Detroit Female Divorce Lawyer

Assertive Female Divorce Attorneys Defending Women’s Interests

At Woodford Sathappan McGee, we are proud to have a strong team of driven female attorneys. Our law firm only represents women when it comes to family law matters because our attorneys share a passion for supporting women through divorce. This allows them to move forward in confidence and security.

We believe that the first step in guiding women through a divorce should be to empower them with knowledge of their constitutional rights. From this point, we can begin to determine what is important to our clients and how we can meet their individual needs.

Although female attorneys represent the minority in the United States, at Woodford Sathappan McGee, they are the majority. We are always happy to meet the needs of women who would rather work with other women, and we believe that the level of care and dedication we can offer is unmatched.

Divorce is often one of the most difficult things a person faces in their life. Women are often left feeling concerned for their children and their financial stability. At Woodford Sathappan McGee, we always prioritize children in family law matters, while advocating on behalf of our clients.

Get in touch with Woodford Sathappan McGee today to arrange a free consultation with one of our female family law lawyers at 380-212-3731.

Family Law and Divorce Services in Detroit, MI

Divorce involves separating two lives that have become deeply intertwined. Dividing your property, working out a parenting plan, and determining if either party is owed spousal or child support payments are challenges that need to be addressed with care and consideration.

Creating a Parenting Plan

If you have children, their well-being will likely be your biggest concern. At Woodford Sathappan McGee, we will always prioritize the needs of children that are involved in family law matters.

It is essential to consider children’s best interests in every decision, which usually means creating a parenting plan that keeps both parents involved in their child’s life.

There are two types of custody in Michigan: physical and legal. Physical custody refers to how much parenting time each parent spends with their child and when. Legal custody refers to the legal right to make decisions on your child’s behalf, such as those involving education and medical care.

Child custody can take many forms; parents could share both physical and legal custody, or physical custody could be shared while one parent retains sole legal custody. Physical custody could be split equally, or one parent may become the primary caregiver while the other is granted visitation rights. The latter arrangement may work best for families where one parent works full-time and is the main financial supporter of the family.

A sole custody arrangement can sometimes be granted. However, this is reserved for cases where one parent poses a risk to their child’s wellbeing. If you believe you should be granted sole custody, then it is essential you obtain legal representation from a divorce attorney who can help you evidence your claims. Even if you can show that your former spouse could be a risk, supervised visitation could still be granted, and you will need to facilitate that, so it is important that your needs are considered.

Determining a parenting plan is an important step of the divorce process and often creates a lot of tension. At Woodford Sathappan McGee, we will help you with mediation tactics, so that an agreement can be arranged that meets everyone’s needs where possible. Or if your child custody case goes to court, we will be prepared to advocate on your behalf.

Michigan Child Support Payments 

In Michigan, both parents are expected to provide financially for their children. If one parent takes on the role of primary caregiver, then the other will likely be required to pay them child support. Child support payments can contribute to anything related to the child’s upbringing, such as shelter, food, toys, clothes, and more.

Michigan Spousal Support Payments 

Spousal Support payments are sometimes made from one spouse to another during or after the divorce process. They help ensure that each spouse can meet their financial needs during and after divorce. It is not usually an indefinite solution, and the duration and amount will depend on your individual case.

For some women who have sacrificed career opportunities to look after their children, spousal support gives them the time and space to undergo education or find work and become financially independent.

A permanent spousal support order may also be ordered, however, it is reserved for cases where the couple is separating after a long-term marriage, and one spouse is unable to become financially independent due to health, age, or disability.

Michigan Child Support and Custody Modifications 

Life circumstances are subject to change, and it may become necessary to make modifications to a divorce agreement, such as adjustments to child support or custody arrangements. It’s important to note that disregarding a court order is not an option when your situation changes. Instead, it’s advisable to consult with a proficient family law attorney who can assist you in obtaining a fair resolution.

Property Division in Michigan

How your property is divided will have a big impact on your financial security moving forward. Michigan is an equitable distribution state which means that marital property must be split in a just and fair way, and separate property continues to belong to each individual after divorce.

