- DivorceThe hallmark of my divorce and family law practice is providing you with top quality legal service by being intensely responsive to my clients. You have worked hard for what you have. I will work hard to protect your rights to your children and your property by helping you to secure the best possible outcome to complex legal situations, and giving you your strongest voice in the family law process. I understand that divorce and family law matters can be stressful and emotional, and that you need relief.
- Child SupportChildren born outside of marriage pose specific legal issues that must be addressed: custody, parenting time, and child support.
- Child Custody and VisitationChild custody and parenting time can be two of the most difficult issues to address for parents who are divorcing, or parents who have never been married to each other.
- Adoption
- PaternityIt is the Mother’s right to establish paternity of the child. Paternity can be established based on a DNA test or by both parents signing and filing an acknowledgment of paternity with the State of Michigan, either at the time of the child’s birth or afterward. Establishing paternity is important for Mothers because it is needed when requesting child support. Once paternity has been established, child support can be calculated based on Michigan’s uniform child support guidelines.
- Spousal SupportHow much spousal support you will receive and how long it will last is in the discretion of the court. If you are receiving or paying spousal support, and believe a modification is in order because of a increase or decrease of income, the spousal support may require an increase or reduction.
- Legal SeparationIn the State of Michigan, you may file to obtain a legal separation. This process is called “separate maintenance”. The procedure for obtaining a Judgment of Separate Maintenance in Michigan is practically the same as the procedure for a divorce. The difference between a divorce and a Separate Maintenance action is when a Judgment of Separate Maintenance is entered you are divorced from everything except the bounds of matrimony. If you have a Judgment of Separate Maintenance in Michigan rather than a Judgment of Divorce, you cannot remarry (as you remain legally married to your spouse). If you receive a Judgment of Separate Maintenance in Michigan and then later decide you do want a divorce, you will need to file a new case for a divorce. If during the separate maintenance action, the Defendant request the court for a divorce, the case will be changed to a divorce action, and will proceed and be completed as a divorce action.
- AnnulmentAnnulments declare that the marriage is void and therefore never legally existed. It is rare for a court to grant an annulment, as grounds must be proven.
- Restraining Order€¢ Mutual restraining order: A mutual restraining order is a document prohibiting parties from disposing or hiding the parties’ assets. By having the court sign a mutual restraining order, it alleviates the concerns that either party may do so legally.
- Employment Contract