Quarrels and misunderstandings may lead to divorce. The action may bring negative and positive consequences for both the divorcees. Also, unfaithful and cheating behaviors may result in the collapse of marriage. Leaving each other after a divorce is...
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 are currently...
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,...
When you separate from your spouse, you will need to determine if this is a trial separation or one where there is no chance of reconciliation. During a trial separation, both parties are still considered married. Property rights and custodial...
Just because you decide to leave the home and physically separate from your spouse, does not mean you are “legally separated” under Michigan law.
In order for a couple to be “legally separated” under Michigan law,...
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:...
In general, 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...
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 back out of the settlement, then they must prove the existence of fraud, duress, coercion, or...
Divorce is an ugly situation that no one plans on going through when deciding to tie the knot. That especially is the case when either spouse decides to break the marital bond with adultery or abuse. But do you have the legal right in...
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 will need to go...
While no one enters a marriage thinking that 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 in their lives. While the emotional impact can be...
In disputed custody cases, all states in the U.S. use a standard called “best interests of the child”. This is a subjective standard that is based on what a judge believes is best for the child. However, there are some factors you...
Collaborative divorce differs from traditional mediation in that a couple that has decided to separate both agrees not to use a mediator and not to go to court. Instead, both parties participate in what is known as “four-way”...
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, there has been a fair amount of negativity 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...
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 it has a significant emotional impact on the parents as well. When children are involved, courts make custody decisions based upon a variety of...
Child custody cases are tough on families. There’s so much at stake, and when one party doesn’t agree with the decision of the court, they often wonder if they have any options. Michigan law allows chief circuit court judges to...
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 in Michigan, that’s...
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