Some years ago, I represented a wife in a divorce involving three children. The children ranged in ages from kindergarten to middle school. My client was a savvy business woman, and her husband owned a small, successful business as well. One of my favorite things about this case is that my opposing counsel (husband’s attorney) […]
One of the most frequent inquiries I receive are from potential clients who wish to seek legal guardianship of a child whose welfare is believed to be at risk. However, merely expressing concern that a child may not be safe is not, in and of itself, sufficient to create a minor guardianship. There are several […]
child support, children, custody, minor guardianshipA package of bills introduced by Democrats in the Michigan state legislature months ago is finally gaining steam. The Michigan Senate has, by an overwhelming majority approved a package of bills that will overhaul the state’s domestic violence laws, providing key protections for victims and impacting decisions in family courts – particularly concerning custody and […]
A few days ago, one of my esteemed colleagues commented on the role of a family law attorney by stating that it is our job to “stay neutral” and to not pass judgment on our clients. He asserted that he chooses to “not blindly accept allegations of one angry parent against the other” because, in […]
My son called me recently and asked “What do you know about Parental Alienation Syndrome?” (PAS) He explained that he asked because a friend is going through a divorce and is alleging that his estranged wife is attempting to turn the children against him. My son observed that he had often seen his friend with […]
One of the most common legal disputes in family court that occurs after entry of a divorce judgment relates to a child’s extra-curricular activities. Invariably, a divorce client will return to my practice with one or both of the following common complaints: (a) the other parent has violated the divorce judgment by enrolling the […]
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-parentsSometimes 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 […]
