DID YOU KNOW?
Child support amounts are based on the annual overnight schedule!
Based on recent changes to the Michigan Child Support Guidelines, support in Michigan is determined by a complex formula based in large part on the number of overnights that each party receives on an annual basis. A party receiving generous non-overnight parenting time will pay more support than a party receiving numerous overnights on an annual basis. Parties with equal income levels and equal annual overnights pay no child support. Equal annual overnights per party can result in substantially lower support payment requirements. This new formulation finally recognizes that parties providing substantial care for children are deserving of lowered child support obligations. Many existing support orders are based on outdated formulations prior to these amendments. However, this formulation also encourages less involved parents to insist on additional overnights in order to gain a reduction or elimination of support obligations, regardless of the children's best interest. If you face either of these situation, contact Dart Drouillard for a consultation that will explain all of your options in detail.
DID YOU KNOW?
Children cannot be moved out of Michigan without court ordered permission!
Moving children out of state or more than one hundred miles from their residence at the time of the divorce requires entry of a court order. Specifically, this is called a Domicile Order and can be granted or denied by a Circuit Court Judge after a trial. If your ex-spouse has removed the children from the state without a Domicile Order you should contact Dart Drouillard immediately. It is important that you file objections immediately because the Michigan Child Custody Jurisdiction Act states that Michigan loses jurisdiction after six months. Delays in hiring an attorney to fight a wrongful transfer are among the most common mistakes made by parents. Contact Dart Drouillard immediately if your ex-spouse intends to relocate to another jurisdiction without a court order.
DID YOU KNOW?
Recently, joint custody with equal overnight visitation is being commonly awarded to fathers in Michigan!