Separate property are assets you or your former spouse owned before marriage. Inheritance, compensation, and gifts can also be kept as separate property. Marital property is everything else, all property that was obtained by either party while you were together.

Martial property can include savings, debts, real estate, pensions, vehicles, investments, and more. When determining what a just and fair division of these assets looks like, considerations could include the parenting plan, each spouse’s contribution, the length of the marriage, how much separate property each spouse has, and each spouse’s ability to earn money.

Your divorce attorney from Woodford Sathappan McGee will learn what’s important to you and fight to keep it. For example, if you are the primary caregiver, perhaps it is fair and just for you to keep the family home. Or, if your spouse was solely responsible for your marital debt, then it could be unjust for you to share responsibility for it.

If you are facing a high-asset divorce, then it is essential you have the support of an attorney who has specific experience in this area. At Woodford Sathappan McGee we have helped women through numerous high-asset and high-conflict divorces and have the skills and resources necessary to protect your interests.

Domestic Violence 

If you are seeking a divorce due to domestic violence, here are some things to keep in mind:

  1. Your safety is the most important thing: If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services. If you are not in immediate danger, consider developing a safety plan to protect yourself.

  2. Consider seeking legal advice: An experienced divorce lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, including how to obtain a restraining order, file for divorce, and protect your financial and property interests.

  3. Consider seeking counseling: Divorce can be a difficult and emotional process, especially when it involves domestic violence. Consider seeking counseling or therapy to help you cope with the emotional and psychological effects of the abuse and the divorce.

  4. Consider a protective order or restraining order: If you feel unsafe around your spouse or partner, consider obtaining a protective order or restraining order, which is a legal order that prohibits the abuser from contacting or coming near you.

  5. Keep a record of the abuse: If you decide to pursue legal action, it’s important to document the abuse and keep a record of any incidents or injuries. This can help strengthen your case and protect your legal rights.

Remember, seeking a divorce due to domestic violence can be a difficult and complex process. We understand how difficult it is to make those first steps, and we promise to get to work quickly to protect you and your children and to ensure that the Judge is made aware of your experiences and considers them when making key decisions.

Our dedication to women, enables us to support them through family law matters involving domestic violence with a level of care and dedication that is unmatched. This includes fighting for fair property division, spousal support, and child custody and support arrangements that are in the best interests of the client and their children.

At Woodford Sathappan McGee, we recognizes that going through a divorce can be an emotionally challenging experience, especially for women who have experienced domestic violence. The attorneys at WSM provide emotional support and guidance to help clients navigate the divorce process and protect their emotional well-being.

Our law firm has access to a range of resources and support services that can help women navigate the divorce process and protect their legal and personal interests. This includes referrals to domestic violence shelters, counseling services, and financial planning resources.

If you are experiencing domestic violence and seeking a divorce, it is important to take action to protect your rights and your future. By contacting our team, you can work with experienced attorneys who are dedicated to protecting the rights of women and providing individualized support and advocacy. 

Don’t wait to take action. If you are experiencing domestic violence and seeking a divorce, contact our divorce attorneys for women today to schedule a free consultation and get the legal support and guidance you need.

 Temporary Orders and Protection Orders in MI

Divorce proceedings can take many months or even more than a year to finalize. This can be incredibly frustrating if you and your former spouse are unable to agree on matters such as who remains in the family home and what the parenting arrangement should be.

One of our matrimonial lawyers can help you file for temporary orders, which will provide obligations on you and your former spouse until your divorce is finalized. Though temporary, these orders can impact the Judge’s final decisions and should be taken seriously. 

The legal team at our firm is ready and willing to provide assistance to women who require protective orders. Our focus is on helping women who are in need of protection. We understand the seriousness of these situations and are committed to ensuring that our clients receive the necessary protection they need to feel safe. If you require assistance in obtaining a protective order, we are here to help.

Why Choose a Female Divorce Lawyer?

