Child Support for High-Income Earners in Michigan

Wooden figures representing two parents and a child standing in front of a blurred judge’s gavel and scales of justice, symbolizing family law or child custody matters.

What Courts Consider Often, one spouse earns significantly more income during a marriage. The other spouse may rely on that income, and the couple may build their financial plans around it. When one or both spouses decide to end the marriage, that financial structure changes. As a result, questions about how income will be redistributed […]

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 […]

Do Grandparents Have Rights in the State of Michigan?

Grandparents sitting with a young child and reading a book together on a couch.

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 […]

False Child Abuse Allegations in Michigan Custody Cases

Close-up of an adult holding a young child’s hand while walking outdoors.

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 […]

Should You Wait to Divorce Until Your Kids Are Grown?

Three older children smiling together outdoors, standing close with one resting an arm on another’s shoulder.

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. […]

How to Modify a Child Custody Order in Michigan

Judge’s gavel on a desk with a person signing a legal document in the background.

If you want to change a child custody order in Michigan, you’ll need to file a Motion Regarding Custody. The court will review the request and decide whether the change is justified. For instance, if you want more parenting time because your child’s school schedule has changed, the court may approve that request. However, if […]

How to Succeed in Child Custody Mediation: Focus on the Present

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

Family law cases can be challenging, especially when emotions run high. Many parents find it hard to agree on key issues, which is why they turn to mediation. Mediation gives both parties a chance to talk through disagreements and find common ground before a judge has to decide for them. It can help move discussions […]

Custody Schedules for Two Kids After Divorce in Michigan

Monthly calendar with several dates marked using push pins and one date circled.

How Do Co-parents Arrange Parenting Time with Two Children? When you have two kids and get a divorce, parenting time is an important factor to consider. You might think that you want to keep them both on the same schedule or feel it would be more appropriate to put them on two different schedules. What […]

Co-Parents: Can You Restrict Your Children’s Travel Outside the Country?

Passport and small globe resting on assorted international currency.

International Travel and Custody Agreements in Michigan: What Divorcing Parents Need to Know For divorcing parents in Michigan who share custody, it’s essential to address both out-of-state and international travel in the custody agreement. Whether you or your co-parent has family in Canada or overseas—or frequently travels for work—it’s reasonable to want your children to […]

Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With in Michigan?

Two young children sitting on the floor playing with a wooden dollhouse.

Can Your Child Choose Where They Live After Divorce? When parents divorce, one of the biggest questions they face is where their children will live. In Michigan child custody cases, most parents and courts seek a parenting plan that allows both parents to remain active in their children’s lives. This often means sharing custody and parenting time to […]