Family Law
Issues that arise in family law are challenging and emotional for everyone involved. Dealing with these issues with an experienced attorney that knows the law and how the family court works is important to achieve the best outcome for you and your family. Family Law includes Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Separate Maintenance, Spousal Support, Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements, Paternity, and Adoptions. Family law can encompass many other areas of law depending on each individual case and the issues that arise. We have the knowledge and understanding that you need to support you throughout this difficult time.
Divorce
Making the decision to divorce is a difficult and emotional choice whether you have children or not, but often it is the best choice for everyone involved. Studies have shown that children do better in two separate homes with two separate parents rather than living in one home with both parents in constant conflict. When a marriage reaches a level where differences are too great to overcome the best choice to make is to end the marriage and move on.
In a divorce with children you will be dealing with not only the Circuit Court system, but also the Friend of the Court system. Every Circuit Court Judge has Friend of the Court Referees assigned to their cases. It is important to understand both systems and how they work together.
We understand the complexities, deadlines, and process of divorce. Our experienced divorce attorneys will be there for you to explain and navigate you through the process making a difficult time easier for you.
Child Custody
Child custody can be one of the most challenging and difficult processes in divorce proceedings. Courts are required to make a determination on custody based on the “best interest” of the child. If custody is an issue, we know how and what to present to the court to persuade them to make the right decision. Our knowledgeable and skilled attorneys will make sure that you are well informed and that the best possible outcome is achieved.
Child Support
Michigan courts are required to use a child support formula to calculate child support. However, this does not mean that there is a “cookie-cutter” approach to child support. There are many factors and variables that contribute to the final child support amount. Child Support is an important aspect of a divorce with children. The Court takes child support very seriously. In the Court’s view every child has an inherent right to child support. Our attorneys understand the intricacies of the support formula to ensure that your child or children receive the amount that they deserve.
Spousal Support
Spousal support is not automatic and the courts and judges have wide discretion in granting spousal support. Spousal support awards are difficult to obtain. Michigan uses a formula to determine a spousal support amount that considers many different factors. Our attorneys know what is important to the courts and judges when deciding to award spousal support and will present the court with the best case for you to persuade them to award the spousal support that you need and deserve.
The attorneys at Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates have decades of experience handling family law cases. Make sure the law firm you select to handle your family law case is the right firm with the right experience to get the right result. DON’T WAIT AND GIVE US A CALL TODAY.