While any experienced divorce lawyer can help you through your divorce, working with a female divorce lawyer can offer certain advantages. For one thing, women often face unique challenges during divorce that male attorneys may not fully understand. These challenges can include issues related to child custody, spousal support, and property division.

A female divorce lawyer can offer a unique perspective on these issues, based on their personal and professional experiences. Additionally, working with a female divorce lawyer can provide emotional support and understanding during a difficult and emotional time.

At Woodford Sathapan McGee, our female divorce lawyers in Detroit have extensive experience handling a wide range of divorce cases. We understand the challenges that women face during this process, and we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcomes.

What to Look for in a Female Divorce Lawyer

If you’re considering working with a female divorce lawyer in Detroit, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you’ll want to find an attorney with experience in divorce law. Look for an attorney who has handled cases similar to yours in the past and has a track record of success.

You’ll also want to choose a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable and supported. Divorce can be a highly emotional and stressful process, and you’ll want an attorney who can help guide you through it with empathy and compassion.

Finally, consider the attorney’s communication style. You’ll want an attorney who is responsive and communicative, keeping you updated throughout the divorce process and answering any questions you may have.

Detroit Female Divorce Lawyer FAQ

Family law decisions must be free from gender bias so mothers and fathers are treated equally under the law. Decisions are based on the child’s best interest and not under the presumption that a child should be with their mother.

In most cases, child support will stop when a child turns 18 years old, but it could be awarded until they are 19.5 years old if they are still attending full-time school.

Michigan allows for separate maintenance, which is similar to legal separation. Separate maintenance allows a couple to address all the typical issues they would in divorce, such as child custody, child support payments, and property division. However, they remain married and can reconcile at any time.

It is important to speak to an attorney before moving forward with separate maintenance, as it is important to understand all of the implications. At Woodford Sathappan McGee, we can give you all the information you need and will guide you no matter what direction you choose.

If you want a divorce and your spouse doesn’t, then it can make the process more difficult. However, you can still file for divorce, and your female divorce attorney can help you to keep things moving forward.

While divorce proceedings vary widely, it is common for divorces to last many months. It will take longer if there are more contested issues. At Woodfrod Sathappan McGee, we will keep your divorce moving forward at a steady pace without ever compromising your rights.

A divorce decree places legal obligations that will have a big impact on your future, so it is important that you have the guidance of an attorney who has your best interest at heart. However, you do have the option of filing for divorce on your own.

A do-it-yourself divorce may be a viable option if you do not have a lot of assets or children to consider. However, you should, at the very least, seek out a free consultation with a reputable law firm before taking any action.

A divorce’s complexity and the number of contested issues will determine its cost. In your free consultation, we can help advise you so that you can make an informed choice.

Compassionate Support From a Skilled Female Divorce Lawyer

At Woodford Sathappan McGee, we believe that the first step in empowering women to feel confident and stable in their life post-divorce is to provide them with knowledge of the law and their rights. This knowledge can give you peace of mind and the tools you need to make important decisions. Our attorneys for women will continue to guide you in every negotiation and court hearing while also being your advocate.

If possible, we will help you and your ex-spouse mediate on key issues. Mediation can save time and money on court proceedings while also allowing for personalized arrangements and protecting the relationship between you and your ex-spouse. While you may not like your ex-spouse, you may need to continue to cooperate with them, especially if you have children. Where mediation fails, we will act as your fiercest advocate in the courtroom and will present your case in the best way possible.

We believe that a comprehensive discovery process, a firm grasp of the law, expert testimony, and keeping you as the client engaged in every aspect of your case, is what makes us stand out from the crowd. 

Contact Woodford Sathappan McGee, Aggressive Female Divorce Attorneys for Women

If you’re considering working with a female divorce lawyer in Detroit, Woodford Sathappan McGee is here to help. Our team of skilled and compassionate attorneys can provide the legal guidance and support you need to navigate the divorce process successfully.

Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation with one of our experienced female divorce lawyers in Detroit. We are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of legal representation and support.