Category: Family Law

Issues of child custody and parenting time are a common cause of discord in divorces involving children. While there may not be much agreement throughout the course of a divorce, one thing is certain: engaging in a hostile custody battle is rarely in the best interests of children, who are often harmed by the emotional fall-out of the fight.

Except in rare circumstances, custody and parenting-time issues are best resolved amicably in a collaborative fashion. I bring more than 35 years of experience to these cases and focus on making arrangements that respect the rights of both parents while keeping a watchful eye on what is best for the children.

DETROIT AND ROYAL OAKS VISITATION ATTORNEY
One question will form the basis for any child custody and parenting-time arrangement: What is in the best interest of the children? As long as parents can agree to a parenting schedule that works in terms of logistics and allows both parents to stay close to their children, the judge is likely to approve the plan.

I focus on identifying the needs of parents and their children and work diligently to craft an agreement that is tailored to their unique circumstances. By minimizing conflict in these cases, parents can save a significant amount of money compared to litigation while protecting their children from the emotional damage that can occur in a protracted custody fight.

Family law is the focus at the law office of Marjory B. Cohen. With 31 years of experience, Attorney Cohen has gained a reputation for prompt and open communication coupled with dedication to each case.

When it comes to family law, all clients have individual needs and unique goals. As their lawyer, she listens closely and details out their options in a careful, step-by-step process, ensuring they understand each issue and their choices. Located in Detroit, Michigan. She also represents clients in Grosse Pointe, Northville, Dearborn, Livonia, and Plymouth, and the counties of Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland. Specific services include:

• Divorce
• Separate Maintenance
• Child Custody
• Child Support
• Modifications of Divorce Judgments
• Pre-Nuptial Agreements
• Change of Domicile
• Parenting Time

Domestic Partnership Agreements and Dissolutions
At the law office of Marjory B. Cohen, Ms. Cohen promotes a non-adversarial environment. Family law issues can be highly emotional, especially when there are children involved. She recognizes that and works to keep the focus on all parties’ best interests. If it comes to litigation, her extensive background as a trial lawyer comes into play and she provides her clients zealous representation.

Pre-Nuptial and Post Nuptial Agreements

Family law encompasses more than simply divorce. Prior to a marriage or after the ceremony, couples may agree to pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreements. However, having an agreement does not guarantee that it will be valid and enforceable. As an experienced family law attorney, she works to ensure that the documents signed are binding.

Legal Separation

There are times when a couple does not wish to make that ultimate decision and file for divorce. They may decide on a legal separation while they work through their issues. Whether the separation is temporary or long-term, arrangements related to finances, property, and support all need to be formally agreed on by both parties maintaining separate households.

Change of domicile, or moving of a child’s residence out of state or more than 100 miles from their prior home, can be a contentious issue for divorced parents. Whether a parent is moving for a new job or as a result of a new marriage it is important for all parties to focus on what really matters: arriving at a child custody and parenting-time arrangement that is in the best interests of the children, and which allows the children to remain close to the parent left behind.

CHANGE OF DOMICILE AND MOVING OUT OF STATE
Once a court action has been filed, parties wishing to move more than 100 miles from their previous residence or out of state must obtain permission from the court or the other parent. I handled one of the first appeals in Michigan, which served to establish the guidelines for permitting or denying a move.

For any plan to be approved, it must enable both parents to stay close to their children despite the distances involved. Modern technologies such as web cams and email have improved the logistics, but distance still presents a significant challenge for parents and children.

DETROIT AND ROYAL OAK-AREA CHANGE OF DOMICILE ATTORNEY
I have more than 35 years of family law experience and have seen a wide variety of circumstances in these cases. I believe that resolving these issues collaboratively and in good faith is best for the children. When parents are willing to work together these issues can be resolved efficiently, keeping attorney fees lower than they would be in a protracted legal fight.

If your case results in a trial, I will thoroughly prepare your case looking at all factors that will play a role in the judge’s decision, including the cost of living, employment prospects, the housing market and school quality.