When traveling with minor children, all parents should plan ahead carefully. When you are divorced and sharing custody, it is critically important. If you are traveling with your shared minor children (particularly internationally), you absolutely should (1) bring a signed and executed copy of your Judgment of Divorce / Custody and Parenting Time Agreement with you and (2) have a signed and notarized letter from your co-parent authorizing you to travel with the minor children to present to airline and airport professionals upon request. If you have any questions about travel language and agreements relating to your divorce or post-judgment matter, please contact us.
We sat down with Metro-Detroit Real Estate Agents Alyse Robertelli and Candice VanSlembrouck of The Robertelli Team at Max Broock Realtors to discuss the real estate market as we conclude 2024 and enter 2025, as well as important things to know about your Marital Home, division and appraisal of equity in your home, and, future housing options. Should you have any questions about your Marital Home relating to your divorce or anything more generally, please contact us.
Lately, it is becoming more common for co-parents to express desired agreements and plans to pay for college and support non-minor adult children. I always advise that, yes, parties can make such agreements and arrangements, but enforcement, should there be a future conflict or dispute, becomes murky. In Michigan, there is no obligation to support a pay for college, advanced education or support a non-minor adult child. Once a child reaches the age of 18 (or, until age 19.5 if they are still in high school), they are not required to be supported no matter what a parent might think, hope or want. Agreements can be made about regular contributions to 529 plans, apportionment of college costs and other things like cars and the like – but, these are voluntary agreements that cannot be forced nor compelled by the Court for a parent to pay for or support adult children. Should you have any questions, please contact us.
Zoom has been around for a few years now, and, many court hearings remain on Zoom and will for the foreseeable future. Here are a few tips to best prepare for your upcoming Zoom hearing: (1) find a quiet, private space; (2) dress appropriately; (3) log on 5-10 minutes early identify yourself with your full legal name and case number.
Do you have a complete understanding of your finances? Are you aware of what you spend and your overall financial health? If not, you fall into the vast majority of people. While financial awareness is critical during the divorce process, anyone can benefit from working with a financial coach, like Kimberley Demarest of Be Knot Afraid, to ensure they are as informed, educated and aware as possible to empower themselves financially. If you have any questions about your marital estate and financial issues relating to your divorce, please contact us.
People sometimes ask me, “What if I file for divorce and then change my mind?” It happens. A Complaint for Divorce can be dismissed voluntarily with a one page court form by the moving party prior to entry of a Judgment of Divorce. Now, if you file, and your spouse files a Counter-Claim, and you want to dismiss and they do not, then, the case is moving forward. But, filing is just the beginning of the process – you have a few months at a minimum, if not considerably longer in many cases. And, I have seen it happen – if you file for divorce, finalize your divorce, and, decide you want to get back together…you still can! If you have any questions about the process and procedures in filing for divorce in Michigan, please contact us.
