Divorce Lawyer Sterling Heights, MI

Divorce Lawyer Assists Residents of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties

At the Law Offices of Kevin R. Lynch P.L.C., we know that divorce is hard. It has an impact on almost every aspect of your life, so we strive to reach a favorable resolution for you in the least disruptive way possible. With an office in Sterling Heights, our divorce lawyer is equipped to achieve the custody, property division, alimony, and child support terms that you seek. No matter how contentious or amicable your breakup might be, we give you thoughtful, respectful guidance throughout the Michigan marriage dissolution process.

Child Custody and Visitation Rights

Marriages end because of serious conflicts between spouses. Despite this, it is usually best for parents to come together and try to find common ground on child custody and visitation arrangements. As an experienced Michigan family lawyer, Kevin R. Lynch strives to identify creative solutions so that young people can grow up in a healthy environment with strong support from both parents. Should the decision on a parenting plan be left up to the court, the judge can consider any relevant factor when setting forth terms regarding legal authority, residence, and visitation rights. Michigan law favors arrangements where both parents have frequent, meaningful time with their son or daughter, and modifications can be requested from the court if circumstances change. Our firm also represents parents in enforcement proceedings if a mother or father is not complying with the terms of a parenting plan.

Division of Marital Assets and Debts

Typically, most assets acquired by either spouse from the time a couple is wed become part of the marital estate. This might not be the case if a valid prenuptial agreement is in place and certain assets, such as inheritances left to an individual spouse, are classified as separate property. Everything, including bank accounts, stocks and retirement benefits, considered to be marital property must be divided between the parties upon their divorce. Divorce lawyer Kevin R. Lynch, works to resolve these issues through negotiation, but if that is not possible, Michigan courts allocate property and debts according to the state’s equitable distribution law. Under this system, judges examine various factors and issue an order based on what they think is fair. The result does not have to divide value equally between the spouses.

Allocating Spousal Support

A divorce should not drive a spouse into financial hardship. Accordingly, courts can direct that spousal support payments be made on a temporary basis during the divorce and/or after the marriage has been dissolved. Often referred to as alimony, spousal support is typically ordered so that a party who relied on the income of their ex has time to gain the skills and experience required to meet their own financial needs. Whether payments are required and how long they last depends on various factors, including the earning ability of each spouse, the age and health of the parties, and how long the marriage lasts. In the event that financial circumstances or relationship status changes, a party can request that the court make an appropriate modification to an existing alimony order.

Child Support Payments

Most Michigan child support orders are based on a formula that uses the income of both parents and the amount of time the youth spends in each parent’s home to set a baseline rate. Adjustments can then be made based on health insurance, medical, and childcare costs paid by each parent. There might also be other factors that should be considered in order to make the final order equitable. We evaluate the unique needs of children and parents when advocating in a child support matter. Our firm also handles modification proceedings when a shift in income or another relevant factor leads a parent to seek a change in the child support amount. You can rely on us for effective representation if you need an existing order to be enforced. Wage garnishment and other options exist when a parent has not paid the child support required of them.

Contact a Divorce Lawyer in Sterling Heights for a Free Consultation

At the Law Offices of Kevin R. Lynch P.L.C., we advocate for divorcing spouses in Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties. Our office is located in Sterling Heights and we provide a free initial consultation with an experienced divorce lawyer. Please call 586-336-1088 or contact us online for an appointment.