A house is often the biggest asset in a Michigan divorce, and deciding what to do with it can be challenging. Although it’s common that both spouses want to keep the house, sometimes neither spouse wants the property. Reasons for selling the house There are various...
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Grand Rapids Family Law And Estate Planning Blog
Modifying a parenting plan
If parents can agree on a reasonable and flexible parenting plan, it can save time, money and serve the child’s best interests, which should be their primary objective. Flexibility and modification Every parent knows that children change a lot over a relatively short...
Who keeps the pets in a divorce?
You have probably heard the term “staying together for the kids,” which refers to married couples who want to divorce but stay married to not disrupt their children’s lives. It is not unusual to also feel this way when it comes to pets. For many of us, pets are like...
Can infidelity affect a Michigan divorce?
If infidelity has played a role in the breakdown of your marriage, you may wonder what impact, if any, it will have on the process. Although Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, certain aspects of the divorce may still be influenced by marital misconduct. No-fault...
How to prepare for a collaborative divorce in Michigan
The decision to divorce is never easy, but choosing a collaborative approach can make the process less stressful and more constructive. Here's how you can prepare for this journey while avoiding common pitfalls. Understand the Collaborative Divorce process A...
Tips for handling a child custody modification request
A certain child custody order might seem appropriate for your child’s situation at the time it is entered, but as time moves on and circumstances change, the order might become unviable or even contrary to your child’s best interests. In those circumstances, either...
Can you modify your divorce agreement in Michigan?
Yes, but the process can be challenging. A divorce agreement outlines the terms of your divorce, including how you'll divide property, handle child custody and manage support payments. While courts consider these agreements final, they also understand that your life...
What do recent statistics about divorce reveal?
According to an article in Forbes, the oft-quoted statistic that half of all marriages end in divorce requires a bit of context. Overall, this rate may be a good estimate. However, with respect to first-time marriages, about 43% of them, significantly less than half,...
Can you avoid litigation in your divorce if you have disputed issues?
No marriage or relationship is perfect, and no divorce is perfect. Nonetheless, there are ways to make this time of change, emotions and challenges easier on yourself. Even if you and your spouse find yourself with numerous contentious divorce issues, it is possible...
What is the impact of a gray divorce on retirement?
What does it take to recover from a divorce? From an emotional perspective, it may take years. The same can be true for the financial impact of a divorce. But, what if you are already approaching your senior years? What might the impact of a so-called gray divorce be...