tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97352992023-11-15T13:37:01.050-05:00MICHIGAN FAMILY LAW ADVOCATETerry R. Bankert specializes in Michigan Family Law and Domestic Mediation.If you have issues concerning divorce, legal separation, Annulment, Custody changes, parenting time, child support, spousal support and grand parents rights please call and make an appointment. 1-810-235-1970. You are invited to sign up for our regular Family Law NewsletterUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-6559814657245243152019-11-27T16:16:00.000-05:002019-11-27T16:16:45.913-05:00CHANGING CHILD CUSTODY ATTORNEY TERRY BANKERT (810)235-1970<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
DID YOU KNOW.<br />
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MCL 722.27(1)(c) provides that in a custody dispute, a trial court, for the best interests of the child at the center of the dispute, may “modify or amend its previous judgments or orders for proper cause shown or because of change of circumstances.” </div>
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[Principle source e-journal #71713, Unpublished 11/14/19.No.349021. ]</div>
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But the court is not permitted to “modify or amend its previous judgments or orders or issue a new order so as to change the established custodial environment of a child unless there is presented clear and convincing evidence that it is in the best interest of the child.” MCL 722.27(1)(c).</div>
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“These initial steps to changing custody— finding a change of circumstance or proper cause and not changing an established custodial environment without clear and convincing evidence—are intended to erect a barrier against removal of a child from an established custodial environment and to minimize unwarranted and disruptive changes of custody orders.” Vodvarka v Grasmeyer, 259 Mich App 499, 509; 675 NW2d 847 (2003) (quotation marks omitted). </div>
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The first step in the analysis is to determine whether the moving party has established proper cause or a change of circumstances by a preponderance of the evidence. Id. at 508-509.</div>
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In McRoberts v Ferguson, 322 Mich App 125, 131-132; 910 NW2d 721 (2017), this Court explained: Proper cause means one or more appropriate grounds that have or could have a significant effect on the child’s life to the extent that a reevaluation of the child’s custodial situation should be undertaken. </div>
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In order to establish a change of circumstances, a movant must prove that, since the entry of the last custody order, the conditions surrounding custody of the child, which have or could have a significant effect on the child’s well-being, have materially changed.</div>
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To constitute a change of circumstances under MCL 722.27(1)(c), the evidence must demonstrate something more than the normal life changes (both good and bad) that occur during the life of a child, and there must be at least some evidence that the material changes have had or will almost certainly have an effect on the child. [Citations, quotation marks, and alterations omitted.] </div>
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With respect to the issue of “proper cause,” the criteria outlined in the statutory best</div>
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interest factors, MCL 722.23, “should be relied on by a trial court in deciding if a particular fact raised by a party is a ‘proper’ or ‘appropriate’ ground to revisit custody orders.” Vodvarka, 259 Mich App at 512. </div>
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In regard to “change of circumstances,” the relevance of facts presented should also “be[] gauged by the statutory best interest factors.” Id. at 514. “Although the threshold consideration of whether there was proper cause or a change of circumstances might be fact-intensive, the court need not necessarily conduct an evidentiary hearing on the topic.” Corporan, 282 Mich App at 605. </div>
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In Vodvarka, 259 Mich App at 512, this Court, addressing the threshold issue, observed: Obviously, trial courts must make this factual determination case by case. Although these decisions will be based on the facts particular to each case, we do not suggest that an evidentiary hearing is necessary to resolve this initial question. </div>
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Often times, the facts alleged to constitute proper cause or a change of circumstances will be undisputed, or the court can accept as true the facts allegedly comprising proper cause or a change of circumstances, and then decide if they are legally sufficient to satisfy the standard.</div>
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MCR 3.210(C)(8) provides: In deciding whether an evidentiary hearing is necessary with regard to a postjudgment motion to change custody, the court must determine, by requiring an offer of proof or otherwise, whether there are contested factual issues that must be resolved in order for the court to make an informed decision on the motion.</div>
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It is clear to us, and was effectively accepted by the trial court, that if the allegations set forth in plaintiff’s motion to modify custody are true, they would easily establish a change of circumstances and proper cause for purposes of revisiting the issue of custody under the statutory best-interest factors.</div>
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But the trial court found it problematic that plaintiff had not submitted any statements, affidavits, reports, or other documentary evidence to support the allegations, let alone evidence that was current and relevant. </div>
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The motion to modify custody was not verified, nor did plaintiff supply her own affidavit. MCR 3.210(C)(8) allowed the trial court to require “an offer of proof or otherwise” in relation to deciding whether to order an evidentiary hearing.</div>
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Under the circumstances of the case and given the remarks made by the trial court when ruling on the motion, the court’s hesitation and resistance at giving any weight to the allegations in plaintiff’s motion was plainly driven by the four CPS investigations instigated by plaintiff that resulted in determinations that allegations of abuse by defendant could not be substantiated.</div>
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The lack of substantiation, again and again, could reasonably call into question plaintiff’s motives and credibility on all matters.</div>
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The trial court appeared more than open to further considering a motion to modify custody if plaintiff would come forward with supporting documentary evidence, explaining why the court took the unusual step of denying the motion without prejudice.</div>
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Indeed, the record and the CPS history support the trial court’s decision to deny the motion to modify custody simply on the-1970 basis that plaintiff did not provide supporting documentation on the threshold issue of change of circumstances or proper cause."</div>
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Presented here by Terry Bankert Flint Divorce Attorney 810-235-1970 FlintFamilyLaw.com</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-80540560949160903672019-11-23T11:13:00.000-05:002019-11-23T11:13:15.231-05:00CHILD SUPPORT MODIFICATION<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">MODIFICATION OF CHILD SUPPORT</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-fb34030b-7fff-7906-5e36-62b9a2a61a81" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">In this economically hard time parents may need to modify their child support. Sometimes the original order called for no child support by agreement of the parties. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">www.attorneybankert.com</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">“ While it is true that a court can generally only modify orders for child support upon a showing of a change in circumstances justifying the modification, see MCL 552.17; Aussie v Aussie, 182 Mich App 454, 463; 452 NW2d 859 (1990), “[w]hen a court order does not provide for child support, such maintenance may later be provided by the court and does not depend upon a change of circumstances,” Johns v Johns, 178 Mich App 101, 106; 443 NW2d 446 (1989).”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">“When properly motioned for a change in child support the Court may deny the motion. The question then is has “...trial court correctly decided that it should not modify its previous child support order and that the parties should be held to their agreement that defendant not pay child support. MCL 552.605(3) states that a court is not prohibited “from entering a child support order that is agreed to by the parties and that deviates from the child support formula, if the requirements of subsection (2) are met.” (Emphasis added.)”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">“ MCL 552.605(2) states: (2) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the court shall order child support in an amount determined by application of the child support formula developed by the state friend of the court bureau as required in section 19 of the friend of the court act, MCL 552.519.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">“ The court may enter an order that deviates from the formula if the court determines from the facts of the case that application of the child support formula would be unjust or inappropriate and sets forth in writing or on the record all of the following:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> (a) The child support amount determined by application of the child support formula.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> (b) How the child support order deviates from the child support formula. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">(c) The value of property or other support awarded instead of the payment of child support, if applicable.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> (d) The reasons why application of the child support formula would be unjust or inappropriate in the case.”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">“In Burba v Burba, 461 Mich 637, 644; 610 NW2d 873 (2000), our Supreme Court held that “the criteria [in MCL 552.605(2)(a)-(d)] for deviating from the formula are mandatory.” 4 The Burba Court emphasized that “[t]he importance the Legislature attached to courts carefully articulating these factors when deviating from the formula cannot be underestimated, for the Legislature prescribed their use when courts deviate from the formula in no less than eight different sections of the Michigan Compiled Laws.” Id. “To impress upon the courts the gravity of deviating from the formula, the Legislature has required them to meticulously set forth these factors when deviating.” Id. at 645-646. “</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">“Thus, as required by MCL 552.605(2), when deviating from the formula, the trial court fulfills its statutory duty only when the court has articulated its rationale in accordance with subsection 2(a) through (d).” Peterson, 272 Mich App at 517. “ [Source and Unpublished Michigan Court of Appeals,11/14/19, case e-journal, #71700 Ncheugium v Tegadjourfrom Saginaw Circuit Court.]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">If you have additional questions about Divorce, child support or other Family Court Issues Please call Terry R. Bankert Attorney, 810-235-1970</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-81928134279547558652019-04-08T09:06:00.001-05:002019-04-08T09:06:46.232-05:00Changing childs legal Residence.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">HOW TO CHANGE THE LEGAL RESIDENCE OF A CHILD AFTER DIVORCE.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #3e4519; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Standard for Change of Legal Residence Motions</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Presented here by Terry Bankert Flint / Genesee County MI Family Law Lawyer (810) 235-1970, www.attorneybankert.com.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">§3.27</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> Where the court is called on to approve a change of legal residence over the other parent’s objection, </span><a href="https://www.icle.org/modules/repositories/probatesourcebook/CiteCheck.aspx?cite=722-31" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">MCL 722.31(4)</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> lists five factors to be considered, with the directive that the court’s primary focus is on the child:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">(a) Whether the legal residence change has the capacity to improve the quality of life for both the child and the relocating parent.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">(b) The degree to which each parent has complied with, and utilized his or her time under, a court order governing parenting time with the child, and whether the parent’s plan to change the child’s legal residence is inspired by that parent’s desire to defeat or frustrate the parenting time schedule.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">(c) The degree to which the court is satisfied that, if the court permits the legal residence change, it is possible to order a modification of the parenting time schedule and other arrangements governing the child’s schedule in a manner that can provide an adequate basis for preserving and fostering the parental relationship between the child and each parent; and whether each parent is likely to comply with the modification.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">(d) The extent to which the parent opposing the legal residence change is motivated by a desire to secure a financial advantage with respect to a support obligation.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">(e) Domestic violence, regardless of whether the violence was directed against or witnessed by the child.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><a href="https://www.icle.org/modules/repositories/probatesourcebook/CiteCheck.aspx?cite=722-31" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">MCL 722.31(4)</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> only requires that a court </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">consider </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">each listed factor and does not require a statement of its factual findings and conclusions with each factor as long as they were considered adequately enough to facilitate appellate review under </span><a href="https://www.icle.org/Modules/Repositories/MCR/rule.aspx?lib=repositories&book=mcr&chap=03&rule=3.210" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">MCR 3.210(D)(1)</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Yachcik v Yachcik</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">, </span><a href="https://www.icle.org/modules/mlo/cases/display.aspx?style=book&cite=319%20Mich%20App%2024" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">319 Mich App 24</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">, 900 NW2d 113 (2017).[JBB 3.]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> A court deciding a change of legal residence motion should first decide whether the movant has shown by a preponderance of the evidence that the change is warranted based on </span><a href="https://www.icle.org/modules/repositories/probatesourcebook/CiteCheck.aspx?cite=722-31" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">MCL 722.31(4)</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Rains v Rains</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">, </span><a href="https://www.icle.org/modules/mlo/cases/display.aspx?style=book&cite=301%20Mich%20App%20313" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">301 Mich App 313</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">, 326–327, 836 NW2d 709 (2013), </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">criticized on other grounds by Grange Ins Co v Lawrence</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">, </span><a href="https://www.icle.org/modules/mlo/cases/display.aspx?style=book&cite=494%20Mich%20475" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">494 Mich 475</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">, 835 NW2d 363 (2013).[JBB 3.]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> If the movant meets this burden, the court must decide if an established custodial environment exists. 301 Mich App at 327. If the court finds that there is an established custodial environment, it must next decide whether the change of residence would alter that environment. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Id. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">at 328. If the residence change will alter the established custodial environment, the movant must show by clear and convincing evidence that the move “is in the child’s best interest.” </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Id. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Caselaw supports that all of these issues may be dealt with in one evidentiary hearing. See </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Rains; Iwanska v Nielsen</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">, No 251396 (Mich Ct App Mar 23, 2004) (unpublished).[JBB 3.]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Presented here by Terry Bankert Flint / Genesee County MI Family Law Lawyer (810) 235-1970, www.attorneybankert.com.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-30832351049857603102019-04-05T14:56:00.001-05:002019-04-05T14:56:18.732-05:00FLINT DIVORCE LAWYER ,CHILD SUPPORT CUSTODY, FLINT ATTORNEY<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XVdbitYi3d4" width="459"></iframe><br />
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Daily internet new from Flint MI USAUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-26317458353477609512019-03-18T12:18:00.002-05:002019-03-18T12:18:27.405-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-f99996d3-7fff-5572-ffcc-b8f339ff6711"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SEPARATE MAINTENANCE</span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-f99996d3-7fff-5572-ffcc-b8f339ff6711"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FYI “Married persons may request separate maintenance because the parties have a religious objection to divorce, or want to stay married for other reasons.”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Source Michigan Family Law Benchbook, Ch 2 , Icle 2nd ED 2006</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“ Separate maintenance may allow both parties to have continued health care coverage, but some employers and heath insurance providers treat an action for separate maintenance as a triggering event disqualifying a nonemployee spouse from continued health insurance coverage. This is not uniformly applied by either employers or health insurance providers.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Presented here by Terry Bankert Flint Divorce attorney (810)-235-1970, www.attorneybankert.com</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“An action for separate maintenance is filed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a divorce. </span><a href="https://www.icle.org/modules/repositories/probatesourcebook/CiteCheck.aspx?cite=552-7" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MCL 552.7</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Either the plaintiff or the defendant must have resided in the state for at least 180 days and in the county of filing for at least 10 days immediately preceding the filing of the complaint. </span><a href="https://www.icle.org/modules/repositories/probatesourcebook/CiteCheck.aspx?cite=552-7" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MCL 552.7(1)</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="https://www.icle.org/modules/repositories/probatesourcebook/CiteCheck.aspx?cite=552-9" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.9(1)</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Both of these residency requirements are jurisdictional and must be met on the date of filing. If the requirements are not met, the action may be dismissed or the judgment set aside. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lewis v Lewis</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="https://www.icle.org/modules/mlo/cases/display.aspx?style=book&cite=153%20Mich%20App%20164" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">153 Mich App 164</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, 395 NW2d 44 (1986) (circuit court lacks jurisdiction in separate maintenance action if neither party met residency requirement before filing). See </span><a href="https://www.icle.org/Modules/Books/Chapter.aspx?lib=&book=2006553550&chapter=1#i2006553550-1-" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">chapter 1</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> for a complete discussion of the procedural requirements for a divorce.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“When the matter is concluded, the parties are still technically married, but the marital property may be divided, </span><a href="https://www.icle.org/modules/repositories/probatesourcebook/CiteCheck.aspx?cite=552-19" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MCL 552.19</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and the court may order support for a spouse who requires it, </span><a href="https://www.icle.org/modules/repositories/probatesourcebook/CiteCheck.aspx?cite=552-23" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MCL 552.23(1)</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“A separate maintenance action will result in a divorce judgment if the defendant files a counterclaim for divorce and the statutory grounds are established. </span><a href="https://www.icle.org/modules/repositories/probatesourcebook/CiteCheck.aspx?cite=552-7" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MCL 552.7(4)(b)</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“ If a party wishes to divorce after a final judgment has been issued in a separate maintenance action, the party should file an entirely new cause of action. Although many issues will already have been decided and are enforceable under the judgment, any remaining issues like dissolution of the marriage should occur under the new action.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“In </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kresnak v Kresnak</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="https://www.icle.org/modules/mlo/cases/display.aspx?style=book&cite=190%20Mich%20App%20643" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">190 Mich App 643</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, 476 NW2d 650 (1991), even though the husband died before the entry of the judgment, a property settlement agreement in a separate maintenance action was enforced where the parties had placed it on the record and it had been generally approved by the court. The general rule that the divorce court lacks jurisdiction to render a divorce after the death of one of the parties did not apply. The issue was not the severing of the relationship, but the enforcement of a contractually binding agreement. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Id. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">at 649–650.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“</span><a href="https://www.icle.org/modules/repositories/probatesourcebook/CiteCheck.aspx?cite=700-2801" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MCL 700.2801(1)</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> of the Estates and Protected Individuals Code excludes an individual from surviving spouse status when that individual is divorced from the decedent or the marriage has been annulled. A decree of separation does not terminate the status of husband and wife and is not a divorce for purposes of </span><a href="https://www.icle.org/modules/repositories/probatesourcebook/CiteCheck.aspx?cite=700-2801" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MCL 700.2801(1)</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. However, </span><a href="https://www.icle.org/modules/repositories/probatesourcebook/CiteCheck.aspx?cite=700-2801" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MCL 700.2801(2)(c)</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> provides that a surviving spouse does not include “[a]n individual who was a party to a valid proceeding concluded by an order purporting to terminate all marital property rights.” Although a judgment of separate maintenance does not terminate the status of husband and wife, it is a court proceeding “purporting to terminate all marital property rights.” But see </span><a href="https://www.icle.org/Modules/Books/Chapter.aspx?lib=&book=2006553550&chapter=2#i2006553550-2-4" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #002c77; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">§2.4</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(discussing same-sex marriage after </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Obergefell v Hodges</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, 576 US ___, 135 S Ct 2584 (2015)).”