Divorce Representation Focused on Your Future

Divorce is never just paperwork. It affects your finances, your children, and your sense of stability. Samouris Law Firm provides steady, experienced divorce representation for Michigan clients who want clarity, fairness, and a clear path forward—whether the process is cooperative or highly contested.

How Divorce Works in Michigan

Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not need to prove wrongdoing. The legal standard is an “irretrievable breakdown” of the marriage. While the law may be straightforward, the process can still feel overwhelming.


A typical divorce involves:

  • Filing a complaint for divorce
  • Serving the other spouse
  • A mandatory waiting period
  • 60 days if there are no children
  • At least 6 months if children are involved
  • Negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings
  • Entry of a final judgment resolving all issues


From start to finish, guidance matters—especially when emotions and stakes are high.

Two people seated on a couch, holding cups and conversing in a casual setting.

A Strategic Approach to Divorce Negotiation and Litigation

Every divorce case starts with the same groundwork: understanding what's actually at stake and gathering what's needed to protect it.

  • Reviewing financial disclosures, assets, and debts before negotiations begin
  • Gathering documentation on income, property, and parenting history where custody is contested
  • Pursuing mediation or a negotiated settlement when it can produce a fair outcome
  • Preparing every case for trial from the outset, so settlement isn't the only option on the table

Thirty-plus years of courtroom experience means settlements get negotiated from real trial readiness, not bluffing. When the other side brings in a bigger, more aggressive lawyer, that preparation is what levels the field.

Issues Addressed in Every Divorce Case

Divorce is not just about ending a marriage; it's about resolving everything connected to it. Representation ensures no issue is overlooked.

01

Property and Debt Division

Michigan follows equitable distribution, meaning assets and debts are divided fairly, not necessarily equally.

02

Child Custody and Parenting Time

When children are involved, child custody decisions focus on their best interests and long-term stability.

03

Child Support

Child support is calculated using Michigan guidelines and can have a lasting financial impact on both parents.

04

Spousal Support (Alimony)

Support may be temporary or long-term, depending on circumstances.

05

Protective Orders and Safety Concerns

If domestic conflict or intimidation is present, immediate legal steps may be needed.

A Practical Divorce Strategy—Settle When Possible, Litigate When Necessary

Many clients want resolution without unnecessary conflict. Negotiation and mediation are pursued when they can produce fair outcomes efficiently and allow you to retain control over decisions.



When the other side is unreasonable or attempts to gain an unfair advantage, the case is prepared for court. Strong courtroom experience often leads to better settlements—because the opposition knows litigation is a real option.

Local Divorce Representation You Can Rely On

Clients from Lansing, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Detroit, and across Michigan rely on informed guidance grounded in Michigan divorce law and local court practices. Familiarity with how judges approach custody, support, and asset division helps shape realistic, effective strategies.

A Record Built Over Three Decades

Divorce and custody cases don't always end up as headline verdicts, but the outcome still matters enormously to the people living through them. Decades of guiding Michigan clients through both cooperative and highly contested divorces have shaped how every new case gets approached, informed by what's actually worked in negotiation and in court. For a broader look at case outcomes across practice areas, visit the case results page.

Handling Complex and High-Conflict Divorces

Divorce becomes high-conflict when trust breaks down, whether that's over finances, parenting, or both. When a spouse hides assets, refuses to negotiate in good faith, or uses children as leverage, the response has to match the situation, including subpoenaing financial records, deposing witnesses, and taking the case in front of a judge when settlement talks stop being productive. Every high-conflict divorce is handled personally from filing to final judgment, never handed off partway through to someone unfamiliar with the case.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common Divorce Questions

Hands signing a document with a pen on a desk

  • How long does a divorce take in Michigan?

    Michigan requires a minimum waiting period of 60 days if there are no minor children, or 6 months if children are involved, but most divorces take longer than that minimum. How long yours takes depends on how quickly both sides reach agreement on property, support, and custody, since contested cases run considerably longer than uncontested ones.

  • Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Michigan?

    You're not legally required to have one, but even an uncontested divorce involves dividing property, addressing support, and drafting a judgment that holds up later. Having an attorney review the agreement before you sign protects you from overlooking something that's difficult to fix afterward.

  • How is property divided in a Michigan divorce?

    Michigan follows equitable distribution, which means property and debts are divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50. Courts weigh factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's contributions, and future needs before deciding what's fair for your situation.

  • Will I have to pay or receive spousal support?

    It depends on the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning ability, and the standard of living established during the marriage. Support can be temporary, to help a spouse transition, or longer-term in marriages with a significant income gap.

Let’s Get Started

Get Steady Guidance Through Your Divorce

Divorce affects your finances, your children, and your sense of stability, and you don't have to navigate it alone or guess at what comes next. Every divorce case is handled directly by me, from filing to final judgment, so you always know exactly who you're talking to.

Call Now: (517) 347-7047