Do you need a Novi Divorce Lawyer?

Our divorce lawyer Novi knows divorces are emotional and challenging which can lead to potential poor judgment calls. Not only are you not in the right frame of mind for a healthy, stable relationship, but it can also affect your legal standing in the divorce.

If you are considering a divorce, don’t deal with the matter alone. Seeking the advice of an experienced divorce lawyer is always the best course of action.

Call us today at (248) 650-0055 to find out how our Novi lawyers can help you.

Scott J. Sumner, J.D. was born in Macomb County, Michigan and attended Utica Community Schools before graduating from Michigan State University (1986) and Michigan State College of Law (1989), previously Detroit College of Law (DCL).

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Frequently Asked Questions for Divorce Lawyer Novi

How will I know my spouse is not hiding money from me?
Much of our property is in my spouse’s name. Does this mean he/she will get that property in the end?
My spouse abused or cheated on me during the marriage. Does that matter?

How will I know my spouse is not hiding money from me?

As part of the divorce process, you and your spouse will be required to engage in financial disclosure. Financial disclosure means that you and your spouse will reveal to each other, through your attorneys, all of your assets and debt. Your attorney will review this information and may require additional information. If your attorney believes it is required, more extensive information can be gained by using interrogatories (written questions) or depositions (oral questions in person). Your attorney can also use the Subpoena power of the court to get documents from third parties, such as banks or employers.

Much of our property is in my spouse’s name. Does this mean he/she will get that property in the end?

No. The name on the title for the property does not control who will get the property in the end. In a divorce property is broken out into at least three parts- Marital property, Pre-marital property & Separate property. Marital property is typically earned during the marriage and this share is divided equally between the marital partners. Pre-marital property is property earned before the marriage and kept separate from the other spouse during the marriage. A good example of premarital property would be the balance in a 401k retirement account one spouse had, before the marriage. Each party is entitled to keep their premarital interest. Separate property is property owned by one spouse without having any marital contribution. A good example of separate property is inheritance that has been maintained in a separate account from their spouse. If it is true separate property and has not been mixed or commingled with marital property, then that spouse can take their separate property without claim from the other.

My spouse abused or cheated on me during the marriage. Does that matter?

Michigan is a no fault divorce state. That means that one spouse does not have to find or name a fault as a cause for the divorce. All one needs to do is meet the State of Michigan’s residency requirements and file a complaint for divorce. If either party wants to pursue the issue of adultery or abuse, remember this is a lawsuit in a court of law and evidence and proof will be required. Even if evidence and proof are shown, it may not affect your settlement. However, in cases where a spouse has expended marital finances to conduct or maintain an extramarital affair, those assets can be allocated to your spouse’s share or adjusted, in the final settlement. Sometimes bad acts such as abuse or adultery can result in a disproportionate settlement, due to the bad behavior of one spouse who causes the breakdown.