Making the Decision to Divorce
Thinking About Divorce? Here’s How to Prepare Before Making the Decision Deciding whether to stay in a marriage or move on from a destructive relationship is one of the most difficult choices anyone can face. Divorce is emotional, stressful, and often overwhelming—but it’s also a deeply personal decision that should be made with care, preparation, […]
Understanding Friend of the Court in Michigan
If your family law case involves minor children, you’ll likely hear about Friend of the Court (FOC) early in the process. Many people are unsure who they are or what they do until they walk into their office for the first time. You might wonder: Whose friend are they? Whose best interests do they protect? […]
Father’s Rights in Michigan
Establishing Legal Rights for Unmarried Fathers in Michigan In Michigan, simply being listed on a child’s birth certificate does not automatically grant legal rights to an unmarried father. To obtain custody or parenting time, an unwed father must first legally establish paternity through the court system. Birth Certificate vs. Legal Paternity When a child is […]
Do Grandparents Have Rights in the State of Michigan?
Understanding Grandparents’ Rights in Michigan More grandparents than ever are stepping in to raise their grandchildren. When this happens, many face difficult questions about their legal rights—especially if they don’t have the emotional or financial support of the child’s parents. Below are several legal options available to grandparents in Michigan. 1. Guardianship When parents leave […]
Mediation Could Save Your Post-Divorce Co-Parenting Relationship
By nature, the traditional courtroom experience is adversarial. Litigation tends to pit one side against the other. That may be okay under certain circumstances, but when it comes to Michigan parents getting a divorce, this could prove catastrophic. Parents need to continue working together despite the end of their marriages. “Battling” in a courtroom over […]
Your Income and Your Financial Obligations to Your Children
When two Michigan parents go through a divorce, their main priority is the protection and well-being of their children. Most parents understand that the process of divorce can be hardest on the children, and as a result, they strive to provide them with a reasonable custody order that allows them to have access to both […]
False Child Abuse Allegations in Michigan Custody Cases
Divorce cases can get ugly quickly, especially when children are involved. Whether parents are acting purely from fear of losing their children or from animosity toward each other, it is not unusual for divorcing spouses to play dirty when it comes to custody matters. One treacherous game a parent may play is accusing the other […]
How to Modify Custody, Support or Spousal Support in Michigan
Can You Modify Family Court Orders in Michigan? Family law orders regarding parenting time (child custody), child support and spousal support (alimony) aren’t necessarily set in stone. Circumstances change, and what worked at the outset might not work months or years later. So how do you go about changing it? In general, there are two […]
Dividing Retirement Accounts in Michigan Divorce: QDROs
As you and your spouse divide your property during your divorce, you will want to pay special attention to their retirement accounts. Your spouse may have been your household’s breadwinner, and these accounts are likely held in their name alone. Yet, they may have established their accounts – or their accounts grew in value – […]
Should You Wait to Divorce Until Your Kids Are Grown?
Is Staying Together for the Kids Always Better? Parents generally want what’s best for their children. Sometimes that includes staying married, even when the relationship no longer feels right. Many parents believe that waiting until their children reach age 18 will create a more stable home life and reduce the stress of making custody arrangements. […]