Category: Family Law
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Kitchen Table Divorces in Michigan: Why You Still Need a Divorce Attorney
Michigan divorces do not always start with a contentious court battle. Many couples in Ingham, Eaton, Jackson, and Clinton counties want to avoid a court battle and reach an amicable agreement. However, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t seek legal counsel. Michigan law can make divorce more complex than couples realize. Mistakes and misunderstandings can cause…
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Michigan?
In Michigan, divorce timelines are shaped by state law, court rules, and the unique circumstances of each case. Understanding these rules can help you plan realistically and avoid surprises. As experienced Mid-Michigan divorce attorneys, we’ve guided countless clients through the process in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, and Jackson counties. Here’s what you need to know. Michigan’s…
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Does Michigan Law Allow Third Parties to Get Custody of a Child?
Yes. Michigan law allows certain third parties to seek custody of a child, but the right to bring a custody case is limited by the Michigan Child Custody Act. Simply having a close relationship with a child—or even having cared for the child for a substantial period of time—does not automatically give a non-parent the…
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Driver’s License and Hunting License Suspensions for Child Support in Michigan – How They Work and How to Get Reinstated
When Michigan parents fall behind on child support, the consequences can be more than just interest and arrears. Under Michigan law, your driver’s license, hunting license, or even certain occupational licenses can be suspended if payments are not made. This enforcement tool is used across Oakland County and the rest of the state, often after…
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The Risks of Voluntarily Overpaying Child Support
By Attorney Brandy J. Thompson | The Kronzek Firm | Lansing, Michigan For parents paying child support in Michigan, the desire to provide more for a child is understandable. But voluntarily paying more than a court-ordered child support obligation can create legal and accounting complications that are not always obvious. The Friend of the Court…
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Virtual Parenting Time in Michigan – Court-Approved Video/Phone Contact Orders
In Oakland County and across Michigan, families are relying on technology to stay connected with their children. This is especially true for parents with parenting time schedules. Whether through Zoom, FaceTime, or regular phone calls, Michigan courts recognize that meaningful contact can sometimes happen electronically, especially when in-person parenting time is limited by distance, safety…
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What Happens If You Refuse a Court-Ordered Paternity Test in Oakland County, Michigan?
In Michigan family cases, a court-ordered paternity test is often used to determine the biological father of a child when he is unknown. This typically occurs when child support and visitation rights are at issue. But what happens if you do not want to take the test? The consequences of refusal can directly impact child…
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Property Settlements and Taxes in Mid-Michigan Divorce: How to Avoid Costly Mistakes
Attorney Charles Kronzek from The Kronzek Firm in Lansing explains how property settlements and taxes affect divorce in Mid-Michigan. Understand IRC § 1041, Michigan’s equitable distribution laws, and strategies to avoid hidden tax burdens when dividing marital property. When couples around Lansing, Michigan divorce, property division is more than simply deciding who keeps the house…
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Tips for a Peaceful Parenting Time Exchange in Mid-Michigan
For many separated or divorced parents in Mid-Michigan, including Lansing, East Lansing, Okemos, Holt, Charlotte, and Mason, parenting time exchanges can be one of the most stressful parts of co-parenting. However, with the right strategies, you can make the transition smooth for your child and less stressful for everyone involved. Below are practical tips for…
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Day Care Expenses and Child Support in Michigan
Parents of young children often have an important question during divorce or after separation: Who pays for day care? If both parents work, child care can be a significant expense. Parents may wonder whether those costs are already included in child support or whether they are handled separately. Under Michigan’s child support guidelines, child care…