Michigan divorce law resource center – Michigan Divorce Attorneys – Articles and Videos
Every year thousands of Michigan children will start college for the first time and college support is an agreement to provide support for college expenses. Unlike child support which typically ends when a child turns 18 and graduates high school, college support continues after graduation from high school (and after a child turns 18). There[…]
Who gets the house in a divorce? Sometimes the answer to simple questions are complex and the question “who gets the house in a divorce?” is a perfect example of this adage. The answer to the question, “who gets the house in a divorce?” is . . . it depends. The general rules of property[…]
When fighting for custody in a Michigan divorce or custody case you have an obligation to prove your claims with evidence. This obligation is called the burden of proof. The different Michigan child custody burden of proofs are: Clear and convincing evidence which requires evidence that the claim is very highly probable; and Preponderance of[…]
The end of child support in Michigan Everything comes to an end, including the obligation to pay child support. Which begs the question, when is the end of child support in Michigan? The answer to the question is found in two Michigan laws, the Child Custody Act of 1970 and the Michigan Support and Parenting[…]
The phrase “physical custody” has a troubled history and future in Michigan. In fact, the “physical custody” is also viewed by many as politically incorrect. After all, who wants to think of a parent having physical custody of a child. The future of the phrase also seems at risk as many Michigan divorce and custody[…]
The Rape Survivor Custody Act protects woman who become impregnated by a rapist. Governor Snyder singed the Rape Survivor Custody Act set forth in Michigan Senate bill 858 and Michigan House bill 4481 were reconciled and signed into law by Governor Snyder on May 3, 2016. Widely lauded by conservative right to life groups who[…]
Although Michigan law requires child support to be paid in accordance with the Michigan Child Support Formula Manual, people often enter into a child support agreement that deviates from the formula. In certain circumstances were application of the Michigan Child Support Formula Manual would be unjust or inappropriate, the parties, with approval of the court[…]
The Oakland County divorce court is changing. Mandatory retirement, judicial appointments and elections in November will result in even more changes at Oakland County divorce court. The Oakland County divorce court is made up of Judges from both circuit court and probate court. These judges specialize in hearing family law cases such as divorce, custody,[…]
Some thoughts on divorce with children This letter is written from the perspective of an experienced divorce and family lawyer and not an expert opinion of a mental health professional. A mental health professional may agree or disagree with this letter. If you are considering divorce, have been divorced or are going through a divorce[…]
If you are married and live in Michigan . . . DO NOT EAT MARGARINE! Eating margarine causes divorce in Michigan. When marketing my divorce practice, I rely on data. I examine divorce metrics such as the divorce rate, income, age and education of potential divorcees. After all, marketing is expensive and data can[…]
In a Michigan divorce, the parties can agree to arbitration instead of trial. Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution which is also referred to as ADR. Arbitration is similar to mediation except the arbitrator can make a binding decision if the parties cannot agree on an issue. When parties mediate a divorce case,[…]
Support security is important in Michigan divorce or child custody cases where child support or alimony (spousal support) payments are awarded. The security provides protection in the event the person responsible for paying child support or alimony stops paying. Support security in cases of death When the person responsible for paying child support or alimony[…]
Can you sue a Judge in Michigan? Let’s face it, sometimes Judges get things wrong. When they do, one option is to take an appeal, but can you sue a Judge in Michigan? The Michigan Court of Appeals is an intermediate higher court and can overturn a lower court’s decision when it makes an error[…]
Michigan child custody law – the statutes. In this article we examine the most commonly cited statutes relating to Michigan child custody law. Sources of Michigan child custody law Michigan child custody law comes from four sources, statutes, precedent, court rules and English common law. When the legislature passes a Michigan child custody law, the[…]
Child tax exemption rules The rules for claiming a child tax exemption are complex. Add a divorce or custody determination to the mix and the rules for claiming a child tax exemption can give even a seasoned tax professional a headache. The first rule is that the child must be your qualifying child. […]
Custody in Michigan – Child abduction law in Michigan Child abduction by a parent is a felony Michigan which means it is punishable by more than 1 year in prison. The Michigan Penal Code Act 328 of 1931 can be found in MCL 750.350a and is commonly known as the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act. […]
Like any parent with children there came a time where my wife and I discussed vaccination for our children was appropriate. After all, every parent wants to protect their child from every possible risk and the information (or misinformation) regarding vaccination is all over the map. When parents cannot agree on an issue, Michigan divorce and[…]
Sometimes things do not go as planned. Parents typically celebrate after a child is born. Unfortunately, many relationships end, and if parents cannot agree on custody or parenting time of a child, the Michigan divorce or custody court will decide how custody is awarded and parenting time is spent. When a court makes the wrong[…]
The established custodial environment. Under Michigan child custody law, the established custodial environment is the parent a child naturally looks to for guidance, discipline, the necessities of life, and parental comfort. The law defining the established custodial environment is Michigan Compiled Laws, section 722.27. Why is the established custodial environment so important? The established custodial environment is important[…]
What is divorce fraud? Divorce fraud occurs when one party in a divorce case intentionally deceives the other party for his or her personal gain. What does Michigan divorce fraud law provide? Previously, we examined the rights available to victims of divorce fraud. Generally speaking, if you are the victim of divorce fraud you have[…]
Imagine entering into a divorce settlement only to find out later that your spouse committed divorce fraud. Divorce fraud occurs when someone uses deception to alter a result for financial or personal gain. The most common divorce fraud involves the value of something, typically a business, real estate or investment. Divorce fraud occurs when one[…]
Best interest of the child factor (i) – “I want to live with . . .” Best interest of the child factor (i) examines if it is ever appropriate for a child to decide who to live with? Frankly, the short answer is no. A child is not a parent. A child is a child and[…]
Having health insurance for a minor child is smart. In a Michigan divorce or child custody case providing health insurance is also a responsibility. Who is responsible to provide health insurance? The responsibility to provide health insurance for a minor child is provided in the Michigan Child Support Formula Manual (“MCSFM”) section 3.05(B) which provides[…]
Ever wonder how a court enforce’s its orders? One answer is a show cause hearing. A show cause hearing asks the question: “Why shouldn’t the court hold you in contempt of court for violation of the court’s order?” At a show cause hearing, the burden is placed on the person suspected of violating a[…]