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Yellow Flower

Collaborative Divorce 

A Peaceful Way to Move Forward — One Court Appearance, Flat Fee, No Stress


Looking for a low-conflict, affordable divorce option in Michigan? We guide one spouse through the process, draft the necessary documents, and finalize the divorce in just one court appearance.

Why Collaborative Divorce? 

Flat-Fee Pricing 

Divorce Without Children 

  • Legal representation for one spouse 

  • Divorce agreement drafting 

  • Filing of all court-required documents 

  • Entry of Judgement of Divorce 

  • Support through revisions and finalization 

Divorce With Children 

Everything in the "without children" divorce, plus: 

  • Custody and parenting time terms 

  • Chid support calculations 

  • Drafting of Uniform Child Support Order

  • Additional documentation required for minor children 

  • Is there a refund if I change your mind before filing?
    You may cancel for a full refund if you notify us before we begin preparing your documents. Once we’ve started drafting and organizing your paperwork (which usually happens immediately upon engagement), only 50% of the attorney fees will be refundable. After we file your case, the fee is fully earned and non‑refundable.
  • Are court filing fees and service fees included?
    No—our flat fee covers attorney services. You’re responsible for government filing fees and third‑party costs (e.g., certified mail, transcripts). However, if you have low income or receive public benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, etc.), we can help you apply for a fee waiver.
  • What is Collaborative Divorce?
    Collaborative Divorce is a friendly, non‑adversarial way to end your marriage. One attorney represents you (not your spouse) and you both work together—either directly or through your attorneys—to agree on division of property, support, and custody. Once you’ve decided on terms, we put them in writing and submit them to the court for approval.
  • Can I add services later (e.g., name change)?
    Yes—you can upgrade to include services like a legal name change for an additional flat fee.
  • What happens if the court requests additional documents?
    We’ll draft and file routine supplemental documents at no extra cost. If the court requires extensive new filings, we’ll quote any additional work before proceeding.
  • Who is eligible for this service?
    You qualify if you and your spouse have already discussed and agree on the big issues (like who keeps the house, how to split savings, child custody and support). This service is not for couples who are deep in conflict or still negotiating major points. We only represent one party, so each spouse must have their own legal help or agree to proceed unrepresented.
  • What’s the difference between a contested divorce and a collaborative divorce?
    A contested divorce is like a court battle—each side hires lawyers, you go to multiple hearings, and a judge makes decisions. A collaborative divorce is a team approach: you and your spouse agree on terms up front, one attorney (for you) drafts the paperwork, and you file it together—no back‑and‑forth courtroom fights.
  • How does the process work, step by step?
    1. Free Eligibility Call: We’ll spend about 15–20 minutes on the phone to confirm you’re a good fit and explain each step in plain English. 2. Information Gathering: You send us basic documents: lists of assets/debts, income details, and (if you have kids) desired parenting schedules. 3. Drafting Your Agreement: We turn your agreed‑upon terms into a formal, court‑ready document covering property division, support amounts, and custody or visitation plans. 4. Review & Feedback: We email you the draft. You read it at your own pace, suggest any tweaks, and we update it until it’s exactly what you want. 5. Filing with the Court: Once you approve, we file your paperwork—this includes the divorce agreement, financial affidavits, and (for families with kids) the Uniform Child Support Order. 6. Final Court Approval: The judge reviews and signs off on your agreement. After that, the divorce is officially final. You don’t need to attend multiple hearings—just the one brief administrative appearance if required by your county.
  • How much does a contested divorce cost and how long does it take?
    In Michigan, most contested divorces run $10,000–$20,000+ in legal fees and take 6–12 months (or more) because of repeated court dates and time‑consuming procedures. We have seen some contested divorce cases take numerous years.
  • How much can I save and how fast can it finish with collaborative divorce?
    With us, you pay one flat fee and typically wrap things up in 60–90 days. That’s often 80–85% less than a contested case—and you avoid the stress of hourly bills and surprise court appearances.
  • Will I have to go to court more than once?
    Usually not. After filing, you may only need one short hearing (or sometimes none at all, depending on your county). It’s a very quick check‑in rather than multiple drawn‑out sessions.
  • Is everything kept private?
    Yes. All the negotiation and drafting happens between you, your spouse, and your attorney. Only the final signed papers go on public record—unlike a contested case where every motion and hearing can be on display.
  • What if my spouse doesn’t follow the agreement?
    Because the court signs off, your agreement becomes an official order. If someone doesn’t comply, you can ask the court to enforce it—just like any other court order.
  • Is my agreement legally binding?
    Yes. Once the court approves and signs your divorce papers (and child support order if you have kids), it’s just as enforceable as a contested judgment.
  • What if my spouse isn’t responsive or cooperative?
    We’ll try to contact them and encourage cooperation. If they choose not to participate, this service isn’t the right fit—at that point we’ll discuss referring you to a traditional, contested divorce attorney.
  • How long does the whole process take?
    Most Collaborative Divorces are finalized in 60–90 days from your first call. Timing depends on how quickly you review drafts and how busy your local court is, but we’ll guide you through each step promptly.
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