Divorce Litigation
Services in Grand Rapids

Call Dave Today!

Navigating a divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences of your life, especially when disputes require court intervention. At Sarnacki Law Firm, we specialize in divorce litigation and trial law, bringing nearly 40 years of experience to the table.

When non-adversarial methods such as mediation or collaborative divorce fail, you need a skilled, experienced trial attorney to achieve the best possible outcome.

Contact us today to get started.

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When Is Divorce Litigation Necessary?

While everyone hopes for a quick and uncontested divorce, sometimes fundamental differences require a trial.

Divorce litigation becomes necessary when:

  • Cooperative methods have proven ineffective
  • There are significant disagreements over child custody, support, or property division
  • Complex financial issues or business valuations are involved

The Litigation Process

Here’s an overview of the typical steps involved in divorce litigation:

  1. File a Complaint: Begin the process by filing a written complaint with the court.
  2. Serve Your Spouse: Notify your spouse of the proceedings and give them an opportunity to respond.
  3. Temporary Orders: Address immediate issues such as child custody, spousal support, and possession of the marital home.
  4. Discovery Process: Gather and exchange evidence through disclosures under oath, interrogatories, document requests, depositions, and more.
  5. Negotiations and/or Mediation: Attempt to resolve disputes through negotiation or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods.
  6. Divorce Trial: If negotiations fail, present your case in court, with both sides calling witnesses, submitting documentary evidence, and making arguments.
  7. Final Judgment: The judge issues a decision based on the evidence and legal arguments.
  8. Appeal Process: If dissatisfied with the outcome, either party may file an appeal on matters like child custody, support, or property division.

Skills Needed for Effective Litigation

Successful litigation requires a combination of skills:

  • Knowledge of the Rules & Process: Working within the Michigan Court Rules and Rules of Evidence, and the judge’s court procedures
  • Organization: Managing extensive courtroom documentation and evidence
  • Confidence: Maintaining poise and authority
  • Adaptability: Responding to unexpected developments
  • Creativity: Developing compelling arguments and strategies
  • Communication: Clearly presenting arguments and negotiating effectively
  • Persuasion: Presenting a compelling story to the judge

Why Choose Sarnacki Law Firm?

David Sarnacki’s extensive experience in divorce litigation ensures that you have a skilled advocate on your side.

Our approach includes:

  • Personalized Service: Tailoring our strategies to meet your unique needs and circumstances.
  • Expert Representation: Leveraging decades of trial experience to advocate effectively for you.
  • Comprehensive Support: Guiding you through every step of the litigation process, from initial filings to final judgment and potential appeals.

Contact Us Today

At Sarnacki Law Firm, we understand the emotional and financial stress of divorce. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome while minimizing the impact on your life. Whether you need to navigate complex custody issues, divide assets, or address spousal support, we are here to help guide you every step of the way.

Schedule an initial case assessment with us today. We're here to answer your most important questions and provide the support you need. With Sarnacki Law Firm, you are in capable hands.

Testimonial

“Dave and Tammy helped me throughout a very difficult and contested divorce. They always had my best interests in mind and weren't afraid to ‘fight’ for my side of the story.”

- John