Family Lawyer in Farmington Hills, Michigan

According to statistics from the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, there were 28,186 total divorces and annulments statewide in 2018, with 24,299 children involved. For many people in Michigan, family issues — including divorce, property division, alimony, child custody, support, and parenting time — are highly sensitive. In many cases, settling such family legal issues and relationship differences may take some psychological and emotional toll on all parties involved.

If you're concerned about the long-term wellbeing of your family, it is crucial that you consult with a knowledgeable Michigan family law attorney for proper guidance and experienced representation. For more than two decades, attorney Steven L. Rotenberg has been providing comprehensive legal guidance and reliable advocacy to clients in family law-related matters. Steven is available to discuss your unique situation and educate you about your possible legal options. As your legal counsel, he will fight to protect your legal rights, family's best interest, and future.

Steven L. Rotenberg, PLLC, is proud to represent clients across Bingham Farms, Monroe, Pontiac, Mount Clemens, and the metro Detroit, Michigan area.

Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements

A marital agreement is a legal document or contract that specifies how a couple's assets will be divided in the event of marital dissolution (divorce or legal separation) or the death of one spouse. Through marital agreements, couples are able to define expectations, protect their assets and children, pursue financial security, and prepare for life's uncertainties.

There are two types of marital agreements — prenuptial and postnuptial.

• Prenuptial Agreement: This is a marital agreement entered into by engaged couples before getting married.

• Postnuptial Agreement: This is a marital agreement entered into by the spouses after being married.

Whether you're just getting engaged, entering into a marriage, or already married, both you and your partner can benefit from establishing a marital agreement.

Divorce in Michigan

Michigan is a "no-fault" divorce state. This means that in order to get a divorce, you're not required to prove that your spouse was responsible for the marriage breakdown.

• Residential Requirement: In order to obtain a divorce in Michigan, you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months prior to filing.

• Waiting Period: There is a two-month waiting period for spouses without children before your divorce is finalized. Spouses with children will have to wait for six months to get their divorce.

Divorce in Michigan usually falls into two categories — uncontested or contested.

Uncontested Divorce

In an uncontested divorce, the spouses mutually agree on the essential terms and provisions of their divorce. The couples will establish a separation agreement outlining the important terms of the divorce settlement, such as asset division, alimony, child support, and custody. The agreed-upon terms will be filed with the court for official approval.

Contested Divorce

In a contested divorce, the spouses are unable to agree on one or more essential divorce settlement terms. Settling such issues may require court intervention. A judge will issue the divorce decree during the hearing. A knowledgeable attorney can help present your case and increase your chances of reaching the best available outcome.

Alimony & Spousal Support

Alimony or spousal support is court-ordered financial assistance made by the higher-wage-earning spouse to the non- or lower-wage-earning spouse during the divorce or for a period afterward. In Michigan, individuals can request spousal support if the requesting spouse can demonstrate a financial need and the other spouse can afford to pay. The type, amount, and duration of alimony will be determined using the following factors:

• The needs of each spouse

• The age and health of each party

• The financial situation of each party

• Each spouse's ability to work

• The property awarded to either spouse

Child Custody and Support

Before a divorce can be finalized, issues of child custody and support need to be addressed. The court will award custody according to the best interests and welfare of the child.

Child Custody

According to Michigan Compiled Laws Sections 722.23, to award custody based on the "best interest of the child," the court will consider the following factors:

• The love, affection, and other emotional ties existing between the parents and the child

• The ability and willingness of either parent to give the child love, affection, and guidance and to continue the education and raising of the child in his or her religion or creed

• The ability and willingness of the parent to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care, and other essential material needs

• The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment, and the desirability of maintaining continuity

• The permanence of the existing or proposed custodial home as a family unit

• The moral fitness of each parent

• The mental and physical health of each parent

• The home and school arrangements for the child

• The reasonable preference of the child

• The willingness and ability of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent

Child Support

To determine a fair amount in child support payments, the judge will consider the following factors:

• The child's needs

• The child's educational expenses

• The parents' income(s) and parenting time

• The number of children to support

• Certain spousal support orders

• Any other factor deemed relevant to the child's best interests

Work with a Knowledgeable
Family Law Attorney

Family legal issues are fiercely contested, and settling such disagreements often involves several complexities. It is important that you speak with a knowledgeable Michigan family law attorney for proper guidance and to make sure that your family issues are resolved as amicably as possible.

Attorney Steven L. Rotenberg has the experience and resources to assist, guide, and represent clients in family legal matters, including divorce, marital agreements, alimony, child custody, support, and parenting time. As your legal counsel, Steven L. Rotenberg will work diligently with all parties involved to settle family matters and resolve relationship differences peacefully and productively.

Whether you're trying to establish a prenup or postnuptial agreement, file for divorce, or establish alimony agreements, Steven L. Rotenberg can offer you the detailed guidance you need to make key decisions. Even if you need to determine child support, custody, or parenting time, Steven will help craft a feasible parenting agreement that works best for you and your family.