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Quarrels and misunderstandings may lead to divorce. The action may bring negative and positive consequences for both divorcees. Also, unfaithful and cheating behaviors may result in the collapse of marriage. Leaving each other after a divorce is a...

During marital stress or tension, it is common for one party to temporarily move out while the couple decides how to proceed with the relationship. Some couples even opt to make the separation legal during that uncertain time. If you live apart from...

When couples divorce, they have a lot of questions. It doesn't help that many of those questions don't have easy answers. The home is typically the most valuable object that two people can share together, so the stakes are high. Plus, the...

When you separate from your spouse, you must determine if this is a trial separation or where there is no chance of reconciliation. During a trial separation, both parties are still considered married. As you work through your differences, you...

Just because you decide to leave home and physically separate from your spouse does not mean you are “legally separated” under Michigan law. For a couple to be “legally separated” under Michigan law, one spouse must file a request or a...

No one goes into a marriage expecting divorce; divorce, however, is a process that tests people and their limits, and it’s difficult to navigate with a calm head. If you find yourself going down this road, do yourself two favors: hire an...

Generally, a father has the same right to full custody of a child as the child’s mother. Men technically don’t face greater challenges when trying to achieve full custody. However, the man has historically been the “breadwinner” in American...

A signed settlement agreement is a powerful document requiring the demonstration of an extreme condition to render it null and void. If a party wishes to withdraw from the settlement, they must prove fraud, duress, coercion, or unconscionability....

Divorce is an ugly situation that no one plans on going through when deciding to tie the knot. That is especially true when either spouse breaks the marital bond with adultery or abuse. But do you have the legal right in Michigan to...

If your current custody agreement isn't working for you, you may be wondering about making changes to the custody agreement. However, unless you and your ex-spouse agree to the changes and both agree to modify the agreement, you must go through the...

While no one enters a marriage thinking it’ll end, the sad fact is that many marriages will not succeed, and many men will experience the pain and stress of a divorce at some point. While the emotional impact can be immediate and devastating,...

In disputed custody cases, all states in the U.S. use a standard called “best interests of the child.” This subjective standard is based on what a judge believes is best for the child. However, there are some factors you can guarantee a...

Collaborative divorce differs from traditional mediation in that a couple that has decided to separate agrees not to use a mediator or go to court. Instead, both parties participate in what is known as “four-way” meetings, where both have...

In its simplest definition, alimony, also referred to as spousal support, can be described as a monetary arrangement created to prevent one divorced spouse from suffering a decrease in their standard of living. Frequently, one spouse makes much...

Over the years, a fair amount of negativity has been associated with prenuptial agreements. When family members learn that their loved one has been asked to sign an agreement before marriage, they often see that as a red flag and quickly turn...

Divorce is often contentious, but it doesn’t always have to be. At Gerkin & Decker, PC., We specialize in working with men during the divorce process, and we have extensive experience handling all aspects of divorce, including alimony,...

Divorce is always difficult. When a divorce involves children, it hurts not only the children but also has a significant emotional impact on the parents. When children are involved, courts make custody decisions based on various factors. Judges...

Child custody cases are tough on families. There’s so much at stake, and when one party doesn’t agree with the court's decision, they often wonder if they have any options. Michigan law allows chief circuit court judges to appoint a domestic...

When deemed appropriate by a judge, a person is awarded alimony or spousal support as a condition of a divorce. Sometimes, people mistakenly think that alimony is automatically awarded to the spouse who earns less, but that’s not the case in...

The old saying “knowledge is power” couldn’t be more true when you’re a man dealing with family issues. Whether you’re married and contemplating divorce or legal separation or have to post-judgment custody or parenting time issues – the...