What Can Delay or Extend a Divorce in Michigan?

Divorce is a complex legal process. After all, there are many steps and legal requirements to be able to finalize a divorce in Michigan. When people decide to file for divorce, however, they usually want it to be the quickest process possible.

But there are events that can delay or extend the divorce process. For instance, one spouse may contest the divorce or reject the terms of any negotiations.

Some of these things are the result of one spouse’s attempts to delay the divorce. Others are outside of either party’s control.

In the following article, we will examine some of the reasons that a divorce might be extended in Michigan. We will also discuss what will happen if your spouse is uncooperative.

Why Would Someone Try to Extend a Divorce?

Divorces take time. Oftentimes, divorce negotiations require extended legal proceedings. This can happen even when both spouses are acting in good faith.

In other instances, one spouse may try to extend the process needlessly. Again, this can be done by contesting the divorce or negotiating in bad faith.

Some of the most common motivations for delaying a divorce include:

• One person wants to save the relationship
• A party are angry about the other party’s parenting decisions
• The person is spiteful, bitter, or angry
• One party is attempting to postpone negative financial consequences
• The delay is a wrong-headed negotiation tactic
• They are facing pressure from their family or new partner

It is challenging to know when one spouse will attempt to delay a divorce. When this happens, a family law attorney with experience in mediation can be helpful.

Rather than retaliating, each party should do their best to uncover the underlying reasons why their spouse is stalling.

Handling Extensions and Delays in a Michigan Divorce

It is important to note that, even if one side attempts to drag things out, neither spouse can fully prevent a divorce.

Certain administrative orders direct the actions of Michigan’s circuit court judges. These orders require that divorce trials occur within a year of filing. This gives the divorcing couple a year to negotiate or mediate their differences and come to a divorce agreement.

After that time, a judge will order both spouses to appear in a Michigan court to resolve the divorce. When this happens, the courts will rule on the outstanding terms of the divorce.

They will determine:

• Division of marital assets
• Child custody and visitation
• Child support payments
• Alimony
• And more

In this way, Michigan divorces cannot be extended indefinitely. This is true even if one spouse is trying to delay the finalized divorce.

Once a judge calls the spouses to appear in court, the divorce process may take additional time, depending on the court’s schedule of cases.

In most cases, a Michigan divorce will conclude about six months after the case goes to court. Even with an uncooperative spouse, a divorce in Michigan will likely be finalized in no more than two years.

Secure a Michigan Divorce Attorney

If you are facing the prospect of divorce, securing high-quality legal representation is critical. It is important to have an accomplished lawyer to fight for your best interests.

Contact a Michigan family law attorney to ensure that your divorce moves as quickly as possible.