One cannot prevent a divorce in Michigan by saying that he or she doesn’t want to get divorced and that the other party should be forced to undergo marriage counseling. The desire to divorce need only exist in one party to a marriage for that party to obtain a divorce.

The term an uncontested divorce is often used to mean that there are no disagreements regarding the terms of a divorce judgment. Unfortunately, that determination is often premature; made before the many terms of a divorce judgment are explicitly agreed upon. Thus, there may have been general agreement initially, but when working out the specific terms of a Judgment, disagreement may develop. “The devil is in the details” as when working out the specific details regarding who will have the minor children on Christmas Eve, or exactly what the level of child support is supposed to be. Unless an agreement is reduced to a signed Divorce Judgment, the possibility exists that a simple “uncontested divorce” may become complex and costly. Sometimes, emotional needs may surface that make settlement more difficult as when one spouse finds that the other now has a new love interest. Suddenly, the possibility exists that what seemed like a simple uncontested divorce becomes difficult and potentially expensive.

One should retain an experienced divorce attorney whose demeanor does not unnecessarily create conflict. Hiring a bulldog for an attorney may seem like a good idea, but when you receive the monthly legal bills, you may have second thoughts. It is a bad idea to retain an attorney who stokes unnecessary conflict with the general approach of “the two of you should fight and I will bill you monthly.” Of course, it is not only the choice of attorneys, but the parties’ behavior, that may unnecessarily create conflict. Remember that both parties are undergoing conflict and emotional stress causing someone to say or do something that he or she regrets. A little forgiveness or even a strategically deaf ear may prevent a lot of conflict and reduce stress, tension, and unnecessary attorneys fees. Retain an attorney who is experienced in divorce and respects the role emotions have in this difficult time. Having an experienced, dignified, and respectful attorney during the divorce process may serve everyone’s best interest. Contact Raymond Pater at 616-396-8883.
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The above is not intended to serve as legal advice. You should consult an attorney.

Raymond J. Pater, Esq.
PATER LAW, PC
714 Michigan Ave, Ste B
Holland, Michigan 49423
(616) 396-8883

Copyright © 2012 by Pater Law, P.C. All rights reserved. You may reproduce materials available at this site for your own personal use and for non-commercial distribution. All copies must include this copyright statement.

Raymond J. Pater, Ottawa County Michigan Family Law attorney serving Holland, Zeeland, Grand Haven, Jenison, and the Lakeshore community.