Thinking of Filing for Divorce in Wayne County? Think Again.

The courts in Southeastern Michigan have taken a beating from Covid.  Shutdowns and short staffing in the clerk’s office and the office of the Friend of the Court have created a backlog of cases that are causing delays and confusion.  The problem in Wayne County is most glaring.  Wayne County was having trouble keeping cases moving before Covid. After Covid the situation has become alarming.  Papers that are turned in for filing are sitting on a backlog several months long.  Those people who file for divorce can expect serious delays in getting their case moving through the system.  People can also expect that their case is going to be handled by overworked staff once it does move forward. The situation is now at the point where I know multiple attorneys who refuse to take cases in Wayne County due to these problems.

For some people there isn’t any choice but to file for divorce in Wayne County. But first make sure you consider your options before you decide to file. Thanks to a change in divorce law in Michigan, Wayne County residents have a choice to resolve their divorce completely outside of the court system through mediation or collaborative practice.  

Here is how mediation works:

• A neutral attorney mediator works with both spouses to identify all issues;
• The mediator provides identifies any areas where experts can help the spouses make informed decisions, including legal   and financial experts;
• The mediator helps the couple find mutually acceptable resolutions to each issue;
• The mediator drafts all documents to finalize the divorce agreement;
• Better outcomes for children and families;
• No Court involvement;
• Completely confidential;
• Provides personal service while being less expensive and time consuming than any other divorce process;

Here is how collaborative practice works:

• Each spouse hires their own collaboratively trained attorney who acts as their advocate;
• Each attorney is focused on finding a mutually acceptable settlement;
• Experts are utilized as needed to help clients make informed decisions;
• Attorneys draft all documents to finalize the settlement agreement;
• Better outcomes for children and families;
• No Court involvement;
• Completely confidential;
• Provides personal service while being less expensive and time consuming than divorce court;

Cleland Collaborative Divorce encourages people to take advantage of the changes in Michigan law by resolving their divorce through mediation or collaborative practice. Both approaches provide our clients with a less combative and expensive divorce while delivering faster and better results.

Contact Cleland Collaborative Divorce for a free consultation. We can provide you with the expert guidance and legal services you need to you need to find a solution that is right for you.