In the last year and a half, which parent has child custody has dictated which parent receives a significant amount of support from the federal government. These tax credits and relief payments can be a real lifeline for parents who are struggling to get by, but the...
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How businesses are divided in a divorce
There are different ways that couples in Michigan earn money throughout their marriage. Sometimes both spouses work and earn money, sometimes only one spouse works. Also, some may be employees of another company or independent contractors. Others may be the owners of...
Stepparent adoption in Michigan
Changing family situations may require an examination of their legal relationships. Michigan law allows stepparent adoption that can cement a stepparent’s role in the family. General requirements Stepparent may seek court approval for adoption after they assumed a...
What should I expect if I want to adopt my stepchildren?
It is not uncommon for stepparents to want to adopt their stepchildren for one reason or another which may include emotional and legal reasons. Stepparents should be prepared for what to expect from the stepparent adoption process so they can navigate it as smoothly...
What are penalties for non-payment of child support in Michigan?
Like many parents in Michigan who pay child support, you may find it inconvenient or difficult to make the payments. You might also have reasons you feel are valid to not pay. However, you should consider the potential legal consequences of withholding child support,...
Can you change a parenting schedule?
When you and your spouse are divorced in Michigan, you usually have a parenting schedule so both of you can spend time with your child. Sometimes, though, you may realize that your parenting plan is no longer working for you and your child. In this situation, this...
Can you and your child move to another state?
If you are a divorced Michigan parent whose company is planning to transfer you to another state, you may be nervous or even apprehensive about how your former spouse is going to react to your proposed relocation. Nevertheless, FindLaw explains that any time you want...
Why We Need An Equal Rights Amendment
The 1963 Michigan Constitution provides for a general guarantee of equal protection of the law in Article 1, sec. 2 which states: "No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws; nor shall any person be denied the enjoyment of his civil or political rights...
Avoiding support payments could lead to jail time
Child support is designed to help children maintain the lifestyle that they were accustomed to when their parents were married. It is based off of the belief that children are entitled to the same amount of financial support that they would have received had their...
FOR THE LGBT COMMUNITY; PRESIDENT ELECT TRUMP… NO WHAT?
After the gnashing of teeth has come to an end (or has at least died down), there are some serious matters that must be considered. One of these matters is pursuing that second parent adoption. For those who have not yet started the second parent adoption process -...