As family dynamics and the needs of children change over time, the need may arise to modify the divorce Judgment to ensure that it continues to protect the children’s best interests. If a significant change in circumstances has occurred since the last order was entered, a party may file to modify custody or parenting time. If the parties agree to a change in parenting time or custody, I can prepare a written order for both parties to sign, which the Judge will most often approve.

DETROIT AND ROYAL OAK-AREA SUPPORT MODIFICATION LAWYER
I have been a family law attorney for more than 35 years and am skilled at helping parties pursue their rights through modification of divorce judgments. When parties agree to a change in custody or parenting time, I can help prepare a written order which the judge will most often approve, keeping attorney fees to a minimum. Where there is disagreement between the parties, I can facilitate cooperation and lay the groundwork for a successful outcome for my client.

IS YOUR SITUATION ELIGIBLE FOR MODIFICATION?
Issues pertaining to children are allowed to be revisited in Michigan due to the expectation that factors such as child care costs, health care expenses and other needs of the child will change between the divorce and a child reaching adulthood. However, there is a threshold of proof that must be crossed by the parent seeking modification.

If there has been a significant change in circumstances since the time of your divorce, including changes in incomes of the parties, you may be eligible to have the court revisit these issues and order a change in the court order. Other factors, such as whether there is an Established Custodial Environment for the child, can have a significant impact in how the court will rule.

A prenuptial agreement, when properly prepared, can resolve issues of property division and spousal support prior to the marriage taking place. This can protect the interests of both parties and provide certainty as to what will happen in the event of divorce or the death of one spouse.

IS A PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT RIGHT FOR YOU?
The majority of individuals and couples seeking prenuptial agreements:

• Have already accumulated assets
• Have been previously married
• Have children

A prenuptial agreement allows parties to protect the assets they enter into the marriage with and ensure that their assets are left for their children according to their wishes.

CREATING A VALID PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT IN MICHIGAN
A prenuptial agreement that fails to hold up under court scrutiny will not provide any value. These agreements must be prepared by an attorney who is experienced with the law governing such agreements. I understand what it takes to create a valid prenuptial agreement and will work diligently to ensure your agreement is valid and will be durable over time.

These agreements cannot be signed under duress and it is in the best interest of both parties to have a lawyer present when they sign the agreement. Full financial disclosure is also a required component of the process for creating a prenuptial agreement.

Already married? In limited circumstances, postnuptial agreements can offer the same protections as a prenuptial agreement but come with their own unique set of challenges since they are signed when the parties have already married. I have experience with these issues and can walk you through your options if you are considering a postnuptial agreement.

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.