Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus made news recently with the announcement that they are finally getting a divorce. We use the word “finally” because the two have been together, then apart, then together several times. While celebs live their lives differently than “normal” people, there are some lessons to be learned from the ups and downs of this relationship.
The Ups and Downs of a Celebrity Marriage
The “Achy Breaky Heart” singer and his wife have been married for nearly 30 years. In that time, they had three children together and Billy Ray adopted Tish’s two children from her first marriage. But when one half of a marriage is a famous singer, and their child rises to fame – Miley Cyrus – on a TV show and with her own music career, there is bound to be plenty of public scrutiny on every member of the family.
Billy Ray and Tish weathered cheating rumors, splitting in 2010 with Billy Ray filing for divorce. They reconciled five months later, wanting to “put their family back together,” then two years later Tish filed divorce papers, citing irreconcilable differences. After couples counseling, the pair called off their divorce and reconciled again. Now, it may seem this time is the final time, with Tish filing for divorce in April 2022. She claims in court documents that the pair have lived in separate residences for over two years.
But, again, the Cyrus’s live in celebrity world – they could get back together again.
Let Your Michigan Divorce Lawyer Guide You Through Your Split
So, what happens in the real world if you and your spouse file for divorce then someone changes their mind? Ideally, you have an experienced divorce attorney on your side guiding you through the ups and downs of your split, but here are some of the basics.
- You can suspend your filing. Depending on the circumstances, you can put your divorce case on hold after it’s filed. If you think you might possibly save the marriage and reconcile, most courts will allow you to postpone.
- You can get a divorce even if your ex won’t sign. Legal documents must be signed throughout the Michigan divorce process. If one spouse refuses to respond or participate after they have been served and the deadline passes, you can ask for a default judgment of divorce.
- There is a mandatory waiting period. Whether your ex is willingly participating in the divorce proceedings or not, you must honor a waiting period – 60 days for marriages without children, 180 days for marriages with children.
- The judge’s signature is all you need. After the waiting period, even if your ex has not participated, your divorce will be final once the judge signs on the dotted line. Your ex doesn’t have to sign it. The divorce will pan out according to the terms in the original divorce complaint.
Get Advice About Getting a Michigan Divorce
If you are thinking about breaking up with your spouse, certainly feel free to consult with a Michigan divorce lawyer. But if you have any doubts at all about getting back together, think twice about filing for divorce. Legal proceedings will affect you, your ex, your children, and your entire lives. If you’re not taking this seriously yet or suspect one of you will change your mind, make the most of a complimentary consultation with your Michigan divorce attorney, but hold off on making any major decisions until you’re truly ready. Questions? Contact Michigan Divorce Help.