Monday, June 21, 2010

What is a no-fault divorce?

New York is on the brink of becoming the 50th state to enact a no-fault divorce law which would allow couples to divorce without having to first establish that their spouse is at fault. According to a recent article in the New York Times, supporters argue that no-fault will reduce litigation and conflict between divorcing couples while opponents claim it will raise New York’s divorce rate and hurt women financially.

Michigan's no-fault divorce law allows a trial court can to grant a divorce if it finds that "there has been a breakdown in the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved." Fault can be a factor, however, when it comes to property division and child custody.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

This Weekend: Happy Father's Day!

Not only is it Father's Day this weekend, it is also likely the first weekend of summer vacation now that school is out! Lots to celebrate! Dad, if it's your weekend with the kids, here are a few things that you can all go out and do to together:
  • Detroit River Days - The 4th annual festival runs Friday though Monday and is a celebration of Detroit’s river, history and culture with activities on land and water, including tall ships, live music, sand sculptures, river tours, carnival rides, jet-ski demos, kids activities, delicious eats and much more! Admission is $3. The grand finale is the Target Fireworks on Monday night.

  • Motor Muster at Greenfield Village - Head to Greenfield Village in Dearborn and scope out more than 700 cars, bicycles, motorcycles and more from the 1930s to 1970s, all featured this Saturday and Sunday. See website for times and ticket prices.

  • Canton Liberty Fest - Located at Heritage Park in Canton, this festival features a classic car show, a carnival, a large screen movie under the stars on Friday night, and fireworks on Saturday night.

  • Hot Blues & BBQ - This 6th annual music and food festival is in Oxford and runs Thursday through Saturday. There is a long list of blues bands playing at both Centennial Park on Friday and Scripter Park on Saturday. Admission is free.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

How long does a Michigan divorce take?

By: Kathryn M. Cushman

In Michigan, if there are no children are involved, a divorce can be granted in as little as 60 days. If there are minor children are involved, there is a six month waiting period before the divorce can be finalized. Sometimes, judges will waive part of the waiting period if parties are ready and have resolved all issues, but not always.

These timeframes are minimums dictated by law. Generally, divorces take much longer than what is described above. It depends on the case, the complexity of the issues involved, the level of contention between the parties, the court's docket and many other factors.

In order to file for divorce in Michigan, you must be a resident of the state for at least 180 days (six months) and a resident of the county in which you are filing for a minimum of 10 days.

For more information about the divorce process and for answers to your specific questions, contact us at Hickey, Cianciolo, Fishman & Finn PC.