Divorce Attorney Serving Oakland and Wayne Counties, Michigan
Divorce is one of the most difficult experiences a person can face, emotionally, financially, and legally. Whether your case is straightforward or highly contested, having a skilled attorney in your corner from the very beginning can make all the difference in protecting your future.
Emily K. Catania is a litigation-focused divorce attorney based in Birmingham, Michigan, serving clients throughout Oakland and Wayne Counties and surrounding communities including Troy, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Rochester Hills, Waterford, Pontiac, and Novi.
Michigan Divorce — What You Need to Know
Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not need to prove that your spouse did anything wrong to file for divorce. You only need to establish that there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship. However, no-fault does not mean simple. The decisions made during your divorce will affect your finances, your children, and your life for years to come.
Emily brings a litigator's mindset to every case, drawing on her courtroom experience to assess risk, anticipate outcomes, and build a strong strategy from the start. At the same time, she understands that litigation is not always the most effective or efficient path. She carefully weighs the cost-benefit of each option and works with you to choose the approach that best serves your goals, whether that means negotiating a resolution or going to court to protect what matters most.
Divorce Services in Oakland and Wayne Counties
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When spouses cannot agree on key issues, property division, spousal support, custody, or parenting time, the divorce becomes contested. These cases require an attorney who understands both Michigan family law and courtroom strategy. Emily has the experience to navigate complex contested divorces and position you for the best possible outcome.
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If you and your spouse have reached agreement on all major issues, an uncontested divorce can be a faster and more cost-effective path forward. Emily brings extensive experience to this process, carefully reviewing and structuring your agreement to ensure it is thorough, enforceable, and tailored to your specific circumstances. She approaches each agreement with the same attention to detail as a binding contract, identifying potential gaps, clarifying terms, and helping prevent future disputes. From drafting to final filing, Emily works to make sure your agreement is complete, legally sound, and properly presented to the court.
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Michigan follows equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Emily works to identify, value, and protect your assets, including real estate, retirement accounts, business interests, and investments.
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Spousal support is not guaranteed in Michigan. It must be requested and justified. Courts consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning potential, and their standard of living. Emily advocates for outcomes that reflect your contributions and protect your financial stability.
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Some divorces involve complex circumstances such as hidden assets, business valuations, domestic conflict, or a spouse who refuses to cooperate. Emily K. Catania is a seasoned litigator who does not back down from difficult cases. She brings substantial experience in uncovering financial details, working with experts when needed, and building a clear, well-supported case to protect your interests. Emily approaches these matters with focus and determination, advocating firmly in court when necessary while remaining strategic about how each step serves your overall goals. She understands the stakes in high-conflict situations and is committed to guiding you through the process with strength, preparation, and careful attention to detail.
The Michigan Divorce Process
Filing for divorce in Michigan involves several key steps:
Filing the Complaint — The process begins by filing a Complaint for Divorce in the circuit court of the county where you or your spouse resides. Oakland County cases are heard in the 6th Circuit Court.
Serving Your Spouse — Your spouse must be formally served with divorce papers and given the opportunity to respond.
Temporary Orders — While the divorce is pending, the court may issue temporary orders regarding custody, parenting time, and financial support to provide stability during the process.
Discovery & Negotiation — Both parties exchange financial information and attempt to reach agreement on unresolved issues through negotiation or mediation.
Trial or Settlement — If an agreement is reached, the terms are submitted to the court for approval. If not, the case proceeds to trial before a judge.
Michigan requires a mandatory waiting period of 60 days for divorces without minor children and 180 days when minor children are involved, unless the court makes an exception. Any exception is not guaranteed and depends on the specific facts and circumstances of the case.
Why Choose Emily K. Catania as Your Oakland County Divorce Attorney?
Emily K. Catania brings a litigation-first mindset to every family law matter. She has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star since 2019 and by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (2026), and is committed to providing each client with personalized, strategic representation, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
She understands that behind every case is a real person navigating one of the hardest chapters of their life. Her goal is not just to resolve your divorce, but to position you for a stronger future on the other side.
Emily serves clients in Birmingham, Troy, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Pontiac, Waterford, Clarkston, Rochester Hills, Novi, and throughout Oakland and Wayne Counties, Michigan.
Ready to Protect Your Future?
You don't have to navigate this alone. Contact Emily K. Catania today to discuss your situation and take the first step toward a resolution that protects what matters most to you.