Why Do I Need a Will in Michigan?

Black-and-white close-up of eyeglasses resting on a legal document titled “Last Will and Testament,” with the word “Testament” in focus and other text softly blurred.

Protect Your Legacy In Michigan, having a will allows you to control your legacy. It ensures your assets go to the people you choose, allows you to name guardians for your children, and lets you select a trusted executor. Without a will, however, state law (intestate succession) controls these decisions. As a result, your wishes […]

Special Education Training for Parents and Advocates

Flyer promoting a Special Education Training for Parents & Advocates event presented by Myra S. Dutton of Tabono Law. The design features bold white and orange text on a black background, accented with circular images — one of a smiling woman embracing a young girl, and another of Myra Dutton. The flyer notes that the event is free and will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 6:00–7:30 PM at Disability Network Lakeshore, 442 Century Lane, Holland, MI 49423, with a remote webinar option available. Bullet points list topics such as Introduction to IDEA & Section 504, state and federal laws and key cases, and practical tips for effective advocacy and IEP/504 meetings. Logos for The Arc of the Lakeshore, Disability Network Lakeshore, and Tabono Law appear near the top. A QR code on the right links to registration and the webinar. The bottom section highlights Myra S. Dutton as an attorney and advocate with over 25 years of experience in education law and family advocacy.

Special Education Training for Parents & Advocates in Michigan Date: November 6, 2025 Location: 442 Century Lane, Holland, MI 49423 Time: 6:00-7:30 PM. Register here! Empowering Families to Advocate for Their Child’s Education Navigating the special education system can feel overwhelming. Parents and advocates often face complex laws, unclear school processes, and high-stakes decisions that […]

Practical Parenting Tips to Support Your Child’s Development

Parent and young child sitting on the floor sorting clothes in a living room at home.

Practical Tips for Making a Lasting Difference in Your Child’s Development Parenting is a journey filled with both challenges and rewarding moments, and embracing intentional parenting can make a significant difference in a child’s development. As we celebrate July as Purposeful Parenting Month, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the proactive parenting strategies that […]

Family Mediation Benefits in Michigan

Close-up of a mediator taking notes while two people discuss their situation during mediation.

Navigating family law can feel overwhelming, but mediation offers hope for a more harmonious resolution. This alternative dispute resolution method is gaining recognition for transforming how families handle legal changes, promoting cooperative solutions that prioritize everyone’s well-being. Unlike traditional litigation, where courts decide, mediation empowers families to collaboratively craft their own agreements, leading to more […]

Life Insurance, Beneficiaries, and Divorce in Michigan

Magnifying glass highlighting the words “Life Insurance” on a printed document.

Life Insurance and Divorce in Michigan: What You Need to Know When going through a divorce, many financial matters must be addressed, including life insurance. In Michigan, life insurance policies and beneficiary designations can have significant legal implications before, during, and after your divorce. Failing to address these policies properly could jeopardize your financial security […]

Divorce Mediation in Michigan: How to Prepare for Fair Results

Couple seated on a couch speaking with a mediator during a family law mediation session.

Divorce mediation is a highly structured process. The goal of divorce mediation is to facilitate a mutually-agreeable outcome for divorce cases with outstanding disputes. If spouses have not yet agreed on how they should address their property or other important aspects of their divorce, they may feel like litigation is inevitable. However, litigation can be […]

Making the Decision to Divorce

Wedding rings resting on torn paper with the word “Divorce” visible.

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

Exterior of a courthouse with tall columns and a statue at the entrance.

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

Parent guiding a young child’s hands on piano keys during a music lesson at home.

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 […]