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Unless it provides to the contrary, a waiver of “all rights” in the property or estate of a spouse or a complete property settlement entered into after the marriage</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-78083056232444336372015-01-05T16:59:00.000-05:002015-01-05T16:59:10.868-05:00DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN TO LIVE WITH YOU?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When you feel your children would be better of living with you rather than your ex spouse who has child custody what can you do? #childcustody</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PROVE A PROPER CAUSE OR CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are several important steps the first discussed here is a court determination that a” change of circumstances exists.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Additional questions about change in custody can be found by contacting Flint Divorce Attorney Terry R. Bankert 1000 Beach St. Flint MI 810-235-1970 or </span><a href="mailto:terry@attorneybankert.com" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">terry@attorneybankert.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> #flintdivorce</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A RECENT DENIAL OF A FATHER'S MOTION TO CHANGE CUSTODY</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In a recent Michigan Court of Appeals Case, looking at Kent Circuit Court,LC No. 12-005913-DM case Defendant father appeals as of right a May 13, 2014 order, with several other issues, denying his motion for change of custody in regard to the parties’ minor child, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TO DETERMINE CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRES IS WHAT IS COMMONLY CALLED A VODVARKA HEARING</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Child custody modification of a custody order the controlling state statute is; MCL 722.27(1)(c) while the controlling case law is Vodvarka v Grasmeyer, 259 Mich App 499, 509; 675 NW2d 847 (2003). “</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When the Michigan Court of Appeals reviews a child custody modification of a County trial court decision, here </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kent Circuit Court,LC No. 12-005913-DM, to deny a motion for change in custody it determines whether the trial court's finding that there was no "change of circumstances" or "proper cause" was against the great weight of the evidence; MCL 722.28;[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Michigan Court of Appeals recently held that the trial court,Kent Circuit Court,LC No. 12-005913-DM</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> did not err by denying the defendant-father's motion for change of custody of the parties' minor child.[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Michigan Court of Appeals held that the trial court's, In the Kent case, finding that there was no change of circumstances or proper cause to support a change in custody was not against the great weight of the evidence.[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> "None of the allegations raised by father demonstrated the type of circumstances that would have had a significant effect on the child's life or well-being.[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> HOW A CHANGE OF CUSTODY DECISION IS MADE. THE FIRST HURDLE .</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A child custody award may only be modified after there has been “proper cause</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">shown or because of change of circumstances . . . .” MCL 722.27(1)(c). “[1]</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The movant, the parent that wants a change, of course has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that either proper cause or a change of circumstances exists . . . .” Vodvarka v Grasmeyer, 259 Mich App 499, 509; 675 NW2d 847 (2003). “ [1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Proper cause” sufficient to warrant revisiting a custody order “means one or</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">more appropriate grounds that have or could have a significant effect on the child’s life to the extent that a reevaluation of the child’s custodial situation should be undertaken.” Id. at 511.[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE COURT LOOKS AT FACTS THAT HAVE CHANGED SINCE THE ENTRY OF THE LAST ORDER THAT ARE IMPORTANT OR MATERIAL TO THE CHILDS BEST INTEREST</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To demonstrate a change of circumstances meriting consideration of a custody change, “a movant must prove that, since the entry of the last custody order, the conditions surrounding custody of the child, which have or could have a significant effect on the child’s well-being, have materially ]changed.” Id. at 513. [1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“[T]he evidence must demonstrate something more than the normal life changes (both good and bad) that occur during the life of a child, and there must be at least some evidence that the material changes have had or will almost certainly have an effect on the child.” Id. at 513-514. [1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the Kent Circuit Court,LC No. 12-005913-DM case the court did not find the required change in circumstances</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As stated above a child-custody award may only be modified after there has been “proper cause shown or because of change of circumstances . . . .” MCL 722.27(1)(c). [2]</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The purpose of the proper cause or change-of-circumstances requirement is “to ‘erect a barrier against removal of a child from an established custodial environment and to minimize unwarranted and disruptive changes of custody orders.’” Vodvarka v Grasmeyer, 259 Mich App 499, 509; 675 NW2d 847 (2003), [2]</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> None of the allegations raised by father demonstrated the type of circumstances that would have had a significant effect on the child’s life or well-being. See Vodvarka, 259 Mich App at 512-513.[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> At most, father’s allegations amount to nothing more than normal life changes for the child or minor inconveniences to father in his attempts to interact with mother. See id. at 512-514.[1]</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While it is true that “a stipulation by the parties regarding a matter of law is not binding</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">on a court,” see Staff v Johnson, 242 Mich App 521, 529; 619 NW2d 57 (2000),the Michigan Court of Appeals cannot characterize the factually based change-of-circumstances issue as purely a “matter of law.” In Vodvarka, 259 Mich App at 512, the Court stated, “Often . . ., the facts alleged to constitute proper cause or a change of circumstances will be undisputed, or the court can accept as true the</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">facts allegedly comprising proper cause or a change of circumstances, and then decide if they are legally sufficient to satisfy the standard.”[2]</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Washtenaw Circuit Court LC No. 13-001155-DC the consent order did not reflect a clear temporary arrangement. Instead, it explicitly stated, “the parties stipulate that the parties minor child shall attend kindergarten in the State of Michigan until there is a determination of change of custody” (emphasis added).[2]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The parties stipulated on July 29, 2013, that there was, in fact, a change of circumstances, and the legal standard was satisfied. Vodvarka, 259 Mich App512.[2]</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 2pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Under all the circumstances, the Michigan Court of Appeals found “we conclude that the Washtenaw Circuit Court LC No. 13-001155-DC ultimately erred in finding no change of circumstances sufficient to warrant a revisiting of the original custody order.[2]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have additional questions about change in custody please contact Flint Divorce Lawyer Terry R. Bankert 1000 Beach ST. Flint MI 810-235-1970 or terry@attorneybankert.com</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Source [1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">STATE OF MICHIGAN COURT OF APPEALS,Before: M.J. KELLY, P.J., and BECKERING and SHAPIRO, JJ.PER CURIAM.,UNPUBLISHED November 20, 2014</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">v No. 322082 Kent Circuit Court,LC No. 12-005913-DM</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Source [2]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">STATE OF MICHIGAN COURT OF APPEALS</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">UNPUBLISHED November 18, 2014 v No. 320871</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Washtenaw Circuit Court LC No. 13-001155-DC</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">e-Journal Number: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">58667</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-399602799291158402013-10-20T12:13:00.001-05:002013-10-20T12:14:48.290-05:00GRANDPARENT VISITATION STOPPED BY GUARDIAN WAS WRONG.Flint Divorce Attorney Terry Bankert 810-235-1970<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-07898d92-d6d9-3303-8a08-fefb2194ecae"><br /><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span>
<br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-07898d92-d6d9-3303-8a08-fefb2194ecae"><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#TERRY TALKS “Ideas worth sharing “</span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-07898d92-d6d9-3303-8a08-fefb2194ecae">
<br /><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-07898d92-d6d9-3303-8a08-fefb2194ecae"><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#GUARDIANS DENIAL OF GRANDPARENT VISITATION WRONG!</span></span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-07898d92-d6d9-3303-8a08-fefb2194ecae">
<br /><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Terry R. Bankert P.C., 810-235-1970, Ideas Worth Sharing of Flint, of the law, and by Flint Michigan People. See also Facebook Group WWW.terrytalks.com</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DATE: 10/20/13 </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TIME:12:00 PM</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here the “Plaintiff alleges that the trial court erred by allowing defendant, the guardian, to utilize the fit parent presumption of MCL 722.27b(4)(b) to deny grandparent visitation. We </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (Michigan Court of Appeals) agree</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">see: </span><a href="http://www.terrytalks.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; color: #1155cc; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.terrytalks.com</span></a><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Issues:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Motion for grandparent visitation (MCL 722.27b);</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Whether the trial court properly allowed the intervening defendant (the guardian) to utilize the "fit parent presumption" of MCL 722.27b(4)(b) to deny grandparent visitation; </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whitman v. City of Burton</span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In re Receivership of 11910 S. Francis Rd.</span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Johnson v. Recca</span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">People v. Peltola</span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In re Hurd-Marvin Drain</span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Michigan Basic Prop. Ins. Ass'n v. Office of Fin. & Ins. Regulation</span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maple Grove Twp. v. Misteguay Creek Intercounty Drain Bd</span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.; </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Miller-Davis Co. v. Ahrens Constr., Inc</span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.;</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. MCL 722.27b(1)(e);</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Whether the trial court appropriately allowed the guardian to "step into the shoes" of the parent for purposes of MCL 722.27b(4)(b); MCL 700.5215;</span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In re Beck</span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">University Ctr., Inc. v. Ann Arbor Pub. Schs.</span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hunter v. Hunter</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">COURTS INVOLVED</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Court: </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Michigan Court of Appeals (Published)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FOR PUBLICATION,September 26, 2013 ,9:00 a.m. [2]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Case Name: </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Book-Gilbert v. Greenleaf ,No. 308755 ,[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PRINCIPAL SOURCE e-Journal Number: </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">55461</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MICHIGAN COURT OF APPEALS Judge(s): </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Per Curiam – Fort Hood, Fitzgerald, and Ronayne Krause</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #dedfde; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE LOCAL,LOWER,TRIAL COURT ERRED IN ALLOWING INTERVENING GUARDIAN TO STEP INTO A FIT PARENTS PRESUMPTION WHEN DECIDING ON GRANDPARENT VISITATION. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The court held that the trial court erred by allowing intervening defendant-Tyndall (the guardian and relative of the minor child's deceased mother) to utilize the fit parent presumption of MCL 722.27b(4)(b) to deny grandparent visitation to intervening plaintiff-McCallister and by allowing a guardian to "step into the shoes" of a fit parent for purposes of MCL 722.27b(4)(b).</span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MICHIGAN COURT OF APPEALS REVERSES LOWER COURT/TRIAL COURT ORDER AND DENY’S THE GRANDPARENT MOTION FOR VISITATION</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thus, the court reversed the family court order [...AND...] denying plaintiff's (the minor child's paternal grandmother) motion for grandparent visitation, and remanded. "[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE TRIAL COURT RELIED ON MCL 722.27b(4)9b)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The trial court held that MCL 722.27b(4)(b) provided that deference was to be given to the decision of a fit parent to deny grandparenting time, and it was presumed that the denial of parenting time "does not create a substantial risk of harm to the child's mental, physical, or emotional health.""[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE LOWER COURT DID NOT DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN A GUARDIAN AND PARENT</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It acknowledged that defendant was not a parent, but a guardian. Nonetheless, it held that defendant had the right to make decisions as a fit parent, the right to deny grandparenting time, and plaintiff failed to overcome the presumption."[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE LEGISLATURE DID NOT INCLUDE GUARDIAN IN THE LAW</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The court held that the trial court's holding was contrary to the plain language of MCL 722.27b(4)(b), which grants "fit parents" a presumption as to the denial of grandparenting time. The Legislature could have afforded a presumption to "custodians" or "guardians" of a grandchild, but did not include such language. "[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">GUARDIANS DO NOT GET THE SAME DEFERENCE A PARENT WOULD.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The court cannot read into a statute what the Legislature did not include, and permitting guardians or custodians to derive the benefit of the fit parent presumption would require it to rewrite the statute"[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Defendant contended that a guardianship encompasses parental responsibilities, and thus, the trial court appropriately allowed the guardian to "step into the shoes" of the parent for purposes of MCL 722.27b(4)(b).[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The court held that despite the definition of guardian found in MCL 700.5215, there was no indication that the definition may be incorporated into the provisions of MCL 722.27b(4)(b).[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> "The statutes fail to address the same subject matter, and they cannot be read </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">in pari materia</span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">." More importantly, the court held that there are distinct differences between a natural parent and a guardian such that it would be inappropriate to read the term guardian into the text of the fit parent presumption of MCL 722.27b(4)(b) in the absence of a legislative provision.[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PARENTS HAVE A FUNDAMENTAL LIBERTY INTEREST GUARDIANS DO NOT </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> "Specifically, parents have a fundamental liberty interest in the care, custody, and control of their children.""[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> "The presumption to a fit parent reflects the elevated status and rights a parent has to a minor child..[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">" Further, a fit parent has a relationship to the grandparents "such that an informed decision may be made regarding the propriety of grandparent visitation. "[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On the contrary, a guardian or custodian of a grandchild may or may not have a relationship with the grandparent, and, in the absence of a relationship, could not make an informed decision regarding the risk of harm to a child during visitation."[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SOURCE</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">[1]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PRINCIPAL SOURCE e-Journal Number: </span><span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">55461 Mostly the incited text</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">[2]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">STATE OF MICHIGAN COURT OF APPEALS ,ASHLEE BOOK-GILBERT, Plaintiff, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> andHEATHER MCCALLISTER, Intervening-Plaintiff-Appellant, FOR PUBLICATION </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">September 26, 2013 ,9:00 a.m. ,JERRY RYAN GREENLEAF Defendant, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> And ANGELA TYNDALL, Guardian of XXXXX, Minor, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Intervening-Defendant-Appellee.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">[trb]</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #e4d7d7; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TERRY BANKERT comments are in BLOCK HEADLINE or quoted [trb]</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-54715448304132158852013-01-28T22:59:00.000-05:002013-01-28T22:59:12.182-05:00Can you change a divorce judgement if the other side misrepresents a fact.? Yes but it is not easy.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.09697981459045612" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">GOOD MORNING FLINT! date: 01/29/13</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-----</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Can you change a divorce judgement if the other side misrepresents a fact.? Yes but it is not easy.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If you do not take an online credit counselingbefore can you fiie for chapter 7 Bankruptcy? No.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">By Terry R. Bankert [trb] </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">terry@attorneybankert.com</span><br /><a href="http://www.attorneybankert.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">www.attorneybankert.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> ,</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/attorneybankert"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">https://www.facebook.com/attorneybankert</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, Flint Divorce & Bankruptcy 810-235-1970</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">DIVORCE</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Issue:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Motion for relief from a FOC judgment; MCR 2.612(C)(1)(c); </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rose v. Rose</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">; "Misrepresentation";</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Titan Ins. Co. v. Hyten</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">; </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">An action or conduct as a representation; </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">M&D, Inc. v. W.B. McConkey</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">; Requirement that a party's reliance on a misrepresentation be "reasonable"; </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Court: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Michigan Court of Appeals (Unpublished) 12/18/12</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">No. 302389,Manistee Circuit Court,, LC No. 02-011013-DM</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Case Name: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Niell v. Schmoke</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">e-Journal Number: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">53532</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Judge(s): </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Per Curiam – Hoekstra, Borrello, and Boonstra</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This Court reviews for an abuse of discretion a trial court’s decision to grant or deny</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">relief from judgment. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yee v Shiawassee Co Bd of Comm’rs</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, 251 Mich App 379, 404; 651 NW2d</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">756 (2002). An abuse of discretion occurs when the trial court selects an outcome that falls</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">outside the range of principled outcomes.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Ewald v Ewald</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, 292 Mich App 706, 725; 810 NW2d</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">396 (2011). Further, this Court reviews a trial court’s findings of fact for clear error.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">McNamara v Horner </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, 249 Mich App 177, 182; 642 NW2d 385 (2002). The trial court’s findings of fact are clearly erroneous if, after review of the entire record, this Court is left with the definite and firm conviction that a mistake was made.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Id</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">. at 182-183.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Holding that the trial court erred in modifying the FOC judgment on the basis of an alleged misrepresentation by the plaintiff-ex-wife, the court vacated the trial court's order granting the defendant-ex-husband's motion under MCR 2.612(C)(1)(c) for relief from the judgment. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN GRANTING DEFENDANT RELIEF FROM</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">JUDGMENT BASED ON MISREPRESENTATION</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">MCR 2.612(C) provides in relevant part:</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">(1) On motion and on just terms, the court may relieve a party or the legal</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">representative of a party from a final judgment, order, or proceeding on the</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">following grounds:</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">* * *</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">(c) Fraud (intrinsic or extrinsic), misrepresentation, or other misconduct of</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">an adverse party.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A motion brought under MCR 2.612(C)(1)(c) must be brought within one year after judgment</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">was entered. MCR 2.612(C)(2). This Court has held that relief from a judgment will generally</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">only be granted in extraordinary circumstances and where the failure to grant the relief would</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">result in a substantial injustice.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Gillispie v Bd of Tenant Affairs of the Detroit Housing Comm</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">,</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">145 Mich App 424, 427-428; 377 NW2d 864 (1985). See also</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rose v Rose</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, 289 Mich App 45,</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">58; 795 NW2d 611 (2010) (recommending “[c]autious application of MCR 2.612(C)(1) in</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">divorce cases”).