Once your documents have been reviewed, signed, and finalized, I organize them along with any required supporting materials. Each court may have its own local rules, so I make sure everything is properly prepared before filing.

I typically handle filings personally. This is important because issues can arise—especially in cases involving minor children, custody, support, parenting time, or temporary orders. If a question or problem comes up at the clerk’s office, I’m there to address it immediately so your case is not delayed.

By the time you reach this stage, timing is often critical. I move efficiently to ensure your case is filed without unnecessary delay.

Filing fees are paid, and any temporary orders—often referred to as Ex Parte Interim Orders—are submitted to the assigned judge’s chambers for review and approval.

In certain situations, additional steps may be necessary. This can include filing emergency motions to prevent the removal of children, protect assets, or address urgent legal concerns. In more serious cases, Personal Protection Orders may also be filed when there is a risk of harm. While these situations are difficult, taking immediate legal action is sometimes essential to protect your safety and interests.

Domestic relations cases often involve multiple overlapping issues—especially when child custody is involved.

In Michigan, custody decisions are guided by what is known as the “best interests of the child” standard. This includes several factors, such as the emotional bond between parent and child, each parent’s ability to provide care and guidance, the stability of the home environment, mental and physical health, and, when appropriate, the child’s own preferences.

These factors require a thorough and detailed evaluation of each parent’s situation.

To properly support your case, we gather and verify evidence through a process called discovery.

Discovery allows both sides to obtain the information needed to present their claims accurately and fairly. This can include:

• Written questions (interrogatories), answered under oath
• Financial records such as bank statements, credit card records, and tax documents
• Reports or records obtained through subpoenas
• Depositions, where a party or witness is questioned under oath and recorded for use in court

Depositions are particularly useful when there are inconsistencies or concerns about credibility, as they allow for direct questioning and clarification under oath.

Discovery is also critical in addressing financial matters. This includes identifying and valuing assets such as homes, businesses, investments, retirement accounts, and income sources, as well as understanding debts and financial obligations.

Accurate financial information is essential. Without full and transparent disclosure, it is not possible to reach a fair and informed resolution.

Most divorce and domestic relations cases—often as many as 95%—are resolved without going to trial.

There are several reasons for this.

First, by the time a case reaches this stage, a thorough process of information gathering and discovery has taken place. With a clear understanding of the facts, experienced attorneys can often anticipate how a court is likely to rule. This makes settlement a more practical and predictable option.

Second, trials are time-consuming and expensive. Most individuals prefer to resolve their case efficiently rather than commit significant time and financial resources to prolonged litigation.

In many cases, the court will require mediation. During mediation, a neutral third party works with both sides—and their attorneys—to try to reach an agreement. The mediator does not make decisions but helps guide the conversation toward resolution.

If mediation does not result in a full agreement, the case may proceed to settlement conferences with the judge. These are typically held off the record, where the judge meets with the attorneys to discuss the remaining issues and, in some instances, may provide insight into how they would likely rule based on the facts presented.

Some cases may also be resolved through binding arbitration. This is a more streamlined alternative to trial, where both parties agree to have a neutral arbitrator hear the case and make a final, binding decision. While similar to a trial in structure, arbitration is generally faster and more cost-effective.

Each case is unique, but the goal at this stage is always the same—to reach a fair and informed resolution whenever possible, while being fully prepared to proceed to trial if necessary.

If a settlement cannot be reached, the court will schedule your case for trial.

By this point, most issues have already been identified and narrowed down. At trial, each side has the opportunity to present their case through testimony, documents, and other evidence gathered during discovery.

This includes:

• Calling witnesses
• Presenting financial and other relevant records
• Questioning the other party and their witnesses under oath

There are no jury trials in Michigan divorce cases. The judge alone hears the evidence and makes the final decision.

One practical reality of trial is that court schedules can be unpredictable. Judges often manage heavy caseloads, which can lead to delays or interruptions during proceedings. I prepare my clients for this in advance so there are no surprises.

Post-Trial Modifications and Enforcement

Even after a final judgment is entered, certain issues may need to be revisited over time.

The most common areas include:

• Child custody
• Parenting time
• Child support
• Spousal support

If there has been a significant change in circumstances, either party may request a modification by filing a motion with the court.

These matters are typically reviewed first by a referee assigned to the case. After reviewing the filings and hearing arguments, the referee makes a recommendation. If either party disagrees, they may request a review by the judge, who may affirm the decision or schedule further proceedings.

In some cases, the court may hold an evidentiary hearing. This is similar to a trial, where both sides present evidence and testimony before the judge makes a decision.

Enforcement of Court Orders

If one party fails to follow the terms of a court order, the other party may file a motion to enforce it.

This is often referred to as a Motion to Show Cause, where the court requires the non-compliant party to explain their actions.

Courts take violations of their orders seriously. Depending on the situation, consequences may include:

• Payment of attorney’s fees and court costs
• Financial penalties
• In more serious cases, contempt of court, which can include jail time

Enforcement actions can also apply to financial obligations, such as failure to transfer property, refinance debt, or comply with other terms outlined in the judgment.

While many of these issues are resolved before reaching a hearing, the court has broad authority to ensure its orders are followed.