Couples With No Attorneys
The Michigan Alternative Dispute Resolution Center can work with couples that do not want to hire two attorneys. While the facilitator is an attorney, the facilitator first works to help the parties reach an agreement. If the parties reach an agreement, the facilitator who is an attorney will draft the legal documents required to have the parties divorced. In many cases, there is just one short hearing if the parties reach an agreement on all issues.
FAQs:
When is the best time to start working with the Michigan Alternative Dispute Resolution Center?
Sooner the better. We can start to work with a couple even before a case is filed and up to the time, a judgment is entered. We can also help with issues that arise after judgment enters i.e. change in custody and parenting time.
If the ADR does not work out, can one of us hire the attorney to represent them? Not for the case that the ADR services are rendered or against the other party or the other party is a victim. You can hire the attorney for other legal issues not involving the other party, but should a party hire the attorney for other issues, the attorney will not provide future ADR services to the couple.
Does using the ADR system save the parties’ money? It can if the parties can reach an agreement. This is because the parties share the cost of using only one attorney.
Why don’t all attorneys offer One Attorney Divorces? Many attorneys are not trained to offer facilitation. Our process is, the attorney first acts as a facilitator, and if the parties reach an agreement, the attorney drafts the documents. The parties sign an agreement waving a conflict of interest allowing this process.
Can I meet with the attorney first and if it sounds good, bring my spouse into the process? No. The process requires both parties to attend all sessions. This can, however, be done electronically if one party is not in the area.
Do you offer a free consultation for this process? No. the parties can do a 45-minute consultation for a small fee. Of course, you can contact our office with questions. If our staff can’t answer the question(s), we will get back with you. Understand that your questions can become part of our FAQ