Michigan divorce law resource center – Michigan Divorce Attorneys – Articles and Videos
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[…]
Choice of School – Changing school in a Michigan Divorce or custody case. By: Daniel Findling (c) 2015 TheDivorceGuy.com Almost every parent wants the best education for their child. In most Michigan divorce and custody cases, parties are awarded joint legal custody, As joint legal custodians, parents must jointly make decisions regarding the educational upbringing of their child.[…]
What happened to physical custody in Michigan? When I began practicing divorce law almost 20 years ago the phrase “physical custody” in Michigan had specific meaning. The phrase physical custody in Michigan identified which parent a child spent the majority of the time. The other parent had “parenting time’. Things have changed. Now almost 20[…]
Divorce can be a public event but it does not have to be. A divorce ends a marriage. Unfortunately, for a private individual a divorce can evolve into a public affair drenched in gossip. Judgment of Divorce When a divorce is granted the judge signs a document called a Judgment of Divorce which is the[…]
Custody in Michigan – Best interest of the child factor (h) One of the twelve child custody factors set forth in the Child Custody Act is best interest of the child factor (h). Best interest of the child factor (h) addresses the home school and community record of the child. Not every child is the perfect[…]
No one plans on getting sick or hurt but it happens and kids are more likely to get sick or hurt than adults. Frequent contacts at school, playgrounds coupled with an immature immune system can create a perfect storm. Health care for kids is a necessity and not an option. The Michigan Child Support Formula[…]