Michigan courts generally recognize that children often benefit from maintaining strong relationships with both parents. To obtain sole custody, you must show that a shared custody arrangement would not serve your child’s best interests. A Michigan child custody attorney helps you build a case that addresses each factor the court evaluates when making custody decisions.…
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The short answer is no, but the full answer is more nuanced than many people expect. Michigan law requires court approval and a final hearing to finalize a divorce. In many cases, at least one spouse must appear, even when both spouses agree on everything. However, the amount of time you spend in court and…
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Michigan custody law applies different rules to unmarried parents than it does in divorce cases. At birth, Michigan law grants the mother sole legal and physical custody unless a court enters an order or approves a written custody agreement. Many unmarried fathers believe that signing a birth certificate or Affidavit of Parentage gives them equal…
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Many people assume they must prove a specific reason, such as adultery or abandonment, to file for divorce in Michigan. In reality, the process is relatively straightforward, though its outcome can still have a major impact on your life. Michigan follows a no-fault divorce law, meaning you only need to show that your marriage has…
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Michigan handles marital separation differently from many other states, which can leave couples unsure about their choices. Unlike most jurisdictions, Michigan does not officially recognize “legal separation.” Instead, it provides an alternative called separate maintenance. This process can accomplish many of the same objectives as a legal separation but comes with its own set of…
DetailsMichigan law does not formally recognize legal separation. Instead, a Michigan divorce lawyer can help you pursue separate maintenance—a process that offers many of the same legal protections as divorce while keeping the marriage intact. For spouses who feel divorce is too permanent but need the structure of living apart, separate maintenance provides a practical…
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The timing of a marital agreement is a critical factor in how Michigan courts determine its enforceability and the protections it provides. A Michigan divorce lawyer can help you understand when and how to put these agreements in place so they truly safeguard your future. Whether you are preparing for marriage or already married, understanding…
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When a marriage ends, questions about financial stability often come to the forefront. A Michigan divorce attorney can help you understand how judges evaluate fourteen specific factors when determining alimony, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, and contributions to the household. Because every case is different, spousal support awards are based on…
DetailsCharge reduction negotiations are among the most effective tools in Michigan’s criminal defense system. When you’re facing criminal charges in Oakland, Wayne, or Macomb County, understanding how a skilled Michigan criminal defense lawyer secures reduced penalties can mean the difference between a felony conviction and a manageable misdemeanor plea. Criminal charges carry consequences that extend…
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Parenting from separate households brings financial challenges. Child support provides a legal framework for dividing these responsibilities, but many parents have questions about how the process works. A Michigan child support attorney can help you understand your obligations and what to expect under the law. In Michigan, child support is calculated using a formula that…
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