</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A motion brought under MCR 2.612(C)(1)(c) must be brought within one year after judgment</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">was entered. MCR 2.612(C)(2). This Court has held that relief from a judgment will generally</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">only be granted in extraordinary circumstances and where the failure to grant the relief would</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">result in a substantial injustice. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Gillispie v Bd of Tenant Affairs of the Detroit Housing Comm</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">,</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">145 Mich App 424, 427-428; 377 NW2d 864 (1985). See also </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rose v Rose</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, 289 Mich App 45,</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">58; 795 NW2d 611 (2010) (recommending “[c]autious application of MCR 2.612(C)(1) in</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">divorce cases”).</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">However, the court remanded the case for further factual development to determine whether defendant may be entitled to relief from the judgment on other grounds. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The dispute involved a provision in the parties' consent judgment of divorce as to the payment of uninsured medical expenses for their children. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The elements of misrepresentation are:</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">(1) That [a party] made a material representation; (2) that it was false; (3) that</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">when he made it he knew that it was false, or made it recklessly, without any</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">knowledge of its truth and as a positive assertion; (4) that he made it with the</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">intention that it should be acted upon by [the other party]; (5) that [the other</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">party] acted in reliance upon it; and (6) that he thereby suffered injury. Each of</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">these facts must be proved with a reasonable degree of certainty, and all of them</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">must be found to exist; the absence of any one of them is fatal to recovery. [</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">TitanIns Co v Hyten </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, 491 Mich 547, 555; 817 NW2d 562 (2012) (internal citations</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">omitted)].</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">BANKRUPTCY</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">EASTERN DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">SOUTHERN DIVISION</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In re: Case No. 12-66018</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">KEEGAN LEE MALLOCH, pro se, Chapter 7</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Debtor. Judge Thomas J. Tucker</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> /</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">ORDER DISMISSING CASE</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">On November 29, 2012, Debtor filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 7,</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">commencing this case. On December 4, 2012, Debtor filed a “Certificate of Counseling”</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">(Docket # 14), which states that on December 3, 2012, Debtor received “an individual [or group] briefing that complied with the provisions of 11 U.S.C. §§ 109(h) and 111.”</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Debtor is not eligible to be a debtor in this case under 11 U.S.C. § 109(h)(1). That</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">provision provides in relevant part, that</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">an individual may not be a debtor under this title unless such</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">individual has, during the 180-day period ending on the date of</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">filing the petition by such individual, received from an approved</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">nonprofit budget and credit counseling agency described in section</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">111(a) an individual or group briefing (including a briefing</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">conducted by telephone or on the Internet) that outlined the</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">opportunities for available credit counseling and assisted such</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">individual in performing a related budget analysis. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Debtor only received a credit counseling briefing four days after filing the bankruptcy petition.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">With exceptions not applicable here, 11 U.S.C. § 109(h)(1) requires a debtor to obtain a credit</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">counseling briefing on or before the date of filing the bankruptcy petition.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Accordingly,</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">IT IS ORDERED that this case is dismissed.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Signed on December 18, 2012</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-13020982610972832132013-01-27T20:33:00.001-05:002013-01-27T20:33:28.566-05:00Can dad get custody after mom attempts suicide, domestic violence, mental illness?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.18931594209761004" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">GOOD MORNING FLINT! date 01/27/13</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">HYPOTHETICAL NOT CONCERNING A CURRENT OR PREVIOUS CLIENT. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Ex Spouse has a history of mental illness, four suicide attempts and is diagnosed as bipolar. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">By Terry R. Bankert [trb] </span><a href="mailto:terry@attorneybankert.com"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">terry@attorneybankert.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><a href="http://www.attorneybankert.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">www.attorneybankert.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> , </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/attorneybankert"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">https://www.facebook.com/attorneybankert</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, Flint Divorce & Bankruptcy 810-235-1970</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Spouse has an arrest for domestic violence with witnesses. She moved multiple times, for a total of 92 miles away. She quit her job in order to move. She was granted custody and refused husbands parenting time. Can husband get custody of his children?</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The beginning point or foundation for this analysis concerns the underlying most recent order and the question What is new. I will presume the mental illness, suicide attempts and bipolar diagnosis existed before the last order. New is the domestic violence, multiple moves, 92 mile move and refusing parenting time. A petition for a change of custody on these facts would not be frivolous. Pull together as much of a record of events as your can and hire an attorney.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Child Custody Act authorizes a trial court to modify child custody orders “for proper cause shown or because of change of circumstances,” and if in the child’s best interests.</span><a href="http://www.legislature.mi.gov/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-722-27"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">MCL 722.27(1)(c)</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“A trial court may not modify or amend its previous custody judgment or orders so as to</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">change the established custodial environment “unless there is presented clear and convincing</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">evidence that it is in the best interest of the child.” MCL 722.27(1)(c). To determine the child’s</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">best interests, the lower court must consider the eleven factors set forth in MCL 722.23.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Bowers v Bowers </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, 190 Mich App 51, 54-55; 475 NW2d 394 (1991). It must expressly evaluate each</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">factor and state its reasons for granting or denying the custody request on the record.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dailey v Kloenhamer </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, 291 Mich App 660, 667; 811 NW2d 501 (2011).” see Evan v Dickinson , Montcalm Circuit COurt 95-000895-DP, Michigan Court of Appeals 12/12/12 unpublished.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-62810387615481170042012-09-11T06:33:00.000-05:002012-09-11T16:21:29.175-05:00FLINT BANKRUPTCY, ARKANAS COACH JOHN SMITH FILED, YOU CAN FILE CHAPTER SEVEN , ITS NO JOKE BEING BROKE, 235-1970<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FLINT BANKRUPTCY REPORT 235-1970- You are not alone when filing for Bankruptcy. “ Arkansas coach John L. Smith filed a Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition Thursday for debts he incurred through real estate investments in Kentucky.”[1]</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Smith told The Associated Press in July he expected to make the filing but also was trying to avoid it.[1]</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chapter Seven Bankruptcy is not just for the traditional poor or just regular folks.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">The AP also reported that one of Smith's former partners, John Mason, filed for bankruptcy in December in Kentucky, listing Smith as one of his creditors. In his bankruptcy filing, Mason listed liabilities totaling between $10 million and $50 million.<br />
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Mason's filing listed $250,000 in debt to one of Smith's investment limited liability corporations, while also listing an unknown amount of debt to Smith personally. The filing also listed numerous banks as creditors, with Fifth Third Bank in North Carolina listed as the largest.[2</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">[2]See <a href="http://www.arkansassports360.com/86792/arkansas-razorbacks-coach-john-l-smith-files-for-bankruptcy">http://www.arkansassports360.com/86792/arkansas-razorbacks-coach-john-l-smith-files-for-bankruptcy</a> </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bankruptcy filing start with submission of schedules that show your debt and assets.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bankruptcy debt relief can involve millions of dollars. “Documents filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Western District of Arkansas show Smith has assets of between $1 million and $10 million and debts of between $10 million and $50 million. The filing is preliminary and more details will be added to the record later.”[1]</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You may say I want a Chapter Seven Bankruptcy “A Chapter 7 filing is used to liquidate debts, as opposed to chapters 11 and 13 which are used for reorganization”[1]</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bankruptcy gives you a fresh start. “Smith discussed his dismal financial condition during the summer because he didn’t want his situation to become a distraction when the No. 8 Razorbacks started playing games.”[1]</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why are you in Bankruptcy? Here’s Smiths reason. “Smith said in July that he began the land investments when he was coaching Louisville from 1998-2002 and that he and other investors lost money when the real estate market softened.”[1]</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The fresh start of Bankruptcy and its fresh start allows you to stay focused on the issues of life. I am sure Arkansa supporters want Smith not to be distracted. </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“After Arkansas fired Bobby Petrino in the spring, Smith came on board for a 10-month contract worth $850,000. He left Weber State, where he had accepted the head coaching job.”[1]</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Athletic director Jeff Long told the AP that Smith had been candid about his financial situation and he didn’t hold it against him, especially considering the economy.[1]</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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Smith said in July that he began the land investments when he was coaching
Louisville from 1998-2002 and that he and other investors lost money when the
real estate market softened.<br />
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[3] see <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/sec/story/2012-09-06/arkansas-coach-john-l-smith-chapter-7-bankruptcy/57653346/1">http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/sec/story/2012-09-06/arkansas-coach-john-l-smith-chapter-7-bankruptcy/57653346/1</a><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Arkansas spokesman Derek Satterfield said he didn’t anticipate the program would issue a statement Thursday.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Messages were left seeking comment from Smith’s attorney, Jill Jacoway of Fayetteville.[1]</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">YOU SHOULD NOT BE EMBARRASSED TO FILE FOR BANKRUPTCY SMITH IS NOT</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Smith said in July he didn’t want his financial woes to impact the school."From a personal standpoint, I don’t want the university being embarrassed, but I’m not embarrassed," Smith said at the time. "It’s something that’s happened. I made some mistakes, and to be honest with you, I’m a football coach, not a businessman."[1]</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For your Bankruptcy information call 810-235-1970 Terry Bankert for your Genesee County Michigan Bankruptcy.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">[1]</span><br />
<a href="http://www.standard.net/stories/2012/09/06/arkansas-smith-files-chapter-7-bankruptcy"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> standard.net/stories/2012/09/06/arkansas-smith-files-chapter-7-bankruptcy</span></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-34473951842362685152012-09-09T13:00:00.000-05:002012-09-09T13:00:26.477-05:00MOM THOUGHT JUDGEMENT OF DIVORCE GAVE HER A GUARANTEED PATH TO JOINT PHYSICAL CUSTODY. IT WAS NOT AUTOMATIC. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MOM THOUGHT SHE HAD A DEAL TO GET JOINT PHYSICAL LATER BUT SHE DID NOT ARGUE HER MOTION RIGHT.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Flint Divorce Lawyer Terry Bankert , 235-1970, discusses several family law Issues recently found in an unpublished Court of Appeals opinion. The full opinion is attached.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Michigan Court of Appeals in reaching its opinion said “In reaching this conclusion, we are “[e]ver mindful that our Legislature’s intent underlying the <strong>Child Custody</strong> Act was to ‘minimize the prospect of unwarranted and disruptive <strong>change of custody</strong> orders and to erect a barrier against removal of a child from an established custodial environment, except in the most compelling cases[.]’” Foskett, 247 Mich App at 6 (emphasis in original), quoting Baker v Baker, 411 Mich 567, 577; 309 NW2d 532 (1981).</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The issues presented were : </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1.Divorce; Change of custody; </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Foskett v. Foskett</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Vodvarka v. Grasmeyer</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">;</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Hayford v. Hayford</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2.Whether this was a change of custody or the implementation of the "conditional custody order" in the divorce judgment; </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hayes v. Hayes</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wilson v. Taylor</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3.Proper cause or change of circumstance (PC or COC); </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">McIntosh v. McIntosh</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Court: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Michigan Court of Appeals (Unpublished). The </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Case Name: xxxxx</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> v. xxxxx</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">UNPUBLISHED August 21, 2012 No. 308247 from Lapeer Circuit Court LC No. 09-041666-DM</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE COURT OF APPEALS REVIEWS THE FINDING OF THE LOWER COURT.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Court found that since the trial court failed to articulate factors that were not normal life changes in support of its finding of a change of circumstance or proper cause, the court held that it was unable to determine whether the threshold showing had been met.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WHEN A CUSTODY ISSUE IS REVIEWED WHAT DOES THE COURT LOOK AT?</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">II. STANDARD OF REVIEW</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Three different standards of review apply in child custody cases. Foskett v Foskett, 247</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mich App 1, 4; 634 NW2d 363 (2001). </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. The Michigan Court of Appeals reviews the trial court’s “choice, interpretation, or application of existing law” for clear legal error. Id. at 4-5.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. The Michigan Court of Appeals reviews the trial court’s findings of fact, such as the finding of an established custodial environment, under the great weight of theevidence standard, and “this [C]ourt will sustain the trial court’s factual findings unless the evidence clearly preponderates in the opposite direction.” Id. at 5 (internal quotations andcitation omitted); see also Vodvarka v Grasmeyer, 259 Mich App 499, 507; 675 NW2d 847 (2003).</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3.The Michigan Court of Appeals reviews the trial court’s discretionary rulings “for an abuse of discretion,including a trial court’s determination on the issue of custody.” Foskett, 247 Mich App at 5. “An abuse of discretion occurs when the decision resulted in an outcome falling outside the</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">range of principled outcomes.” Hayford v Hayford, 279 Mich App 324, 325; 760 NW2d 503</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(2008).</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE MOVING PARTY MUST PRESENT EVIDENCE THAT MEETS THE THRESHOLD </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Without this threshold showing, the plaintiff-father's claims relating to the best interest analysis or the preferences of the children were premature.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Thus, the court reversed the trial court's order granting defendant-mother's motion to change custody of the parties' minor children and remanded. [ Sent it back to the lower court ].</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BACKGROUND- FATHER GRANTED SOLE PHYSICAL CUSTODY AND HE IS PLANNING TO MOVE.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The parties were married for over 10 years and had 2 children together, a son and daughter. The judgment of divorce was entered on 9/10/10, and the trial court ordered joint legal custody but sole physical custody to plaintiff, who was planning to move with the children to Midland, Michigan. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MOM HAD PARENTING TIME</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Defendant's parenting time was every other weekend and every Wednesday (non-overnight) during the school year. Summer vacations and other holidays were divided equally. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE COURT ORDERED DAD COULD MOVE TO MIDLAND, IF MOM MOVES SHE CAN REQUEST SHARED PHYSICAL CUSTODY</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The trial court also ordered that plaintiff was allowed to move to Midland with the children and if defendant moved there as well, she could request the physical custody of the minor children to be shared. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DAD MOVED MOTHER FOLLOWED</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After the judgment of divorce was entered, plaintiff moved to Midland with the children. Defendant moved there in 10/11. She filed a motion to change custody, requesting joint physical custody and parenting time on a week on/week off basis.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TRIAL COURT CHANGED PHYSICAL CUSTODY TO JOINT PER THE PREVIOUS ORDER</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The trial court found that "maybe" the children needed more time with defendant and that it was in their best interests to modify custody. The trial court granted joint physical custody and every other week parenting time. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MOM ARGUED THIS WAS NOT A CHANGE IN CUSTODY BECAUSE OF LANGUAGE IN THE JUDGEMENT</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Defendant asserted that this was not really a change of custody, but merely the implementation of the conditional custody order in the judgment of divorce. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE MICHIGAN COURT OF APPEALS SAID THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, while the judgment of divorce included a statement that defendant could relocate to Midland and petition to change custody, there was no language guaranteeing that her request would be granted. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">COURT ORDERS DO NOT DECIDE IF THERE IS A CUSTODIAL ENVIRONMENT</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The court also has held that court orders are "irrelevant" for issues like determining the existence of an established custodial environment or the burden of proof in change custody actions. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MOM DID NOT CITE ANY CASE LAW TO DIRECT THE COURT THAT IT IS NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE A CUSTODY HEARING</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Further, defendant failed to cite any case law to support a finding that conditional language in custody orders implies that the court may dispense with the change of custody analysis. Thus, the court construed this action as a "change of custody case."</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MOTHER WAS REQUIRED TO SHOW THERE WAS A PROPER CAUSE OR CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCE</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the moving party in a change of custody action, defendant MOTHER “has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that either proper cause or a change of circumstances exists” to justify a modification of custody. Vodvarka, 259 Mich App at 509. The finding of proper cause or change of circumstance must be determined “before the trial court can consider whether an established custodial environment exists (thus establishing the burden of proof) and conduct a review of the best interest factors.” Id. (emphasis in original). </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WAS THIS CHANGE PROVEN BY A PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hence, in order to reach plaintiff’s claims about the established custodial environment or the best interest factors, the court must first must determine that the trial court correctly found that a preponderance of the evidence established proper cause or change of circumstance.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PROPER CAUSE MUST BE FOUND</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“[P]roper cause means one or more appropriate grounds that have or could have a</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">significant effect on the child’s life to the extent that a reevaluation of the child’s custodial</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">situation should be undertaken.” Vodvarka, 259 Mich App at 511. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BIG FACTS NOT LITTLE FACTS ARE NEEDED </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The grounds relied upon “must be of a magnitude to have a significant effect on the child’s well-being to the extent that revisiting the custody order would be proper.” Id. at 512. In order to establish a change of circumstance, “a movant must prove that, since the entry of the last custody order, the conditions surrounding custody of the child, which have or could have a significant effect on the child’s well-being, have materially changed.” Id. at 513 (emphasis in original).</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MORE THAN NORMAL LIFE CHANGES MUST BE FOUND</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However the evidence of a change of circumstance “must demonstrate something more than the normal life changes (both good and bad) that occur during the life of a child, and there must be at least some evidence that the material changes have had or will almost certainly have an effect on the child.”Id. at 513-514. For both proper cause and change of circumstance, a court may consider the best interest factors of MCL 722.23. Id. at 512, 514</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THERE IS GOOD REASON TO DO THIS AGAIN</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> As to whether the trial court correctly found that a preponderance of the evidence established PC or COC, the trial court found that there was good cause to revisit the custody situation because of defendant's relocation, her change of employment, and the "little issues" as to the children.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MOM’S CHANGES WERE JUST NORMAL LIFE</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> As to defendant's relocation and change of employment, these are merely normal life changes that occur frequently in the course of a parent's life. Also, she failed to show how these changes significantly affect the custodial circumstances surrounding the children. Defendant has been, and continues to be, a constant presence in the children's lives. Both parties agreed that she exercises all of her parenting time and has enjoyed additional time with the children. Further, defendant testified that she and her daughter have become even closer since the divorce and have a better relationship. Thus, she failed to show that her relocation or new job has or will have "a </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">significant </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">effect on the child's well-being," as she already has a significant presence in and involvement with the children's lives. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LITTLE ISSUES?</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Also, the trial court's reference to the "little issues" as to the children was an insufficient factual finding. The hearing was replete with allegations concerning the children's well-being, some of which were quite serious, and many of which were contested. Yet, the trial court only referenced "little issues" as to the children, without providing any further explanation or detail. Without knowing what the trial court was referring to or whether it found defendant's allegations to be credible, the court was unable to determine if the trial court erred in finding PC or COC.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE LOWER COURT RECORD JUST WAS NOT CLEAR</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It was also unclear from the record whether the trial court would have still found PC or COC without considering the normal life changes of defendant's relocation or new employment.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>[END]<br />
