At Alward Fisher, we know that pet owners treat their furry friends with the same love, respect, and care they give other beloved family members. While child and pet custody are two different legal issues, they are both complex and stressful for many couples during a divorce. Do Michigan Courts Treat Animals Like Children When Determining Custody? Michigan views pets as “property”. That means they might have to go through asset division like furniture, vehicles, or joint bank accounts. A court must divide assets based on what is fairest to both spouses. They could also consider the following ..read more

Divorce can be a turbulent time, and determining custody can be stressful for divorcing parents. It’s essential to understand what Michigan law says about fathers’ rights. Knowing your rights can help you make informed decisions for yourself and your child.  Child Custody Act and Michigan Custody Laws The Child Custody Act dictates parental rights in Michigan. This maps out the legal guidance for defining, determining, and assigning custody arrangements. According to the law, each parent has a right to custody of their child. A few factors the court will evaluate when determining custody ..read more

Is your ex-spouse not paying child support or constantly missing support payment deadlines? If you’ve tried to resolve this on your own and your ex still won’t pay the total amount on time or at all, a knowledgeable child support lawyer can help. We know and understand how frustrating it is to deal with a difficult ex-spouse. At Alward Fisher, we can handle paperwork and court appearances to relieve stress and help recover the child support you need. Contact our Michigan child support attorneys for a confidential consultation. Child Support in Michigan is the Responsibility of Both Parents In ..read more

When couples get attached to the family pet, it can create a contentious issue if they decide to get divorced. Neither spouse wants to give up their emotional bond to a beloved pet who has become a friend and family member. As a result, determining who gets the pet in a divorce may become one more dispute to resolve in an already challenging divorce proceeding. Fortunately, divorcing couples in Michigan have options for reaching a solution. How Are Pets Treated in Michigan Divorce Law? In Michigan, divorce law does not treat pets like children. Courts do not award “custody” of pets in divorce ..read more

You know the time is right to end your marriage, but you’re unsure about your legal options for dissolving the relationship. Is annulment or divorce right for you? Can you get an annulment in Michigan? There is a lot of confusion surrounding the concept of annulment and whether you can seek a marriage annulment in Michigan. At Alward Fisher, our savvy family law lawyers want to help you understand annulment and whether it is an option for you. What Is Annulment? Annulment is different than divorce. Divorce is a legal process for dissolving a valid marriage, allowing spouses to separate their l ..read more

If you have recently filed for divorce or your spouse has recently served you with divorce papers, you might be dreading the idea of protracted, costly, and adversarial court battles. While this image is the reality for many divorcing couples in Michigan, it does not always need to be this way. Mediation offers a more efficient, collaborative, and cost-effective means of getting through the challenging divorce process for couples who wish to dissolve their marriage. Understanding the pros and cons of divorce mediation can help you feel confident as you take steps toward the next phase of your ..read more

Child support is a legal obligation in which the noncustodial parent must provide financial support to the custodial parent or guardian for the care and upbringing of their children. The law recognizes children deserve financial assistance from both parents, even if those parents are not together. Generally speaking, this child support is meant to help the custodial parent pay for their child’s: Necessities, such as food, shelter, and clothing Healthcare, including insurance premiums, co-pays, prescriptions, medical, and dental expenses Education and related costs, including tuition, school f ..read more

If you’re considering filing for divorce, you might wonder if you can get a divorce without a lawyer. While it is possible to file for divorce in Michigan without a lawyer, the chances of obtaining a fair outcome increase significantly with effective legal representation.  Representing yourself in divorce proceedings can be stressful and time-consuming because of complex laws, tight deadlines, and lengthy paperwork. A divorce is challenging enough without the extra burden of handling a legal case. An experienced divorce attorney can offer sound advice and take care of all the legal detail ..read more

Chances are you have heard of prenuptial agreements, otherwise known as “prenups.” But what exactly are they, how do they work, and why is there so much stigma when it comes to these documents? A prenuptial agreement is a legal arrangement two individuals make before marriage. The agreement outlines how the couple will resolve certain key issues if the marriage ends in divorce. Most prenups include provisions regarding property division, spousal support, and inheritance rights. If the couple has or plans to have children, a prenup might also prearrange child support obligations. Read on for a ..read more

Child support covers the basic costs of raising a child — such as clothing, shelter, and food — as well as health insurance, education, and medical care. Michigan courts use a child support formula to determine how much one parent must pay the other. More on this below. Child support arrangements can lead to conflict after a divorce or separation. In many cases, an attorney is necessary to resolve conflicts when parents cannot do so among themselves. If you find yourself in this situation, the legal team at Alward Fisher, Attorneys at Law, are here to make sure you know your rights and options ..read more