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Best Divorce Attorneys in Brighton, MI

Divorce is never easy, but working with experienced attorneys can make the divorce process more manageable. At Gerkin & Decker, our divorce lawyers understands the challenges that come with divorce proceedings from property division and child custody to spousal support and parenting time. As family law attorneys, we focus on representing your interests at every step.

We guide you through each part of the divorce law process with straightforward advice and honest answers. If you're filing for divorce, navigating an uncontested divorce, or facing complex family law matters, we're here to help. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, but that doesn't mean every case is simple. That's why it's critical to work with professionals who take time to listen and provide the clarity you need to move forward.

Learn more about our family law services or contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.

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Divorce Cases We Handle

No two divorces look the same. Each situation brings its own history, priorities, and legal concerns. Our team of divorce attorneys takes time to understand the details and guide clients through every type of divorce case with steady, informed support.

We handle the following types of divorce cases:

Complex Property Division: We handle the division of shared financial assets, including business ownership, retirement accounts, real estate, and high-value marital property.
Contested Divorce: When spouses cannot agree on major issues such as custody or asset division, we work to protect your rights through negotiation or litigation.
Long-Term Marriages: Divorces involving years of shared finances often raise questions about spousal support and long-term planning. We help clients prepare for these outcomes with clarity and purpose.
Uncontested Divorce: When both parties agree on key terms, we help streamline the process, draft clear agreements, and ensure nothing is overlooked.

Why this matters: Every divorce case deserves attention to detail and a legal plan that matches the situation. Our role is to represent your interests with honesty, focus, and experience.

Other Family Law & Legal Cases We Handle

Legal needs don't stop at divorce. Life brings changes, challenges, and decisions that call for the right legal support. Our attorneys are here to serve as long-term partners, whether you're planning your estate, resolving a dispute, or navigating custody arrangements.

We offer practical guidance across a wide range of practice areas, each handled with focus, care, and clear communication.

Family Law

We handle divorce, custody, and support matters with steady guidance and practical legal solutions.

Child Custody

We help parents reach custody and parenting time solutions that support long-term family stability.

Estate Planning

Create a clear plan for your assets and future decisions with legally sound estate tools.

Probate & Trust

We simplify probate and trust administration while protecting your interests at each step.

Business Law

Our attorneys assist with forming entities, drafting agreements, and managing ongoing legal needs.

Real Estate Law

We manage real estate transactions, contract issues, and property disputes with direct legal support.

Civil Litigation

From contract claims to personal disputes, we develop focused strategies to resolve civil cases.

Personal Injury

We represent injury victims with clear guidance and a focus on fair, full compensation.

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What to Expect From the Divorce Process

Divorce Lawyers in Brighton, MI | Gerkin & Decker, PC - probate-image-1

Filing for divorce in Michigan means starting a legal process that affects your finances, your future, and, in many cases. your family. Because Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, you don't have to prove wrongdoing. But that doesn't make the process simple.

Once you file for divorce, the court sets a schedule for your case. This includes a waiting period, the exchange of financial information, and any required hearings. If children are involved, custody and support must be addressed. If property is shared, division must be fair under Michigan divorce law.

Each step in the divorce proceedings brings important choices. Working with attorneys who understand the system ensures those choices are informed and focused on long-term outcomes. Our role is to guide you with clear answers and dependable legal direction throughout the divorce process.

Breaking Down Michigan & U.S. Divorce Laws

Understanding the legal foundation behind your divorce helps you make informed decisions. Michigan follows no-fault divorce laws, which means neither party must prove misconduct to file for divorce. Still, many outcomes like support, custody, or property division depend on detailed facts and legal interpretation.

The divorce laws in Michigan cover:

No-Fault Filing: You only need to state that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, without proving wrongdoing by either party.
Equitable Distribution: Marital property is divided based on what the court deems fair, considering income, contributions, and each party's future needs rather than a strict 50/50 split.
Custody Decisions: Courts prioritize the best interests of the child, focusing on stability, care, and overall well-being rather than parental preferences.
Support Awards: Child support and spousal support are calculated using statutory guidelines, with final amounts adjusted based on the specifics of each case.

