Top Tips for Planning Vacations Into Your Child Visitation Schedule
Sharing custody of your child with the other parent can make life complicated, especially when planning vacations and family trips. While you want to create lasting memories, you must also honor your legal agreement and make decisions that are fair for everyone. Here are a few tips for fitting your vacation into your custody schedule. […]
3 Tips for Navigating Spring Break Travel Plans and Custody Arrangements
For most people, the words “spring break” conjure up images of sun-drenched beaches, dream vacations, and leisurely downtime. But if you’re a parent sharing custody, spring break planning can sometimes feel more like navigating a minefield than getting some much-needed R&R. It’s a difficult balancing act, trying to respect your custody agreement while also ensuring […]
5 Factors Michigan Courts Consider When Determining Custody
Michigan law gives family law judges significant latitude to decide who gets physical and legal custody of a child. As long as the judge has reason to believe their decisions are in the child’s best interests, the custody orders will stand. However, a judge does not get to invent a definition of “best interests” out […]
Can a Domestic PPO Affect My Child Custody Case in Michigan?
Child custody is a complicated issue. It becomes even more complex when one parent is the subject of a domestic Personal Protection Order (PPO) in Michigan. PPOs are legal mandates designed to safeguard individuals from harassment, stalking, or violence. While they’re often crucial for ensuring the safety of those who seek them, they can influence […]
Attorney Fees in Michigan Child Custody Cases: Who Pays?
An attorney’s assistance can be invaluable in contested child custody proceedings. However, it will come at a price. If you’re considering filing for divorce or legal separation or want to modify an existing parenting plan, it’s natural to wonder if you’ll be stuck with the bill after it’s all said and done. General Notes About […]
The Importance of Legal Representation in Michigan Child Custody Cases
There’s a long list of mistakes that you can make in a child custody battle. Representing yourself easily falls among the top ten — if not at the top of the list. While going it alone to court may save you money, which is a common reason why some pass on hiring a lawyer, you […]
Can a Parenting Plan Help Avoid Custody Disputes?
Custody disputes can be long and expensive in Michigan. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate the issues associated with custody disputes. One popular option is a parenting plan. Ideally, a parenting plan serves as a blueprint for how parents expect to raise their kids after the divorce, stipulating guidelines on everything that can potentially affect […]
Understanding the “Best Interests of the Child” Standard in Michigan Custody Cases
Your child’s “best interests” are central to your Michigan divorce or custody proceeding. Any visitation or custody order the court enters is supposed to consider and support these best interests. However, the court’s idea of your child’s best interests may differ vastly from your opinion. Understanding how the judge determines your child’s best interests is […]
Emergency Custody Orders in Michigan: When and How to File
Traditional court processes can move slowly and are often ill-equipped to address urgent matters that need immediate attention. Fortunately, when a crisis happens, the law empowers Michigan courts to consider and enter emergency orders. Such orders include those that affect your child\’s physical and legal custody. Knowing when and how to use these emergency procedures […]
What to Expect During a Child Custody Evaluation
Are you facing a divorce in Michigan? If you and your partner have a child in common, the court will need to enter custody orders. The evidence in these proceedings can be conflicting, making it difficult for the court to decide what is in the child’s best interests. In these circumstances, the court may order […]
How to Manage High-Conflict Custody Disputes: Tips for Michigan Parents
When you have children, your ex will never be completely out of your life. Some couples can put their differences aside and co-parent effectively. If you and your ex don’t fall into that category, you’re not alone. There are many legitimate reasons why custody agreements can turn into high-conflict disputes. If you’re co-parenting with a […]
5 Steps to Take if Your Ex Is Violating Custody Agreements
Getting a custody agreement finalized can be a long, difficult journey. Watching your ex violate that agreement time after time only adds to your frustration. While successful co-parenting often depends on each parent’s willingness to be flexible, blatantly ignoring the rules set out in a custody agreement is another issue. Learn what to do when […]