Answer: There are a number of different factors used to determine how much the child support obligation will be. First and foremost are are the incomes of the parties and the number of overnights that the children will spend with each parent over the year. Other factors are the amount paid for day care (if… Read More »
Monthly Archives: October 2017
I filed a Motion to change parenting time and the Referee said I did not meet the “threshold” pursuant to Vodvarka and Shade. What does this mean?
Answer: Vodvarka and Shade are the names of two Michigan Court Of Appeals opinions that set the standards for when custody and parenting time can be reviewed. When you file a Motion to modify custody or parenting time the Court must first determine if there has been a change in circumstances since the entry of… Read More »
How does Remarriage Affect your Estate Plan?
Question: I just got remarried and both my husband and I have children from previous marriages. I am worried that my son and daughter won’t get anything if I die first. Answer: You must take special care to plan if you are in a second marriage because of the complex relationships between step-parents and… Read More »
I filed a Motion regarding Child Support. Why is the Friend of the Court handling this and not the Judge?
Answer: I get asked often about the process for hearing Motions in Livingston County. When someone files a Motion that has to do with Custody, Parenting Time or Support, the Judge assigns the case to be heard by a FOC Referee. The Referee first conducts a Screening Hearing. At the Screening Hearing the Referee attempts… Read More »
Legal Planning for Young Adults
Question: My son is leaving for college in a couple weeks. Is there any specific legal planning he needs now that he is 18 years old? Answer: Yes. Your son is now a “legal adult” under Michigan law. You can’t make financial or medical decisions automatically for him anymore. Also, you can’t access his… Read More »
Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Team MTO
Our office and families participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on September 30, 2017. We had a great time walking to support a great cause that affects so many people. The walk generated over $100,000.00 towards advancing Alzheimer’s support, care, and research. If you have a family member recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it is important… Read More »