Custody forms are an integral part of the Michigan family court process. These forms are used to formally document custody and parenting time decisions, orders and changes. Due to the often complex nature of child custody and parenting time disputes, these forms are required in order to ensure everything is properly recorded and sorted out. [...]
Child custody refers to how Michigan Courts determine who cares for a child when parents split after a divorce; or, when unmarried couples do not share the same residence. Michigan Law prefers the child sees both parents as this is usually in the best interest of the developing person. Custody agreements determine where a child [...]
The K-12 schooling situation since early 2020 in Michigan has been tumultuous to say the least. Between lockdowns, forced remote learning and concerns over social distancing and reducing the spread of COVID, it has been far from normal. Now, with the upcoming 2021-2022 school year, there is a concerted effort to bring learning back to [...]
Predicted COVID Divorce Spike The past year and a half has been tumultuous to say the least. Many lives have been turned upside down socially, financially or both. Isolation and restricted movement through stay-at-home orders have caused significant changes in our society and how we function in our everyday lives, especially in states with heavy [...]
Child Custody – Best Interest of the Child Michigan uses a specific legal standard for determining child custody in most cases. This legal standard is known as “Best Interest of the Child.” As the name suggests, this means custody is awarded to the parent or guardian whom the court determines would best serve the child’s [...]
Grounds for Divorce in Michigan Michigan is a no-fault divorce state which means that, unlike many other states, there does not have to be a specific justifiable cause for one or both parties to initiate a divorce. The only standard required for a divorce in Michigan, is covered under MCL 552.6(1), which requires one or [...]
Five-Point Divorce Moving Out Checklist The decision to move out is often very difficult when contemplating or going through a divorce. This decision is further complicated when children are involved. For instance, there may be an existing court order or judgement regarding child custody. There may also be uncertainty as to how the child [...]
In Michigan, a Personal Protection Order (also known as a PPO) is a court order to stop threats or violence against an individual. The primary purpose of a PPO is to protect individuals from someone who is threatening, hurting, stalking and/or harassing them. An individual can receive a PPO from a circuit court judge if [...]
Everything You Need To Know About Michigan Divorces There are few experiences more stressful, emotional and challenging than a divorce. This is especially true when a divorce involves legal issues such custodial disputes, significant assets and possibly even domestic abuse/violence. Because of the gravity of these issues and the financial and legal risks involved, it [...]
Automatic Extension of Personal Protection Orders During the COVID-19 CrisisAs everyone may know, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-63 which is also known as the “stay home, stay safe” order. This order effectively shuts down any non-essential aspect of Michigan’s economy. This economic shutdown has impacted virtually every aspect of life; family courts [...]