Washtenaw and Wayne County Family Law

Strong Legal Support in Michigan

The Law Offices of John R. Bailey protects you and your children's rights during times of change in your family. If you are facing a divorce, we guarantee that you will benefit from our services. From property division to custody debates, our divorce attorney offers reliable expert counsel.

Grounds for a Michigan divorce

In Michigan, either spouse may state in divorce papers that there has been a breakdown in the marriage and there is no reasonable likelihood that they can preserve the marriage. After a 60-day waiting period, a judge may grant the divorce. If the parties are in agreement about division of property and child custody, the divorce can be finalized without a trial. We work hard to negotiate a satisfactory settlement for you. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, the court schedules a hearing and a trial may follow. Your divorce attorney provides aggressive representation in your contested divorce.

Equitable Distribution

The court assesses the needs of each spouse when dividing property.  Considerations include the following:

Our firm aggressively pursues a division of marital property that will be genuinely equitable for you and your family.

Child Custody

Michigan law requires the court to consider many factors in awarding child custody, including the following:

• The existing relationship between each parent and the child
• The capacity of each parent to care for the child
• The mental and physical health of all parties
• The preference of the child, if deemed old enough to make such a decision
• The ability of each parent to support the other's relationship with the child
• Any history of domestic violence

Many cases are resolved with joint legal custody, in which the child lives with one parent but both parents share responsibility for making important decisions that affect the child. We fight for a custody arrangement that will be in the best interests of you and your children.

Child Support

The amount of child support owed to the custodial parent is determined by the Michigan child support formula. The law is precise on how the amount is calculated, based on income and other factors. If you are owed child support, we enforce the support order on your behalf.

Child Visitation

Our family law attorney handles child visitation disputes:

• Visitation rights after divorce
• Paternity suits

If you are being denied your parental rights, John R. Bailey takes swift legal action on your behalf.

Adoption

You need to work with an experienced and informed family law attorney when you are considering adoption of a child. Our lawyer guides you through the complex choices and legal obligations of domestic adoption.

Reach out to an accessible family law attorney in Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti

At our law firm, you will always be able to speak directly to your lawyer. Our knowledge and experience ensures favorable results in your divorce or custody case. To schedule a free consultation with an Ann Arbor family law attorney, please contact The Law Offices of John R. Bailey.  Serving counties of Washtenaw, Wayne, Oakland, Monroe, Lenawee & Livingston.