Can nesting help our divorcing family?

There are many reasons that a marriage might end, and not all of them end with the divorced couple hating each other. In fact, if you have children with your ex-spouse, being on good terms is beneficial for joint custody.  If you and your spouse are able to maintain a positive working relationship, “nesting” might…

Read More

Dealing with a 401(k) in a divorce

Many of those going into divorce proceedings in Michigan may believe themselves completely prepared for what lies ahead of them. Yet most express surprise to learn that certain assets (often assumed to be individual properties) are actually marital property. Among these are 401(k) accounts. Contributions made to a 401(k) during a marriage come from marital income.…

Read More

Establishing paternity in Michigan

When you father a child with someone in Michigan and the two of you are not in a marriage, you need to establish paternity if you want the same rights over your child that a married father would have. While establishing paternity may benefit you, the child’s father, it also leads to certain advantages for…

Read More

How can you tell your ex wants to alienate you from your children?

If you recently went through a divorce and suspect that your former partner makes false statements about you towards your children, you could be a victim of parental alienation.  According to Healthline, parental alienation occurs when one parent uses strategies to create a distance between you and your children.  Be wary of secrecy and gossip Alienators want…

Read More

Courts still lag behind on equitable same-sex parent rights

Because it has only been a few years since same-sex marriages became legal throughout the United States, those who are ending long-term relationships and who have children face issues that heterosexual couples do not. A man can establish paternity regardless of marriage or be the presumed father if he is married when the child is…

Read More

How guardianships work in Michigan

When you have a parent or other loved one who becomes incapacitated, you may consider stepping in as a matter of keeping this person safe and protected. If the person who becomes incapacitated does not have a power of attorney or a designation of a patient advocate in place, you may think about trying to…

Read More

How dads impact their child’s emotional development

If parents are not married in Michigan, the mother automatically has custody of her child. The father may have to fight to remain a part of their child’s life, and proving paternity is necessary. According to Psychology Today, children benefit in several ways from the presence of a father or father figure in their lives, whether he…

Read More

Does cooperation help your child in a divorce?

As parents going through a divorce, you have more to worry about than a childless couple. After all, your top priorities will likely revolve around ways to make this event as trauma-free as possible for them. But is there any way to do that? Can you actually make divorce easier for your child to handle?…

Read More

Avoid these common money mistakes amid divorce

Your budget and lifestyle may look much different after you divorce your Michigan spouse, but your divorce gives you an opportunity to assess your financial situation and take steps to improve it. While making smart money moves is important, so, too, is avoiding common financial errors that many people in your shoes make. Business Insider…

Read More

What do you know about making mediation work?

Rather than a traditional divorce, you and your current spouse feel that mediation may work better for you. You both want to make the most of this alternate dispute resolution method, but what does that look like? The American Bar Association offers ideas for a successful collaborative divorce. Understand what steps help achieve your goals. Focus…

Read More