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When a couple files for divorce, they automatically become a plaintiff and a defendant. They are on opposing sides of an issue and the goal is to come to an amicable agreement as to how to settle the end of their marriage. Discovery and interrogatories are important elements in Michigan divorce because they shed light on financial and personal information that may not otherwise be revealed.
Discovery is an integral part of the legal process that is used to gather facts for a trial or a settlement, divorce-related or otherwise. While this effort can feel tedious for the parties involved, it is important, particularly when sizable financial assets exist or there is a dispute about child custody.
The process for discovery is straightforward and is intended to confirm known details and reveal new information, particularly hidden assets. For divorce to be fair, all assets and debts must be accounted for and divvied up between the two parties. Unfortunately, in many marriages, there is hidden financial information that blindsides one of the parties and can radically alter their financial future, positively or negatively. It is also common for people to move money around immediately after being served divorce papers so they can avoid losing those assets to their ex.
To negotiate a fair resolution and divorce settlement or prepare for trial, discovery is conducted to get the most accurate picture of two peoples’ finances – both assets and liabilities – as a couple and individually. You will be expected to provide as much information and leads as possible. Your divorce lawyer will also contact people and entities for account information or other relevant data to form a complete financial picture and may use tools of formal discovery that include depositions, subpoenas, requests to produce, and request for admission.
Unknown or hidden factors that may be uncovered include:
Your Michigan divorce lawyer will employ many different techniques during discovery to learn more about the specifics of your and your ex’s financial situation. Interrogatories are one of the most likely courses of action.
Interrogatories are written questions that your spouse must answer in writing and under oath within a given time frame. Being untruthful on any of these responses brings along with it a charge of perjury. Refusing to answer anything gives your lawyer the opportunity to ask the court for a motion to compel, a legal measure that, if ignored, can lead to your ex being in contempt of court.
The information your attorney – and your ex’s divorce lawyer – will be seeking from you and your soon-to-be former spouse will include:
The details requested will be specific, and you will be expected to provide account numbers, bank names, purchase dates and prices, balances, current values, and more. You are still entitled to your privacy, but your financial situation will be laid bare – a simple fact of a divorce.
Without discovery, it is difficult to prepare for trial or fairly negotiate a divorce. Work with an experienced Michigan divorce lawyer who is thorough and knowledgeable and works on your behalf to secure a satisfactory divorce settlement. Schedule your free consultation with Michigan Divorce Help in Macomb County.
Most lawyers are in a general practice and do some of everything. One of our main focuses is on Family law and being expert at divorce, custody and support matters.
We are in court daily, working with the family court judges, their staff and clerks, the Friend of the Court office, the Bar Association and other attorneys working in this area. We pride ourselves on fighting hard for our clients while working well with everyone.
Our extensive experience and strong relationship with the courts and our peers leads many judges and attorneys to hire us to act as Mediators in other Family Law cases. Make no mistake; having a strong working relationship with the court can have a massive impact on your case. Unlike most attorneys, we have no fear of the court room and are in trial regularly against the best in the business. We see the judges every week and maintain strong ties with their staff.
Although every attorney can “handle” your case, Michigan Divorce Help cares about you and your family. We work extremely hard to keep this difficult process civil and to shelter your children from as much of the negative facets as possible.
Once your case is concluded, we will be there to help you with any post-judgment problems that may arise.
Everyone’s financial situation is different and we work with our clients to formulate a fee arrangement that works within your means.
We have handled every possible situation involving domestic law. We will do everything possible to wrap up your case in a timely manner, avoiding delays that cause unnecessary legal fees.
When your case cannot be easily solved, we will fight hard and use all of our resources to win. Unlike most attorneys, we have no fear of the court room and we regularly win cases against the best in the business at trial.
Unlike many attorneys who have a part-time typist and work 30 hours a week, we have an expert staff available all day long to assist you and provide immediate service.
At Michigan Divorce Help, your case will be handled by an experienced family law attorney. Each of our attorneys in our family law division has many years of experience in handling family law matters.
During traditional business hours, please call us at: (586) 954-9500
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The information presented within this website is for general information purposes and is NOT and should not be considered as being “legal advice”. You should not act on any information presented herein without the verifying same with your attorney.