LENAWEE COUNTY DIVORCE ATTORNEY
COMPASSIONATE SUPPORT IN CHALLENGING TIMES
Divorce is rarely planned. It is emotional and overwhelming and goes to the root of everything you care about. David specializes in helping clients and their families transition to their post-divorce lives and begin the healing process.
David will ensure you are making decisions in your case with a clear mind, not one clouded by trauma or emotions. Your involvement is a key component to a fair outcome, and your input will be needed on every aspect of your case. Clients are strongly encouraged to resolve custody and support issues through agreement with the other parent. This expedites finality, minimizes costs and fees, and allows parents to decide what’s best for their children.
FAMILY LAW PRACTICE AREAS
Divorce, Annulment, Legal Separation, Child Custody, Child Support and Arrears, Property and Retirement Distribution, and Domestic Violence
DIVORCE
Divorce is the legal process that terminates a marriage contract between two parties. In contested divorces, parties often disagree about issues like child custody, child support, property, and spousal support. While there are laws regarding each of these issues, courts have significant discretion when ruling on family law matters. You will always be strongly encouraged to reach an amicable resolution with the other parent before appearing before the court. If early resolution is unsuccessful, then your issues will be brought before the court using David’s extensive experience in family law.
CHILD CUSTODY
Child custody is the most contentious issue parents face in divorce, and rightfully so; the children’s entire future is at stake, and many parents become very emotional discussing or deciding upon the sensitive family matters involved.
Courts must order joint custody of minor children if it is in the best interests of the children. The parents will be referred to the Friend of the Court unless they opt out of the service. The Friend of the Court may conduct a mediation to facilitate a settlement between the parents. It may also be ordered to investigate and make a written report and recommendation to the court regarding child custody and/or parenting time.
The Friend of the Court’s process is exhausting. It will cause you to experience a flood of emotions and cloud your judgment. You will be upset by the invasion of your family’s privacy. During the process, it is absolutely imperative that you act and speak with only the children’s best interests in mind.
Throughout the process, David will provide the support that you will need to trudge through the process. He will provide you with constant support and guidance. He will give you specific advice regarding your interactions with the Friend of the Court. He will act as your emotional support and ensure you make conscious, informed decisions that serve your children’s best interests.
CHILD SUPPORT
Child support in Michigan is determined by the Michigan Child Support Guidelines. The parents will be required to exchange financial information and documentation reflecting their gross income, including income generated from nearly any source. The court will use the formula to calculate child support based upon a number of factors. The court may also order the payment of arrears, which is backpay for non-payment of any child support obligation.
