If you and your spouse are planning to divorce and have a disagreement, your issue does not necessarily have to go to court. There are two processes that you may want to consider, called mediation and arbitration. These alternative dispute processes may be faster and...
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Using an appraiser to determine the value of real property
One of the most difficult issues in a high-asset Michigan divorce – or in any divorce, for that matter – is the valuation and division of real property, especially the family home. Michigan divorce law requires that the assets owned by the divorcing couple be divided...
Serving the child’s best interests in child custody
“The best interests of the child” is a phrase that comes up often in Michigan family law, particularly in child custody matters. Both parents need to be cognizant of what that entails as the case proceeds because it plays an integral role in how the case is decided....
How can I mitigate the mental health effects of divorce on my kids?
We all know that divorce can be stressful, but what many parents may not realize is that it can be stressful and painful for their children as well. Indeed, research consistently shows that divorce negatively impacts the mental health of children, leading to...
Valuing a business for property division
Some couples are partners in marriage and partners in business. If the business is marital property, it will be divided equitably between the spouses if they decide to divorce. Marital property Generally, marital property includes property acquired by either spouse...
Is joint custody a worthwhile option for Michigan parents?
In Michigan divorces, children can be caught in the middle. For parents who want to prevent the child from being negatively impacted by the complicated situation, there are avenues to consider so the transition is as easy as possible. One is joint custody. The court...
Factors to consider when determining custody
If you are negotiating custody with your ex, you may be wondering how custody will be determined. Whether you work out an agreement with your child’s other parent and then seek court approval or ask the court to make the decision, there are certain factors that must...
What will happen to my home in the divorce?
Buying a home is often considered a milestone for many married couples. However, if you decide to get divorced, determining what happens to the home can be one of the greatest challenges of your divorce. In Michigan and other equitable distribution states, a home...
Lump-sum versus periodic spousal support in Michigan
Not all spouses are on equal footing financially following a divorce. It is often the case that one spouse earns more than the other. If these financial disparities would cause the lesser-earning spouse to suffer financial hardship, or otherwise lead to an unequal...
Can my child choose the custody schedule?
Determining a custody schedule comes with many challenges, and one thing that can make the custody process especially difficult is when a child says they want to live only with a certain parent. There is a common misconception that when a child reaches a certain age,...