Michigan Visitation and Parenting time – Michigan Divorce Attorneys – Articles and Videos
On January 17, 2025, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued its opinion in the case of Lisa Jenson vs. Stephen Thiel. Stephen requested reversal of the trial court’s order awarding Lisa sole legal custody of the parties’ minor child and suspending parenting time for Stephen. The parties married in 2011 and had one minor child.[…]
The burden of proof is another way of saying: “How much you have to prove something”. If asked, most people know the burden of proof in a criminal case, which is ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’. Beyond a reasonable doubt is the universal common law rule which limits the governments power to convict someone of a[…]
Divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. One of the most important aspects of post-divorce life is determining a parenting time schedule that works for everyone. Establishing a fair and effective schedule can reduce conflict and help children adjust to their new reality. In this blog, we’ll examine everything you need to know[…]
Divorce can be an emotional and stressful experience, and when the legal process is involved, it can quickly become overwhelming. For those going through a divorce in Michigan, it is crucial to understand how Michigan divorce laws work and what steps you need to take to protect your rights and ensure the process goes as[…]
“Ex Parte” is a latin phrase every law student learns in the first year of law school and literally means: “on one side only” or “by or for one party”. An ex parte order is a court order entered by only hearing one side of a case instead of both sides. Unlike an Order entered[…]
On September 12, 2024, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued its opinion in the case of Curtis vs. Curtis. At trial, Mr. Curtis filed a Motion to Modify Parenting Time and his Motion to allow the children to play travel baseball and his request was denied. He requested appellate review. The parties divorced in September[…]
Suppose a client comes into your office expressing buyer’s doubt, buyer’s remorse, regret, or simply that sinking feeling experienced a few hours or days after settlement. The client has changed his/her mind. Typically, the client is seeking a second opinion, having lost confidence in his/her lawyer. Most lawyers want to make their clients happy. However,[…]
Divorce can be a highly stressfull exerience for parents and children alike. One of the most stressful issues is often the frequency and duration each parent spends with a child (parenting time). When parents agree on parenting time terms, this stress is often minimized. Parenting time in Michigan is governed by statute. Specifically, Michigan Compiled[…]
Parenting time defines the frequency and duration a parents spends with a child in the context of a divorce or child custody case. Regular parenting time provisions exclude holidays and school breaks and generall consists of a bi-weekly schedule. In certain circumstances, such as when a parent has an irregular work schedule or lives far[…]
What is really in a child’s best interest may surprise you.
Informatative videos on Michigan Custody Law will empower you!
Every child custody or parenting time case requires an examination of what is in the Best interest of the child which are 12 factors defined in Michigan Compiled Law section 722.23. In this article, we will explore sample questions that can be asked relating to each Best Interest of the child factor. Sample Best interest[…]
On May 30th, 2024, the Michigan Court of Appeals agreed with Findling Law, PLC in finding the trial court made a “clear legal error on a major issue” in reversing the trial court’s ruling denying father parenting time with the minor child. In Corsetti v. Cohen, the parties entered into a consent order granting mother[…]
The 2024 Judges of Macomb 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[…]
Privacy is not so private anymore. It was not too long ago that the best mechanism to spy on your spouse was to hire a private investigator to monitor your spouse to provide evidence of salacious conduct or confirm your suspicions. Boy have things changed! Spying on your spouse video (c) 2024 Findling Law. Spousal[…]
Happiness and “in love” are not always equal. You can remain in love with your spouse and remain unhappy in your marriage. Communication, trust and forgiveness may be cornerstones to a successful marriage, however, so is happiness. After all, everyone should have a right to be happy. If you are frustrated and thinking about divorce[…]
A child custody determination is defined by statute. Specifically the Uniform Child-Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act found in MCL 722.1102(c). In many instances a parenting time case or other case is actually a custody case and custody law (vs. for example parenting time law) would apply. (c) “Child-custody determination” means a judgment, decree, or other[…]
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.
While agreements on custody are usually “rubber stamped” and approved by the court, the court must make an independent determination that the agreement is in the best interest of the minor child. However, you can agree on parenting time.
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.
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[…]
In sum, although court’s have created two types of custody (Physical and Legal), however, there is really only one type of custody that has two parts (The frequency of parenting time (MCL 722.26a(7)(a)) and decision making authority (MCL 722.26a(b)(b).
Suppose you are involved in a contested child custody battle and lose. Why can’t you simply refile the case and try again? The answer is provided in the seminal case of Vodvarka v. Grassmeyer. In Vodvarka, the Michigan Court of Appeals created a barrier to changing custody in order to avoid repeated custody evaluations.
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[…]
Michigan child custody laws provide a two-step process for determining child custody. The first step determines the existence of an establish custodial environment which determines the burden of proof required. The second step examines the best interest of the child factors which must be examined by the court applying the applicable burden of proof.