Grand Rapids Divorce Attorneys

Many people say that it is much harder to get “unmarried” than to get married. Anyone who is considering divorce needs a lot of information. For starters, a party who has resided in the state for 180 days or more may file a Michigan divorce action. The party files the suit in the county of residence, as long as they have resided there for ten days. At the Van Den Heuvel Law Office, we have experience handling all family law matters related to divorce actions in numerous Michigan counties. If you own a business, significant real estate properties, or other assets that may be difficult to divide equitably, you need a knowledgeable and aggressive attorney to protect your interests and your family.

At the Van Den Heuvel Law Office, our Grand Rapids divorce attorneys have handled family law matters across numerous Michigan counties since 1992. Our firm offers skilled, results-driven representation for divorces of every kind, from straightforward filings to high-asset cases involving businesses and complex property. 

Who We Serve

People come to us at every stage of the divorce process. You may recognize yourself in one of these situations:

• You are thinking about divorce but feel unsure about what will happen with the house, your money, your children, support, or the court process itself.
• You are ready to file but do not know what paperwork is required, how your spouse gets served, or what happens once the case begins.
• You are a parent who needs to settle where the children will live, how parenting time will work, who makes major decisions, and how child support fits into the picture.
• You need to start a divorce while also dealing with safety concerns, protective orders, emergency court matters, or a spouse who is making the process harder.
• You have a higher income, a business, a professional practice, bonuses, a demanding schedule, or complex assets, and you are unsure how these factors affect custody, support, and property division.

Whatever your circumstances, we help you understand your options and make the best possible choice for your family.

Understanding Divorce in Michigan

If you and your spouse are considering divorce, there are three basic means for doing so:

• Divorce. Michigan is a no-fault state. The only ground for divorce in Michigan is that there has been a “breakdown of the marriage relationship.” In other words, the court has the power to formally end the relationship between the parties regardless of who did what to whom. Who is at fault may play a role, however, in the court’s determination of child custody, property rights, and spousal support.
• Separate maintenance. The initial filing for separate maintenance is almost identical to the filing of a divorce. When a judgment is entered, the parties are divorced economically or financially, but they are not divorced from the bonds of matrimony. Separate maintenance is commonly used when the couple does not believe in divorce for religious reasons or when one spouse needs to remain on the other spouse’s medical insurance.
• Annulment. A legal annulment is based upon either the inability to marry at the time of the marriage or fraud in the contract of marriage. Examples of grounds for an annulment include same-sex couples or the incapacity to marry due to age or a mental condition. A Michigan annulment is not based upon the length of time you have been married.

Things to Keep in Mind While Filing for Divorce

There are numerous issues to consider when going through a divorce. Whether it is an uncontested divorce (spouses agree on all matters) or a highly contentious matter, certain issues need to be resolved, including:

• Child custody, parenting time, and support. Where your children will live, who will make the major decisions in their lives, and determining an appropriate parenting time schedule are often difficult areas for spouses to reach an agreement. The noncustodial parent must also pay child support, which can be a difficult topic as well.
• Spousal support. If you or your spouse needs maintenance payments, we can help determine the proper amount under your individual circumstances.
• Asset division. Whether you own very little property or significant and complex assets such as a business or real estate holdings, you need an advocate to ensure you obtain a fair and equitable asset division settlement in your divorce.

Why Work With the Van Den Heuvel Law Office?

• Decades of proven experience. We have served Michigan individuals and businesses since 1992, with more than 34 years of family law results.
• Tenacious representation. When an amicable resolution is not possible, our team fights for a positive outcome for you and your family.
• Skill with complex cases. We have specific experience in high-asset divorces, business divorces, and difficult property division matters.
• Creative problem solving. Our strategies are innovative and productive, and we welcome cases other firms decline.
• Client-focused service. Our reviews speak to attorneys who are knowledgeable, respectful, and genuinely invested in helping clients feel confident about their next step.

Start Your Journey Towards a Brighter Future

Divorce changes your life, but you do not have to face it alone. The right attorney protects your rights, guides you through the legal system, and helps you avoid costly mistakes. Let our team bring clarity and strength to your case.

Contact the Van Den Heuvel Law Office for a free initial consultation. Complete our online contact form today. After-hours and Skype appointments are available by request.

FAQs About Divorce in Michigan