When a family law matter reaches the point where legal action is necessary, one of the first and most consequential decisions you will face is how to resolve it. In Michigan, the two primary paths are mediation and litigation. Each approach has distinct advantages and drawbacks, and the right choice depends on your circumstances, your […]

When parents divorce or separate, the custody question is always emotionally charged. Both parents want to maintain meaningful relationships with their children, and children need stability during an uncertain time. One creative custody arrangement that’s gaining attention is “bird’s nest custody”—sometimes called “nesting.” In this arrangement, the children remain in the family home while the

Couples approaching marriage often have questions about protecting their financial interests through prenuptial agreements. One of the most common questions involves spousal support, also known as alimony. Can you and your future spouse agree in advance that neither party will seek spousal support if the marriage ends in divorce? The answer under Michigan law is

What to Know About Divorce After a Long-Term Marriage in Michigan Ending a marriage after two or three decades is never just about dividing homes; it’s about navigating a significant life transition. Long-term marriages bring financial and emotional challenges that younger couples rarely face. You probably have about retirement security, dividing assets built over a

When you work the overnight shift at a Lansing-area hospital, staff a production line outside of Okemos, or serve as a first responder on a rotating schedule, your family life follows a unique rhythm. If you are separating from your co-parent, your work schedule becomes a significant part of your child custody case. We understand

Legal Consequences of Not Paying Child Support in Michigan Raising a child is rewarding, but it is also expensive. You rely on court-ordered child support to provide for your children’s needs, from groceries and school supplies to medical care. When the other parent refuses to pay, it puts an unfair burden on you and creates

Last updated: May 2026 A Michigan prenuptial agreement can protect inheritances you haven’t received yet. While inherited assets are generally separate property under Michigan law, that protection can be lost through commingling. A prenup provides explicit, court-enforceable terms that keep future inheritances separate regardless of how funds are handled during the marriage. You’re engaged, and

Divorcing in Michigan with a Special Needs Child   Divorce is never easy. When a child has special needs, the process becomes even more complex and emotionally demanding. Parents often worry about stability, services, medical care, school arrangements, and their child’s future. Michigan law recognizes that families with children with special needs often require more detailed

Child Support for Children Who Are Over 18 and Still in School Many Michigan parents wonder whether child support automatically ends when a child turns 18. The answer is a bit more nuanced than simply “yes” or “no.” While support usually ends at 18, Michigan law allows for several exceptions,  especially when a child is