When a couple divorces or separates, one of the most important decisions they will need to make (either alone or with the help of the court) is the child’s living arrangements going forward. The second most important decision they will need to make is how the child’s...
Divorce, Family Law
Can you negotiate spousal support?
Spousal support is not as general as some people believe. Not all circumstances guarantee alimony to the spouse who earns less. As stated in Michigan Legislature, either party may pay alimony to suitably maintain the adverse party, but this is on a case-by-case...
Your standard of living can change when your marriage ends
As your marriage comes to a conclusion and you get divorced, you’re probably thinking about your future and your finances. They are certainly intertwined, especially since you have to split up marital assets with your spouse at this time. In many ways, divorce is a...
Should you parallel parent or co-parent after divorce?
Childless couples only need to think about themselves in a divorce. Parents need to put aside some of their own preferences to do what is right for their children. The ideal situation is that you can co-parent, but in some cases, it may be best to parallel parent....
How is child custody determined in a Michigan divorce?
If you can amicably agree with your spouse on how you will share custody of the children, well and good. All you have to do is formalize your agreement in court. Here, a judge will review the custody arrangement and approve it if the terms are fair and if it serves...
Planning for holiday travel with your children after divorce
As we approach the holidays, many divorced parents may be planning to travel with their children to visit family or take a vacation. Before you make any plans, particularly if they involve traveling outside Michigan or across the border into Canada, it’s crucial to...
Halloween pub crawl could lead to DUI charges
If you are like many Grand Rapids residents, you love to celebrate autumn with harvest festivals and Halloween parties. In fact, our city is known for its famous Halloween pub crawl, which will be held this year on Saturday, October 29, from 4 p.m. until midnight...
Is your spouse trying to hide assets?
You and your spouse have decided that the differences in your marriage are irreconcilable. Divorce is your best option, and proceedings are about to begin. If you have children, then matters related to custody will be your top priority. If not, then you can start...
Is your marriage heading toward divorce?
Most people can’t pinpoint one specific incident that led to their divorce. Instead, there are usually a bunch of little things that caused the marriage to dissolve slowly. Knowing the signs that a marriage is failing may help you to prepare for a divorce or to try...
What are the downsides to birdnesting?
You may have heard of the positive aspects of "birdnesting," which is when two divorced parents allow the children to stay in the family home. These parents then set up a custody schedule where they move in and out of that house, allowing them each to have custody at...