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-----full case follows---- FULL CASE FOLLOWS---</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">S T A T E O F M I C H I G A N</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">C O U R T O F A P P E A L S</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">JAY ROBERT JOHNSTON,</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plaintiff/Counter-Defendant-</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Appellant,</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">UNPUBLISHED</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">August 21, 2012</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">v No. 308247</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lapeer Circuit Court</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">AUTUMN NICOLE JOHNSTON, LC No. 09-041666-DM</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Defendant/Counter-Plaintiff-</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Appellee.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before: O’CONNELL, P.J., AND JANSEN AND RIORDAN, JJ.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PER CURIAM.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plaintiff appeals as of right the trial court’s order granting defendant’s motion to change</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">custody of the parties’ minor children. We reverse and remand for further proceedings.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I. BACKGROUND FACTS</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plaintiff and defendant were married for over 10 years and had two children together, a</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">son and daughter. The parties eventually decided to divorce for various reasons, including</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">defendant’s five year relationship with a married man. The judgment of divorce was entered on</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">September 10, 2010, and the court ordered joint legal custody but sole physical custody to</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">plaintiff, who was planning to move with the children to Midland, Michigan. Defendant’s</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">parenting time was every other weekend and every Wednesday (non-overnight) during the</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">school year. Summer vacations and other holidays were divided equally. The trial court also</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ordered that plaintiff was allowed to move to Midland with the children and if defendant moved</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">there as well, she could request the physical custody of the minor children to be shared.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After the judgment of divorce was entered, plaintiff moved to Midland with the children</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and worked at Dow Chemical, earning approximately $72,000 a year. Defendant remained</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">living in Columbiaville, Michigan, seeking better employment, as she only earned $10,000 a</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">year. Two months after the divorce was final and while still in Midland, plaintiff and the</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">children began living with plaintiff’s girlfriend and her two children. Plaintiff and his girlfriend</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">eventually married in September 2011. Also in September 2011, defendant began working at</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Quick Reliable Printing in Midland, earning $15 an hour and working 40 hours a week. Because</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">she wanted to be closer to the children and her new job was in Midland, defendant moved there</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">in October 2011. She procured a three-bedroom apartment a few miles from where plaintiff was</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-2-</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">residing with the children. Defendant then filed a motion to change custody, requesting joint</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">physical custody and parenting time on a week on/week off basis.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A hearing was held and defendant claimed that the children were not being bathed and</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">their teeth were not being brushed. She also alleged that the children were experiencing health</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">problems that plaintiff was not addressing properly, such as constipation, cavities, a fever, and a</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">sore on their daughter’s lip. Additionally, defendant claimed that the children were emotionally</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">upset by plaintiff’s new marriage and living arrangement and were having behavioral problems.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Defendant provided examples such as their son smearing his fecal matter on the walls and bed,</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and their daughter exhibiting disturbing signs of punching herself in the face and pulling her hair</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">out. Their son also had to repeat first grade because as opposed to enrolling him in another year</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of kindergarten as recommended, plaintiff enrolled him in first grade. Defendant also asserted</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">that plaintiff’s step-children were physically assaulting the children, leaving bruises, and that the</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">children did not want to return to plaintiff’s house when defendant’s parenting time ended.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plaintiff, on the other hand, testified that the children bathe regularly and live in a clean</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">environment. He also testified that he tells them he loves them, they come to him with problems,</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">feelings, and triumphs, and he provides them with food, clothing, and access to proper medical</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">care. He also helps them with their homework, attends parent teacher conferences, teaches them</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">responsibility through household chores, and disciplines them when needed. While plaintiff</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">admitted that the children did not see a dentist for a year, this was only because they were</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">waiting for a family appointment, which was never available. Plaintiff also explained that after</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">witnessing his daughter hit herself one time, he had a frank discussion with her about how this</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">was unacceptable behavior. Plaintiff never witnessed his son smear fecal matter anywhere, and</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">his son’s progress since repeating first grade was excellent. While plaintiff acknowledged that</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">there were some difficulties with the remarriage, he felt that everyone was getting along despite</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the occasional squabble. Plaintiff also claimed that defendant would constantly request more</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">parenting time and was constantly early to pick up the children and late to drop them off.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Furthermore, plaintiff claimed that defendant violated court orders by talking to the children</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">about contentious issues in the divorce. Plaintiff also testified that while their son sometimes</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">became upset when returning to plaintiff’s house, defendant exacerbated the situation by</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">dragging out the goodbyes and engaging in “theatrics.”</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At the close of the hearing, the court stated that when originally deciding custody in the</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">judgment of divorce, joint physical custody would have been ordered if logistically possible.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The trial court also referred to the judgment of divorce as a conditional custody order, with the</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">condition being defendant moving to Midland. The court stated that if this was a change of</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">custody action, good cause to revisit custody was defendant’s relocation, her change of</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">employment, and “a lot of little issues regarding the children” that “add up to a lot.” The court</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">then found that there was an established custodial environment with plaintiff and discussed the</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">best interest factors. The trial court found that the ability to provide for the children’s physical</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">needs had favored plaintiff, but now favored each party equally. In regard to moral fitness of the</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">parties, the trial court stated that while this factor had weighed slightly in plaintiff’s favor</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">because of defendant’s affair, it now weighed equally considering plaintiff’s behavior in moving</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">in with his girlfriend so soon after the divorce. As for all of the other factors, the trial court</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">stated that they either favored both parties equally or did not apply. Therefore, the trial court</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">found that “maybe” the children needed more time with defendant and that it was in the best</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-3-</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">interests of the children to modify custody. The trial court granted joint physical custody and</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">every other week parenting time. Plaintiff now appeals.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">II. STANDARD OF REVIEW</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Three different standards of review apply in child custody cases. Foskett v Foskett, 247</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mich App 1, 4; 634 NW2d 363 (2001). We review the trial court’s “choice, interpretation, or</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">application of existing law” for clear legal error. Id. at 4-5. We review the trial court’s findings</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of fact, such as the finding of an established custodial environment, under the great weight of the</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">evidence standard, and “this [C]ourt will sustain the trial court’s factual findings unless the</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">evidence clearly preponderates in the opposite direction.” Id. at 5 (internal quotations and</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">citation omitted); see also Vodvarka v Grasmeyer, 259 Mich App 499, 507; 675 NW2d 847</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(2003). Finally, we review the trial court’s discretionary rulings “for an abuse of discretion,</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">including a trial court’s determination on the issue of custody.” Foskett, 247 Mich App at 5.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“An abuse of discretion occurs when the decision resulted in an outcome falling outside the</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">range of principled outcomes.” Hayford v Hayford, 279 Mich App 324, 325; 760 NW2d 503</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(2008).</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">III. ANALYSIS</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A. Change of Custody Action</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Defendant challenges that this was not really a change of custody, but merely the</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">implementation of the conditional custody order in the judgment of divorce. However, while the</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">judgment of divorce included a statement that defendant could relocate to Midland and petition</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to change custody, there is no language guaranteeing that defendant’s request would be granted.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This Court also has held that court orders are “irrelevant” for issues like determining the</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">existence of an established custodial environment or the burden of proof in change custody</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">actions. Hayes v Hayes, 209 Mich App 385, 388; 532 NW2d 190 (1995). Furthermore,</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">defendant fails to cite any caselaw to support a finding that conditional language in custody</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">orders implies that this Court may dispense with the change of custody analysis. See Wilson v</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Taylor, 457 Mich 232, 243; 577 NW2d 100 (1998) (internal quotations and citation omitted)</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(stating that “[i]t is not sufficient for a party simply to announce a position or assert an error and</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">then leave it up to this Court to discover and rationalize the basis for his claims, or unravel and</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">elaborate for him his arguments, and then search for authority either to sustain or reject his</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">position.”). Thus, we construe this action as a change of custody case.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">B. Proper Cause or Change of Circumstance</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the moving party in a change of custody action, defendant “has the burden of proving</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">by a preponderance of the evidence that either proper cause or a change of circumstances exists”</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to justify a modification of custody. Vodvarka, 259 Mich App at 509. The finding of proper</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">cause or change of circumstance must be determined “before the trial court can consider whether</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">an established custodial environment exists (thus establishing the burden of proof) and conduct a</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">review of the best interest factors.” Id. (emphasis in original). Hence, in order to reach</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">plaintiff’s claims about the established custodial environment or the best interest factors, we first</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-4-</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">must determine that the trial court correctly found that a preponderance of the evidence</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">established proper cause or change of circumstance.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“[P]roper cause means one or more appropriate grounds that have or could have a</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">significant effect on the child’s life to the extent that a reevaluation of the child’s custodial</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">situation should be undertaken.” Vodvarka, 259 Mich App at 511. The grounds relied upon</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“must be of a magnitude to have a significant effect on the child’s well-being to the extent that</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">revisiting the custody order would be proper.” Id. at 512. In order to establish a change of</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">circumstance, “a movant must prove that, since the entry of the last custody order, the conditions</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">surrounding custody of the child, which have or could have a significant effect on the child’s</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">well-being, have materially changed.” Id. at 513 (emphasis in original). However, the evidence</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of a change of circumstance “must demonstrate something more than the normal life changes</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(both good and bad) that occur during the life of a child, and there must be at least some</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">evidence that the material changes have had or will almost certainly have an effect on the child.”</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Id. at 513-514. For both proper cause and change of circumstance, a court may consider the best</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">interest factors of MCL 722.23. Id. at 512, 514.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In this case, the court found that there was good cause to revisit the custody situation</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">because of defendant’s relocation, her change of employment, and the “little issues” regarding</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the children. In regard to defendant’s relocation and change of employment, these are merely</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">normal life changes that occur frequently in the course of a parent’s life. See Vodvarka, 259</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mich App at 513. Moreover, defendant failed to demonstrate how these changes significantly</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">affect the custodial circumstances surrounding the children. Defendant has been, and continues</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to be, a constant presence in the children’s lives. Both parties agree that defendant exercises all</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of her parenting time and has enjoyed additional time with the children. Further, defendant</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">testified that she and her daughter have become even closer since the divorce and have a better</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">relationship. Thus, defendant has failed to demonstrate that her relocation or new job has or will</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">have “a significant effect on the child’s well-being,” Vodvarka, 259 Mich App at 513 (emphasis</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">in original), as she already has a significant presence in and involvement with the children’s</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">lives. In reaching this conclusion, we are “[e]ver mindful that our Legislature’s intent underlying</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the Child Custody Act was to ‘minimize the prospect of unwarranted and disruptive change of</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">custody orders and to erect a barrier against removal of a child from an established custodial</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">environment, except in the most compelling cases[.]’” Foskett, 247 Mich App at 6 (emphasis in</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">original), quoting Baker v Baker, 411 Mich 567, 577; 309 NW2d 532 (1981).</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In addition, the trial court’s reference to the “little issues” regarding the children is an</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">insufficient factual finding. “The trial court need not comment on each item of evidence or</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">argument raised by the parties, but its findings must be sufficient for this Court to determine</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">whether the evidence clearly preponderates in the opposite direction.” McIntosh v McIntosh, 282</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mich App 471, 474; 768 NW2d 325 (2009). The hearing was replete with allegations</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">concerning the children’s well-being, some of which were quite serious, and many of which were</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">contested. Yet, the trial court only referenced “little issues” regarding the children, without</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">providing any further explanation or detail. Without knowing what the trial court was referring</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to or whether the court found defendant’s allegations to be credible, we are unable to determine</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">if the court erred in finding proper cause or change of circumstance. Moreover, it is also unclear</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">from the record whether the trial court would have still found proper cause or change of</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-5-</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">circumstance without considering the normal life changes of defendant’s relocation or new</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">employment.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">C. Conclusion</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since the trial court failed to articulate factors that were not normal life changes in</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">support of its finding of a change of circumstance or proper cause, we are unable to determine</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">whether the threshold showing has been met. Without this threshold showing, plaintiff’s claims</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">relating to the best interest analysis or the preferences of the children are premature. We reverse</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and remand for further factual findings. We do not retain jurisdiction.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">/s/ Peter D. O'Connell</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">/s/ Michael J. Riordan</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-13427371353774623362012-07-04T17:30:00.001-05:002012-07-04T17:30:51.408-05:00WE DEMAND A PATERNITY TEST!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Public Act 159, MCL 722.1441 . Empowers a husband to ask under a paternity theory in court his wife or ex wife " Is your baby mine.com". It empowers a boyfriend under a paternity theory to ask a married man concerning a child born in the marriage " Is your baby mine.com" . It allows a wife in a marriage under a paternity theory to show a husband a child born during the marriage is not his. If you have questions ask them at <a href="http://www.isyourbabymine.com/">www.isyourbabymine.com</a><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-13075187232790711932012-06-21T09:10:00.000-05:002012-06-21T09:10:07.418-05:00DIVORCE AND IRA DISTRIBUTION<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.7973639974370599" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FYI-Flint Divorce Bankruptcy Attorney Terry R. Bankert 235-1970, </span><a href="http://www.attorneybankert.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.attorneybankert.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> asks DID YOU KNOW?.From Creative Tax and Financial Tips for the Low Asset/Underwater Case By</span><a href="https://www.icle.org/Modules/Directories/Contributors/bio.aspx?Pnumber=f00112"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mary V. Ade</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Stout Risius Ross, Southfieldningham JD CPA PC Troy</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Accessing Funds in IRAs</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The penalty exemption afforded to qualified plans does </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">not </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">apply to IRAs. However, do not overlook the possibility of tapping into IRAs.</span></b></div>
