As a member of a same-sex couple, you know the struggle. But, what you may not know is that even though marriage and divorce equality have been the law for nearly a decade, unless you and your spouse plan now, you both may have to deal with unique divorce issues....
Firm News
What does “established custody environment” mean in family law?
In Michigan divorce cases, children are frequently caught in the middle. Generally, this is unintentional behavior from the parents as most will want what is best for their kids. However, emotions run high in family law amid disagreements as to how custody will be...
Transition challenges in adoption
When Michigan families decide to welcome a new member of the family through adoption, they can expect that there will be some bumps along the way. No matter how well adoptive parents may plan for the day the child comes home, there is bound to be a post-adoption...
Equitable distribution: property division in a divorce
If you’re considering divorce, or if you’ve already decided it’s necessary, you’ll likely have a lot of questions about what will happen. Things like custody, child support and alimony are issues that will come up in most divorces. Property division will come up as...
How the stepparent adoption process works in Michigan
After you and your spouse have decided that adopting your stepchild is something that will benefit the entire family, it is time to consider the legal process. According to the Michigan Judicial Institute, your stepparent adoption will not have the same procedures as...
Divorce impacts men and women differently
During a divorce, parties expend their energies contesting various legal issues: alimony, child custody, property division and so on. Every decision affects their financial, health and social well-being. While this may be true for everyone going through divorce,...
Modifying the terms of a child custody order
Most Michigan residents probably assume that the stress and emotional upheaval of a divorce ends when the judge signs the final order that determines issues such as child custody, child support, division of assets and support. That isn't always the case. Even if the...
Is there an option besides getting a divorce?
Like many other states, Michigan law has options for West Michigan couples who may wish to remain married but otherwise live separate lives and have separate homes and finances. Many couples may be interested in this option, which Michigan officially calls separate...
Tips for addressing best interests in a child custody dispute
A lot of Michigan residents worry about how their divorce will affect their relationship with their child. This is understandable given that a court order could significantly limit parenting time. If you’re in that situation now, then you should make sure that you’re...
What will happen to my house in my divorce?
In the current state of the housing market, there’s a strong chance that you’ve built up a lot of equity in your family home. You might have sentimental attachment to the residence, too, especially if you’ve raised a family there. But what happens to your home when...