There are a number of questions that I frequently receive from potential clients. These are inquiries I have heard many times over the years and which are often based on assumptions that are usually invalid. The following are the top five questions, and the answers that often surprise the potential clients. Question No. 1 – […]
Michigan’s Child Custody Act mandates that courts must make custody decisions in the child’s best interests. The Act goes on to describe the analysis the court must apply to determine the child’s best interests. I was recently reminded that staying focused on the child’s best interests (rather than that of the parents) can be emotionally […]
best interests, children, divorce, legal custody, primary custody, step-parentsThere has been a dramatic change in social security law that will affect spousal benefits and therefore, must be considered by parties facing divorce. The new rules went into effect (with virtually no warning to the public) on November 15, 2015. Historically, ex-spouses could each independently decide when to file for social security benefits based […]
alimony, child support, divorce, divorce attorney, property settlement, settlement negotiations, social security benefits, spousal support, supportSometimes I think I am the only person in the world who does not use Facebook. Well, actually I do have a Facebook page for my law practice, but I do not have one for personal use. I do not post personal news or photos, nor do I check out the Facebook pages of my […]
children, custody, divorce, divorce attorney, divorce judgment, divorce settlement, Facebook, marital assets, marital home, marriageI receive many inquiries in my law practice concerning step-parent adoption. A step-parent adoption can occur when a custodial parent (either divorced or never married to the non-custodial parent) marries and the couple wishes to have a court order permitting the new spouse (step-parent) to adopt the child. This will typically occur when the […]
Although I am not a psychologist, I am often asked by my clients both when and how to tell the children that a divorce is planned, or even in the works. I do recommend that clients – especially those whose children are already in treatment – follow the specific recommendations of the therapist. For the […]
