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 [...]
LOCKED-INTO A BAD SITUATION With everyone staying home, for some people that could be a recipe for future court battles. In Michigan, the governor’s stay-home order has created a lot more opportunities for our homes to become arenas of conflict. Domestic Violence & Criminal Law From domestic grievances that finally boil over, [...]
Ryan Kelly On Family Law & Estate Planning During COVID-19Ryan Kelly was recently featured in an interview with Super Lawyers. In the interview Ryan discusses the topic of estate planning, family law, and divorces during COVID-19. Ryan was asked to do this interview because of the unique accommodations herself and her family has been making [...]
In an effort to blunt some of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act on March 27, 2020. This sweeping legislation provides, among other things, loans to corporations and small businesses, assistance to state and local governments [...]
The Coronavirus has taken the world by surprise. Individuals and businesses alike are still trying to comprehend the situation and adapt to this ever-developing health crisis. In Michigan, Governor Whitmore enacted Executive Order 2020-21 which mandates that all “non-essential” workplaces close down and that all residents stay in their homes for the next three weeks. [...]