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 […]
What Constitutes Emergency Custody in Michigan?
When a child is in immediate danger with a parent, the court provides an option to the other parent to obtain a court order without waiting weeks or months for a full hearing. This option is an emergency custody order, or ex parte order. What Is an Emergency Custody Order? Ex parte, meaning “from one […]
The Impact of Domestic Violence on Child Custody
When a married couple with children files for divorce, the court must determine how to allot custody and parenting time. But if incidences of domestic violence have occurred in the relationship, a 54-year-old state law will guide the court on how to award parents time with their kids. Domestic Violence in Michigan In Michigan, domestic […]
Everything Dads Should and Shouldn’t Do During a Divorce
The dissolution of a marriage is emotionally fraught, especially if there are children involved. Often, fathers assume the court will always side with the mother, so they may not bother doing some things that could help them win better custody agreements. If you’re going through a divorce, there are some tips to keep in mind. […]
4 Questions Every Step-Parent Should Ask Before Adopting in Michigan
If you’re a step-parent, one of your dreams is to adopt your step-child. The process of adopting a step-child in Michigan can be complex, however, so you always need to have a clear idea of what you can expect. To get started, consider some of the most crucial questions you need to ask before making […]
Tips to Navigate Co-Parenting When Your Ex Has Different Religious Beliefs
It isn’t unusual for individuals with different religious beliefs to be together, get married, and have children. But when the relationship doesn’t withstand the test of time, co-parenting with your ex through these differences in beliefs can get tricky. While it may seem difficult, it is entirely possible. Does Religion Affect Co-Parenting and Custody? Varying […]
Summer Vacation and Custody Agreements: What You Need to Know Before Making Plans
Sharing custody of your children can be challenging at certain times of the year, including summertime. Depending on the situation, you may need to change your custody arrangement, which could be difficult and stressful. Fortunately, help is available if you need it. A child custody attorney can assist you with summer vacation child custody plans […]
How to Avoid Problems During Child Visitation Exchanges in Michigan
If you share custody of your children, you must go through exchanges every time your child goes to be with their other parent. These exchanges can be difficult depending on the circumstances, making the situation harder for you and your children. With a little effort by both parties, visitation exchanges can be a little less […]