Why this matters: U.S. divorce laws vary by state, but most align on key principles like prioritizing children's welfare and encouraging fair settlements. Knowing how state and federal guidelines apply gives you an edge, especially when your attorney can translate the law into real, actionable steps.

Child Custody, Parenting Time & Support

Families going through divorce face some of the most personal and lasting decisions in any legal case. We help parents create clear, balanced plans that prioritize their children and meet legal standards.

Child Custody: Michigan courts recognize both legal and physical custody. Legal custody involves decision-making authority, while physical custody determines where the child primarily resides. We help you evaluate and pursue a custody arrangement that aligns with your family's circumstances and the child's best interests.
Parenting Time: We assist in developing clear and practical parenting schedules that support the child's well-being while respecting the rights and responsibilities of both parents. All agreements are structured to be enforceable and sustainable over the long term.
Child Support & Spousal Support: Support obligations are guided by Michigan's statutory formulas, but case-specific factors can significantly affect outcomes. We help you understand how payments are calculated, what circumstances may warrant adjustments, and how to protect your financial interests whether you are paying or receiving support.

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Handling Divorce Cases with Empathy & Professionalism

"Honest, professional and caring group of attorneys! they go the extra mile for their clients!" - Laura J. (Facebook)

"Ryan is incredibly knowledgeable, honest, and fair. He provides clear strategy, explains the process thoroughly, and genuinely cares about his clients. Although I only had a consultation with him, after 10 years in one of the highest-conflict custody cases, I can confidently say he doesn't just tell you what you want to hear—he tells you what you need to know. I highly recommend reaching out to him if you have any civil, divorce or custody needs!" - M.M. (Google - 5 Stars)

"I have had the pleasure of working with Ryan Decker , Molly Boughton and Andrew Gerkin over the last 4 years and every time they have stepped up and handled any issue at hand. From dog bites to divorce and a custody battle. They have gone above and beyond for me and my family. I will be forever grateful for what they have accomplished for me." - Matthew C. (Google - 5 Stars)

"When I first began my divorce process, Mr. Ryan Decker came highly recommend to me by several trusted friends. I have known him on a personal level for several years and I can understand why he comes so professionally recommended now as well. In the midst of a very difficult situation, he has communicated with me in a way that has been warm and respectful. He was extremely knowledgeable and entirely well-spoken throughout all of our discussions. Mr. Decker and his office staff have been beyond generous towards me with their time and their thoughts towards my case. I can wholeheartedly offer my recommendation of Gerkin & Decker as a trusted source of legal counsel that will work hard for favorable outcomes." - Ashley C. (Google - 5 Stars)

"Highly recommend! They will go above and beyond for you as a client and exceed expectations by their hard work and dedication. Extremely knowledgeable, think outside of the box to make sure you have all the tools needed to present in court. Worked with Ryan Decker and Molly Boughton." - Kyle C. (Facebook)

Clarifying Michigan's Divorce Laws

Answering Michigan Divorce Law Firm FAQs

How long does it take to finalize a divorce?

The timeline for finalizing a divorce in Michigan depends on whether children are involved.

Without Minor Children: Michigan imposes a minimum waiting period of 60 days from the date the divorce complaint is filed before the court can finalize the case.
With Minor Children: The standard waiting period is six months. In limited and specific circumstances, the court may agree to shorten this timeframe.
Contested Cases: When spouses disagree on issues such as property division, custody, or support, the process often extends beyond statutory minimums due to mediation, court hearings, or trial proceedings.

Why this matters: Understanding the minimum waiting periods helps set realistic expectations and plan for the legal and financial transitions during divorce.

What is considered a no-fault divorce?

