By David R. Dawson | Published January 15, 2022 | Posted in Divorce | Tagged Tags: child custody, child support, Friend of the court, parenting time | Comments Off on What is the Role of the “Friend of the Court” in a Michigan Divorce?
What is the Role of the “Friend of the Court” in a Michigan Divorce?
Disputes over child support, custody and parenting time frequently arise in divorce cases. In Michigan, when parents cannot reach an agreement regarding these issues, the judge deciding them may get assistance from a “friend of the court” (FOC), a court-appointed official who can play a pivotal role in a divorce case. The duties of the Read More
Read MoreWhat Special Issues Arise in a “Gray Divorce?”
The divorce rate of people over 50 years old has been steadily climbing over the last 30 years. In fact, researchers believe it will triple by 2030. Commonly referred to as “gray divorce,” a marriage dissolution later in life can give rise to certain issues that are not relevant for younger couples. The increase in Read More
Read MoreProtecting Your Business When You Divorce
In a divorce, all property acquired by either spouse during the marriage is subject to equitable distribution. This may include a stake in a business that you own yourself or with partners. Regardless of how the ownership is titled, a court may treat your business interest as marital property, which means that your spouse may Read More
Read MoreWhat Happens to Your Inheritance When You Divorce?
During the course of your marriage, you may have suffered the loss of a parent or other family member and received an inheritance. Under Michigan law, an inheritance is normally considered the individual property of the spouse whose relative died. This is an exception to the general rule that any asset acquired by either spouse Read More
Read MoreDiscovering Assets Your Spouse May Have Hidden Before the Divorce
Each party to a divorce is under a legal obligation to disclose all assets that they own, since any property acquired during the marriage is considered marital in nature and subject to equitable distribution. However, some spouses attempt to get a better financial settlement by attempting to hide assets prior to the divorce proceeding. If Read More
Read MoreMeeting the Challenges of a High-Net-Worth Divorce
Divorce can be difficult in any circumstances and even more so where a couple has considerable wealth. A high-net-worth divorce — one in which assets of more than $1 million are at stake — presents complex issues relating to property division and spousal support. If you are in this situation, an attorney who is experienced Read More
Read MoreHow Relocation Can Affect Child Custody
Workable joint child custody plans depend on the parents living close to each other, or close enough that traveling between them to fulfill parenting time is not problematic. But changing circumstances may lead a parent to seek a relocation, whether to take a better job, to pursue an education or to be closer to family. Read More
Read MoreWhat is the Income Shares Model for Child Support?
Child support after divorce was once calculated simply as a percentage of the paying parent’s income. However, this method failed to take into account the resources of the other parent that could be applied for the children’s benefit. As a result, most states, including Michigan, now follow the “income shares” model, which recognizes that both Read More
Read MoreDividing Business Interests in a Divorce
One of the most contentious issues in a divorce can be the division of marital assets — those deemed to be jointly owned by the spouses. If either spouse owns a share of a business, that share may be considered a marital asset that is subject to division. However, determining the identity and worth of Read More
Read MoreCan a Nonbiological Parent Can Seek Child Custody in Michigan?
The definition of family has evolved in the U.S. and with that change has come the legal recognition of parental rights arising from nontraditional relationships. In Michigan, a legal framework called the equitable parent doctrine allows a spouse who is not a biological parent of his or her spouse’s child, but who has raised and Read More
Read More
