What to Do if Your Spouse Won’t Sign the Divorce Papers
Divorce has many challenges, both emotional and logistical. Ending a romantic relationship can entail complex feelings of anger, grief, fear, and loss. These emotions may be compounded by the stress of separating a shared household, assets, and, in some cases, children. Some couples are committed to navigating the process amicably, but other divorces are highly […]
Which Parent Claims a Child for Tax Purposes After Divorce in Michigan?
Life after divorce comes with no shortage of challenges. Even routine stressors like income taxes become more complex than before. If you’re coming up on the first tax season after your divorce, you might be wondering which parent can claim your child for tax purposes. The answer depends on your circumstances. Here’s a closer look. […]
What Are the Grounds for Changing Child Support in Michigan?
When you and the court determine child custody arrangements, there’s always a chance that the support order may need to be modified. Children’s needs and parents’ incomes can change, and it’s generally in the best interests of the child to adjust the support arrangement accordingly. When modifying a child support order in Michigan, the parent […]
5 Tips for Preparing for the Divorce Discovery Process in Michigan
Going through a divorce is always complicated, but the discovery process can cause significant stress. Discovery involves both parties gathering and exchanging information that will allow them to build their case so that they can prepare for settlement negotiations or court. If you’re going through this stage now, some tips can help you prepare. 1. […]
What to Do if Your Child Refuses to See Your Ex-Spouse
After a divorce, children often have trouble adjusting to living apart from one parent at any given time. They may struggle to get used to custody schedules or could feel anger at having to be at different homes every few days. One of the ways they may express themselves is by refusing to see the […]
What Is the Process for Judicial Adoption in Michigan?
Adoption is a beautiful way to grow your family. There are several ways to adopt a child in Michigan. You may choose to go through the foster care system, adopt directly from a birth parent, or adopt a family member. In all cases, it’s advisable to work with an adoption specialist. No matter which type […]
Custody Rights for Unmarried Mothers: A Guide
If you’re an unmarried mother in Michigan, you might wonder what rights you have as a parent. Under Michigan law, when a child is born to unwed parents, the mother has sole legal and physical custody by default. That means you’re in charge of important decisions like schooling, healthcare, and daily life until a court […]
When You Can Terminate Legal Guardianship in Michigan (and How)
Guardianship is often necessary to provide care for a minor or an incapacitated adult. However, this arrangement also imposes significant legal duties on a guardian and restricts the ward’s ability to care for themselves. When the guardian or ward wants to end a legal guardianship, they cannot simply walk away. A court will typically review […]
5 Things to Include in a Separation Agreement
Separation sometimes fits a married couple’s needs better than divorce. For example, religious, financial, or practical reasons might push a couple to separate rather than divorce. However, the terms of a separation must be clear. Marriage is a legal relationship, and anything left unaddressed in a separation agreement could create unintended and unwanted legal obligations. […]
When Can a Parent Seek Emergency Custody in Michigan?
The child custody process is typically complex, placing a strain on everyone involved. It doesn’t help, either, that family court can be very slow in making custody decisions. In some instances, however, serious issues require immediate action. Learn more about when a parent can seek emergency custody in Michigan. Understanding Emergency Custody Orders in Michigan […]
What Is Supervised Visitation?
When parents divorce or separate in Michigan, the court will issue orders regarding custody and visitation. These orders specify the parents with whom the child will primarily reside, the frequency of the other parent’s visitation, and the responsibilities of each parent. Many Michigan judges believe that a child’s best interests are served when they have […]
Factors That Can Change How Much You Owe in Child Support Payments in Michigan
As a parent, one of your primary responsibilities is to provide financial support for your children. This duty does not disappear once you divorce or separate from the other parent. Instead, one parent will be ordered to make child support payments. This obligation generally continues until the child turns 18. The amount of child support […]