In Michigan, a no-fault divorce means you do not have to prove that your spouse caused the breakdown of the marriage. The only legal requirement is for one spouse to state that the marriage has broken down beyond repair. This allows couples to end their marriage without assigning blame, which can make the process less hostile.

However, fault may still come into play when courts decide matters such as property division, child custody, parenting time, or spousal support. Working with our experienced divorce attorneys makes sure you understand how Michigan's no-fault divorce laws apply to your specific situation.

What factors influence parenting time arrangements?

Parenting time in Michigan is based on the best interests of the child, not just what each parent wants. Courts look at several factors to decide what schedule will best support the child's well-being.

Key factors include:

The strength of the child's emotional bond with each parent.
Each parent's capacity to provide love, guidance, stability, and day-to-day care.
The consistency and stability of the child's school environment, home life, and community ties.
The mental and physical health of both the parents and the child.
Any documented history of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence.
The child's own preference, when the child is mature enough for the court to give it appropriate weight.

Why this matters: Understanding these factors helps parents focus on what the court values most—creating a stable, supportive environment for the child.

Can spousal support (alimony) be modified later?

Spousal support in Michigan can often be modified, but it depends on how the original order was written. If the court retains the authority to review or change support, either spouse can request a modification when circumstances change.

Common reasons include a significant shift in income, job loss, health issues, or retirement. However, if the divorce judgment specifies that spousal support is non-modifiable, the terms cannot be changed later. Our experienced divorce attorneys can review your order and explain whether a modification may apply to your case.

How is property divided in a Michigan divorce?

In a Michigan divorce, property is divided based on fairness, not automatically split 50/50. The court considers factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's contributions, and future financial needs.

Marital Property: Includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, such as income, real estate, retirement accounts, and jointly held debts.
Separate Property: Generally consists of assets owned before the marriage, as well as inheritances or gifts received by one spouse, unless those assets were mixed with marital property.
Mixed (Commingled) Property: Occurs when separate property is combined with marital property. For example, inheritance funds deposited into a joint account and used for household expenses may lose their separate status and be treated as marital property.

Why this matters: Understanding the difference between marital and separate property helps set clear expectations during divorce negotiations and can reduce disputes.

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Why Experience Matters in Family Law Cases

Every divorce case comes with its own complications. Property division, child support, and long-term financial concerns can all shape the outcome and your future. That's why working with experienced divorce attorneys is so important.

We don't take a one-size-fits-all approach. Our team offers legal strategies based on your goals, your needs, and Michigan's divorce laws. We know how to navigate the court system and how to protect what matters most: your family, your assets, and your peace of mind.

Schedule a Legal Consultation with a Proven Divorce Attorney

When you're ready to move forward, we're ready to listen. Gerkin & Decker brings real legal experience and a strong local presence to every family law case we handle. We serve clients across Livingston County with practical advice and direct support through every stage of the divorce process.

Let's talk about what you're facing and how we can help. Call us at (810) 207-6553 or contact us online using the link below to schedule an initial consultation with a divorce attorney who puts your and your family's interests first.

Schedule a Legal Consultation

To learn how Gerkin & Decker, P.C. can effectively administer your trust and probate in Brighton, Hartland, Howell, Fowlerville, Fenton, and the surrounding areas, call us at (810) 222-6424. You can speak directly to an attorney and understand your rights before you make a decision.

Get in Touch With Our Team

When facing legal challenges, choose a law firm that truly understands the importance of community support. At Gerkin & Decker, our deep roots in Livingston County reflect our dedication to serving the hardworking people of our area. Whether you need assistance with civil issues, estate planning, probate, or business matters, we offer a practical and honest approach to every case. Experience personalized legal solutions with the integrity and dedication you deserve from a trusted local firm. Contact Gerkin & Decker today for clear guidance and reliable legal advice.

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Gerkin & Decker is your trusted local law firm. We strive to help clients achieve the best results when it comes to civil, personal, and professional legal matters.

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