Novi Divorce Lawyers

Compassionate, experienced representation for every stage of the divorce process.

If you’re going through a divorce or considering one in Novi, Michigan, you may have more questions than answers. What will happen to your children? How will your finances, property, and retirement accounts be divided? Will you have to go to court?

At Heath & Kolomjec, our Novi divorce lawyers understand that divorce is about more than ending a marriage. It’s a life-changing event that may affect your family, finances, living arrangements, and future.

Regardless of your circumstances, you can count on our experienced, compassionate team to help you understand your options, define your goals, protect your rights, and make informed decisions about what comes next.

Key Issues to Resolve in a Divorce

As you navigate through the divorce process, you’ll need to consider several issues that can have lasting financial and personal consequences. These may include:

Asset and Debt Division

Splitting your finances can be one of the most complicated parts of a divorce, especially if you have significant assets or debts. Allow our Novi divorce attorneys to identify and value your assets, determine which property and debts may be separate, and advocate for your financial interests during negotiations or in court.

Child Custody and Parenting Time

When children are part of the divorce, decisions about custody and parenting time can have a lasting impact on your family. Our Novi divorce attorneys can advocate for your parental rights while pursuing an arrangement that puts your child’s best interests first, as required under Michigan law.

Child Support

Child support is intended to help cover your child’s everyday expenses, including food, clothing, housing, health care, and education. Turn to our legal team to guide you through the child support calculation process, review proposed orders, and pursue modifications when your circumstances change.

Spousal Support

Whether you’re seeking support or being asked to pay it, spousal support can have a significant effect on your finances for years to come. You can trust our Novi divorce attorneys to evaluate the circumstances that may affect a spousal support decision, review relevant financial information, and advocate for your interests during negotiations or in court. Michigan courts do not use a set formula to determine spousal support so careful preparation is especially important.

Divorce Representation Tailored to Your Situation

Divorce can take many forms, from relatively straightforward uncontested cases to complex, contested matters involving significant assets or disputes over children. Fortunately, Heath & Kolomjec handles a wide range of divorce matters, including:

Uncontested Divorce

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on key issues such as property division, spousal support, child custody and parenting time, often allowing the case to proceed more smoothly. If you have an uncontested divorce case, we can help draft clear agreements that reflect your priorities and protect your interests.

Contested Divorce

Some divorces include disagreements over property, finances, custody, child support, and other matters. These cases, which are known as contested divorces, may be lengthy and complex. If you’re facing a contested divorce, you can count on Heath & Kolomjec to advocate for your rights and work toward the best possible outcome.

Gray Divorce

Gray divorce, which involves couples who are 50 or older, can raise different concerns than divorces earlier in life. For example, there’s usually greater emphasis on retirement accounts, real estate, debt, spousal support, and estate planning. If you’re considering or going through a gray divorce, Heath & Kolomjec’s experienced divorce attorneys can guide you through these complex financial issues and pursue a fair resolution.

High-Asset Divorce

When substantial assets, such as businesses, investment portfolios, retirement accounts, stock options, real estate, trusts, and inheritances are involved in a divorce, determining what each spouse receives becomes far more challenging. If you’re involved in a high-asset divorce, allow us to advocate for you throughout the process and work toward a fair division of your assets.

Military Divorce

Military divorces come with unique legal considerations, including residency requirements, military retirement benefits, and protections under federal law. If you’re pursuing a military divorce, our Novi divorce lawyers are here to help. We address issues related to the USFSPA and SCRA, along with military retirement pay, survivor benefits and custody arrangements that account for deployment schedules.

Divorce Mediation and Collaborative Divorce: Is Litigation Always Necessary?

Divorce doesn’t always require a courtroom battle. Mediation and collaborative divorce offer more private, less adversarial ways to resolve disputes. With mediation, a neutral third party guides spouses through negotiations. In a collaborative divorce, each spouse works with their own specially trained attorney to reach an agreement outside of court.

Heath & Kolomjec’s Certified Collaborative Divorce Lawyers represent clients through mediation and collaborative divorce while pursuing solutions that reflect their goals and priorities. When litigation is necessary, our experienced Novi divorce attorneys are prepared to advocate for your interests in court.

Why Choose Heath & Kolomjec for Your Novi Divorce?

Backed by more than 60 years of combined legal experience, our Novi divorce attorneys provide personalized representation focused on protecting your rights and your future.

We understand Michigan divorce law and how it applies to the unique circumstances of each case. When you work with us, you’ll receive personalized attention, clear communication and, most importantly, a sound legal strategy tailored to your specific goals and priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Novi, Michigan

1. How long does a divorce take in Michigan?
The mandatory waiting period for a divorce in Michigan begins when you file and is at least 60 days for couples without minor children and six months for those with minor children.

In some cases, a judge may shorten the six-month waiting period due to an unusual hardship or qualifying necessity. If you want to complete your divorce as quickly as possible, a Novi divorce attorney at Heath & Kolomjec can explain your options and help avoid unnecessary delays.

2. Do I have to go to court to get divorced in Michigan?
Not necessarily. If you and your spouse can reach an agreement through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative divorce, you may be able to avoid a contested court proceeding.

Disagreements over major issues, however, may require litigation. Regardless of whether or not your case requires court, our Novi divorce attorneys can help.

3. How are property and debts divided in a Michigan divorce?
Michigan generally follows equitable distribution, meaning marital property and debts are divided fairly based on the circumstances rather than automatically split 50/50. The court may consider factors such as each spouse’s financial circumstances, contributions to the marriage and the nature and value of the marital assets and debts.

You can trust a Novi divorce attorney at Heath & Kolomjec to identify marital and separate property and debts and negotiate a fair division on your behalf.

4. How are child custody and parenting time decided in Michigan?
Michigan courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child. Parents may agree on custody and parenting time, or the court may establish an arrangement when an agreement can’t be reached.

Our Novi divorce lawyers can help you develop a parenting plan, negotiate custody and parenting-time arrangements with your spouse, and advocate for your interests if your case goes before a judge.

5. Do I need a divorce lawyer if my spouse and I agree on everything?
Even if you and your spouse agree on all the terms of your divorce, a Novi divorce attorney at Heath & Kolomjec can review the agreement and make sure you understand your rights and obligations. Legal guidance can be especially valuable if your divorce involves children, significant assets, retirement accounts, a business, or other complex issues.

Contact Our Novi Divorce Attorneys Today

The decisions made during your divorce can affect your finances and family long after the case ends, making experienced legal representation essential. If you’re ready to move forward with your Novi divorce, contact the attorneys at Heath & Kolomjec today.

We’ll advocate for your rights, whether your case is resolved outside of court or through litigation.

To get started, call (248) 428-1000 or fill out our contact form.