Friend of the Court

Oakland County Friend of the Court

If you are involved in a divorce or custody matter in Oakland County Michigan than you need to know about the Oakland County Friend of the Court.Like the name implies, the Friend of the Court (“FOC”) assists the Oakland County Divorce and Family Court Judges. If an Oakland County divorce or Child custody or Child[…]

Custody in Michigan

Changing custody in Michigan Video

This video on changing custody in Michigan (custody modification) video webinar provides the most updated information on modifying child custody and an existing child custody order. We believe that knowledge is not only comforting but will put you in control of your situation which is why we created the Michigan Divorce Education Series and in[…]

attorney fees

How to get Divorce legal fees in Michigan.

On February 4th, 2020, the Michigan Court of Appeals recently issued a published opinion on the issue of divorce legal fees. In the case of Colen v. Colen, the wife filed a request for contribution towards her Michigan divorce attorney fees incurred over several years. Divorce Legal Fees – The law The legal basis to[…]

Divorce laws in Michigan

What are the divorce laws in Michigan?

The divorce laws in Michigan provide that a divorce will be granted upon a finding by the court  that there has been a breakdown in the marriage. This language summarizes the no-fault divorce law that changes your legal status from married to divorced.  The Divorce Laws in Michigan – No fault divorce. The no-fault divorce[…]

Michigan divorce steps video webinar

With over 21,000 views in just a few years we decided it was time to update another of our most popular webinars. The Michigan Divorce Steps (Michigan Divorce Process) video webinar provides the most updated information on the steps of a Michigan divorce. We believe that knowledge is not only comforting but will put you[…]

Michigan alimony

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[…]

Divorce process in Michigan

How to file divorce in Michigan in three steps?

Although the decision to divorce may not be easy, the basic documents to file divorce in Michigan are not complicated. In fact, most of the documents are available online and free from the Michigan State Court Administrative Office (“SCAO”). The SCAO provides basic forms to help people representing themselves navigate the court system. Most Michigan[…]

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Child Custody Laws in Michigan – The case of Farris v. Farris

On December 17, 2019, the Michigan Court of Appeal issued an opinion in the case of Kristina Reslin Farris vs. Eric Daniel Farris. The case examines child custody laws of Michigan after the trial court awarded Kristina sole legal custody and sole physical custody of the parties’ two minor children. Eric had a history of[…]

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Custody in Michigan

How to get custody in Michigan

Most people will do anything for their children. Unfortunately, when a relationship is on the rocks child custody may become an issue. So, how do you get child custody in Michigan? We provide answers to this question and explore many of the nuances in Michigan child custody law. How to get child custody in Michigan[…]

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Legal Separation in Michigan

If divorce has crossed your mind but you are not ready to file, you may want to consider legal separation. Deciding to stay or leave takes courage. Legal separation in Michigan can be as simple as a private agreement to separate to a legally enforceable document.

Custody in Michigan

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[…]

divorce attorney for men

Divorce attorney for men or women in Michigan?

You may be tempted to seek out a divorce attorney for men or women only. There are a lot of attorneys who market themselves as representing men in divorce only or woman in divorce only. The truth about Divorce Attorney for Men or Women The truth is, an experienced divorce attorney understands divorce regardless of[…]

Michigan Common Law Marraige

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.[…]

Divorce vs Separation

A comparison of Divorce vs Separation at first seems simple. In a Divorce you end the marriage. In a Separation Agreement you remain married. There are three ways to separate in Michigan. So the comparison of Divorce vs. Separation is not so obvious.

Alimony in Michigan Spousal support

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 in Michigan

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[…]

nitty gritty

Prenups – The nitty gritty details part three.

. . . we recognize that antenuptial agreements are no longer considered “void ab initio as contrary to public policy” in Michigan so long as certain fairness standards are met

nitty gritty

Prenupital Agreements – The nitty gritty details part two.

In part one of this series on prenuptial agreements (an agreement made by a couple before they marry concerning their assets and support should they divorce), we discussed the seminal case law on prenuptial agreements in Michigan.

nitty gritty

Prenuptial Agreements – The nitty gritty details part one.

Under most circumstances, a prenuptial agreement is enforceable under Michigan law. An exception exists if a spouse is left with nothing, in such an instant a court may invade the separate property of the other spouse.

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Michigan Choice of school law. The nitty gritty details.

Most divorce and custody cases include an award of joint legal custody. As a joint legal custodian, both parents share equally in major decisions involving a minor child and one of those major decisions is the choice of school a child should attend. If a dispute arises, here are the nitty gritty details on choice[…]

Oakland County Divorce
Emotional Divorce

The decision to divorce – How to decide. Is divorce in your future?

The decision to divorce is not easy. After all, you committed to stating married “for better or worse”.  While some people get married for the wrong reason, others were once built on love and mutual respect which has evolved to disdain and conflict. How to make the decision to divorce? The decision to divorce –[…]

Court Order

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,[…]

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