Family Law Attorney — Birmingham, MI | Serving Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Livingston, Monroe & surrounding counties
Family Law Attorney — Birmingham, MI | Serving Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Livingston, Monroe & surrounding counties
One of the first questions clients ask is: how long will this take? The honest answer is that it depends — but understanding the key variables will help you set realistic expectations and plan accordingly.
Michigan imposes a minimum waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. For couples without minor children, the minimum is 60 days from the date the complaint is filed. For couples with minor children, the minimum is 180 days (six months). These waiting periods cannot be waived, even if both parties agree on every issue. They exist to give couples time to reconsider and to ensure that agreements involving children are carefully considered.
If you and your spouse agree on all issues — property division, spousal support, and (if applicable) custody, parenting time, and child support — your divorce can often be finalized close to the minimum waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically involves filing a joint complaint or a complaint and an answer, submitting a settlement agreement, and attending a brief hearing. With Logan’s guidance, many uncontested divorces are completed efficiently and affordably.
When spouses cannot agree on one or more issues, the divorce becomes contested. The timeline extends significantly based on the complexity of the disagreements, the number of assets to be valued and divided, whether business interests or retirement accounts are involved, the level of conflict over custody and parenting time, and the court’s docket. A contested divorce in Michigan can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more. Logan works to resolve disputes efficiently — through negotiation, mediation, or litigation — while always keeping your goals in focus.
In complex divorces involving significant assets, a business, or suspicions of hidden income or property, the discovery process can add several months to the timeline. Discovery may include interrogatories (written questions), depositions, subpoenas for financial records, and the use of forensic accountants or business valuation experts. Logan has extensive experience managing discovery efficiently and ensuring that all marital assets are properly identified and valued.
The single most effective way to shorten your divorce timeline is to work with an attorney who is organized, responsive, and experienced. Logan is known for her clear communication, meticulous preparation, and ability to move cases forward without unnecessary delay. She will give you a realistic timeline assessment during your free initial consultation.
