While there are plenty of guides to women going through a divorce there is need for a men's guide to divorce as well. Michigan divorce laws treat men and women equally during and after a divorce. Though many men perceive divorce laws to be biased, in reality this is not true.
Spousal Support
If a spouse or ex-spouse was dependent on the other for sustenance and cannot immediately get back into the labor force, they are entitled to spousal support. The amount of support received will depend on the duration of the marriage and the reason why the spouse quit earning. The reason for the breakdown of the marriage will also be a factor in fixing the quantum of spousal support.
Child Support
Both parents are obliged to contribute to child support until the child finishes high school. Child support is calculated based on the number of nights a child spends with a parent.
Parental Rights
Courts now recognize that a child needs both parents. The primary residence of the child will be decided based on who can offer a better life to the child in terms of time spent with the child. If the child is of reasonable age, the child’s wishes are also taken into consideration.
Marital Property
Both marital property and marital debt are divided equally between the two spouses. Apart from the family home, pension, IRA contributions, health insurance, and so on are also divided equally.
Abandoning
Even if the husband moves out of the marital home as a preliminary step to filing for separation, he will not be considered to have abandoned the home or the family. He can move back in any time he wants to unless the wife obtains a court order prohibiting him from doing the same.
Child Custody
The father should take care to ask for temporary child custody during the divorce proceedings, so that a record is established before the court awards the final decree. By showing and demonstrating that he can be a good father, the husband has a very good chance of gaining joint physical and legal custody of the children.
Legal Support
While the law is impartial as regards the husband and wife, it is best that one consults a lawyer for support through out the separation and divorce proceedings. A lawyer will know just how to argue the case so that you get the fair treatment you are entitled to.
