FAMILY LAW & DIVORCE

When you are involved in a divorce or family law dispute, whether your case is uncontested or everything is in dispute, you want an experienced lawyer, one who knows the law and can help you make informed decisions regarding custody, support and the division of marital property. At the same time, you want an attorney who understands the emotions you face, who will take the time to listen who will identify solutions that meet your individual needs.

At Pater Law, P.C., in Holland, we represent men and women throughout Ottawa County and Allegan County in all matters related to divorce. We have handled hundreds of divorce cases, often as referrals from former or current clients. We offer fully computerized legal research and document preparation, so that we can offer large firm service at reasonable rates.

Going through a divorce is a difficult time in any person's life. To help reduce your anxieties it is important that you have a knowledgeable attorney who can protect your rights and look after your interests during this period.

At Pater Law, P.C., we don't operate a divorce mill. We take the time to get to know you and to understand your unique concerns, and we will seek solutions that take into account your particular needs and desires.

Our firm handles both contested and uncontested divorce matters. Whatever your situation, we help you determine the approach best suited to meet your goals.

We work with clients at all stages of a divorce proceeding, from the decision to file through post-judgment requests for enforcement or modification of existing divorce decrees. We counsel clients in all matters related to or arising out of a divorce, including:

PROPERTY DIVISION
In Michigan, property is divided by an equitable distribution. This means that property and assets are distributed equally and fairly, but not necessarily 50/50. We review your assets and liabilities and explain how a court will likely divide them. Our firm protects your property rights and works to ensure you receive a fair and equitable distribution.

SPOUSAL SUPPORT (Alimony)
Spousal support is paid to a spouse to augment income lost due to the breakup of the marriage.

Both the amount and length of spousal support is determined by many factors, including: the past relations and conduct of the parties, the length of the marriage, the abilities of the parties to work, the source and amount of property awarded to the parties, the parties' ages, the abilities of the parties to pay alimony, the present situation of the parties, the needs of the parties, the parties' health, the prior standard of living of the parties and whether either is responsible for the support of others, contributions of the parties to the joint estate, a party's fault in causing the divorce, the effect of cohabitation on a party's financial status, and general principles of equity. Evaluating your situation in light of these factors takes experience and judgment.

We can advise you how the court is likely to view the facts of your case and how your facts are best presented.

CHILD CUSTODY & PARENTING TIME (Visitation)
Custody and parenting time are often highly contested issues. We work to minimize stress of our clients. We help you keep the best interests of the children in mind and work with you to obtain the custody and parenting time arrangement that makes sense for you and your

CHILD SUPPORT
The amount of child support is determined by State mandated Guidelines. Factors in this formula include: income of the parents, number of children, daycare and health care costs.

Our firm provides the knowledgeable representation that comes from 25 years of experience. We work with you to assist in making informed decisions for your future.

We also handle post-judgment issues such as enforcement and modification.

Contact us at 616-396-8883 to schedule a confidential consultation, by appointment only. We remember you and work hard to meet your expectations.