What To Expect in Your Family Law Case

The family law attorneys at McKinney Vos understand the stress and emotional turmoil that can accompany a family law issue. We strive to provide caring and compassionate advice and legal representation to help you navigate your Michigan family law issue and achieve optimal results in your case.

For many people, a family law issue is their first experience with the legal system. Here, we explain what to expect in a family law case and how our experienced family law attorneys can help. Every case is unique, and your best resource for answers to your family law questions is to speak with our family law attorneys.

Your Experience Will Vary Depending on the Nature of Your Case

Family law encompasses a wide range of legal issues, and your experience in family court will vary depending on the specific matter you need to address and the unique issues in your case.

Common legal issues our family law attorneys are called upon to address include:

• Divorce or legal separation;
• Spousal support and alimony;
• Child custody; and
• Child support.

What Should I Expect at My First Meeting with a Family Law Attorney?

Expect your first meeting with one of our family law attorneys to last a while. We will ask questions to learn about your situation and why you are seeking our help, and to better understand your goals.

During the meeting, be prepared to discuss:

• A brief history of your relationship;
• Background about yourself and your spouse / partner;
• The immediate situation you would like us to help you address;
• Your goals and the ideal resolution to the situation; and
• Specific questions you would like us to answer.

What Information Should I Bring with Me?

Whether you are seeking assistance with a divorce or legal separation, to resolve a spousal support or alimony issue, or would like our help addressing child custody or child support, it will be helpful to bring any pertinent information with you to your meeting. Having these documents with you will allow our attorneys to better understand your situation and the potential issues in your case.

• If you or your spouse have already filed for divorce or legal separation, bring a copy of the complaint and any other documentation you received.
• If you are seeking assistance modifying a child custody or child support order, knowing the court where your case is being heard and the case number of any previous family law cases will be beneficial.
• If you need assistance with spousal support or alimony, bring recent pay stubs, bank statements, and individual and business tax documents for you and your spouse.

Will I Need to Go To Court?

Not every case needs to go to court, and some cases can be resolved without ever setting foot inside a courtroom. In some instances, you can save time and money by resolving disputes outside of court. But in most cases, you will need to appear in front of a judge at least once, if only to finalize your legal matter and state your agreement on the record.

Before going to court, documents must be filed to initiate a case and outline your legal matter. Even if your family law matter is relatively amicable, you will still benefit from working with our experienced family law attorneys, who can provide advice and guidance, protect your rights, and ensure the necessary documents are prepared and filed correctly.

If you do need to appear in court, you want to be prepared. Our lawyers can explain the process and give you an overview of what to expect in your first court appearance. Before your court date, we will prepare, review, and file the necessary documents to explain to the judge your situation and the relief you seek. When your court date arrives, you will have already met with your attorney, who will have explained the process and what to expect.

Here are some tips for your first court appearance:

• Dress appropriately. You do not need to wear a suit, but dress professionally. Avoid jeans, cutoffs, T-shirts, and flip flops.
• Do not bring your children with you to court. If the judge wishes to meet with your children, special arrangements will be made.
• Plan to arrive early. Being early will help avoid unnecessary stress and will give you extra time if there is traffic, you cannot find a parking space, or if you need help finding the courtroom.
• Once you arrive at the courtroom, check in with your lawyer and wait until your case is called. You and your lawyer will meet with the judge and his or her staff. Let your attorney do most of the talking, and do not speak unless you are asked to. If you are asked a question, speak loudly and clearly, answer truthfully, and look at the judge when speaking.

How a Family Law Attorney Can Help

The family law attorneys at McKinney Vos know the stress that can accompany a domestic relations situation, and we are committed to providing thoughtful advice and legal guidance to help you achieve a successful resolution in your case. Our attorneys have broad expertise in Michigan family law matters and will help you make smart decisions to protect your rights and your future.

Contact a Family Law Attorney at McKinney Vos

Contact the Michigan family law attorneys at McKinney Vos today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.