Family law
Family disputes are deeply personal. Masri Legal Group represents clients in divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, and other family matters with a focus on protecting both your legal interests and your family’s future.
In Detroit, these cases are heard by the family division of the Wayne County Circuit Court.
The consultation is free and lasts 30 minutes.
Call(313) 695-2950Masri Legal Group represents clients in family law matters in Michigan courts. When a divorce or custody case affects immigration status, we look at that side of it too.
This is general information about the law, not legal advice about your situation. Laws and government policies change often, so call to talk about your own case.
Who we help
- Spouses thinking about divorce or separate maintenance in Michigan
- Parents who need a custody, parenting-time, or child support order, or a change to one
- People who need a personal protection order
- Immigrant families where a divorce or custody case could affect a green card or visa
You don’t have to go through this alone
Family law matters are often the most stressful time in a person’s life. The prospect of having assets and life savings divided or losing time with your children can be extremely upsetting.
To make matters worse, you are often forced to handle the complexities of the legal system at the same time you are facing these emotional issues.
But the good news is that you don’t have to go through this experience alone.
At Masri Legal Group, we understand that a person is vulnerable during these times and needs an advocate, someone who will look out for their interests. We will do just that: as zealous advocates, we will represent and fight for you and your family.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation today.
What family law covers
- Divorce, and separate maintenance for couples who want a legal separation without divorcing
- Custody and parenting time, including changes to an existing order
- Child support and spousal support
- Paternity, including establishing who a child’s legal father is
- Personal protection orders
Divorce in Michigan
To file for divorce in Michigan, one spouse must generally have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days and in the county where the case is filed for at least 10 days.
There is a waiting period after filing: at least 60 days, or six months if there are minor children, though a judge can shorten the six months in some cases.
The court divides marital property and debts fairly, which is not always equally, and can order spousal support.
Custody, parenting time, and child support
Judges decide custody using the best-interest factors in the Michigan Child Custody Act, such as each parent’s bond with the child, the child’s adjustment to home and school, and each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.
Each county’s Friend of the Court office investigates and makes recommendations on custody, parenting time, and support, and enforces support orders. Child support is calculated using the Michigan Child Support Formula.
Personal protection orders
A personal protection order (PPO) is a court order that can stop someone from contacting, following, or harming you. Michigan circuit courts issue PPOs against a spouse, former partner, household member, or someone who is stalking you.
You can ask for one without a lawyer, and a judge can issue it the same day in an emergency.
When family law and immigration overlap
A divorce or custody case can affect immigration status, and the reverse is also true. Some examples:
- A conditional resident who divorces before filing Form I‑751 can ask for a waiver of the joint-filing requirement.
- A spouse abused by a U.S. citizen or green card holder may qualify for a VAWA self-petition, separate from any divorce.
- A sponsor’s promise of support on Form I‑864 does not end with divorce.
- Custody orders can limit a parent’s ability to travel abroad with a child.
Forms that may come up in your case
- I-751
- I-864
- I-360
What happens
Call
Tell us the county you live in, whether there are children, and whether there is any safety concern.
Consultation
You go over your goals, your children’s needs, your property, and any immigration concerns, and learn the options.
Filing
The complaint or motion is filed in the circuit court family division and served on the other party.
Friend of the Court and negotiation
The Friend of the Court may investigate. Many cases settle through negotiation or mediation.
Judgment
The judge signs a judgment or order that sets custody, support, and property division.
What to gather
- Marriage certificate
- Children’s birth certificates
- Any existing court orders, including custody, support, or PPOs
- Recent tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements
- A list of property and debts, including anything owned outside the U.S.
- Immigration documents for both spouses, if either is not a U.S. citizen
Common questions
No. Michigan is a no-fault state. You only need to state that there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship. Fault can still matter to how property is divided or whether spousal support is awarded.
If you have a 10-year green card, a divorce generally does not take away your status. If you have a two-year conditional card through marriage, you will need to file Form I‑751 with a waiver instead of jointly. Get advice before the divorce is final.
With the Michigan Child Support Formula, which considers both parents’ incomes, the number of overnights each parent has, and costs such as health insurance and child care.
Often, yes, if you meet Michigan’s residency requirements. Serving papers abroad follows special rules, and the court’s power over property or custody may be limited. This needs a case-specific review.
