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 Stepparents may seek court approval for adoption after they assume a parenting role. Adoption can occur at any time. But a child over 14 years old must agree to the adoption. The spouse…
Getting a divorce can be one of the most life-altering situations a person could experience. For many people, a divorce case is the only time they ever have any contact with the courts. And, for some, the emotions that drive the case and the push toward a resolution can be exhausting. Fortunately, many divorce cases have common issues, despite the…
When some couples divorce, they have an easy time working out a custody agreement. Yet, you and your spouse’s split may be contentious. You might have concerns about their fitness as a parent and are ready to seek sole custody. Before you do, it’s crucial to consider whether such an arrangement is in your children’s best interests. How custody works…
Since the 1990’s, statistics show that the rate of gray divorce within the United States has more than doubled. If you are unaware of what a gray divorce is, it is one between a couple who is in their 50’s or older. These divorces often carry many more possible financial consequences that does a divorce between a younger couple who…
A divorce does not end a parent’s obligation to financially provide for their child, even if their child is in the custody of the parent’s ex much of the time. In Michigan, both of a child’s parents are obligated to support them, regardless of the legal or relationship status between them. Once a child support order or agreement is entered…
Many people in the Detroit area will find that at some point in their lives, they will need to move. For instance, a great job opportunity can mean someone will have to relocate far away from Michigan. Sometimes, even without a job, a person will need to move for family reasons or just to pursue other legitimate opportunities. Like many…
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 as possible. In general, stepparents are permitted to adopt their stepchildren and because of the existing…
If parents decide to divorce, must the children stand up before a judge and choose which parent they want to live with? No. There are several reasons why not. For starters: Under Michigan law, children do not have the legal right to choose where they want to live until they turn 18 and become legal adults. In family courts, judges…
Establishing child support can be a daunting task. You want to ensure that your child’s needs are met, but you also want to protect your financial health. In the state of Michigan, courts use a formula to create a child support arrangement that takes your income, your child’s needs, and many other factors into account. The Michigan Child Support Formula…
Property division is the common thread amongst all divorces in America, with few exceptions. While some divorce cases may involve other issues as well, such as child custody, child support and alimony, every divorcing couple will need to figure out how to divide their assets and debts. As they do, they will need to be sure that all funds, property…