Family Law

Divorce Decree — Grandville attorney in Grandville, MI
Divorce and child custody litigation are two of the most emotionally difficult types of litigation for the parties involved and also can be a complex area of law. Therefore, it is important to hire an attorney who is not only someone you can trust to know the law, but also one whose office is willing to take the time to walk you through this difficult personal experience while providing the client with competent legal advice and the negotiating and trial skills so that the client is fully and capably represented. For nearly 30 years, the Law Office of James L. Koetje has represented clients in divorce and child custody matters. We will guide you through the legal process and provide you with practical and sound advice during this difficult time. Our clients deal directly with their attorney and we communicate frequently with them to keep them updated on the status of their case and to answer any questions that they may have. We advocate and litigate forcefully on your behalf and will work with our client to reach the best possible solution in a difficult situation.
Divorce Decree — Grandville attorney in Grandville, MI
Divorce and child custody litigation are two of the most emotionally difficult types of litigation for the parties involved and also can be a complex area of law. Therefore, it is important to hire an attorney who is not only someone you can trust to know the law, but also one whose office is willing to take the time to walk you through this difficult personal experience while providing the client with competent legal advice and the negotiating and trial skills so that the client is fully and capably represented. For nearly 30 years, the Law Office of James L. Koetje has represented clients in divorce and child custody matters. We will guide you through the legal process and provide you with practical and sound advice during this difficult time. Our clients deal directly with their attorney and we communicate frequently with them to keep them updated on the status of their case and to answer any questions that they may have. We advocate and litigate forcefully on your behalf and will work with our client to reach the best possible solution in a difficult situation.
We assist clients in many areas of family law including:
  • Divorce
  • Alimony/Spousal Support
  • Pre-Nuptial Agreements
  • Property Settlements
  • Modification of Parenting Time/Child Support
  • Enforcement of Child Support/Parenting Time

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before a divorce becomes final?
Michigan law requires minimum of 60 days in the case of a divorce without minor children and of 180 days in the case with minor children.

How is child support determined?
Child support is, in large part, determined by a formula established by Michigan Child Support Guidelines based upon the income of the parties. Some other determining factors are the custodial arrangement of the parents and number of overnights that each parent will have with the minor children. The parties, by agreement, may agree to deviate from what the schedule of child support would ordinarily require.

How is spousal support determined?
Spousal support is not awarded in every divorce or separation. Although a formula established by the state is often utilized to determine spousal support, considering such things as length of marriage of the parties, education of the parties, and income of the parties, the court is required to consider a long list of factors before a spousal support award may be given.

How is parenting time (visitation) determined?
The best method to establish parenting time is through agreement of the parties. If the parties cannot agree, then a motion could be filed with the Court and a hearing (with either a referee or judge, depending on the county in which the case is filed) will be held for a determination of parenting time during the pendency of the divorce action. Ultimately, a either party may have, as part of a divorce trial, the matter of custody and parenting time decided by the trial judge. Please contact our office for all your legal needs, 616-534-9637.