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<li style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.7973639974370599" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Exceptions to 10% Penalty Rule</span><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Generally, if you are under age 59 1/2, you must pay a 10% additional tax on the distribution of any assets (money or other property) from your traditional IRA. Distributions before you are age 59 1/2 are called early distributions. The 10% additional tax applies to the part of the distribution that you have to include in gross income. It is in addition to any regular income tax on that amount.The following exceptions to the age 59 1/2 rule may be particularly relevant in a divorce context. Even if you receive a distribution before you are age 59 1/2, you may not have to pay the 10% additional tax if you are in one of the following situations.</span></b></li>
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<li style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: circle; vertical-align: baseline;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.7973639974370599" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You are receiving distributions in the form of an annuity.</span></b></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: circle; vertical-align: baseline;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.7973639974370599" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The distributions are not more than your qualified higher education expenses.</span></b></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: circle; vertical-align: baseline;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.7973639974370599" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your unreimbursed medical expenses are more than 7.5% of your AGI.</span></b></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; list-style-type: circle; vertical-align: baseline;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.7973639974370599" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The distributions are not more than the cost of your medical insurance.</span></b></li>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-19185806679162361832012-03-04T18:21:00.000-05:002012-03-04T18:21:50.044-05:00MICHIGAN DIVORCE IN FLINT 810-235-1970<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When you are in the emotional turmoil of a break up divorce laws in Michigan are sometimes hard to understand.</span><br /><a href="http://attorneybankert.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://attorneybankert.com</span></a><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DID YOU KNOW-</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Grounds for divorce.</span><a href="http://www.icle.org/Modules/Books/Chapter.aspx?lib=family&book=2006553550&chapter=1#i2006553550-1-2"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“[T]here has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved.”</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The plaintiff may not include any other explanation of the grounds in the complaint. The defendant may admit or deny the grounds. The court may consider an admission but is not bound by it.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Divorce attorneys in Michigan are here to help your in this difficult time.</span><br /><a href="http://terrybankert.blogspot.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://terrybankert.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DID YOU KNOW-</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jurisdiction; venue.</span><a href="http://www.icle.org/Modules/Books/Chapter.aspx?lib=family&book=2006553550&chapter=1#i2006553550-1-3"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">§1.3</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On the filing date, one party must have resided in Michigan for at least 180 days and in the county of filing for at least 10 days. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Residence </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">means the place of a permanent home where the party intends to remain.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The 10-day county residency requirement need not be met if there is information that would allow the court to reasonably conclude that the parties’ minor children are at risk of being taken outside the U.S. and kept in a foreign country by a defendant who was born in a foreign country or who is not a U.S. citizen.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Books are available to guide you in a do it yourself divorce in Michigan</span><br /><a href="http://dumpmycreditors.wordpress.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://dumpmycreditors.wordpress.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DID YOU KNOW-</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Initial filings.</span><a href="http://www.icle.org/Modules/Books/Chapter.aspx?lib=family&book=2006553550&chapter=1#i2006553550-1-7"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">§§1.7–1.10</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The initial filing for a divorce without children includes a summons, a complaint, filing fees, and a record of divorce or annulment (some counties require filing at the time of entry of the judgment).</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If there are minor children or a request for spousal support, a verified statement must be served on the other party and provided to the Friend of the Court. The initial filing for a divorce with minor children must also include information about custody proceedings and the names and birth dates of the minor children.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The complaint must include the following:</span><br />
<ul>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The statutory grounds for divorce, without further explanation.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The parties’ complete names and their names before marriage.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Residency information.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whether a party is pregnant.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The required case caption language (see</span><a href="http://www.icle.org/Modules/Books/Chapter.aspx?lib=family&book=2006553550&chapter=1#i2006553550-1-8"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">§1.8</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">).</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whether there are minor children of the parties or minor children born during the marriage.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The complete names and birth dates of any minors involved in the action, including minor children of the parties and all children born during the marriage.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whether there is property to be divided.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If a request for protection of property is made, facts sufficient to support the relief requested.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If spousal support is requested, a showing of the need for support and the other party’s ability to pay.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If there are minors or a request for child support, whether any Michigan court has continuing jurisdiction over the minor and, if so, the court and file number.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If custody of a minor is to be determined, the following must be included in the complaint or in an attached affidavit: (1) the child’s present address, (2) places where the child has lived within the last five years, (3) names and present addresses of persons with whom the child has lived during that period, (4) whether the party has participated in other litigation concerning the custody of the child in Michigan or elsewhere, (5) whether the party knows of a proceeding that could affect the current child custody proceeding, and (6) whether the party knows of a person who is not a party to the proceedings who has physical custody of the child or claims custody or parenting time rights.</span></li>
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<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Filing fees may be waived. Fees and costs must be waived or suspended for persons receiving public assistance and indigent persons. The judge may hold a hearing to determine if the person is indigent. If the affidavit of indigency is not disputed, the waiver is mandatory.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When in divorce in Michigan with children we strongly encourage you to use the attorney of your choice.</span><br /><a href="http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000099; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DID YOU KNOW-</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Service.</span><a href="http://www.icle.org/Modules/Books/Chapter.aspx?lib=family&book=2006553550&chapter=1#i2006553550-1-13"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">§§1.13–1.15</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Service is as provided in the general rules for service, with a copy to the Friend of the Court if there are minor children, a party is pregnant, or support is requested.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If there is a nonresident defendant and jurisdiction is under the long-arm statute, service is made as on a resident defendant. If jurisdiction is acquired by personal service with an order for appearance and publication, specific proofs are required (see</span><a href="http://www.icle.org/Modules/Books/Chapter.aspx?lib=family&book=2006553550&chapter=1#i2006553550-1-13"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">§1.13</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">).</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even in an uncontested divorce in Michigan the issues may be complicated.</span><br /><a href="http://occupyflintlegal.wordpress.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://occupyflintlegal.wordpress.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DID YOU KNOW-</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ex parte orders; temporary restraining orders.</span><a href="http://www.icle.org/Modules/Books/Chapter.aspx?lib=family&book=2006553550&chapter=1#i2006553550-1-17"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">§§1.17–1.24</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The court must be satisfied by specific facts set forth in an affidavit or verified pleading that irreparable injury, loss, or damage will result from the delay required to effect notice, or that notice itself will precipitate adverse action before an order can be issued.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Orders are effective upon entry but may not be enforced until the other party is served with notice.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ex parte orders for child support, custody, or parenting time must include the notice in</span><a href="http://www.icle.org/Modules/Repositories/MCR/linked_display.aspx?lib=repositories&book=mcr&chap=03&rule=3.207#(B)(5)"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MCR 3.207(B)(5)</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of the divorce lawyers in Michigan I take pride in the quality of representation provided by my office.</span><br /><a href="http://yoursocialmediasolution.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://yoursocialmediasolution.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DID YOU KNOW</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Temporary restraining orders.</span><a href="http://www.icle.org/Modules/Books/Chapter.aspx?lib=family&book=2006553550&chapter=1#i2006553550-1-21"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">§1.21</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Requirements for granting a temporary restraining order (TRO):</span><br />
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<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It clearly appears from specific facts shown in an affidavit or a verified pleading that immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage will result to the applicant from the delay required to effect notice, or that notice itself will precipitate adverse action before an order can be entered.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The applicant’s attorney certifies in writing any efforts to give notice and why notice should not be required.</span></li>
<li style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A permanent record is made of nonwritten evidence, arguments, or representations supporting the application.</span></li>
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<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The order must be (1) endorsed with the date and time it is issued, (2) describe the injury and why it is irreparable, and (3) state why the order was granted without notice.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Domestic relations TROs (unlike others) need not expire within a fixed period, and the court need not set a date for further hearing.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For personal protection orders, see</span><a href="http://www.icle.org/Modules/Books/Chapter.aspx?lib=family&book=2006553550&chapter=1#i2006553550-1-22"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">§1.22</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and Mary M. Lovik, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Domestic Violence Benchbook: A Guide to Civil and Criminal Proceedings </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(3d ed MJI 2004).</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> If you have additional questions contact Terry R. Bankert 810-235-1970 </span><a href="http://www.attorneybankert.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.attorneybankert.com</span></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-71254718667025209372012-02-17T11:47:00.000-05:002012-02-17T11:47:15.160-05:00FLINT CHILD CUSTODY IN DIVORCE, Flint Divorce 810-235-1970<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
FLINT CHILD CUSTODY IN DIVORCE<br />
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FLINT DIVORCE, CHILD CUSTODY LAWYER TAKS ABOUT JOINT CUSTODY.<br />
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It is easier to divorce today but both parents are staying more active inn their childrens live, or want to. Sometimes the old bias favoring mothers rears its head. <br />
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“...the divorce revolution and the decline of marriage has resulted in a weakening of spousal ties, but we are also experiencing the Indissolubility of parenthood with PARENTS tied together post-separation to a much greater extent than in the past.” [1/269]<br />
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“...interest in the nature of the modern family and public policies that affect families.” [1/369]<br />
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Today in Michigan there is a presumption of joint custody if one parent asks for it.<br />
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Posted here by Flint Divorce Lawyer Terry Bankert 235-1970 with office in downtown Flint across from the court house. <a href="http://www.attorneybankert.com/">http://www.attorneybankert.com/</a><br />
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“ A central tenet of the Christian Church over much of the last two Millennium has been the “ indissolubility of marriage .”[1/369] In a time when “...there were very significant religious, social, economic and legal impediments to divorce, divorce was a fault based process with only an innocent spouse able to seek termination of the marraige.[1/369]<br />
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Our world is changing and along with it are the roles of parents in child rearing.<br />
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“...” divorce revolution” and the spread of no fault divorce.[1/369] <br />
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Before there was almost a presumption the father in divorce would abandon the children.<br />
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… a failed marriage deserved a decent burial that would allow the parties to have a clean break and get on with their separate lives with each party expected to become self sufficient.”[1/370]<br />
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In the divorce revolution the”...focus of the legal process was to allocate the “ assets” of the marraige, including the children.” [1/370]. In this era mother got the children and the father had limited parenting rights usually every other weekend and some holiday time.”[1/370]<br />
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In practice , many fathers virtually disappeared from the lives of there children after separation. If the child was born out of wedlock, the father might never have any contcat.” [1/370]<br />
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Things are changing.” There has been a dramatic increase in labour force participation for women and a narrowing of the wage gap between men and women.”[1/370]<br />
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In many families the woman is now the higher income earner.[1/370]<br />
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While in most intact families the woman still plays a dominate role in the domestic sphere , men today are more engaged in child care and household management than their fathers were , and in some cases are the primary caregivers for the children.”[1/370]<br />
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Although most shared - parenting arrangements do not involve equal time with both parents, they result in many children spending more time than every second weekend with their fathers , and generally require more collaboration between parents than was the case under the old “sole custody to mother” regime. [1/370]<br />
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At the same time, as noncustodial parents, principally fathers, have been given greater rights and opportunities for participation in the lives of their children , greater obligations of child support have been imposed on them.[1/370].<br />
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It is hard to change institutions involved in Family law. This can be seen In the Genesee County Mi Friend of the Court Hand Book discussion of Custody.” This paragraph of the Judgement of Divorce dictates which person or organization will have the responsibility for the minor child and make the day to day decisions regarding the child. One of the parents of the child is usually designated as the custodial parent, but the court can decide if another another individual should be custodian.[2]<br />
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Michigan has abandoned the presumption favoring the mother as the custodial parent. Custody is contested when more than one party wishes to be the custodial parent and make timely and appropriate response to the court.[2]<br />
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No longer is the court seen as the center of the process but rather there is a range of methods for helping separated parents to restructure their relationship.[1/371]<br />
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These methods include mediation, collaborative family law, parenting coordination, and judicial case management. A trial is seen as a last resort.[1/371]<br />
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The focus is now on trying to help parents develop a cooperative approach that will allow their parenting arrangements to evolve as the circumstances and needs of the children change. [1/371]<br />
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Joint vs. Sole Custody. Note that in the definitions section of the statute, MCL §722.22, there is no definition of custody—whether legal or physical.<br />
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MCL §722.26a defines “joint custody” as follows:<br />
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(7) As used in this section, “joint custody” means an order of the court in which 1 or both of the following is specified:<br />
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(a) That the child shall reside alternately for specific periods with each of the parents.<br />
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(b) That the parents shall share decision-making authority as to the important decisions affecting the welfare of the child.<br />
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MCL §722.26a mandates the manner in which a joint award of custody is to be made:<br />
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(1) In custody disputes between parents, the parents shall be advised of joint custody. At the request of either parent, the court shall consider an award of joint custody, and shall state on the record the reasons for granting or denying a request. In other cases, joint custody may be considered by the court. The court shall determine whether joint custody is in the best interest of the child by considering the following factors:<br />
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(a) The factors enumerated.<br />
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(b) Whether the parents will be able to cooperate and generally agree concerning important decisions affecting the welfare of the child.<br />
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(2) If the parents agree on joint custody, the court shall award joint custody unless the court determines on the record, based upon clear and convincing evidence, that joint custody is not in the best interests of the child.<br />
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MCL §722.26a (3) distinguishes physical custody, providing<br />
<br />
If the court awards joint custody, the court may include in its award a statement regarding when the child shall reside with each parent, or may provide that physical custody be shared by the parents in a manner to assure the child continuing contact with both parents. (emphasis added<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Child Custody Act provides for both sole and joint custody. MCL 722.27. Joint custody means an order of the court in which one or both of the following is specified:<br />
<br />
(a) That the child shall reside alternately for specific periods with each of the parents.<br />
<br />
(b) That the parents shall share decision-making authority as to the important decisions affecting the welfare of the child.<br />
<br />
MCL 722.26a(7).<br />
<br />
The court may award joint legal custody as to decision making but find an award of joint physical custody to be inappropriate. Wellman v Wellman, 203 Mich App 277, 512 NW2d 68 (1994) (joint physical custody denied based on parties’ inability to cooperate and communicate).<br />
