Skilled Family Law Attorneys in Canton, Michigan

At Steslicki & Ghannam, PLC, our trusted Canton family law attorneys serve clients across Michigan. We are dedicated to securing favorable outcomes while offering compassionate support through each case’s emotional challenges, making the process more manageable and less overwhelming.

In a town of 100,000 people, where 62% are married and 42% have children under 18, having direct access to family law attorneys is crucial due to the high likelihood of legal issues like divorce, child custody, and support disputes. We understand the unique dynamics of the community, providing personalized guidance that reflects local cultural, economic, and social factors.

With our local Wayne County experience, we understand the community’s unique needs and provide personalized support, helping clients feel more in control and confident during challenging times.

Backed by over 30 years of combined experience in divorce and family law, our attorneys focus on creating tailored solutions for every client. From guiding you through a divorce to helping you expand your family through adoption or surrogacy, we’re here to provide the support you need. No matter the family law challenge, our team is committed to offering precise, compassionate assistance from your first consultation to the resolution of your case.

Skilled Canton, Michigan Family Law Attorney Practice Areas

Our Canton family law team is committed to using our experience to secure the best results for our clients. This unwavering commitment has established us as one of Southeast Michigan’s top family law firms, proudly serving individuals and families in a wide range of practice areas, including:

• Divorce, including Collaborative Divorce.
• Property Division.
• Child Custody and Parenting Time.
• Child Support.
• Alimony and Spousal Support.
• Prenuptial Agreements.
• Separate Maintenance.
• Change in Domicile or Residence.
• Paternity.
• Adoption.
• Step-Parent Adoption.
• Surrogacy.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution, including Mediation.

At Steslicki & Ghannam, our Canton family law attorneys understand that every case is personal and shaped by individual relationships and unique circumstances. We carefully approach each client’s case, crafting legal strategies tailored to their needs. We consider their preferred communication methods, conflict management style, emotional concerns, and past experiences to provide effective and empathetic representation throughout the legal process.

Contact our Canton family lawyers today for assistance with your important legal matter.

What is the Process for Filing for Divorce in Michigan?

Filing for divorce can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know the legal steps involved. In Michigan, the divorce process has specific requirements and procedures that must be followed to ensure the case moves forward smoothly.

Here’s a look at the steps for filing for divorce in Michigan and how our experienced Canton family law attorneys can support you throughout this challenging time.

Meet the Residency Requirements

Before filing for divorce in Michigan, at least one spouse must meet the residency requirements:

• You or your spouse must have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days before filing.
• You must file the divorce in the county’s circuit court where you or your spouse has lived for at least 10 days.

Our Canton family law attorneys will confirm your eligibility and ensure you meet these requirements to avoid unnecessary delays.

File a Complaint for Divorce

The divorce process begins with filing a Complaint for Divorce with the circuit court. This document outlines the basic information about the marriage, the grounds for divorce (Michigan is a no-fault state, so you only need to state that the marriage has irretrievably broken down), and the relief you’re seeking, such as property division, child custody, or spousal support.

Our attorneys will assist in preparing and filing your complaint, ensuring that it accurately reflects your circumstances and requests for relief.

Serve Your Spouse

Once the complaint is filed, it must be formally served to your spouse, giving them legal notice of the divorce. Service can be done by a process server, a sheriff’s deputy, or certified mail with a return receipt.

Our legal team will guide you through the service process, ensuring it’s completed promptly and per Michigan law.

Your Spouse Responds to the Complaint

After being served, your spouse has 21 days to respond if they live in Michigan or 28 days if they live out of state. If they fail to respond, you may request a default judgment from the court. If they respond, the case moves forward, potentially leading to negotiations or mediation.

Our skilled attorneys will review your spouse’s response and help you plan your next steps, whether pursuing a settlement or preparing for court proceedings.

Discovery and Negotiation

During the discovery phase, both parties exchange information about assets, income, debts, and other relevant matters. This is essential for fair property, child, and spousal support division. Negotiation and mediation may also be used to resolve disputes without trial.

Our Canton attorneys have extensive experience in managing discovery and negotiation, working to protect your interests and reach a fair settlement.

Attend a Settlement Conference or Mediation

Many Michigan divorce cases are settled through mediation, where a neutral third party helps both spouses agree on issues like child custody, parenting time, property division, and support. If a settlement is reached, it is presented to the court for approval.

Our attorneys can represent you during mediation, advocating for your goals while working toward a mutually beneficial resolution.

Final Hearing and Judgment of Divorce

If mediation cannot reach an agreement, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge decides the unresolved issues. Once all issues are resolved, the judge issues a Judgment of Divorce, finalizing the divorce and setting the terms for property division, custody, and support.

Our legal team is prepared to represent you at trial, presenting your case effectively to achieve the best possible outcome.

How Our Skilled Canton Family Law Attorneys Can Help

Navigating the divorce process in Michigan can be complex, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our experienced Canton family law attorneys offer comprehensive legal support at every stage of the process, including:

• Evaluating Your Case: We’ll review your circumstances to develop a strategic approach tailored to your goals.
• Ensuring Compliance: We’ll handle the legal filings, service, and procedural requirements to keep your case on track.
• Providing Strong Advocacy: Whether in negotiations, mediation, or trial, we’ll fight for your rights and interests.
• Offering Compassionate Guidance: Divorce is not just a legal matter; it’s an emotional journey. We provide compassionate support to help you make informed decisions during this challenging time.

If you’re considering filing for divorce in Michigan, we’re here to guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you start the next chapter of your life with confidence.

Contact Our Experienced Family Law Attorneys in Canton, Michigan For Help Today

Regardless of your family law concerns, our goal is to provide clear guidance and alleviate the stress, worry, and uncertainty accompanying these sensitive matters. We foster constructive dialogue between parties to minimize disputes, navigate legal processes smoothly, and advocate for our clients’ priorities.

We are committed to achieving outcomes that align with your unique needs and goals.

Contact our dedicated Canton family law attorneys today to discover how we develop personalized and effective legal strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients, no matter their family law needs.