4 Ways Interim Orders Create a Peaceful Divorce Process

You and your spouse have decided to get a divorce. One of you has agreed to move out of your marital home, but who gets the kids and when? Who pays what bills? Who gets the second car? These matters will all be finalized when your Michigan divorce is wrapped up but, in the meantime, interim orders make it clear who is responsible for everything right now.

Address Major Issues Temporarily with Interim Orders

Interim orders are arguments heard in family court and quickly decided upon to allow rules to be put in place for couples to follow as their divorce is worked out. It takes time for a divorce – a minimum of 60 days to complete in Michigan and, if kids are involved, a minimum of 180 days. In reality, though, divorces can take a year or longer, and no one can live their life in flux for that amount of time.

The matters of greatest urgency that usually can’t wait for the end of a divorce to be addressed are child custody, parenting time, spousal support, child support, and property and asset division. Interim orders create a more peaceful divorce process by making the following possible:

1. Avoid debt. Divorce can be expensive in many ways, whether it’s giving up assets, paying support, or incurring legal fees. The last thing a person wants is to go into debt because they’re paying for their old household, a new household, and every need of their kids without any help from their ex. The lower-earning or non-earning spouse in a marriage can file for interim spousal support to maintain a standard of living and be able to afford groceries, bills, and other household expenses.
2. Create stability for the kids. Your kids’ lives can’t be on hold while you and your ex figure out who gets custody. A child’s schedule should be maintained and, ideally, divorce will cause as little upheaval as possible. With interim child custody orders, you can make sure your child’s education, activities, living arrangements, and more are established and honored throughout your divorce.
3. See your kids when you want. Particularly bitter divorces can have some parents trying to use the kids as bargaining tools or withholding time with the kids to get what they want. An interim parenting time order ensures that both parents get the time they want and deserve with their kids. As with all legal matters involving children, the court will always act in the best interests of the kids, even if that doesn’t mesh with what parents think is best.
4. Afford everything your kids need. When you and your spouse split, they may take their financial support right along with them. Even if you have gainful employment, splitting up a formerly two-income household will be difficult, especially when you have kids’ needs to fulfill. Interim child support orders will ensure that your kid’s standard of living is maintained so they have the food, clothes, medical care, and more that they need.

It is natural to be concerned about your financial standing, or worry that your ex may make decisions for your children or regarding shared assets and property while your divorce is in progress. Work with your Michigan divorce lawyer to ensure that all interim orders are filed in a timely manner so you are confident about your financial situation and the safety of your kids as you work out the particulars of your divorce. Contact the family law attorneys at Michigan Divorce Help for support.