.
Marital property is subject to division in divorce, while separate property usually stays with you. Wayne County judges divide marital property as they see fit. They consider factors like your income, age, health, and the length of your marriage to determine what’s fair.
When you file for divorce in Romulus or anywhere in Wayne County, you must follow a step-by-step process under Michigan law. Each case is different, but the overall steps usually include:
In Wayne County, judges often refer couples to mediation when they don’t agree on issues such as custody or property division. Divorce mediation gives couples a way to solve disagreements without going to trial. During mediation, couples work with a mediator—a neutral person who helps both sides discuss the issues and reach an agreement.
Mediation often works well for couples in Romulus who want to avoid unnecessary time in court. If you and your spouse can agree on the main issues during mediation, you can save time and money. However, mediation is not right for everyone, especially in cases involving domestic violence or abuse.
We give each divorce case the personal attention it deserves. Since 2010, we have helped people in Romulus and across Wayne County handle some of the most consequential legal matters they will ever face. Our founding attorney, Samantha Smith, brings over a decade of direct experience in divorce and family law to every case we handle.
When you hire us, you will work directly with a dedicated attorney who listens, explains your options clearly, and keeps you informed every step of the way. We focus on practical solutions that work for your life, whether that means negotiating an agreement or going to court.
We serve Romulus families from our nearby Westland office and keep our services cost-effective so you can get the help you need, regardless of your budget. We don’t hand your case off to inexperienced staff or treat you like a file folder. We treat you like a person and work hard to earn your trust.
Whether you’re just starting to think about divorce or already facing court deadlines for your case, Smith Law can help. If you live in Romulus or a nearby community, we invite you to contact us for a free initial consultation. We’re here to help you handle your divorce with confidence.
