Generally speaking, family courts in the greater Detroit area are going to prefer that both parents spend as much time as possible with their children and are involved in their children’s lives. Also, the preference is for the two parents to cooperate on important decisions for their children. These are normally good goals in a custody proceeding, but when one…
You may not have expected a late-in-life divorce, but you are reaching retirement and have found that now that your nest is empty you do not have the same relationship you once had with your spouse. If you are in your 50s and are facing divorce in Michigan you will want to make sure you know what will happen to…
Are you nervous about how your child custody dispute is going to play out? If so, now is the time to ensure that you’re as fully prepared as possible regardless of whether you’re going to be negotiating a resolution or litigating in hopes of achieving the outcome that you think is best for your child. One part of that preparation…
Co-parenting is not always easy, especially in the immediate days to weeks following your divorce. Many of the reasons you had for divorce, such as resentment, anger and sadness can bleed over into your relationship with your ex long after the ink has dried on your divorce decree. This can make co-parenting seem difficult, but it is not impossible as…
In Michigan child custody cases, many factors will be discussed when determining decision-making rights, living arrangements, and parenting time. First and foremost, the courts will strive to serve the child’s best interests. In general, the parents will focus on the child as well. However, given the chance that the marriage ended badly and the sides are in dispute over myriad…
During and after a divorce, child custody and parenting plans can become complicated and expensive, and have some negative effects on their kids. It is this fear of the hardships of divorce that can often keep unhappy couples together long past when they should have separated. But, there are creative solutions to make the transition much easier for everyone in…
The end of a relationship can be difficult. This is especially true when children are involved. For Michigan parents, deciding on a child custody protocol will hinge on many factors. In some instances, the relationship between the parents is cordial enough – even friendly – so they consider having a joint custody agreement. The court must consider a request from…
For many people, one word comes to mind when they think of the divorce process: stress. Whether it is fighting for more time with your kids or arguing over who gets the family home, traditional divorce can be expensive, time-consuming, and overwhelming. Nowadays, however, collaborative divorce makes it possible for couples to separate amicably and efficiently, while protecting their own…
Families in Michigan come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes unmarried people have a child with one another. Sadly, these relationships do not always last. If unmarried parents break up, should a mother want to pursue child support or should the father want to pursue visitation time with the child, they will need to legally establish paternity. How to establish…
Blended families are common today, and a stepparent may want to formally adopt their stepchild, making their relationship legal and strengthening their bond. Although the stepparent adoption process can appear daunting or complex, a basic understanding of the requirements and steps involved will increase the chance of a smooth and efficient adoption. Terminating parental rights must come first Michigan, like…