Michigan Family Lawyer Provides Caring Representation
Family law matters are often emotional and overwhelming. The lawyer at Grantham Law PLLC understands how painful it can be for families facing such issues.
Divorce
We live in a no-fault state, which means that we do not have to follow the old, draconian rule of proving a party was responsible for the breakdown in their marriage. Rather, that there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved.
Custody
In Michigan there are two types of custody, Legal Custody and Physical Custody. Sole Legal custody is when one parent makes the legal decisions for the minor child. Joint Legal Custody is when both parents share in the decision making of the minor child. Full Physical Custody is when a minor child resides primarily with one parent notwithstanding the other parent’s reasonable parenting time. Joint Physical Custody is when the minor child resides with both parents equally and that arrangement may look different for everyone.
Modification of Custody or Parenting Time
If you already have a custody order and want to change custody, you will need to meet the threshold requirement by proving that a significant change in circumstances has occurred that would warrant the Court to review custody, or you will not be afforded an evidentiary hearing to review a modification of custody. The legal standard applied depends on who has the custodial environment. A custodial environment looks at who the child looks to for love, support, discipline, encouragement, and the daily needs of the child. No facts may come in that occurred prior to the last custody order, which is why getting custody right the first time saves time, money, and emotional trauma.
Adoption
Who can Adopt? In general, any legal adult can file a petition for adoption, which includes single petitioners.
Adoption is statute based and highly regulated. Let us help you navigate the necessary paperwork and process and procedures to either Petition for Adoption related in the 5th Degree, Direct Placement Adoption, Unrelated Adoption, or stepparent adoption.
Property Distribution
If you are contemplating a divorce, allow us to run an equalization report so you may know what you are facing. Generally, in a divorce property is distributed 50/50 by equalizing the assets, liabilities, and all accounts. While we live in a no-fault state, fault can play a role in determining custody and property distribution. Grantham Law Attorneys have successfully argued fault and won. The property was not distributed 50/50 but equitably based upon the circumstances. Not all cases are the same. We listen carefully to your facts. Your particular situation matters to us. We will listen and determine whether arguing fault and requesting that property distribution as well as custody should be determined based upon the merit due to fault.
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