No matter how bad you may need it, a fast divorce does not usually occur in the state of Michigan. Michigan divorces take a minimum of 60 days to process and even longer if children are involved. Fortunately, you can utilize interim orders to expedite certain actions of your divorce if necessary. Here are some questions you may have about interim orders.
What Are Interim Orders?
Although you cannot speed up your divorce, you can expedite certain matters through interim orders. Interim orders help you make some of your more important decisions legal and binding so you can move on with the rest of your life as your divorce unfolds.
Interim orders are temporary orders that include arguments heard in family court, with a swift decision granted. The decisions are not a permanent solution, but they help establish rules for you and your former spouse to follow during the divorce process.
Some of your more urgent matters are important to deal with as soon as possible. You may not be able to wait until your divorce is final to deal with certain issues.
Which Issues Benefit Most From Interim Orders?
While you can request an interim order on almost any aspect of family law, some issues highly benefit from such orders.
Child Custody
Child custody is one of the most common issues handled by interim orders. You cannot stop how you raise and share your children with their other parent. During a divorce, one of your priorities should be to avoid the disruption of your children’s schedules as much as you can. Filing an interim order can help you get temporary custody of your children.
An interim order for child custody means you will maintain your children for the time being, with the goal to drastically reduce as much change in their lives right away. You can also maintain the kid’s normal schedules, such as school routines and activities. As your divorce progresses, you and your former spouse can work out a different arrangement if you prefer.
Interim orders are also useful in handling the time you and your former spouse spend with the children. The order can dictate how much time each of you has to parent your children. If your spouse files an interim order that does not seem fair, the court can often instead make an arrangement that is fair to both parties.
Spousal Support
If you were a low-earning spouse or if you did not work during your marriage, you can file an interim order for spousal support. This way, you can temporarily receive some payment from your former spouse as all the details are worked out through your divorce.
Child Support
Interim orders are also helpful with child support. If you will have primary custody of your children during the divorce, you can file an interim order for interim child support. You and your former spouse are responsible for paying for your children even before your divorce ends, and this is one way to get the funds in place as soon as possible. Modifications can be made as needed.
These are just a few ways in which an interim order can help you make fast decisions in an otherwise lengthy process. The divorce does not have to be a long process of waiting for court decisions. Interim orders can help you keep the peace while you go through the motions in family court.
If you have any questions about a family law matter or would like more information on interim orders, please contact Bahrie Law today. We look forward to working with you and providing you with legal assistance.