<br />
Standards for awarding sole or joint custody. In custody disputes, the parents must be advised of the availability of joint custody. MCL 722.26a(1). If the parents agree on joint custody, the court must award joint custody unless the court determines on the record, based on clear and convincing evidence, that joint custody is not in the best interests of the child. MCL 722.26a(2).<br />
<br />
At the request of either party, the court must consider joint custody and must state on the record the reasons for granting or denying the request. MCL 722.26a(1); see Mixon v Mixon, 237 Mich App 159, 602 NW2d 406 (1999) (trial court erred in not stating on the record its reasons for denying request for joint physical custody); see also Arndt v Kasem, 156 Mich App 706, 402 NW2d 77 (1986); Wilcox v Wilcox (On Remand), 108 Mich App 488, 310 NW2d 434 (1981). However, the fact that the trial court must consider an award of joint custody does not create a presumption in favor of it. Wellman.<br />
<br />
The court determines whether joint custody is in the best interests of the child by considering the statutory best interests factors (see §3.8) and whether the parents will be able to cooperate and generally agree concerning important decisions affecting the welfare of the child. MCL 722.26a(1).<br />
<br />
If the parents cannot agree on essential decisions, sole custody should be awarded. Fisher v Fisher, 118 Mich App 227, 324 NW2d 582 (1982). The question is whether the parents can cooperate on child-rearing issues not whether the parents necessarily get along. Shulick v Richards, 273 Mich App 320, 729 NW2d 533 (2006) (although parties harbored some personal animosity and had some difficulty communicating, not abuse of discretion to award joint legal and physical custody because parties were able to cooperate and reach compromises for best interests of children); Nielsen v Nielsen, 163 Mich App 430, 415 NW2d 6 (1987). Depending on the facts of the individual case, it is not inconsistent to grant joint legal custody while denying joint physical custody. See Dailey v Kloenhamer, 291 Mich App 660, ___ NW2d ___ (2011) (holding that escalation of disagreements between parties and expansion of topics that parties disagreed about constituted sufficient basis for trial court to revisit custody decision and that due to its equitable nature, MCL 722.26a(7) authorizes courts in proper circumstances to grant joint physical custody to parties while granting sole legal custody to one party); Wellman.<br />
<br />
When parents with joint legal custody cannot agree on essential matters, the court decides the issue based on the child’s best interests and must make specific findings of fact on the record. Bowers v Vandermeulen-Bowers, 278 Mich App 287, 750 NW2d 597 (2008); Lombardo v Lombardo, 202 Mich App 151, 507 NW2d 788 (1993) (decision regarding child’s educational program). The trial court may not apportion decision-making authority between the parties in the event they cannot agree. Shulick.<br />
<br />
It is an abuse of discretion to award joint custody based solely on the court’s preference that custody should be awarded to the parent of the same sex as the child when all other custody factors are equal or weigh in favor of the parent who is not the same gender as the child. Freeman v Freeman, 163 Mich App 493, 414 NW2d 914 (1987) (error to award joint custody when court had found one parent equal or superior to other on nearly all custody criteria).<br />
<br />
If there is a dispute regarding where the child will reside, the court must state the basis for a residency award on the record or in writing. MCL 722.26a(5).[3]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Regarding joint custody, MCL 722.26a provides:<br />
<br />
(1) In custody disputes between parents, the parents shall be advised of joint custody. At the request of either parent, the court shall consider an award of joint custody, and shall state on the record the reasons for granting or denying a request. In other cases joint custody may be considered by the court. The court shall determine whether joint custody is in the best interest of the child by considering the following factors:<br />
<br />
(a) The factors enumerated in [MCL 722.23].<br />
<br />
(b) Whether the parents will be able to cooperate and generally agree concerning important decisions affecting the welfare of the child.<br />
<br />
(2) If the parents agree on joint custody, the court shall award joint custody unless the court determines on the record, based upon clear and convincing evidence, that joint custody is not in the best interests of the child.<br />
<br />
(3) If the court awards joint custody, the court may include in its award a statement regarding when the child shall reside with each parent, or may provide that physical custody be shared by the parents in a manner to assure the child continuing contact with both parents.<br />
<br />
(4) During the time a child resides with a parent, that parent shall decide all routine matters concerning the child.<br />
<br />
(5) If there is a dispute regarding residency, the court shall state the basis for a residency award on the record or in writing.<br />
<br />
(6) Joint custody shall not eliminate the responsibility for child support. Each parent shall be responsible for child support based on the needs of the child and the actual resources of each parent. If a parent would otherwise be unable to maintain adequate housing for the child and the other parent has sufficient resources, the court may order modified support payments for a portion of housing expenses even during a period when the child is not residing in the home of the parent receiving support. An order of joint custody, in and of itself, shall not constitute grounds for modifying a support order.<br />
<br />
(7) As used in this section, “joint custody” means an order of the court in which 1 or both of the following is specified:<br />
<br />
(a) That the child shall reside alternately for specific periods with each of the parents.<br />
<br />
(b) That the parents shall share decision-making authority as to the important decisions affecting the welfare of the child.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[1]<br />
<br />
FAMILY LAW QUARTERLY , Vol. 45, No. 3, Fall 2012. Article “ The Evolution of Legal Parenthood” Family Law and the Indissoulubility of Parenthood by Partick Parkinson. Review by Nicholas Bala Professor, Faculty of Law Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[2]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Friend of the Court Handbook , Genesee County Friend of the Court, 1101 Beach St. County Administration Building, Flint Michigan 48502<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[3]<br />
<br />
Michigan Family Law Benchbook ch 3 (ICLE 2d ed 2006), at <a href="http://www.icle.org/modules/books/chapter.aspx/?lib=family&book=2006553550&chapter=03">http://www.icle.org/modules/books/chapter.aspx/?lib=family&book=2006553550&chapter=03</a> <br />
(last updated 02/03/2012). <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[4]<br />
<br />
Michigan Family Law ch 12 (Hon. Marilyn J. Kelly et al eds, ICLE 7th ed 2011), at <a href="http://www.icle.org/modules/books/chapter.aspx/?lib=family&book=2011553510&chapter=12">http://www.icle.org/modules/books/chapter.aspx/?lib=family&book=2011553510&chapter=12</a><br />
(last updated 02/03/2012). <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-84334702129388048252011-12-18T06:47:00.001-05:002011-12-18T06:47:39.270-05:00DNA MAY PROVE YOU TO BE THE FATHER BUT DOES NOT GUARANTEE CONTACT WITH YOUR CHILD.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
GOOD MORNING FLINT!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Date12/18/2011<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
By Flint Divorce Bankruptcy Attorney Terry Bankert. Downtown Flint Lawyer 235-1970 <a href="http://www.attorneybankert.com/">http://www.attorneybankert.com/</a><br />
<br />
FLINT OR MICHIGAN FATHERS CHILD CUSTODY AND PARENTING TIME RIGHTS<br />
<br />
Michigan Child Custody and Parenting time Law keeps Matt Dykema from seeing his young daughter and having child custody and parenting time, he cannot be the father that DNA says he is.[see 1]<br />
<a href="http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/">http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
FATHERS HAVE A VARIETY OF PRESSURES WHEN THEY TRY TO SEE THEIR CHILDREN<br />
<br />
FOR INSTANCE - Kate Gosselin shares custody of her eight kids with their father Jon Gosselin . While a divorce can be messy, it is always encouraging when the parents find a new partner who is willing to, not only accept them, but also their children. Apparently Jon has found that and if a new report is to be believed, Kate is slightly jealous that her kids have taken so well to his girlfriend.[4]<br />
<br />
IT JUST FEELS HORRIBLE AND UNFAIR THAT A CHIULD DOES NOT GET TO KNOW THEIR BIOLOGICAL FATHER IF HE STEPS FORWARD UNDER MICHIGAN LAW!<br />
<br />
<br />
Good Morning Flint! is the daily blog of Flint Divorce lawyer Flint Bankruptcy Attorney Terry Ray Bankert 810-235-1970 If you have legal question call or contact through <a href="http://www.attorneybankert.com/">http://www.attorneybankert.com/</a><br />
<br />
Under Flint Divorce and Michigan divorce and child custody Law today the current husband is presumed by the law to be the “father” of a child when the married party may not have had contact for years. Is that fair? <br />
<br />
The Biological Flint or Michigan father can not even get his case heard in a Michigan Family Law Court. The plaintiff must allege that the child was born out of wedlock. Girard v Wagenmaker, 437 Mich 231, 470 NW2d 372 (1991). This requirement frequently creates a problem of standing if a man seeks to establish his paternity when the mother was married to another person during any part of the pregnancy.[2]<br />
<br />
see here; <a href="http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/2011/12/did-you-know-that-if-dna-shows-you-to.html">http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/2011/12/did-you-know-that-if-dna-shows-you-to.html</a><br />
<br />
WHAT IF DNA PROVES HE IS THE FATHER<br />
<br />
A DNA test proves Matt Dykema is the girl's father, but the baby's mother was married to another man when the child was born. The two have since divorced.[1]<br />
<br />
CHILD BORN IN THE MARRIAGE IS OF THE MARRIAGE<br />
<br />
News articles say that A 1956 Michigan law says a child born during a marriage is a product of the marriage. Judges follow that law when deciding custody issues. It gives the ex-husband more rights than the biological father.[1]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
More specifically the rights of a biologoical father not married to the mother to see the child do not exist in Michigan. The Child Custody Act of 1970, MCL 722.21 et seq., is no longer used to determine paternity. A putative father may not seek custody or parenting time under the Child Custody Act unless there is first an acknowledgment of paternity or an order of filiation under the Paternity Act. Hoshowski v Genaw, 230 Mich App 498, 584 NW2d 368 (1998); Afshar v Zamarron, 209 Mich App 86, 530 NW2d 490 (1995).[2]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
DID YOU KNOW -In divorce proceedings, the general rule in Michigan is that the court does not have the power to litigate the rights of persons other than the husband and the wife. Yedinak v Yedinak, 383 Mich 409, 175 NW2d 706 (1970). In addition, the authority of the court is purely statutory, Flynn v Flynn, 367 Mich 625, 116 NW2d 907 (1962), and no statute provides for determination of the paternity of a third party as part of a divorce action, Pruitt v Pruitt, 90 Mich App 230, 282 NW2d 785 (1979). However, the court may determine the paternity of the husband during such a proceeding. Serafin v Serafin, 401 Mich 629, 258 NW2d 461 (1977); Atkinson v Atkinson, 160 Mich App 601, 408 NW2d 516 (1987). A court must have in personam jurisdiction over the husband to make a paternity determination pursuant to a divorce decree. Gonzales v Gonzales, 117 Mich App 110, 323 NW2d 614 (1982).[3]<br />
<br />
MICHIGAN PRESUMES THE CHILD TO BE OF THE HUSBAND AND KEEPS ALLEGED BIOLOGICAL FATHERS OUT.<br />
<br />
According to statute and caselaw, there is a strong presumption that any child conceived or born to a married couple before commencement of a suit for divorce is legitimate; this presumption may be rebutted only by clear and convincing evidence. Raleigh v Watkins, 97 Mich App 258, 293 NW2d 789 (1980); Johnson v Johnson, 93 Mich App 415, 286 NW2d 886 (1979). Michigan courts allow a husband and wife to testify regarding a child’s paternity. Serafin. [3]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A finding of fact in a divorce decree that a child was born of the parties’ marriage establishes the child’s paternity. Hackley v Hackley, 426 Mich 582, 395 NW2d 906 (1986). Once a child is determined to be a child of the marriage in a divorce judgment, the doctrine of res judicata bars relitigation of paternity, even if the issue was not contested in the divorce. In re Cook Estate, 155 Mich App 604, 400 NW2d 695 (1986). In Cook, a mother whose deceased child was declared to be a child of the marriage in the divorce judgment was barred from asserting in a subsequent proceeding that her former husband was not the child’s biological father. In Rucinski v Rucinski, 172 Mich App 20, 431 NW2d 241 (1988), a father’s attempt to deny paternity of a child born during a marriage that ended in divorce was barred by res judicata. Since he had not denied paternity during the divorce proceedings, the divorce judgment and support order constituted an adjudication of paternity.[3]<br />
<br />
IN DYKEMA MOM THEN DIVORCED AFTER THE BIRTH, EX HUSBAND WILL NOT GIVE UP HIS RIGHTS.<br />
<br />
Matt Dykema and his attorney have requested the woman's ex-husband relinquish his rights but, so far, he has refused. It has Dykema and his Muskegon attorney Chris Houghtaling looking to Lansing for help -- and they might get it.[1]<br />
<br />
BILL PENDING TO GIVE BIOLOGICAL FATHER RIGHTS<br />
<br />
In December, the Michigan Senate unanimously approved four bills that would update the old law. It's the work of Senator Rick Jones, a Republican from Eaton Rapids. [1]<br />
<br />
JUDGES TO HAVE MORE FLEXIBILITY<br />
<br />
Jones says his legislation would allow judges more flexibility to hear and rule on cases like the one in Ottawa County, ultimately allowing them to make decisions based on what's best for the children.[1]<br />
<br />
LEGISLATURE TO ARGUE ISSUE IN 2012<br />
<br />
The House Judiciary Committee is expected to take up the bills in 2012. [1]<br />
<br />
WHAT THE FATHER NEEDS IS AN ORDER OF PATERNITY<br />
<br />
The stated purposes of the Michigan Paternity Act (Paternity Act), MCL 722.711 et seq., are to confer on circuit courts jurisdiction over proceedings to compel and provide support of children born out of wedlock; to prescribe the procedure for determining such liability; to authorize agreements for furnishing such support and to provide for enforcement; and to prescribe penalties for the violation of certain provisions of the Paternity Act. Most paternity actions in Michigan are brought under the Paternity Act. If paternity is not voluntarily established, the party seeking a finding of paternity must file suit in the family division of the circuit court. The mother, the alleged father, or the Department of Human Services (DHS) may bring the action. Genetic testing is available as a valuable and objective means of resolving paternity cases before trial. If a determination of paternity is made, the court must enter an order of filiation. The order of filiation must provide for the support of the child, reimbursement of the medical expenses incurred in the child’s birth, health care insurance coverage when it can be obtained at a reasonable cost, and support for the period before the order was entered.[2]<br />
<br />
The purpose of the Paternity Act is to provide for support of children born out of wedlock. Van Laar v Rozema, 94 Mich App 619, 288 NW2d 667 (1980); Tuer v Niedoliwka, 92 Mich App 694, 285 NW2d 424 (1979); Smith v Robbins, 91 Mich App 284, 283 NW2d 725 (1979); Boyles v Brown, 69 Mich App 480, 245 NW2d 100 (1976). The act confers jurisdiction on the circuit courts to compel and provide support for children born out of wedlock, to set forth procedures to determine liability, to authorize agreements providing for support and enforcement of such agreements, and to prescribe penalties for violation of certain provisions of the act. MCL 722.711 et seq.[2]<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
722.714 Paternity proceeding; parties; venue; action not required; commencement of action; statute of limitations; initiating and conducting proceedings; utilization of child support formula; verification of complaint; charge; summons; default judgment; genetic paternity testing; next friend or guardian ad litem; rights of indigent defendant; order of filiation.<br />
<br />
<br />
SOURCES THIS ARTICLE<br />
<br />
[1]<br />
<a href="http://www.wzzm13.com/news/article/190315/2/Biological-father-seeks-help-gaining-parental-rights">http://www.wzzm13.com/news/article/190315/2/Biological-father-seeks-help-gaining-parental-rights</a><br />
<br />
[2]<br />
<br />
Michgian Family Law ch 21 (Hon. Marilyn J. Kelly et al eds, ICLE 7th ed 2011), at <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.icle.org/modules/books/chapter.aspx/?lib=family&book=2011553510&chapter=21">http://www.icle.org/modules/books/chapter.aspx/?lib=family&book=2011553510&chapter=21</a><br />
<br />
llast updated 12/09/2011<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[3]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(0sju2nu33jxa5145ihib0x55))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-722-714">http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(0sju2nu33jxa5145ihib0x55))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-722-714</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[4]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://celebs.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980922294">http://celebs.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474980922294</a><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-54156234311029635802011-04-19T11:20:00.002-05:002011-04-19T11:24:42.414-05:00FLINT CUSTODY LAWYER 810-235-1070 POSTS ,DAD HAD CUSTODIAL ENVIRONMENT OF CHILD BEFORE JAIL, AND AFTER JAIL HE MAY GET CUSTOY NOW.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Issues presented by Flint Divorce Lawyer Terry R. Bankert 810-235-1970: <br />
<br />
<br />
1.Custody; <br />
<br />
2.Whether an "established custodial environment" (ECE) existed with the plaintiff-father; MCL 722.27(1)(c); Berger v. Berger; An established custodial environment exists if<br />
<br />
over an appreciable time the child naturally looks to the custodian in that <br />
environment for guidance, discipline, the necessities of life, and parental comfort.<br />
The age of the child, the physical environment, and the inclination of the<br />
custodian and the child as to permanency of the relationship shall also be<br />
considered. [MCL 722.27(1)©).]<br />
<br />
<br />
“An established custodial environment is one of significant duration in which a parent provides<br />
care, discipline, love, guidance, and attention that is appropriate to the age and individual needs<br />
of the child.” Berger, 277 Mich App at 706. If an established custodial environment exists with<br />
one parent or with both parents, a trial court may not change the custodial environment unless<br />
there is clear and convincing evidence that a change in the custodial environment is in the child’s<br />
best interests. MCL 722.27(1)(c); In re AP, 283 Mich App 574, 601-602; 770 NW2d 403<br />
(2009). However, if no established custodial environment exists, the trial court may change<br />
custody or enter a custody order if a preponderance of the evidence establishes that the change<br />
serves the child’s best interests. Pierron v Pierron, 282 Mich App 222, 245; 765 NW2d 345<br />
(2009), aff’d 486 Mich 81 (2010).<br />
<br />
3.Consideration of the reasons behind the custodial environment; Treutle v. Treutle; <br />
<br />
Because an established custodial environment existed with plaintiff at the time of trial,<br />
the trial court could only change the custodial environment if there was clear and convincing<br />
evidence that such a change was in the children’s best interest. MCL 722.27(1)(c); In re AP, 283<br />
Mich App at 601. The trial court’s use of the preponderance of the evidence standard,<br />
appropriate only where there is no established custodial environment, Pierron, 282 Mich App at<br />
245, was clear legal error. Fletcher v Fletcher, 447 Mich 871, 881; 526 NW2d 889 (1994).<br />
<br />
4.Use of the preponderance of the evidence standard; In re AP; Pierron v. Pierron; Fletcher v. Fletcher;<br />
<br />
5.The trial court's findings on statutory "best interest" factors (c) & (f); MCL 722.23; Corporan v. Henton<br />
<br />
—SOURCE<br />
<br />
CASE: Court: Michigan Court of Appeals (Unpublished 03/22/2011),Case Name: LXXXX (DAD PLAINTIFF)v. CXXXXXXX (MOM DEFENDANT), e-Journal Number: 48441,Judge(s): Per Curiam – Shapiro, Hoekstra, and Talbot No. 298058, DIVORCE Gladwin Circuit Court, LC No. 2009-004709-DS, Flint Divorce Attorney Terry R. Bankert 810-235-1970 comments CAP’S or citer [trb] See: <a href="http://www.attorneybankert.com/">http://www.attorneybankert.com/</a><br />
<br />
—FACTS AND LAW<br />
<br />
FACT SUMMARY OF THIS CASE :The court held that the trial court used the wrong standard in deciding the plaintiff-father's custody request because its finding that the children did not have anESTABLISHED CUSTODIAL ENVIRONMENT ( ECE) with him was against the great weight of the evidence. Thus, the court, MICHIGAN COURT OF APPEALS, reversed the GLADWIN trial court's order awarding plaintiff and the defendant-mother joint legal custody and defendant sole physical custody of the parties' children, and remanded.<br />
<br />
DOMESTIC CASE OVER VIEW <br />
<br />
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE COURT FINDS THERE IS NO CUSTODIAL ENVIRONMENT?<br />
<br />
The GLADWIN trial court found that an ECE did not exist with either party. <br />
<br />
COURT REVIEWED TWO TIME PERIODS<br />
<br />
The trial court divided its custodial environment analysis into two time periods - <br />
<br />
BEFORE FATHERS INCARCERATION<br />
<br />
(1) from 6/08 to 7/09, the period before plaintiff's incarceration when he, defendant, and the children primarily resided in one household and <br />
<br />
AFTER FATHERS INCARCERATION<br />
<br />
(2) from 7/09 to the time of trial, the period after plaintiff's incarceration when he and the children lived together and defendant lived in another city. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
GLADWIN FOUND BEFORE INCARCERATION MOM HAD ECE<br />
<br />
The trial court found an ECE existed with defendant before plaintiff's incarceration, and this ECE was extinguished after his incarceration. <br />
<br />
DAD NEVER HAD ECE SO PREPONDERENCE USED<br />
<br />
The trial court concluded that an ECE never existed with plaintiff and thus, used the preponderance of the evidence standard to determine the children's custody. <br />
<br />
COURT RELIED ON THESE FCATS AS PRESENTED<br />
<br />
As to time period (1), the court concluded that defendant's testimony was that both she and plaintiff provided the "day-to-day care" for the children. Plaintiff testified that he primarily took care of them, giving them baths, cooking them dinner, taking them to the doctor, doing their laundry, buying them clothes, and playing with them. Plaintiff testified that during the parties' August-February separation period, the children lived with him four to five days a week. Defendant indicated that during that period, she had the children every other day during the week and every other weekend. <br />
<br />
COURT OF APPEALS VS GLADWIN COURT DIFFERENCE IN CONCLUSION<br />
<br />
Based on the parties' testimony about time period (1), the MICHIGAN COURT OF APPEALS court held that the GLADWIN trial court's finding that an ECE existed with defendant but not with plaintiff was against the great weight of the evidence. <br />
<br />
MICHIGABN COURT OF APPEALS RELIED ON THE FOLLOWING<br />
<br />
As to time period (2), the testimony showed that plaintiff lived with the children and his mother while defendant lived in another city. Plaintiff testified that he had no problems raising the children in defendant's absence. He continued to cook for them, do their laundry, and get them ready for school. They participated in school and outdoor recreational activities together, and he took them to medical appointments. Defendant saw the children much less frequently than plaintiff during this period. <br />
<br />
DAD HAD ECE EXCEPT DURING INCARCERATION<br />
<br />
The court concluded that in making its findings as to time period (2), "the trial court improperly concerned itself with the reasons behind the custodial environment." Without considering the reasons behind the custodial environment, the court held that the evidence showed that an ECE existed with plaintiff. Except during his incarceration (when the children were primarily cared for by his mother), "plaintiff consistently provided the care, discipline, love, guidance, and attention that the children required."<br />
<br />
---END FAMILY LAW DISCUSSION <br />
If you have questions about bankruptcy see <a href="http://www.nojokebeingbroke.com/">http://www.nojokebeingbroke.com/</a> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-59949347929232982352011-04-14T06:22:00.000-05:002011-04-14T06:22:50.376-05:00DIVORCE FLINT ,GENESEE DIVORCE FLINT DIVORCE LAWYER,ATTORNEY TERRY BANKERT (810)-235-1970<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">DIVORCE FLINT ,GENESEE DIVORCE FLINT DIVORCE LAWYER,ATTORNEY TERRY BANKERT (810)-235-1970<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
