Warning – Before you settle your divorce. A deal is a deal.
Court’s will not rewrite an unambiguous agreement negotiated and signed (or placed on the record) by consenting adults absent, fraud or duress.
Category: Alimony
Michigan Divorce Attorneys discuss Alimony in Michigan law.
Different types of alimony and spousal support payments
There are different types of alimony and spousal support payments. A trial court may award either periodic alimony / spousal support, or alimony / spousal support in gross. Periodic spousal support payments “are subject to any contingency, such as death or remarriage of a spouse . . . .” In contrast, spousal support in gross[…]
Divorce in Oakland County
You may think that there is no difference in the divorce laws by County and you are right, sort of. Divorce law is uniform throughout the state, a divorce in Oakland County is different for a number of reasons.
Determining Income for support
Determining income for child support or alimony purposes in Michigan often requires looking beyond the tax returns. So what is considered income for support in Michigan? Income for support and the 2021 Michigan Child Support Formula Manual Chapter 2 of the 2021 Michigan Child Support Formula Manual is a good resource in how to determine[…]
Michigan divorce law and change of circumstances.
In Michigan a change of circumstances is required to modify custody, child support, spousal support or parenting time. One of the most common questions asked to practitioners in family law cases involves modification of custody, child support, spousal support or parenting time in circumstances when the client perceives the result as unfair. In addressing the[…]
The Michigan Divorce Education Series.
In 2012, we envisioned a divorce video education series which evolved into the The Michigan Divorce Education Series by Findling Law. The idea was to provide quality information (more than just the basics with case law and statutory support) on Michigan Divorce, Custody, Alimony and support.
Michigan Divorce Laws – Everything there is to know.
There are two paths in every divorce, the emotional path and the legal path. We trust that you understand how you feel. We help you understand the law.
The 2020 Judges of Oakland County Divorce Court
Oakland County Circuit Court – Family Division: At Findling Law, we have the great privilege of appearing before divorce courts throughout the state of Michigan. One of these courts is the Oakland County Circuit Court. The Oakland County Circuit Court – Family Division is simply known as the Oakland County Divorce Court. The Oakland[…]
Ex parte divorce status quo orders and restraining orders video
There are two common ex parte orders entered in a Michigan divorce case. The first is called a financial status quo order and the second is a restraining order regarding property transfer.
Are Zoom hearings in Michigan legal?
M.C.L.A. 600.1420 provides: “The sittings of every court within this state shall be public. . .” Zoom hearings are private.
Laid off or fired because of COVID-19? The time to modify support is now.
If your income has been reduced because of the economic effect of the COVID-19 outbreak, Governor Whitmers’ Executive Order 2020-21 (COVID-19), and an alimony or child support order is in effect, the time to modify support is now. There is no retro-active modification of alimony or child support. Time is of the essence to modify support.[…]
Michigan Alimony and Spousal Support video webinar
After 109,000 views over 6 years we decided it was time to update one of our most popular webinars. The Alimony in Michigan (Michigan Spousal Support) video webinar provides the most updated information on Alimony in Michigan We believe that knowledge is not only comforting but will put you in control of your situation which[…]
Michigan Divorce and Family Law Education
With over 100,000 views, the Michigan Divorce Education Series provides information that matters to you most.
Divorce in Michigan
The grounds for divorce in Michigan are simple. One party must allege that there is a breakdown of the marriage, the objects of matrimony are destroyed and there is no likelihood that the marriage can be saved. The grounds for divorce is what makes Michigan a no-fault divorce state. As a no-fault state, some people[…]
Michigan Common Law Marriage
Michigan common law marriage was abolished in 1957. Common law marriage is the recognition of a marriage without being officially married. Under Old English Common Law (and in many states) when a couple lives together and holds themselves out to friends and family as being married had the same effect as officially tying the knot.[…]
Michigan Alimony Calculator
Unlike the Child Support there is no specific formula for alimony. Notwithstanding, lawyers and judges have resources that serve as a Michigan Alimony Calculator.
Adultery and divorce
Adultery is the ultimate betrayal and the cause of many divorces it is also a crime. Adultery is defined in the Michigan Penal Code Section 750.29 which defines adultery as: 50.29 Adultery; definition.Sec. 29. Definition—Adultery is the sexual intercourse of 2 persons, either of whom is married to a third person. Interesting enough, other sexual[…]
A court speaks through its orders, not its oral statements.
In the majority of divorce and family law cases, a court will issue its opinion from the bench. This is more common during motion call. The other times a court will issue a written opinion. Careful drafting is important because a court speaks through its orders. When a court issues its opinion from the bench,[…]
Can you force your spouse to move out of the house?
Sometimes “forever or worse” becomes “get out of the house” which begs the question, what can you do if your spouse won’t move out of the house? In the context of a Michigan divorce there are only two ways to compel someone to move out of the house. The first way to compel your spouse[…]
Award of alimony 37 years after divorce overturned
Approximately 37 years ago, the Gallagher’s divorced after 22 years of marriage. The Judgment of Divorce provided that alimony for the wife was “reserved”. 37 years after the divorce, Ms. Gallagher petitioned the trial court for an award of alimony. Remarkably, the trial court granted the request and ordered the former husband to pay $2,500.00[…]
How to get relief from a Judgment of Divorce.
Once a Michigan Judgment of Divorce is entered most people think that things are final and they are right. The limited exception to this rule applies to custody, parenting time and support which can change when there is a change of circumstances. However, there are certain limited circumstances when you can request a court to[…]
Is it ok to date before you are divorced?
Learn why it may not be ok to date before you are divorced.
Is lying under oath a big deal in a Michigan divorce?
Why lying under oath is a very big deal in a Michigan divorce.
Can you change your mind after settlement?
You successfully settled your divorce case when you wake up the next morning with regret, buyer’s remorse, or simply that sinking feeling experienced about what you just did. Can you change your mind after settlement? The first step in the analysis is determining if your settlement is in fact a contract. Was there an offer[…]
The “new” Judges of Oakland County Divorce Court
With the midterm elections now over, we welcome two newly elected Oakland County judges. Traditionally, newly elected Oakland County judges serve on the Family Court. Family Court includes cases involving divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support and spousal support (alimony). The two newly elected Oakland County judges are Julie McDonald and Jake Cunningham. Julie[…]