When a judge determines child support, payment amounts will depend on the children’s specific care needs as well as each parent’s financial resources. However, these factors are likely to change as children grow and parents move on with their separate lives. In...
Family Law
When is divorce the right answer?
A subtle disagreement. A change in beliefs. Do those types of occurrences warrant a divorce? Perhaps not, but infidelity, criminal involvement and abuse are absolutely reasons you might want to end your marriage. For many people, divorce is never an easy decision to...
Truth or falsehood: 3 commonly held misbeliefs about divorce
Divorce is a complex process that involves many factors, from property division to custody considerations if a couple has minor children. It is natural then that many individuals have questions about it and find themselves overwhelmed and confused by the vast amount...
What should you include in a parenting time schedule?
In the state of Michigan, a parenting time schedule is different than a parenting plan. If you and your spouse are facing divorce, you must submit a parenting time schedule as part of your settlement agreement. What should you include in this document? Schedule versus...
How is child custody determined in Michigan?
Going through the divorce process is often overwhelming, especially when it comes to tackling difficult topics like child custody. Transitioning your children from a single home environment to a split parent relationship is emotional and takes some careful planning....
3 smart financial steps to take amid gray divorce
When you find yourself navigating a Michigan divorce during your later years, you may have distinct financial needs and challenges that differ from those faced by younger people in the same situation. For example, you may not plan to reenter the workforce again, and...
Getting help to overcome violent tendencies
Facing allegations of abuse can impact a batterer's relationships, career and future. What others may not see are the challenges that perpetrators may face that influence their reaction. Despite the seriousness of domestic violence, perpetrators also deserve a...
Grey Divorce comes with unique financial issues
The overall number of people who file for divorce has gone down overall in recent decades. However, the so-called "grey divorce" phenomenon is one age group that continues to see its numbers rise. Referring to couples 55-years-old and up, grey divorce often involves...
Prenuptial agreements are not always ironclad
Prenuptial or premarital agreements were once something the wealthy used when they remarried. Now, these agreements have become more common for couples in all income brackets. In fact, millennials in particularly embraced them in recent years. However, it is important...
A child’s “best interests” dictates custody arrangements
The term "a child's best interests" is the crucial principle determining custody. Judges use it to make their decisions. Attorneys will use it regularly when discussing the family's needs and wants, regardless of whether they are in court or using mediation or another...