TODAY THE KEYWORDS FOR A RESPONSIBLE DIVORCE ARE “HOW TO FILE FOR DIVORCE IN MICHIGAN”<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
FILING FOR A DIVORC E<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Initial filings. §§1.7–1.10. <br />
<br />
The initial filing for a divorce without children includes a summons, a complaint, filing fees, and a record of divorce or annulment (some counties require filing at the time of entry of the judgment).<br />
<br />
GENESEE COUNTY IN FLINT FRIEND OF THE COURT GETS A COPY OF YOUR DIVORCE FILING<br />
<br />
If there are minor children or a request for spousal support, a verified statement must be served on the other party and provided to the Friend of the Court. <br />
<br />
KIDS IN DIVORCE<br />
<br />
The initial filing for a divorce with minor children must also include information about custody proceedings and the names and birth dates of the minor children.<br />
<br />
DIVORCING COMPLAINT<br />
<br />
The complaint must include the following: <br />
<br />
The statutory grounds for divorce, without further explanation.<br />
<br />
The parties’ complete names and their names before marriage.<br />
<br />
Residency information.<br />
<br />
Whether a party is pregnant.<br />
<br />
The required case caption language (see §1.8).<br />
<br />
Whether there are minor children of the parties or minor children born during the marriage.<br />
<br />
The complete names and birth dates of any minors involved in the action, including minor children of the parties and all children born during the marriage.<br />
<br />
Whether there is property to be divided.<br />
<br />
If a request for protection of property is made, facts sufficient to support the relief requested.<br />
<br />
If spousal support is requested, a showing of the need for support and the other party’s ability to pay.<br />
<br />
If there are minors or a request for child support, whether any Michigan court has continuing jurisdiction over the minor and, if so, the court and file number.<br />
<br />
If custody of a minor is to be determined, the following must be included in the complaint or in an attached affidavit: (1) the child’s present address, (2) places where the child has lived within the last five years, (3) names and present addresses of persons with whom the child has lived during that period, (4) whether the party has participated in other litigation concerning the custody of the child in Michigan or elsewhere, (5) whether the party knows of a proceeding that could affect the current child custody proceeding, and (6) whether the party knows of a person who is not a party to the proceedings who has physical custody of the child or claims custody or parenting time rights.<br />
<br />
Filing fees may be waived. Fees and costs must be waived or suspended for persons receiving public assistance and indigent persons. The judge may hold a hearing to determine if the person is indigent. If the affidavit of indigency is not disputed, the waiver is mandatory.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Service. §§1.13–1.15. <br />
<br />
Service is as provided in the general rules for service, with a copy to the Friend of the Court if there are minor children, a party is pregnant, or support is requested.<br />
<br />
If there is a nonresident defendant and jurisdiction is under the long-arm statute, service is made as on a resident defendant. If jurisdiction is acquired by personal service with an order for appearance and publication, specific proofs are required (see §1.13).<br />
<br />
Requirements for alternative service—see §1.14.<br />
<br />
Requirements when a spouse is in the armed services—see §1.16.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you have family law/divorce question call for a free consultation Attorney Terry Bankert 235-1970 or reach him through <a href="http://www.attorneybankert.com/">http://www.attorneybankert.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
FAMILY IN ECONOMIC DISTRESS try his informational site <a href="http://www.nojokebeingbroke.com/">http://www.nojokebeingbroke.com/</a><br />
if you have bankruptcy questions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Principal source<br />
<br />
Michigan Family Law Benchbook ch 1 (ICLE 2d ed 2006), at <a href="http://www.icle.org/modules/books/chapter.aspx/?lib=family&book=2006553550&chapter=01">http://www.icle.org/modules/books/chapter.aspx/?lib=family&book=2006553550&chapter=01</a><br />
(last updated 04/01/2011<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-50924674589952443052011-04-08T04:46:00.000-05:002011-04-08T04:46:23.654-05:00FLINT DIVORCE ATTORNEY,FLINT DIVORCE LAWYER POST ON PROPERTY SETTLEMENT, Terry R. Bankert 810-235-1970<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
FLINT DIVORCE ATTORNEY,FLINT DIVORCE LAWYER POST ON PROPERTY SETTLEMENT, Terry R. Bankert 810-235-1970<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
MOM GETS PRIMARY PHYSICAL CUSTODY?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The APPELLATE court held that the DIVORCE trial court did not err in its division of the parties' real and personal property and its award of primary physical custody of the parties' child to the plaintiff-wife. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Issues PRESENTED HERE: <br />
<br />
A.Divorce; <br />
<br />
B.The trial court's findings of fact; McDougal v. McDougal; Draggoo v. Draggoo; Holmes v. Holmes; <br />
<br />
C.Binding effect of property settlements reached through negotiations and agreement by the parties; Keyser v. Keyser; <br />
<br />
D.Abandoned issue; MCR 7.212(C)(7); McIntosh v. McIntosh; Custody; Berger v. Berger; Stipulation; Dick v. Dick<br />
<br />
__________________________________________/<br />
<br />
SOURCE Court: Michigan Court of Appeals ,Case Name: TXXXXX v. TXXXXX,e-Journal Number: 48366,Judge(s): Per Curiam – Gleicher, Whitbeck, and Owens UNPUBLISHED March 15, 2011, No. 296949,Allegan Circuit Court, LC No. 07-042486-DM.<br />
<br />
__________________________________________/<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
HUSBAND TELLS THE COURT YHEY DID NOT DO IT RIGHT<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The defendant-husband challenged the trial court's disposition of the parties' personal and real property, arguing, inter alia, that the trial court failed to find and take into account when disposing of the martial property that plaintiff did not maintain the status quo and the trial court erred in giving plaintiff the property adjacent to the marital residence.<br />
<br />
________________________________________/<br />
<br />
This article posted by Flint Divorce Attorney Terry R. Bankert 810-235-1970. Article has been modified and written in SEO format. Posters comments in CAP or cited [trb]. Questions contact <a href="http://www.attorneybankert.com/">http://www.attorneybankert.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
________________________________________/<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
DIVIDED PROPERTY SHOULD BE EQUAL!<br />
<br />
He also contended that the trial court's division of marital personal property was not equal, and the trial court's disposition of the parties' personal property was erroneous because plaintiff's personal property appraisal was improper. <br />
<br />
IT WAS AN AGREEMENT?<br />
<br />
However, the parties stipulated on the record that they had reached a settlement regarding the division of their real and personal property. <br />
<br />
PARTIES EACH HAD DIVORCE ATTORNEYS<br />
<br />
Defendant was represented by counsel and indicated that he understood and agreed to the settlement. <br />
<br />
DIVORCE COURT JUDGE INCORPORATRED THEIR AGREEMENT?<br />
<br />
The trial court's judgment of divorce was consistent with the parties' agreement. Defendant did not allege, and the record did not indicate, the presence of fraud, duress, mutual mistake, or severe stress. <br />
<br />
YOU CANNOT HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO!<br />
<br />
He could not stipulate to the division of property and now argue to the court that the ensuing property disposition was erroneous. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
THE MICHIGAN COURT OF APPEALS SAID<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
“A party may not take a position in the trial court and subsequently seek redress in an<br />
<br />
appellate court that is based on a position contrary to that taken in the trial court.” Holmes v Holmes, 281 Mich App 575, 587-588; 760 NW2d 300 (2008). Moreover, “[a] party cannot stipulate a matter and then argue on appeal that the resultant action was error.” Id. at 588. “[C]ourts are bound by property settlements reached through negotiations and agreement by parties to a divorce action, in the absence of fraud, duress, mutual mistake, or severe stress which prevented a party from understanding in a reasonable manner the nature and effect of the act in which she was engaged.” Keyser v Keyser, 182 Mich App 268, 269-270; 451 NW2d 587 (1990). “This rule applies whether the settlement is in writing . . . or . . . orally placed on the record and consented to by the parties, even though not yet formally entered as part of the divorce judgment by the lower court.” Id. at 270.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
HUSBAND LOSES ARGUMENT<br />
<br />
Affirmed.<br />
<br />
-----END<br />
<br />
If you have questions about divorce please contact Terry R. Bankert <a href="http://www.attorneybankert.com/">http://www.attorneybankert.com/</a> <br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-22690590851450252492011-03-27T18:45:00.001-05:002011-03-27T18:46:22.744-05:00HUMBLED BY FINANCES MABEY BANKRUPTCY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Your BANKRUPTCY QUESTION will be personally answered by Flint Bankruptcy Lawyer Terry Bankert. Call 810-235-1970. Do you have questions about what will happen to your home, car and other property. Contact Flint Bankruptcy Attorney Terry Bankert 810-235-1970 or through his web page at <a href="http://www.attorneybankert.com/">http://www.attorneybankert.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-63084393722366306122011-03-22T04:47:00.000-05:002011-03-22T04:47:44.236-05:00FLINT DIVORCE ATTORNEY AND CASE WHERE WIFE GETS MORE PROPERTY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Flint Divorce Attorney Terry Bankert ,810-235-1970 discusses several Issues: 1.Divorce; <br />
<br />
<br />
2.The defendant-husband's claim that the property division was inequitable; Pickering v. Pickering; Reed v. Reed; <br />
<br />
3.The factors in Sparks v. Sparks; Berger v. Berger; Thames v. Thames; <br />
<br />
4Infidelity; Davey v. Davey; <br />
<br />
4Dissipation of martial assets; Woodington v. Shokoohi<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
SOURCE:Court: Michigan Court of Appeals (Unpublished 02/15/2011),<br />
<br />
Case Name: S----- v. S-----, Livingston Circuit Court, LC No. 08-003892-DO<br />
<br />
e-Journal Number: 48129,Judge(s): Per Curiam - Murphy, Murray, and Shapiro,<br />
<br />
[Comments of Flint Divorce Lawyer Terry Bankert ALL CAPS or trb]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO APPEAL THE DECISION OF YOUR LOCAL DIVORCE COURT<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A trial court’s factual findings will not be reversed unless they are found<br />
<br />
to be clearly erroneous, meaning that, this Court is left with a definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been made. Reed v Reed, 265 Mich App 131, 150; 693 NW2d 825 (2005).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
GOOD LUCK IF YOU TRY<br />
<br />
A trial court’s dispositional ruling should be affirmed unless this Court is left with the firm conviction that the property division was inequitable. Pickering, 268 Mich App at 7.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
HIGH COURT DECISION<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Michigan Court of Appeals held, inter alia, that an unequal division of marital property is not contrary to Michigan law as long as it is based on the appropriate criteria, the trial court properly determined the situation (after a 38-year marriage) did not warrant a 50-50 property division based on the property division factors, and the trial court did not err in awarding the plaintiff-wife $150,000 in alimony in gross. <br />
<br />
The LIVINGSTON DIVORCE trial court used its equitable powers to mold relief according to the nature of the case and did what was necessary to accord complete equity and to resolve the controversy. The MICHGIAN COURT OF APPEALS concluded that reversal was not warranted as to the division of property. <br />
<br />
HOW DOES A COURT MAKE A PROPERTY DIVISION?<br />
<br />
In dividing the marital property, the trial court’s opinion here addressed the property division<br />
<br />
factors set forth in Sparks v Sparks, 440 Mich 141, 159-160; 485 NW2d 893 (1992).<br />
<br />
The Sparks Court stated:<br />
<br />
We hold that the following factors are to be considered wherever they are<br />
<br />
relevant to the circumstances of the particular case: (1) duration of the marriage,<br />
<br />
(2) contributions of the parties to the marital estate, (3) age of the parties, (4)<br />
<br />
health of the parties, (5) life status of the parties, (6) necessities and circumstances<br />
<br />
of the parties, (7) earning abilities of the parties, (8) past relations and conduct of<br />
<br />
the parties, and (9) general principles of equity. There may even be additional<br />
<br />
factors that are relevant to a particular case. For example, the court may choose to<br />
<br />
consider the interruption of the personal career or education of either party. The<br />
<br />
determination of relevant factors will vary depending on the facts and<br />
<br />
circumstances of the case. [Id. (citation omitted).]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
HUSBANDS ARGUMENT-WIFE CAN WORK!<br />
<br />
On appeal the defendant-husband argued the trial court made factual findings that were unsupported by the record - particularly that the wife might be unable to work in the future due to poor health, <br />
<br />
HUSBAND ARGUES WIFE EQUALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR BAD INVESTMENTS<br />
<br />
the defendant should bear the sole responsibility for bad marital investments and (indirectly) the balance on the equity line of credit, <br />
<br />
HUSBANDS ARGUMENT- INFIDELITY NOT A BIG DEAL<br />
<br />
and the LIVINGSTON DIVORCE trial court placed an inordinate amount of weight on his infidelity in dividing the martial assets. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
…defendant complains that the trial court placed an inordinate amount of emphasis<br />
<br />
on his affair and ordered an inequitable property distribution to punish him. A circumstance "to be considered in the determination of property division is the fault or misconduct of a party." Davey v Davey, 106 Mich App 579, 581-582; 308 NW2d 468 (1981). However, “the trial court must consider all the relevant factors and not assign disproportionate weight to any one circumstance.” Sparks, 440 Mich at 158.<br />
<br />
HUSBAND CONTINUED AFFAIR WHILE IN COUNSELING WITH WIFE<br />
<br />
The trial court found defendant’s affair to be significant in relationship to assessing defendant’s credibility. It is undisputed that defendant lied to plaintiff<br />
<br />
about the existence of the affair, misled her about the termination of the affair, and participated in counseling with plaintiff while still engaging in the affair.<br />
<br />
WIFE GETS $150,000<br />
<br />
The court noted that the disparity in the property division was essentially created by the award to the wife of $150,000 in alimony in gross, given that the trial court otherwise evenly divided, for the most part, the marital estate. <br />
<br />
DID YOU KNOW?<br />
<br />
Woodington v Shokoohi, 288 Mich App 352; __ NW2d __ (2010) (when a party has dissipated marital assets absent the fault of the other spouse, the value of the dissipated assets can be included in the marital estate).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
WHAT IS ALIMONY IN GROSS<br />
<br />
If alimony, now referred to as spousal support, is either a lump sum or a definite sum to be paid in installments, it is alimony in gross, which is not truly alimony intended for a spouse’s maintenance, but rather is in the nature of a division of property. Staple v Staple, 241 Mich App 562, 580; 616 NW2d 219 (2000).<br />
<br />
NO VALUE IN MARITAL HOME<br />
<br />
There was no equity and was indeed negative equity in the marital home awarded to the wife, where its appraised value was surpassed by the mortgage and the balance on the home equity line of credit, which the trial court ordered the wife to pay. <br />
<br />
ALIMONY TO PAY OFF LINE OF CREDIT<br />
<br />
It appeared from the record that the trial court ordered the husband to pay alimony in gross so that plaintiff could use the funds to pay off the balance due on the line of credit, which nearly equaled the amount of alimony. <br />
<br />
LIVINGSTON COUNTY DIVORCE COURT GOT IT RIGHT<br />
<br />
On the record presented at trial, and given all of the circumstances in the case, there was no inequity in the trial court's decision. Affirmed.<br />
<br />
DIVORCE PROPERTY DIVISION CAN BE UNEQUAL<br />
<br />
An unequal division of marital property is not contrary to Michigan law as long as it is<br />
<br />
based on appropriate criteria. Washington v Washington, 283 Mich App 667, 673; 770 NW2d 908 (2009). Here, the property division favored plaintiff; however, the trial court assessed the relevant factors, and the record supported such findings. Moreover, "there is no Michigan statute or caselaw that precludes outright a substantial deviation from numerical equality in a property distribution award." Id. In this case, the trial determined that the situation did not warrant a 50- 50 property division based upon the property division factors. The trial court did not err in awarding plaintiff $150,000 in alimony in gross. The trial court used its equitable powers to mold relief according to the nature of the case and it did what was necessary to accord complete equity and to conclude the controversy. Cohen v Cohen, 125 Mich App 206, 211; 335 NW2d 661 (1983).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If you have question about Divorce, custody , child support or bankruptcy call Flint Attorney Terry Bankert 1-810-235-1970<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.attorneybankert.com/">http://www.attorneybankert.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-11210007586644039282011-03-04T19:37:00.001-05:002011-03-04T19:52:44.917-05:001st Eve & ADAM then Flint Divorce by Terry Bankert 810-235-1970<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><strong>Adam</strong> and Eve were followed by families where matrimony turned to acrimoney For an <strong>Adam Divorce</strong> can be a difficult process, the same is do for Eve. If you have made that tough decision contact <strong>Flint Divorce</strong> <strong>Lawyer</strong> Terry Banket. Even in the best of circumstances, tempers may run high, and every decision can seem to be more stressful than the last. It is only human to find yourself reacting emotionally at certain stages of a divorce, but it is important to remember that your actions throughout the process can affect your familial, emotional, and financial situation for years to come. Flint Divorce Lawyer says Following are some "do's and don'ts" for the divorce process.<br />
<br />
<br />
THE DO's <br />
<br />
DO be reasonable and cooperate as much as possible with your soon-to-be-ex. Reasonable compromise yields quicker and easier results in divorce cases.<br />
<br />
DO support your children through this process. It's even tougher on them than on you. Don't make them pick sides.<br />
<br />
DO let your spouse know when and where you will spend time with your kids while you work out permanent custody arrangements.<br />
<br />
DO fully disclose all your assets and property. A court can throw out a divorce decree based on financial deception, putting you back in court years after you thought everything was final.<br />
<br />
DO ask your attorney if anything doesn't make sense. Your attorney works for you, and should help you understand every part of the divorce process.<br />
<br />
THE DON'Ts<br />
<br />
DON'T make big plans to take a job in another state or move out of the country until your divorce is final. Your new life could interfere with getting your divorce finalized.<br />
<br />
DON'T violate any temporary custody or visitation arrangements. It could make it tougher for you to get the custody or visitation rights you prefer.<br />
<br />
DON'T "give away" property to friends or relatives and arrange to get it back later. Hiding property can mean your spouse can take you back to court to settle those assets.<br />
<br />
DON'T go it alone. Divorce is complicated, and an attorney can make sure that your interests are protected.<br />
<br />
DON’T make wedding plans with your new significant other until your divorce is finalized.<br />
<br />
A FEW OF THE ISSUES.<br />
<br />
180 day residency in Michigan required of one of the parties.<br />
<br />
Friend of the Court becomes involved if there are children or spousal support is requested.<br />
<br />
Allegations In a divorce proceeding the only allegation of the grounds for divorce the statute permits is the no-fault grounds, i.e. " there ha been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likely hood that the marriage can be preserved.<br />
<br />
Child Custody proceedings are often part of a divorce action but they may be initiated independent of a divorce proceedings. A married parent may independently commence an action for child support as long as there is no divorce or separate maintenance proceedings.<br />
<br />
OTHER PARTIES Generally it is beyond the jurisdiction of the divorce court to adjudicate third- party rights regarding property. An example is a car loan with both names on it. One may be ordered to pay it in the divorce but both can be sued by the lien holder.<br />
<br />
Filing and Serving the Divorce/Dissolution Petition<br />
<br />
The divorce complaint is a legal document that is filed in court by a spouse who seeks a divorce. This complaint informs the court of the filing spouse's (called the "petitioner") desire to end the marriage, and its filing with the court signifies the initiation of the divorce process. Once the divorce/dissolution petition has been "served" on the petitioner's spouse, it also notifies him or her that the divorce process has begun.<br />
<br />
Contents of the Divorce/Dissolution Petition: Information and Requests<br />
<br />
A complaint typically contains the following information:<br />
<br />
Identification of the spouses by name and address;<br />
<br />
Date and place of marriage;<br />
<br />
Identification of children of the marriage;<br />
<br />
Acknowledgment that the petitioner and/or his or her spouse have lived in the state or county for a certain amount of time prior to filing the petition;<br />
<br />
Grounds for divorce;<br />
<br />
Declaration or request as to how the petitioner would like to settle finances, property division, child custody, visitation, and other issues related to divorce.<br />
<br />
A divorce complaint should be as neutral a document as possible. Inflammatory language can<br />
<br />
open up wounds that will never heal.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Do you need help now? Call 810 235-1970 !<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
By Attorney Terry Ray Bankert 810 235-1970<br />
<br />
<a href="http://attorneybankert.com/">http://attorneybankert.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Divorce, Custody, Child Support, Alimony, Child Neglect, Flint Michigan USA Lawyer. http://terrybankert.blogspot.com/ </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-61368697940662139762011-02-28T07:12:00.001-05:002011-02-28T07:13:52.897-05:00Courts must conduct a hearing before your childs custody is changed!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">PARENTS YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO A BEST INTEREST HEARING EVERY TIME A COURT CHANGES CUSTODY OF YOUR CHILD.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Flint Divorce lawyer Terry R. Bankert discusses several domestic issues : <br />
<br />
1-The trial court's dispositional order on remand providing that the minor child's "primary residence" would be with respondent-Reid (his father) subject to parenting time with respondent-Johnson (the mother) in accordance with a mediation agreement, any future issues of custody or parenting time would be decided in the domestic section of the family court, and terminating the trial court's jurisdiction over the child in the child protective proceeding; <br />
<br />
2- Flint Divorce Attorney Terry R. Bankert also discusses Whether the trial court erred by failing to enter its order in the related paternity case as well as the child protective proceeding; In re AP; <br />
<br />
3.Mediation in domestic relations cases; <br />
<br />
4. MISC:MCR 3.216(H); Fran v. Fran; Effect of the parents' use of alternative dispute resolution on the trial court's authority and obligations under the Child Custody Act (CCA); Harvey v. Harvey; MCL 722.26a(1); Whether the case should be remanded to a different judge; Balata v. Balata<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Based upon S T A T E O F M I C H I G A N C O U R T O F A P E A L S,UNPUBLISHED<br />
<br />
January 20, 2011,In the Matter of B J, Minor. No. 296273,Wayne Circuit Court<br />
<br />
