Physical custody in Michigan

Physical custody in Michigan:  By: Daniel Findling Physical custody in Michigan explained. Unlike legal custody, which awards a parent with access to the educational, medical, religious and other pertinent records of the child.  Physical custody in Michigan is not easily defined. The problem with defining Physical custody in Michigan arises from the current child custody[…]

Child custody laws in MI

The following guide is provided as an outline of child custody laws in MI.  Our Michigan divorce attorneys have provided the following guide to help you understand what every parent should know about child custody laws in MI.  When a child is involved in a divorce the energy often rises.  Parents have to deal with[…]

Joint legal custody in Michigan

Joint Legal custody in Michigan:  By: Daniel Findling Physical custody and joint legal custody in Michigan explained. Unlike physical custody, sometimes called the custodial parent which defines where a child lives on a day to day basis, legal custody defines the right to make legal decisions for the child regarding education, health care, religion, and[…]

The moral fitness of the parties – Michigan custody and Parenting Time

Michigan child custody and parenting time – The moral fitness of the parties.  By:  Daniel Findling In every parenting time and custody case in Michigan, the court is required to evaluate the best interest of the children.  Michigan adopted the Child Custody Act and requires a court to consider the best interest of a child.[…]

Michigan legal custody – What to do when you cannot agree?

Michigan legal custody – What to do when you cannot agree?  By:  Daniel Findling Most divorce cases end with both parents being awarded joint legal custody.  “Joint legal custody” means both parents are entitled to equal access and input to the educational, medical, religious needs of the child.  With joint legal custody parents must jointly[…]

Frequently Asked Questions – Michigan Divorce, Custody and Support

Our Michigan divorce attorneys, Michigan custody lawyers and family law specialists provide answers to Frequently Asked Questions Here are answers to some of the questions our Michigan divorce attorneys hear most frequently. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please contact us. How to Choose a Michigan Divorce Attorney Family law Definitions Michigan Divorce Statistics[…]

Custody Modification – How to Modify a Child Custody Award

Custody modification. In Michigan, a child custody determination can be modified.  The statutory authority for a court to modify a custody determination is found in Michigan Compiled Laws section 722.27(c).  In order to modify a Michigan child custody determination, the party seeking to change child custody must first provide a good basis for the modification.[…]

Michigan child custody law – can a child choose who to live with?

Michigan child custody law – can a child choose who to live with?  One question, I get asked every week is at what age can a child choose who to live with?  Not surprisingly, the question is asked after a parent determines that the child now wants to live with them. The answer to the[…]

Child custody evaluation video – Are you ready to take the test?

Child custody evaluation:  A child custody evaluation is on the horizon?   Are you ready to take the test? While most child custody evaluations are accomplished with the assistance of the Friend of the Court, courts and clients often utilize an independent clinical or forensic psychologist to conduct a child custody evaluation, typically, a PhD.[…]

Child Custody in Michigan resource center with video

Child custody in Michigan is a complex subject. But don’t worry, we have got you covered from the basics to the details. Proper planning can help you navigate a custody in Michigan case.  We invite you to explore our knowledge base. Custody Resources We provide exceptional representation and can help you manage your situation. For[…]

Michigan Child Custody, Child Support and Parenting Time (Visitation) video

Michigan Divorce Education Series Michigan child custody, child support and parenting time:  This video Webinar is a comprehensive explanation of Michigan law and strategy covering child custody, child support, and parenting time.  Key learnings and strategies are discussed.  I am hopeful you find it both empowering and educational.  A summary of the topics covered is[…]

The Divorce Judges of Oakland County 2024

The 2024 Judges of Oakland County come from a diverse background and family law experience. At Findling Law, we have the great privilege of appearing before all seven of the full-time family court (divorce court) Judges of Oakland County. These Judges are assigned cases involving divorce, custody, support and related family law matters. In this[…]

An introduction to parenting time

Parenting time (visitation) defines the frequency and duration each party spends with their child. Under Michigan law, parenting time is governed by statute. Specifically, Michigan Compiled Laws 722.27a, which is more commonly known as the parenting time statute.

An introduction to divorce in Michigan

An introduction to divorce begins with the definition of divorce. “Divorce” is the legal process by which a marriage ends and changes your legal status from married to divorced. In Michigan the court will address the division of property and debts, alimony (sometimes called spousal support), and in cases involving minor children custody and parenting[…]

One Minute Michigan Divorce

The Michigan divorce process may seem complicated, however, in this video we summarize the process in less than a minute. The Michigan Divorce Process Step 1: The first step in every divorce is to file a Complaint for Divorce. The Complaint for Divorce sets forth the statutory requirements to divorce in Michigan. These requirements include[…]

Michigan Parenting Time Guidelines

In Michigan, the parenting time statute provides that parenting time shall be granted in the best interest of the child. The State Court Administrative Office publishes the guidelines for parenting time which is directed to help Friend of the court’s around the State. Each county also has their own guidelines. We help you understand what you need to know.

Divorce in Michigan – Everything you need to know

Marriage struggles are real and sometimes things just don’t work out the way you plan. If your unhappy and are considering a divorce in Michigan, here is everything you need to know. Sometimes things don’t get better. However, the proverb “knowledge is power” can help you take control of your situation with a fresh start[…]

The Early Intervention Conference in Oakland County

The Oakland County Friend of the Court (FOC) consists of a group of attorneys, counselors and support staff which assist the court in cases involving minor children or support by providing a formal (or informal) dispute resolution service including custody and support valuations. Another important function of the FOC is to conduct an Early Intervention[…]

Separate property can be invaded in divorce.

Michigan statutory law authorizes a court to divide property in a divorce that was acquired “by reason of the marriage” MCL 552.19. Generally speaking, property acquired by reason of the marriage is considered marital property whereas property acquired before or after marriage is considered separate property.  Simply put, a court will divide marital property (See: Byington v Byington ) and not divide separate property (See: Reeves vs. Reeves , providing that: “each party takes away from the marriage that party’s own separate estate with no invasion by the other party”). However, there are certain circumstances when separate property can be invaded.

Imputation of income for child support

When a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, or has an unexercised ability to earn, the Michigan Child Support Formula Manual allows a court to include the potential income that parent could earn as income for support purposes (MCSFM 2.01(G)).

What is a De Novo hearing

After the Friend of the Court makes a recommendation, either party may request a de novo hearing or a hearing “from the beginning” with the trial court judge. This right is codified in Michigan Compiled Laws section 552.507(4).

Planning for divorce.

A divorce plan is an important first step to taking back control of your situation and is different for a dependent spouse than the primary wage earner. A divorce plan is an important first step to set goals and help take control of your situation. If you make more money than your spouse, you will[…]

The decision to divorce

Divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage. It is a complex and often emotional process that can have far-reaching effects on individuals and their families. The decision to divorce is never easy and it is often the result of long-standing issues within a marriage. Some common reasons for seeking a divorce include infidelity, financial[…]

Supervised parenting time

On October 20, 2022, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued its opinion in the case of Krieg v. Krieg after the trial court changed primary custody of the parties minor child to the mother and addressing the issue of supervised parenting time. The parties married in July 2014. Shortly after the parties married, father began[…]

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