There is a barrier to modification of custody, child support, spousal support (alimony) and parenting time. The barrier is proper cause or change of circumstances. In a prior article, we examined the seminal case on the subject, Vodvarka v. Grassmeyer which defines both proper cause and change of circumstances in the context of a child[…]
In Michigan a change of circumstances is required to modify custody, child support, spousal support or parenting time. One of the most common questions asked to practitioners in family law cases involves modification of custody, child support, spousal support or parenting time in circumstances when the client perceives the result as unfair. In addressing the[…]
In 2012, we envisioned a divorce video education series which evolved into the The Michigan Divorce Education Series by Findling Law. The idea was to provide quality information (more than just the basics with case law and statutory support) on Michigan Divorce, Custody, Alimony and support.
Michigan Custody Law can be broken down into three steps. First, (in modification cases), you must address proper cause or change of circumstances. Second, you must address an established custodial environment. Third, you must address the best interest of the child factors.
There are two paths in every divorce, the emotional path and the legal path. We trust that you understand how you feel. We help you understand the law.
The seminal case on choice of school issues is Pierron v. Pierron and we have you covered with the nitty gritty details on how the process works.
Oakland County Circuit Court – Family Division: At Findling Law, we have the great privilege of appearing before divorce courts throughout the state of Michigan. One of these courts is the Oakland County Circuit Court. The Oakland County Circuit Court – Family Division is simply known as the Oakland County Divorce Court. The Oakland[…]
Prior to suspending parenting time of a party, the trial court must hold an evidentiary hearing and find by clear and convincing evidence that continuation of parenting time would endanger the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health. Rozek v Rozek, 203 Mich App 193, 194-195; 511 NW2d 693 (1993).
If your relationship is on the rocks you may wonder if it is important to be the first to file for divorce? Is it important to be the first to file for divorce? Every divorce has an emotional and legal component. The legal component involves the division of assets, liabilities, support and concerns regarding the[…]
With Memorial Day in our rear-view mirror, we look forward to summer. Sunny days. Lemonade stands. Pool toys. Boats. Games of capture the flag. Ice cream trucks. Sleep-away camp. These are just some of the many things we associate with the summer months in the great State of Michigan. Unfortunately, we are entering summer during[…]
COVID-19 is responsible for a concerning increase in domestic violence as well as a depletion of resources available to those in need.
There are two common ex parte orders entered in a Michigan divorce case. The first is called a financial status quo order and the second is a restraining order regarding property transfer.
On March 12, 2020, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued its opinion in the case of Negron vs. Watts. In this Michigan custody action, the mother argued on appeal that the court lacked child custody jurisdiction to decide the case. Therefore, the final custody and parenting time order granting father sole legal and physical custody[…]
M.C.L.A. 600.1420 provides: “The sittings of every court within this state shall be public. . .” Zoom hearings are private.
If your income has been reduced because of the economic effect of the COVID-19 outbreak, Governor Whitmers’ Executive Order 2020-21 (COVID-19), and an alimony or child support order is in effect, the time to modify support is now. There is no retro-active modification of alimony or child support. Time is of the essence to modify support.[…]
You should still exercise parenting time during the Shelter in Place Order if safe to do so. See: Section 7(b)(4) of Governor Whitmer’s Shelter in Place Order.
Simply put, there is no limit as to how often child support can be modified in Michigan, provided there is a significant change of circumstance since the entry of the last child support order.
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[…]
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[…]
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[…]
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[…]
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[…]
With over 100,000 views, the Michigan Divorce Education Series provides information that matters to you most.
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[…]
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.