Hiring a divorce attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your divorce. However, retaining counsel is only the first step; how you work with your attorney can make a major difference in how smoothly and efficiently your case proceeds.
In Michigan, divorce involves both legal and procedural requirements under Michigan law, and often oversight from the Friend of the Court (FOC). Clients who stay organized, responsive, and prepared make it easier for their attorney to meet deadlines, protect their rights, and achieve better results in court.
Below are practical ways you can help your divorce attorney and help yourself throughout your Michigan divorce.
1. Provide Scanned Documents Instead of Photos
Divorce cases in Oakland County often require detailed financial disclosure, tax returns, bank statements, pay stubs, and more. Submitting photos of documents can make them unreadable or hard to organize. Instead, bring them to your attorney for scanning. If you have access to a scanner, your attorney would appreciate it if you could scan your documents and email them over. Our legal assistants keep detailed records and files of the materials you provide to us.
Why it matters: Clear, legible scans save your attorney hours of review time and can reduce your legal costs. Attorneys must prepare and share accurate income and support documentation with the opposing attorney, which is only possible with legible, complete records.
2. Use Email to Communicate
If you need to speak with your divorce attorney, send an email first outlining your questions. This gives your lawyer time to review your file and prepare accurate answers. For anything related to your case, email is often best. It allows your lawyer to organize your file, attach relevant documents, and keep a clear record of communication.
Why it matters: Prepared calls are more efficient and cost-effective. Most attorneys bill hourly, so structured conversations save you money and reduce confusion later. Lawyers must maintain proper case files. Email creates a searchable and professional record that supports clear communication and accountability. However, there are times when we really do need to have a conversation about some aspect of your case. Those conversations can be in person, by phone or virtually.
3. Prepare for Court Dates and Deadlines
The Oakland County Circuit Court and the Friend of the Court enforce strict deadlines for hearings, motions, and discovery responses. Pay close attention to every court date and deadline your attorney sends you. Mark court dates on your calendar to be sure that you arrange for childcare and notify your employer as soon as possible if you’ll need time off. Michigan courts have strict timelines. Waiting until the last minute to provide documents or information to your attorney can cause missed deadlines or rushed filings. Stay organized and keep copies of everything in your own file.
Why it matters: Failing to appear for a court date or missing deadlines can result in adverse rulings or sanctions. Being prepared benefits your attorney and your case.
4. Follow Zoom Hearing Etiquette
Virtual hearings remain common in the Oakland County Family Court and throughout Michigan. You should always treat a Zoom hearing as if you were physically in court. Dress appropriately, stay in a quiet room, do not eat or smoke, and never participate while driving. Your attorney may prefer that you go to their office for the hearing so that they can communicate with you clearly and privately.
Why it matters: Judges in Oakland County, Livingston County and Macomb County notice professionalism. A respectful appearance in a Zoom hearing supports your credibility.
5. Be Honest and Transparent
Full disclosure of financial information is required under Michigan law. Oakland County courts must divide marital property equitably, and your attorney can’t protect assets or prepare discovery responses without the full picture. Always be completely honest when answering your attorney’s questions and provide any documentation they may need. We do not like surprises since it’s difficult when we first learn about some undisclosed asset while we’re in front of the judge.
Why it matters: Your attorney’s duty of confidentiality under the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct means your information is protected. Ethically, we cannot hide assets from the opposing attorney or the court. Honesty helps your lawyer craft strong legal arguments and makes a favorable outcome more likely.
6. Keep Organized Personal Records
Maintain your own copies of key materials such as court orders. The best practice is to keep them in a labeled binder or a secure digital folder.
Why it matters: Access to your court documents is important to ensure you are complying with a court order, saving time and avoiding stress. The is a good probability you will need to refer back to some of your documents as your case progresses through the divorce process.
7. Keep Communications Professional and Clear
Divorce is emotional, but emails filled with anger or frustration can make it harder for your lawyer to help you. Keep messages focused on the facts and legal issues. Create a list of questions to ask your attorney, or send them in a single email rather than sending several emails.
Why it matters: This simplifies your questions and concerns for your attorney to respond efficiently and keeps your legal costs down.
8. Trust the Process
Divorce in Michigan takes time. The Oakland County Circuit Court follows the minimum statutory waiting periods: 60 days without children and 6 months with children. Delays commonly occur due to scheduling, mediation, or the Friend of the Court process. Nearly all divorce cases take longer than the statutory minimum waiting period.
Why it matters: Patience and trust allow your attorney to negotiate or litigate effectively without rushing into unfair settlements.
Why Working Closely With Your Michigan Divorce Attorney Matters
Michigan’s family law system, especially in Oakland County and Livingston County, relies heavily on proper documentation and compliance with the law. A strong attorney-client partnership protects your rights and increases the likelihood of a good outcome in your case. Working collaboratively with your attorney allows them to represent you effectively and reduce costs and stress for you. That usually leads to a better outcome for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents should I give my attorney at the start of my case?
Common documents a Michigan divorce attorney would request include tax returns for the last 3 years, recent pay stubs, bank statements, retirement account summaries, mortgage information, and any existing court orders involving children. You should ask your attorney which documents to bring to your consultation and any subsequent meetings.
What happens if I don’t cooperate with my attorney?
You may endure delays, sanctions, or even dismissal for failure to comply with court orders. A favorable outcome depends heavily on your cooperation with your attorney.
Why is it important to hire an attorney for my Michigan divorce?
Understanding how custody, support, and property statutes interact with numerous court rules is almost impossible for the average person. A skilled Oakland County divorce attorney ensures your rights are protected, your filings are accurate, your legal argument is effective, and your case moves efficiently through the court system. These days, we commonly see the circus that results in courtrooms when one spouse or the other believes they can effectively learn to practice law by reading internet articles. It gets even worse when people think AI can properly draft complex legal documents.
Contact Us Today!
If you’re facing divorce in Farmington, Novi, Commerce, White Lake, Troy, Rochester Hills, Bloomfield Hills, or surrounding areas, don’t go through it alone. At The Kronzek Firm, we understand that divorce directly impacts your family, finances, and future. We are here to guide you through every step of the process and advocate for custody and your fair share of marital assets. We represent clients in Oakland County and the surrounding areas of Livingston, Macomb, Jackson, and Genesee Counties. By staying organized, respectful, and proactive, you allow one of our experienced Oakland County family law attorneys to do their best work for you.
Our highly respected attorneys have fought for thousands of Michigan clients for more than 30 years. You can reach our Farmington Hills office 24/7 by calling (248) 479-6200 or by email at contactus@kronzek.law.
[Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for personalized guidance.]