When going through a divorce in Michigan, you might be wondering "What is a no fault divorce?" It is important to have a clear understanding of the legal process and the most cost-effective and efficient way to file for divorce. Going through a divorce may cause you to face challenging decisions, such as child custody, parenting time, and property division.
If you need legal advice or representation in your divorce proceedings, don't hesitate to call Clarity Family Law in Dearborn, Michigan at (313) 513-1919. We provide assistance in understanding complicated divorce proceedings, including the distinctions between no-fault and fault divorce processes, as well as strategies for achieving a favorable divorce settlement.
What is a No Fault Divorce?
No-fault divorce is a type of divorce where neither party needs to provide evidence of wrongdoing by their partner. Rather, they simply have to agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken and cannot be mended. It is an alternative to traditional divorces, which often require one spouse to show evidence of fault by proving marital misconduct or domestic abuse in order for the divorce process to be completed.
No-fault divorces have made it much easier for couples who want out of their marriage without having to plead that one spouse was abusive or unfaithful. This route can certainly be the cheaper option and make the entire process simpler for those going through it. No-fault divorces are also more beneficial than divorce with fault because they don't force anyone into proving something that may not actually be true when it comes to their marital woes.
Fortunately, Michigan is a no-fault state and does not require you to provide a valid reason for why your marriage has failed before you can move forward with a no-fault divorce petition.
Why is it Important to Understand What a No Fault Divorce Is?
Gaining an understanding of what a no-fault divorce entails can be crucial for individuals contemplating a divorce in Michigan. Filing a no-fault divorce can be a practical solution to save time, and money, and avoid contentious court battles over the responsibility for the marriage ending. For legal assistance with understanding and filing for a no-fault divorce in Michigan, contact Clarity Family Law in Dearborn today. Our skilled divorce lawyers will provide guidance on your legal rights and assist you in navigating the process of filing for divorce, including the no-fault option.
Overview of the Process for a No Fault Divorce
The basic procedure for a no-fault divorce is to file a petition, determine no-fault divorce grounds, divide marital assets, and then get the divorce finalized with an official dissolution of marriage.
Filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
A petition for dissolution of marriage is a legal document filed with the court of law to dissolve a marriage. This document outlines the reasons why one or both parties are seeking a divorce and also requests certain orders from the court, such as division of property, child custody arrangements, and alimony.
Determining Grounds for Divorce
A no-fault divorce is a divorce that does not require either party to prove that the other spouse has done something wrong. This type of divorce is becoming increasingly popular because it eliminates the need for one spouse to prove fault as a basis for divorce, such as adultery, physical abuse, abuse of alcohol, child abuse, or domestic violence. Instead, a no-fault divorce simply acknowledges that the marriage has irreconcilable differences and cannot be fixed.
Dividing Property and Assigning Debts
The division of marital assets is an important issue during a no-fault divorce. Family courts follow the equitable distribution law which aims to divide marital property fairly and justly. This does not necessarily mean an equal, 50/50 split of assets but could be granted in increments such as 40/60 or 30/70 depending on the circumstances of a particular case.
The first step in this process is to determine which property constitutes marital assets and which assets are considered separate. Assets owned by a spouse before marriage or acquired through inheritance during the marriage are usually deemed separate property by the court rules.
Obtaining a Final Decree of Dissolution
A Final Decree of Dissolution is a legal document that legally ends a marriage. This type of divorce allows couples to end their marriage without assigning blame or fault for the dissolution of the relationship. To obtain this final document, the couple must agree to certain terms such as division of debt, child support and custody, and alimony.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a No-Fault Divorce
There are both advantages and disadvantages to a no-fault divorce, so it is important to carefully consider the pros and cons.
Advantages
No-fault divorce laws have revolutionized the way in which couples can separate. This new avenue of divorce allows couples to move forward without needlessly dragging out the proceedings or placing blame on one side or another. This type of divorce is a simple, amicable separation. There is now no need for factual evidence or lengthy litigation, providing some comfort to both parties when making such an emotionally charged decision.
Research has shown that no-fault divorce has had a positive impact on divorce and on other sociological indicators as well. Women experiencing domestic violence are more likely to pursue a safe place with a no-fault divorce option, whereas they may not have had the resources or support necessary when relying on traditional divorce on fault grounds.
In addition, researchers have found that female suicide rates in states adopting no-fault divorces drop considerably compared with those still adhering to the fault divorce process. These findings suggest that while it may take two to tango, it takes only one person’s choice to initiate change and find solace.
Disadvantages
One of the main critiques of no-fault divorce is that it makes it too easy to end a marriage. Advocates believe that two parents in one household provide the best atmosphere for raising children. Therefore, making divorces more difficult can provide stability and consistency in the family; however, with a no-fault divorce, there is nothing that can be done to prevent it if one spouse wants out and the other wants to stay married.
Additionally, some couples view no-fault divorces unfavorably because they want an escape from guilt when ending a marriage. Without fault being assigned, one spouse cannot take relief from being seen as not responsible for their relationship's failure.
Both spouses 'share' culpability which can be emotionally detrimental rather than having another person be seen as fully at fault for issues such as substance abuse or emotional abuse. Even when both parties agree that a divorce is necessary due to incompatibility or financial hardship, a no-fault divorce does not have the same relief factor.
Variations on the Concept of Faultless Divorces
Certain states have a preference for fault divorces, while others allow for both types of divorce. Fortunately, Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, providing you various options for handling the legal divorce process.
Irretrievable Breakdown
A no-fault divorce is a type of divorce in which neither party is held legally responsible for the breakup of the marriage. In many states, couples can file for a no-fault divorce by simply filing papers stating that their marriage has "irretrievably broken down."
Uncontested vs. Contested Divorces
Uncontested no-fault divorces, also known as simplified/amicable divorces, are when both parties have agreed upon the divorce terms and responsibilities without battling in court. In such cases, couples can agree to terms quickly and inexpensively without the need for a third party or any court drama. This is becoming increasingly common, as an uncontested divorce can be completed in six weeks or less with minimal legal fees associated.
Contested no-fault divorces happen when one of the spouses disagrees with the resolution proposed by their partner during mediation or negotiation. Such a dispute cannot be resolved amicably and will require them to take the case to court in order to reach a fair resolution. In addition, contested divorces involve mountains of paperwork that requires documentation of numerous aspects of the marriage such as marital assets, debt division, custody of minor children, and distribution of property all of which can prove extremely costly and time-consuming for couples if they choose to pursue it through litigation in court. Unfortunately, if your divorce is contested, you may find yourself in a long waiting period before the divorce can be finalized.
The Default Option
A default divorce is a legal process in which a judge grants a divorce to one spouse without the active involvement or participation of the other spouse. Typically, individuals pursue a default divorce in situations where they are unable to locate their spouse or their spouse declines to sign the divorce papers. This type of divorce is commonly referred to as a default divorce.
Speak With Our Team at Clarity Law Firm Today
If you are going through a difficult divorce case, you should consult with an experienced divorce attorney who can help you determine their best options moving forward. A family law attorney will be able to help you understand the basis of divorce laws and how no-blame divorce works.
Contact our family law firm online or by telephone at (313) 513-1919 for a free consultation with an aggressive divorce lawyer to get your questions answered about issues like legal separation, issues of child custody, the cost of divorce, and divorce time periods. Furthermore, we will help you understand the divorce language and divorce negotiations. Our family lawyers will teach you how to file for divorce without blame or file for divorce without fault and avoid divorce trials.