Divorce Fast & Easy In Michigan

#ChooseGoldman Concerned about child safety during parenting time? Learn about requesting supervised visitation in Michigan, the reasons courts consider, and the importance of current evidence. Courts require strong justification based on safety to order supervised visitation. Requesting supervised time is a significant step needing clear reasons. Requests appearing to be about control, not safety...

#ChooseGoldman Learn if and how a closed child custody case can be revisited in Michigan. This episode explores the critical factors, such as significant life changes or new safety concerns, that allow courts to modify existing orders. • Closed custody cases can generally be reopened until the child is an adult. • Michigan courts retain ongoing authority (jurisdiction) over child custody. • A "sig...

#ChooseGoldman In this episode, Akiva Goldman answers a crucial question for anyone facing a divorce in Michigan: Can you handle it without a lawyer? We explore the significant risks of going 'pro se' and when professional legal help is not just an option, but a necessity. • Self-representation ('pro se') is legally possible but only advisable in the simplest cases with no children, assets, or dis...

#ChooseGoldman Custody battles are emotionally draining, but staying strong and focused is crucial. This video explains how to navigate this traumatic experience by maintaining composure, keeping detailed records, and always prioritizing your child's well-being to present yourself as a stable and capable parent to the court. • Keep meticulous records of all your parenting activities and appointmen...

#ChooseGoldman How long does a divorce take in Michigan? The answer depends on your unique situation. Attorney Akiva Goldman breaks down the three key factors that determine your timeline: the mandatory legal waiting periods, the complexity of your case, and what it means to do a "good job" rather than just a fast one. • The law sets a minimum waiting period of 60 days for divorces without childre...

#ChooseGoldman Are you a father facing a tough custody battle in Michigan? Akiba Goldman breaks down the critical mistakes that can cause a father to lose custody, from ignoring court orders to a lack of involvement in a child's life. This video provides essential information to help you protect your rights and build a stronger case. • Failing to follow existing court orders for parenting time or...

#ChooseGoldman In this episode, Akiva Goldman breaks down the legal definition of parental abandonment in Michigan. Learn about the critical two-year rule for contact and support, and the serious consequences it has for parental rights. • Parental abandonment in Michigan is generally defined by a two-year period with no contact and no financial support. • Direct evidence, such as an email or text...

#ChooseGoldman When a custody order feels wrong, some parents consider taking matters into their own hands. In this episode, we explore why this is a critical mistake, the severe legal consequences of defying a court order, and the proper legal channels you should use instead to protect your parental rights. • Defying a custody order is a serious violation that can lead to contempt of court charge...

#ChooseGoldman Discover practical strategies for navigating a more affordable divorce in Michigan. This episode breaks down how approaches like uncontested agreements and mediation can help lower costs. • An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all terms, is typically the least expensive path. • Drafting a comprehensive settlement agreement can significantly reduce lawyer involvement a...

#ChooseGoldman Many parents with 50/50 custody in Michigan wonder about child support. This episode explores how state law, particularly the Michigan Child Support Formula and income factors, determines if payments are still required even with equally shared parenting time. • 50/50 parenting time in Michigan doesn't automatically mean no child support. • The Michigan Child Support Formula consider...

#ChooseGoldman Michigan family law attorney Akiva Goldman discusses common pitfalls and behaviors that can negatively impact your child custody case. Learn what actions to avoid to present yourself effectively in court. • Consistently failing to exercise your parenting time can make you appear disingenuous to the court. • Evidence of substance abuse (alcohol or drugs) will seriously undermine your...

#ChooseGoldman Understanding how a father's parental rights can be terminated in Michigan is crucial. This video explains the legal grounds, such as abandonment or abuse, the importance of the child's best interest, and how termination often relates to stepparent adoptions. Learn about the process and what the court considers in these serious family law matters. • Termination of parental rights ca...

#ChooseGoldman Is there really a "10-year rule" in Michigan divorce law? This episode breaks down common questions about how marriage duration impacts property division, spousal support, and clarifies the difference with federal Social Security rules. • Michigan has no specific "10-year rule" that automatically dictates property division in divorce; however, marriage length is a very significant f...

#ChooseGoldman Learn about the specific duration of absence and lack of support that Michigan courts consider as abandonment, potentially leading to the termination of a father's parental rights. Understand the factors courts evaluate, including efforts to maintain contact and evidence of disinterest or unfitness, in these sensitive family law cases. • Absence or complete failure to support a chil...

#ChooseGoldman Understanding the cost of a family law case in Michigan is key. This episode breaks down legal fees, explaining retainers, hourly rates, and the factors that influence your overall expenses. • Family law costs in Michigan typically consist of an initial retainer and an hourly rate for legal services. • The retainer acts as an upfront deposit, not the total case cost, which is also s...

#ChooseGoldman When can you modify a Michigan custody or parenting time order? Attorney Akiva Goldman discusses what counts as a 'significant change in circumstances' that might allow a court review. • Major changes in parental employment status can be a factor. • Significant new medical, educational, or emotional needs of the child are important grounds. • One parent relocating far away often dis...

#ChooseGoldman What can a wife expect in a Michigan divorce? This episode covers equitable property division, potential spousal support, and child-related matters. • Michigan uses equitable distribution for assets (fair, not always 50/50). • Spousal support depends on marriage length, income disparity, and other factors. • Retirement accounts accumulated during marriage are often divisible. • Deci...

#ChooseGoldman Father in Michigan being denied court-ordered time with your child? Learn the crucial first steps, from attempting communication to understanding your legal options for enforcement if talks fail. • Always try talking to the mother first to understand the reason for denied time. • If communication fails, seek legal counsel promptly. • Understand the "order to show cause" process for...

#ChooseGoldman Learn how Michigan law addresses changes to parenting time and custody schedules for summer breaks and holidays like Memorial Day. Discover why communication and flexibility are key to avoiding court conflicts. • Summer break itself usually doesn't warrant changing the main custody arrangement. • Vague "reasonable parenting time" orders may need clarification or modification for sum...

#ChooseGoldman If you're wondering how Michigan courts handle emergency custody situations, this video explains everything from legal definitions to what truly counts as an emergency. Attorney Akiva Goldman walks you through exactly what to expect during this urgent legal process. • Not every delay or argument qualifies as an emergency • Real emergencies involve danger or abandonment of the child...

#ChooseGoldman Creating a detailed parenting plan in Michigan helps avoid future conflict. Top family lawyer Akiva Goldman explains essential items to include, such as clear schedules for parenting time, holidays, communication rules, travel provisions, and addressing new partners, creating a roadmap for co-parenting. Define a clear parenting time schedule, including all holidays and school breaks...

#ChooseGoldman Can your ex take your child on a last-minute spring vacation? Learn the rules in Michigan based on custody, parenting time, and whether you should communicate or seek court permission first. Custody status determines rights and needs for vacation permission. Custodial parents likely don't need permission for non-interfering trips during their time. Non-custodial parents MUST communi...

#ChooseGoldman Find out how Michigan courts decide child custody today. It's not about whether you're mom or dad; it's about what's best for the child based on a detailed analysis. • Gender does not determine custody outcomes in Michigan anymore. • The "best interest of the child" standard is the primary focus for judges. • Courts carefully evaluate factors like home stability and parental ability...

#ChooseGoldman Wondering if mediation attendance is mandatory in Michigan? While not always a strict legal requirement unless the court orders it, practical realities often make your presence essential for successful negotiation and resolution in family law cases. • Attending mediation isn't legally required unless specifically ordered by the court; it's often driven by practical needs. • The prim...