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Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the Michigan Family Protection Act (MFPA) into law in April 2024. The MFPA is a group of nine laws that update how Michigan handles surrogacy and assisted reproduction. The law gives all parents, including LGBTQ+ parents and those using IVF or surrogacy, equal legal rights from the start. It also makes […]
Permanent spousal support is also called permanent alimony. It is a type of support awarded in a divorce. Permanent spousal support is intended to be long-term financial assistance for one of the spouses. In Michigan, permanent spousal support is typically granted when one spouse is unlikely to be able to support themselves after a divorce, […]
Determining paternity can be essential for mothers, fathers, and children in Michigan. Mothers may wish to establish who the father of their child is for child support purposes. Fathers may wish to establish paternity to gain parental rights. Children benefit from knowing who their fathers are in various ways, such as by forming a relationship […]
Divorce mediation offers Michigan couples a chance to privately resolve their disputes without the stress and expense of lengthy court battles. While this process can produce positive results, the words you choose during mediation sessions could significantly affect the outcome. Knowing what to do and what to avoid during a divorce mediation can feel challenging, […]
Although the law may seem old-fashioned, adultery remains legally a criminal offense in Michigan. Despite that fact, Michigan prosecutors rarely charge anyone with adultery, so the statute is largely irrelevant in criminal law. However, adultery can impact a divorce case in various ways. Adultery and Criminal Laws in Michigan Is adultery a felony in Michigan? […]
Parents who divorce in Michigan remain responsible for their children’s medical needs, including uninsured costs. These expenses include any medical bills not covered by the child’s health insurance coverage, such as copays, deductibles, and treatments not in the plan. Michigan courts account for these expenses as part of child support orders to ensure parents consistently […]
On January 1, 2025, the 2025 child support formula will go into effect. In Michigan, courts must follow the Michigan Child Support Formula (MCSF) when determining how much financial support each parent must contribute towards the raising of their children. The child support formula is very specific how child support should be calculated and takes […]
As time passes, the terms of your divorce decree may become unworkable for you and your family. You, your ex-spouse, and your children may experience significant changes, such as changes in custody arrangements, parenting schedules, employment losses, or substantial income increases. When these changed circumstances occur, can you modify your Michigan divorce decree? Grounds for […]
Michigan divorces and child custody cases involve complex legal and logistical challenges, including how much time the child will spend with each parent. If you’re considering moving with joint custody, doing so could significantly affect custody issues. If you want to move to another state or relocate more than 100 miles away within Michigan, you […]
Smartphones’ increased availability and sophistication means these devices often contain a wealth of information people would rather keep private. The rise of smartphones has also led to more spouses spying on their partners’ phones before or during a divorce. While reliable figures are hard to come by, one report from the United Kingdom suggests that […]