If you are about to file for divorce, it’s important you to know what your divorce attorney can’t do for you. The following are things your divorce attorney can’t do for you.
CHANGE THE MICHIGAN LAW
Simply put, your divorce attorney doesn’t have a magic wand to change the law as it relates to your divorce case. You may love what position the Michigan law supports, or not. But your divorce attorney can’t change the law.
SPEED UP YOUR CASE
Your divorce attorney can’t change the mandatory waiting period in your divorce case. Michigan law establishes waiting periods depending on the individual circumstances.
- If you do not have minor children of the marriage: There is a two-month waiting period after the filing of the Verified Complaint for Divorce has been filed.
- If you have minor children of the marriage: There is a six-month waiting period after the after the filing of the Verified Complaint for Divorce has been filed.
A Judgment of Divorce cannot be entered earlier than these established times.
ACT UNETHICALLY
When your divorce attorney represents you, they must do so within the applicable parameters of Michigan law. This means your divorce attorney can’t be required to engage in conduct that is illegal, unethical, or fraudulent. If your divorce attorney can’t ethically abide by your requests, they must withdraw from representing you.
TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE BEST INTEREST OF YOUR CHILD(REN)
If your divorce involves minor children, your divorce attorney will refuse to engage in conduct that, in their professional judgment and knowledge of the law, would be contrary to the best interests of Client’s minor child(ren). This means your attorney can’t assert any position or engage in any action that they deem contrary to the minor child(ren)’s best interests.
COMMUNICATE WITH THIRD PARTIES
Your divorce attorney can’t talk to third parties, and must protect information relating to the representation of you from disclosure to third parties. If you wish for your divorce attorney to speak to third parties such as family members, you must provide them with specific consent to do so.
MAKE PROMISES ABOUT THE OUTCOME OF YOUR CASE
Your divorce attorney can’t make any representation to you, nor any assurances as to the favorable or successful resolution of your case. This means your divorce attorney can’t promise you a specific outcome, nor make promises as to the nature or amount of any awards or distributions of property, attorney’s fees, costs, or any other aspect in your divorce. It’s important to note that your divorce attorney can’t promise you particular results as the court has the sole power to decide all issues.
GRAND RAPIDS COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.
If you are contemplating or in the process of a divorce or separation, contact the Michigan divorce attorney, Schmitt Law, PLLC. Our office understands that family law matters often involve complex relationships and dynamics that can enhance decision-making stress. We provide clients with the security to approach these challenges with confidence. Our dedicated attorney will provide clients with individualized attention and strategic case preparation to address all parts of their cases. We invite you to contact Schmitt Law, PLLC today by completing our online contact form, or calling us at (616) 608-4634 to schedule a consultation.
