Michigan Divorce Checklist

Over the years, we’ve had many questions about some of the key issues that may or may not be part of your divorce. Here, we believe that knowledge is power, and the more information you have, the better off you are.

We have prepared a basic checklist of issues that should be considered in your divorce and discussed with your attorney. We are glad to answer questions about any of the issues in the divorce checklist. It is intended to be general and broad in scope, and to cover as many issues as possible in order to negotiate a settlement or be prepared for trial.

Some of the items on the list will not apply to everyone due to variations in the law and facts. In addition, whether or not you have children will make a difference. Don’t hesitate to download this list, and if there are any questions, please feel free to contact us because we want your input as much as possible as you go through the divorce process.

1. Custodial arrangements for the children
2. Visitation/parenting time
3. Child support
4. Medical, dental, hospital, pharmaceutical, and psychological expenses for children
5. COBRA or medical insurance for a former spouse for up to 3 years from the entry of the divorce judgment where applicable
6. Income tax exemptions regarding the children – who will claim them
7. Alimony/spousal support
8. Property division
9. Division of real estate, transfers, and deeds
10. Making sure that all investments are covered including limited partners, stocks, bonds, and savings
11. The handling of debts
12. Pensions, IRA accounts, 401K transfers, Qualified Domestic Relations Orders
13. Personal property including furniture, furnishings, are, and collectibles
14. Motor vehicles, including trailers and boats
15. Income taxes whether there can be joint filings and liabilities for payment of taxes
16. Bankruptcy issues, protection in case one spouse does go bankrupt
17. Proper security and protection regarding property division
18. Clauses to hold the other spouse harmless and indemnification in case someone fails to live up to his or her obligations
19. How to handle the discovery of hidden assets
20. Spouse abuse and restraining orders
21. Restoration of a prior maiden name
22. Life insurance policies as protection for child support payments, alimony/spousal support payments, and/or property payments in the event of death
23. Attorney fees and/or mediator, accountant, and other expert fees and payment of same
24. College education for children and/or spouse
25. Provisions for review in certain circumstances such as with regard to child support and/or spousal support
26. Clauses such as payment for summer camps and/or religious training and upbringing or other special situations involving children