By David R. Dawson | Published April 30, 2023 | Posted in Divorce | Tagged Tags: child custody |
Making a Strong Case for Child Custody in Michigan
In custody cases, courts generally find that children benefit from having a continued relationship with both parents. However, the court’s role is to order an arrangement that is deemed to be in the child’s best interests. When parents disagree over who should have primary physical custody, the court will decide based on who can provide Read More
Read MoreCreating a Parenting Schedule That Fits Your Family Needs
Raising a child in separate homes after a divorce or separation comes with its share of challenges, some of which arise from differences in approaches to parenting and discipline. A well-crafted parenting time schedule helps overcome some of these challenges by assuring predictability and consistency for both the parents and children. A good schedule also Read More
Read MoreSettling Disputes Over Educational Choices in Child Custody Cases
How and where a child will be educated can be a particularly contentious matter for divorced parents. One reason for this is that there are so many options for both primary and secondary education. Public schools, private schools, parochial schools and even homeschooling programs are among the possible choices. Some of these educational paths carry Read More
Read MoreWhat 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 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 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 MoreHow Does a Finding of Domestic Violence Affect Child Custody?
Domestic violence is a serious problem that can play a significant role in how courts award custody of children in divorce cases and post-decree child support cases. But it is not always simple to decide whether certain conduct rises to the level of domestic violence. In a recent decision, a Michigan appeals court stated that Read More
Read MoreHow Michigan School Closures During COVID-19 May Affect Parenting Time
The coronavirus pandemic has upended just about every aspect of family life. With kids returning to school amid the threat of rolling shutdowns, it is understandable if divorced or separated parents are concerned about how the potential for school closures could impact their parenting schedules. Obviously, almost no parent out there considered the possibility of Read More
Read MoreDo’s and Don’ts of Seeking Custody and Parenting Time in Michigan
The thought of losing time with your child is challenging in any case. When custody and parenting time decisions are in the hands of a judge, it can feel like the most important relationship of your life is left to the will of a stranger. But going through a custody conflict in Michigan does not Read More
Read MoreHow to Prepare Yourself for a Divorce in Michigan
The sadness and turmoil of ending a relationship can easily distract a person from the objective focus needed during a divorce. Common mistakes include treating a divorce like a competition or rushing to resolve issues in hopes of getting the process over with. A thoughtful, strategic approach to your divorce can save you time, money Read More
Read More
