A child custody decision is always modifiable. After all, circumstances change and when they do, it may warrant a change. However, it is not easy to change custody in Michigan. In fact, there are legal barriers which must be met to avoid disruptions. The legal authority to modify custody in Michigan can be found in[…]
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[…]
The connection to a home can be profound. Homes serve as a backdrop for signifigant events and milestone. A home is typically associated with feelings of comfort, saftey and security. Homes can also have sentimental value, especillay if there are children involved. Homes can also have value as an investment. Which begs the question: “Can[…]
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.
A request for a temporary custody order may be made at any time during the pendency of the case by filing a verified motion that sets forth facts sufficient to support the relief requested. (See: MCR 3.207(C))
On October 26, 2023, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued its opinion in the case of Josey vs. Hayes. An appeal filed by Ms. Hayes after the trial court found her in contempt of court for failing to abide by a parenting time order. Althought Ms. Hayes managed to win on appeal (the trial court[…]
The Michigan divorce process may seem complicated, however, in this video we summarize the process in less than a minute. The Michigan Divorce Process Step 1: The first step in every divorce is to file a Complaint for Divorce. The Complaint for Divorce sets forth the statutory requirements to divorce in Michigan. These requirements include[…]
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[…]
For over 10 years we have been writing articles on Michigan child custody and in this blog post we reflect back on over 70 articles and videos on this important topic on Michigan divorce and custody law. Child Custody Videos In Michigan, Child custody refers to the legal and practical arrangement regarding the care, control,[…]
The science behind the effects of divorce on children in sound. Although each family is unique, divorce has been shown to have a negative impact on a child. However, research supports the notion that the impact of staying in an unhealthy marriage can be worse, as a child learns that it is ok to be[…]
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.
Under MCL 552.507(4), if a party timely objects to a referee’s recommendation, the trial court “shall hold a de novo hearing.” The Michigan Court of Appeals further decided that a trial court cannot simply review the record created at the referee hearing, however the trial court can impose reasonable restrictions on duplicative evidence (e.g. only allowing new evidence).
There are two legal restrictions on how far you can move after a divorce with a minor child. First, MCL 722.31(1) prohibits a parent from moving after divorce with a minor child to another home more than 100 miles (as the crow flies) from your current residence without court permission. However, MCL 722.31(2) provides that this restriction does not apply if a parent is awarded sole legal custody. Second, Michigan Court Rule 3.211(C)(1) prohibits a parent from moving outside of the State of Michigan without approval from the Judge who awarded custody.
Adultery (when your spouse cheats is the ultimate betrayal in a marriage. In many circumstances a couple can find a way to move past the betrayal. However, in many situations, the damage is done and fixing the problem is not an option. When God gave Moses the 10 Commandments it is no surprise that one[…]
In this article, we cover the top 10 divorce myths. When it comes to Michigan divorce law, everyone has a story about a ‘friend’ who went through a divorce and (fill in the blank) happened. Further complicating matters are the countless television shows and tabloid articles regarding divorce. While gossip, television shows and tabloid articles[…]
Adultery under Michigan adultery law is never enforced. However, the adultery statute provides: “Adultery is the sexual intercourse of 2 persons, either of whom is married to a third person.” Michigan Compiled Laws 750.29 The punishment for the crime of adultery is severe. Adultery is a felony, which means adultery is punishable by more than[…]
In Michigan, a custodial parent is the the parent with whom a child spends the majority of overnights with during the course of a year. This definition is similar to that used by the Internal Revenue Service when determining dependent status for tax purposes.
Determining income for child support or alimony purposes in Michigan often requires looking beyond the tax returns. So what is considered income for support in Michigan? Income for support and the 2021 Michigan Child Support Formula Manual Chapter 2 of the 2021 Michigan Child Support Formula Manual is a good resource in how to determine[…]
The phrase custodial parent is not defined in Michigan divorce or custody law. However, the term has evolved to mean the parent that is awarded the majority of parenting time in a specific Michigan divorce or custody case. Michigan statutes and case law have defined two types of custody in Michigan. Legal custody and physical[…]
In Michigan, several key legal provisions govern with respect to where you can live and move with your kids including Michigan Compiled Laws section 723.31(1). and Michigan Compiled Laws section 723.31(4)
Michigan divorce law distinguishes between active and passive appreciation when dividing retirement accounts in divorce. The seminal case on point is Reeves vs. Reeves.
The ex spouse of a worker covered by social security may qualify for a benefit equal to 50 percent of the insured worker’s primary insurance amount while the worker is living and 100 percent of the insured worker’s primary insurance amount after the insured workers death. See: 42 USC 402(b)(2),(c)(2),(e)(2)(a), (f)(3)(A). The benefits paid to[…]
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.
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[…]