Family Law Attorneys Grand Rapids

Family Law Attorneys Grand Rapids

Legal disputes that involve family members are some of the most difficult a person will ever have to face. Often, people must preserve the relationship even after their dispute has been resolved. This is particularly true when children are involved so it is important to reduce as much tension as possible for them, and for all parties that are part of the dispute. A family law attorney in Grand Rapids can help you resolve your disputes while reducing the amount of conflict that can often arise in divorce, child custody, and child support disagreements. If you are involved in a family dispute, our family law attorneys in Grand Rapids can help.

Divorce

Divorce cases are some of the most common types of legal issues family law attorneys in Grand Rapids help people with. All divorce cases in Michigan are governed by no-fault divorce laws. To file for divorce, a spouse can only state that there has been a breakdown of the marital relationship and that there is no chance of the couple reconciling. In fact, judges in Michigan cannot even consider fault when granting a divorce. That does not mean though, that fault will never play a role during the process.

The divorce process will address many different issues and fault can play a role in many of them. For example, property division law in Michigan states that marital property is divided fairly, although not necessarily equally. If an extramarital affair by one spouse led to the breakdown of the marriage and marital funds were spent on the infidelity, the spouse that did not have an affair may be awarded more in marital property.

Issues Involving Children

Family law governs many issues involving children, both during and after divorce. Child custody and child support are usually determined during the divorce process. The courts will take a number of factors into consideration when making these decisions. During child custody hearings, a judge will only consider what is in the best interests of the children. There are 12 factors altogether a court will consider. Generally speaking though, the courts usually want children to maintain a relationship with both parents after a divorce, except in cases that have extenuating circumstances.

All parents are also expected to financially support their children, even when the relationship between the two parents has broken down. When determining child support, the courts will use a very specific formula. Both child support and child custody can be modified to change a final legally binding order. However, the party that wishes to make a modification must show that circumstances have substantially changed and a modification is necessary.

Our Grand Rapids Family Law Attorneys Can Help with Your Dispute

Divorce, child custody, and child support are just a few of the family law disputes people may face. At Van Den Heuvel Law Office, our family law attorneys in Grand Rapids can help you through whatever dispute you are facing and give you the best chance of a successful outcome. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.