Family Divisional No. 06-461948.e-Journal Number: 47937 CAPS and [tab] are from poster Terry R. Bankert Flint Family Law Attorney.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
HIGH COURT TAKES PRIMARY RESIDENCE OF THE CHILD FROM FATHER<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The MICHIGAN COURT OF APPEALS again vacated the WAYNE FAMILY trial court's dispositional order, which provided that the minor child's "primary residence" would be with respondent-Reid (his father), concluding that the order effectively awarded Reid custody but the trial court again did not consider the statutory best interest factors before changing custody. <br />
<br />
FATHERS PHYSICAL CUSTODY HAD BEEN REVERESED<br />
<br />
In a prior appeal (In re AP), the court vacated the trial court's May 2008 order entered in a child protective case, pursuant to which the trial court terminated its jurisdiction over the child and awarded Reid physical custody. <br />
<br />
LOCAL COURT DID NOT CONDUCT A BEST INTEREST HEARING<br />
<br />
The court held in AP that the trial court erred because it failed to ensure that its order was entered in a related paternity case between Reid and respondent-Johnson (pursuant to which Johnson was awarded physical custody) and because the trial court effectively decided the custody issue without considering the CCA's best interest factors. <br />
<br />
ON SECOND TRY LOCAL COURT GIVES Dad primary residence<br />
<br />
On remand, the trial court entered the December 2009 order at issue here. As an initial matter, the court agreed with Johnson that the trial court again erred by failing to enter its order in the related paternity case as well as the child protective proceeding. While the trial court stated that future issues as to custody and parenting time were to be submitted to the domestic section of the family court that decided the paternity case, since the December 2009 order effectively decided custody and parenting time issues, it was necessary that this order also be captioned with the appropriate paternity case name and number. <br />
<br />
ONCE AGAIN THER COURT DID NOT CONDUCT A BEST INTEREST HEARING<br />
<br />
Further, the court held that the December 2009 order was not entered in accordance with the court's decision in AP because the trial court again effectively decided custody issues without complying with the CCA's requirements and entry of the order resulted in a conflict with the original custody order entered in the paternity case. In accordance with the court's decision in AP, the trial court could not properly enter a custody award to Reid that would survive the termination of its jurisdiction unless its decision was made in compliance with the CCA. <br />
<br />
THE COURT USED A MEDIATION REPORT THAT DID NOT RECOMMEND ON CUSTODY ISSUE<br />
<br />
The court also noted that while the December 2009 order was allegedly based on a mediation agreement, that agreement only addressed parenting time, not custody. <br />
<br />
PRIMARY RESIDENCE EFFECTIVELY GAVE DAD CUSTODY WITHOUT A HEARING<br />
<br />
The order establishing Reid's home as the child's "primary residence" subject to a parenting time schedule for Johnson led to a custody arrangement where Reid was effectively awarded physical custody of the child, contrary to the custody order in the original paternity case, but without the prior custody order ever being modified and without entry of an order formally awarding Reid custody. Vacated [ENDED ORDER] and remanded [SENT BACK TO COURT TO GET IT RIGHT]. <br />
<br />
===<br />
<br />
S T A T E O F M I C H I G A N C O U R T O F A P P E A L S,UNPUBLISHED<br />
<br />
January 20, 2011,In the Matter of B J, Minor. No. 296273,Wayne Circuit Court<br />
<br />
Family Division,LC No. 06-461948.<br />
<br />
NOTES<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
JUDGES MUST COMPLY WITH THE CHILD CUSTODY ACT CCA<br />
<br />
This Court held that the juvenile court erred because it failed to<br />
<br />
ensure that its order was entered in a related paternity action between respondents Johnson and<br />
<br />
Reid, pursuant to which Johnson had been awarded physical custody of the child, and because<br />
<br />
the juvenile court also effectively decided the issue of custody without considering the statutory<br />
<br />
best interest factors in the Child Custody Act (CCA), MCL 722.23. <br />
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MEDIATION RULES <br />
<br />
Mediation in domestic relations actions is governed by MCR 3.216. MCR 3.216(H) provides, in pertinent<br />
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part:<br />
<br />
(5) The mediator shall discuss with the parties and counsel, if any, the<br />
<br />
facts and issues involved. The mediation will continue until a settlement is<br />
<br />
reached, the mediator determines that a settlement is not likely to be reached, the<br />
<br />
end of the first mediation session, or until a time agreed to by the parties.<br />
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(6) Within 7 days of the completion of mediation, the mediator shall so<br />
<br />
advise the court, stating only the date of completion of the process, who<br />
<br />
participated in the mediation, whether settlement was reached, and whether<br />
<br />
further ADR proceedings are contemplated. If an evaluation will be made under<br />
<br />
subrule (I), the mediator may delay reporting to the court until completion of the<br />
<br />
evaluation process.<br />
<br />
(7) If a settlement is reached as a result of the mediation, to be binding,<br />
<br />
the terms of that settlement must be reduced to a signed writing by the parties or<br />
<br />
acknowledged by the parties on an audio or video recording. After a settlement<br />
<br />
has been reached, the parties shall take steps necessary to enter judgment as in the<br />
<br />
case of other settlements.<br />
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DOMESTIC MEDIATION IS DIFFERENT<br />
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Domestic relations mediation under MCR 3.216 differs from binding mediation in other civil<br />
<br />
actions because mediation under MCR 3.216 is not binding, but is subject to acceptance or<br />
<br />
rejection by the parties. Frain v Frain, 213 Mich App 509, 511; 540 NW2d 741 (1995).<br />
<br />
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTIUON MUST STILL FOLLOW THE LAW<br />
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It is well established that parents’ utilization of alternative dispute resolution does not<br />
<br />
deprive the court of its authority and obligations under the Child Custody Act. In Harvey v<br />
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Harvey, 470 Mich 186; 680 NW2d 835 (2004), our Supreme Court held that parties cannot<br />
<br />
stipulate to restrict a trial court’s authority to decide a custody issue. <br />
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THE CHILD CUSTODY ACT IS MENT TO GUIDE DECISION MAKING IIN CUSTODY DISPUTES.<br />
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The Court Stated:The Child Custody Act is a comprehensive statutory scheme for resolving<br />
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custody disputes. Van v Zahorik, 460 Mich 320, 327; 597 NW2d 15 (1999).<br />
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With it, the Legislature sought to “promote the best interests and welfare of<br />
<br />
children.” Fletcher v Fletcher, 447 Mich 871, 877; 526 NW2d 889 (1994). <br />
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CCA APPLIES IN ALL CUSTODY DECISIONS<br />
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The act applies to all custody disputes and vests the circuit court with continuing<br />
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jurisdiction. MCL 722.26.<br />
<br />
CHILD BEST INTEREST CONTROL<br />
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The act makes clear that the best interests of the child control the<br />
<br />
resolution of a custody dispute between parents, as gauged by the factors set forth<br />
<br />
at MCL 722.23. MCL 722.25(1). It places an affirmative obligation on the<br />
<br />
circuit court to “declare the child’s inherent rights and establish the rights and<br />
<br />
duties as to the child’s custody, support, and parenting time in accordance with<br />
<br />
this act” whenever the court is required to adjudicate an action “involving dispute<br />
<br />
of a minor child’s custody.” MCL 722.24(1); Van, supra at 328. <br />
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THE COURTS HAVE A DUTY TO CONDUCT A BEST INTEREST HEARING<br />
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Taken together these statutory provisions impose on the trial court the duty to ensure that the<br />
<br />
resolution of any custody dispute is in the best interests of the child. [Harvey, 470<br />
<br />
Mich at 191-192.]<br />
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THE COURT WANTS PARENTS TO REACH AGREEMENT BUT THE COURT HAS A DUTY.<br />
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We recognize that parents sometimes reach agreements regarding custody<br />
<br />
and visitation matters either informally through direct negotiations or through<br />
<br />
mediation procedures made available by dispute resolution organizations. Our<br />
<br />
decision does not restrict the ability of parties to address disputes through<br />
<br />
alternative dispute resolution processes. We hold only that the statutory “best<br />
<br />
interests” factors control whenever a court enters an order affecting child custody.<br />
<br />
An initial agreement between the parties cannot relieve the court of its statutory<br />
<br />
responsibility to ensure that its adjudication of custody disputes is in a child's best<br />
<br />
interests.<br />
<br />
MEDIATION AGREEMENTS ARE NOT ENFORCEABLE WITHOUT COURT ORDER<br />
<br />
Likewise, parties must understand that a child custody determination<br />
<br />
resulting from alternative dispute resolution processes is not enforceable absent a<br />
<br />
court order. [Id. at 187-188 n 2.]<br />
<br />
JUDGES REQUIRED TO MAKE SURE REFEREE CONDUCT A HEARING<br />
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See also Rivette v Rose-Molina, 278 Mich App 327, 330-333; 750 NW2d 603 (2008) (holding<br />
<br />
that a Friend of the Court referee must consider the best interest factors in making a custody<br />
<br />
recommendation, and the trial court must satisfy itself that the best interest factors were<br />
<br />
considered or make its own findings regarding the factors).<br />
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YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO ASK FOR JOINT CUSTODY<br />
<br />
Further, in accordance with MCL 722.26a(1), the court must consider an award of joint custody if requested by either parent.1<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Post here by <br />
<br />
Terry R. Bankert<br />
<br />
Flint Family Law Attorney<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.attorneybankert.com/">http://www.attorneybankert.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-36322650850426648462011-01-27T22:15:00.000-05:002011-01-27T22:15:18.287-05:00FLINT DIVORCE LAWYER,ATTORNEY, TERRY BANKERT presents case where dad wins appeal!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">FATHER WINS appeal as of right the trial court’s order adopting a recommendation by the Friend of the Court that there had been no material change in circumstances to warrant an evidentiary hearing on a request for a change in custody. The order OVERTURNED was not the result of findings on the best interest factors1 and there was no hearing on those factors.[trb]<br />
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Flint Divorce Attorney,( Lawyer ), Terry Bankert ,810-235-1970,who handles divorce , child custody and support cases discusses several Issues: <br />
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1-The defendant-father's challenge to the trial court's adoption of the FOC recommendation that there had been no material change in circumstances to warrant an evidentiary hearing on a request for change in custody; <br />
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2-McIntosh v. McIntosh; <br />
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3-The Child Custody Act (CCA); MCL 722.27(1)(c); <br />
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4-Whether the custody order at issue was a "temporary" order and could be modified on "proper cause shown or a change of circumstances"; <br />
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5-Foskett v. Foskett; Vodvarka v. Grasmeyer; <br />
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6-"Temporary" custody orders are the exception to the rule that the trial court must hold an evidentiary hearing; <br />
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7-Thompson v. Thompson; Phillips v. Jordan <br />
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This presentation based on Michigan Court of Appeals (Unpublished 12/28/2010), e-Journal Number: 47755,Judge(s): Per Curiam - Murphy, Meter, and Shapiro, No. 294733,Macomb Circuit Court Family Division, LC No. 2002-005932-DS. CAP headlines or cites [trb] by Terry Bankert with the article altered for SEO. <br />
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The MICHIGAN COURT OF APPEALS held that the MACOMB CIRCUIT COURT must conduct an evidentiary hearing on the "best interest factors" and after evaluating all of the best interest factors, determine custody based upon the best interests of the child. Reversed and remanded. On remand, because an original finding concerning best interests was never issued, the parties are not precluded from offering evidence that originated prior to the entry of the interim order, but may use evidence occurring from any time. <br />
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AFTER A FINAL ORDER TO CHANGE CUSTODY REQUIRED A CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES<br />
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The defendant-father appealed the trial court's order adopting the FOC recommendation that there had been no material change in circumstances warranting an evidentiary hearing on a request for a change in custody. <br />
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COURT CALLED AN INTERIUM ORDER FINAL<br />
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The trial court entered a consent judgment of support which stated that it was a "final judgment," and "resolved the last pending claim and close[d] this case." <br />
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INTERIUM IS INTERIUM NOT FINAL<br />
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Despite the "final judgment" language, the order did not contain an order of permanent custody. Instead, it contained only what was termed an "interim" provision as to custody, which provided that the plaintiff-mother "shall have sole legal and physical custody of said minor child(ren) until further order of the court." <br />
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The order also included parenting time for defendant. <br />
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THERE WAS NO TRIAL LIKE HEARING<br />
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The order was not the result of findings on the best interest factors and there was no hearing on those factors.<br />
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CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRED TO CHANGE A CUSTODY ORDER<br />
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“MCL 722.27(1)(c) provides for modification of a custody order on ‘proper cause shown’<br />
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or ‘[a] change of circumstances.’” Foskett v Foskett, 247 Mich App 1, 5; 634 NW2d 363 (2001), quoting MCL 722.27(1)(c) (alteration in Foskett). <br />
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WITH OUT PROVING CHANGE ,ORDER STANDS<br />
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“On the basis of this language . . . if the movant does not establish proper cause or change in circumstances, then the court is precluded from holding a child custody hearing.” Vodvarka v Grasmeyer, 259 Mich App 499, 508; 675 NW2d 847 (2003).<br />
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TEMPORARY ORDERS ARE THE EXEPTION<br />
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However, temporary custody orders are the exception to this rule. Thompson v Thompson, 261 Mich App 353, 357; 683 NW2d 250 (2004). “By definition, a temporary custody agreement is only a temporary order pending further proceedings.” Id. That is, a temporary custody order is not an original or initial order. Id. at 361-62. Therefore, this type of order is outside the scope of the Child Custody Act. MCL 722.27(1)(c). As such, a defendantmay not be denied a full evidentiary hearing just because he or she has stipulated to “temporary custody.” Thompson, 261 Mich App at 357. <br />
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EVEN WITH STIPULATIUONS THE COURT MUST HAVE A HEARING<br />
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Although defendant stipulated to the temporary order, this does not absolve the trial court of the requirement of determining the best interests of the children prior to entering a permanent order. See id. at 359 (holding that although a trial court will enforce temporary custody agreements, “parties cannot conclusively agree regarding child custody”). <br />
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JUDGE CANNOT BLINDLY ACCEPT STIPULATIONS<br />
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A trial court is not permitted to “blindly accept the stipulation of the parents, but must independently determine what is in the best interests of the child.” Phillips v Jordan, 241 Mich App 17, 21; 614 NW2d 183 (2000).<br />
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DAD SAID HE DID NOT HAVE TO SHOW A CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES<br />
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Defendant contended because the custody order was a temporary custody order, he was not required to show proper cause or a change of circumstances before the trial court could consider a change in custody pursuant to the CCA, and hold an evidentiary hearing on the best interest factors. <br />
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The court noted "By definition, a temporary custody agreement is only a temporary order pending further proceedings." Thus, this type of order is outside the scope of the CCA. <br />
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A TRIAL LIKE EVIDENTIARY HEARING IS REQUIRED<br />
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As such, a defendant may not be denied a full evidentiary hearing just because he or she has stipulated to "temporary custody." <br />
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JUST BECAUSE THE PARTIES AGREE DOES NOT RELIEVE THE JUDGE OF HIS DUTY<br />
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Although defendant stipulated to the temporary order, this did not absolve the trial court of the requirement of determining the best interests of the children before entering a permanent order.<br />
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THE JUDGE MUST DETERMINE WHAT IS IS IN A CHILDS BEST INTEREST<br />
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A trial court is not permitted to "blindly accept the stipulation of the parents, but must independently determine what is in the best interests of the child." <br />
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Presented here by <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Terry Bankert<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.attorneybankert.com/">http://www.attorneybankert.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9735299.post-43694467057429438862010-11-14T15:06:00.000-05:002010-11-14T15:06:30.842-05:00Division of Marital PropertyStatutory Authority<br />
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<br />
Did you know Divorce law is based on statutes. There is no authority to divide property, for example, absent an applicable statute. Charlton v Charlton, 397 Mich 84; 243 NW2d 261 (1976). Here we will look at what the statute says.<br />
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<span lang="EN">Terry Ray Bankert is a Michigan Attorney specializing in Family Law, and works as a Flint Divorce Attorney, Flint Divorce lawyer, Genesee Divorce Lawyer and Genesee Divorce Attorney.(SEO) For help with your questions call 810-235-1970. Or <br />
<br />
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The primary statutory authority for a court to award property in a divorce case is MCL 552.19:<br />
<br />
When there is an annulment of a marriage, a divorce or a judgment of separate maintenance, the court may make a further judgment for restoring to either party the whole, or such parts as it finds just and reasonable, of the real and personal estate that shall have come to either party by reason of the marriage, or for awarding to either party the value thereof, to be paid by either party in money.<br />
The statute is hard to read and apply and he courts have defined the marital estate. The process has been slow and evolving, and even now there is no legal or simple definition of the marital estate.<br />
III. WHAT IS Marital Property<br />
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Reeves v Reeves, 226 Mich App 490; 575 NW2d 1 (1997), lv den 459 Mich 882; 586 NW2d 746 (1998), is the law in Michigan. The DOCTRINE of Reeves was approved by the Michigan Supreme Court in Dart v Dart, 460 Mich 573, 585 n 6; 597 NW2d 82 (1999).<br />
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This case says:<br />
The distribution of property in a divorce is controlled by statute. MCL 552.1 et seq. (subsequent citations omitted). In granting a divorce, the court may divide all property that came “to either party by reason of the marriage….” MCL 552.19 ….Reeves at 493. [Emphasis in original.]<br />
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The Reeves case emphasizes that the assets to be divided in a divorce case are those which occurred during the marriage:<br />
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When apportioning marital property, the court must strive for an equitable division of increases in marital assets “that may have occurred between the beginning and the end of the marriage.” Bone v Bone, 148 Mich App 834, 838; 385 NW2d 706 (1986). Id at 493. [Emphasis in original.]<br />
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YOUR DIVORCE ATTORNEY MUST ARGUE THE SEPARATE AND JOINT PROPERTY<br />
Reeves then repeated the proposition found in Byington v Byington, 224 Mich App 103, 114, n 4; 568 NW2d 141 (1997):<br />
Your divorce Judge has the initial obligation when dividing property in divorce proceedings to determine marital and separate assets. Id at 493–494.<br />
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<span lang="EN">Terry Ray Bankert is a Michigan Attorney specializing in Family Law, and works as a Flint Divorce Attorney, Flint Divorce lawyer, Genesee Divorce Lawyer and Genesee Divorce Attorney.(SEO) For help with your questions call 810-235-1970. Or <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Reeves then sets forth the construct for the division of property in a divorce:<br />
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Generally, the marital estate is divided between the parties, and each party takes away from the marriage that party’s own separate estate with no invasion by the other party. However, a spouse’s separate estate can be opened for redistribution when one of two statutorily created exceptions is met. MCL 552.23 and 552.401 (additional citations omitted).<br />
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Finally, Reeves sets forth the order for the analysis:<br />
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After properly recognizing the parties’ separate estates and the marital estate, the court may consider whether invasion of defendant’s estate is necessary. Before the court may invade defendant’s separate estate, it must specifically find that one of the two statutory exceptions exists. Id at 497–498.<br />
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Despite the analysis in this critically important case, the questions of what is “property”, and from that, what is “marital property” are still left unanswered. There is no statute, court rule, or case law which expressly defines “marital property”. Ultimately, what is “property” is limited only by the creativity of the matrimonial lawyer, and what is “marital property” is anything which is not “separate property”.<br />
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Recently, in Cunningham v Cunningham, ___ Mich App ___, ___ NW2d ___ (Docket No. 285541, decided 7/13/10), the Court of Appeals noted the difficulty in applying Reeves to distinguish between separate and marital property:<br />
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The categorization of property as marital or separate, however, is not always easily achieved. While income earned by one spouse during the duration of the marriage is generally presumed to be marital property, Byington [v Byington, 224 Mich App 103 568 NW2d 141 (1997)], 224 Mich App at 112, there are occasions where property earned or acquired during the marriage may be deemed separate property. For example, an inheritance received by one spouse during the marriage and kept separate from marital property is separate property. Dart v Dart, 460 Mich 573, 584–585; 597 NW2d 82 (1999). Similarly, proceeds received by one spouse in a personal injury lawsuit meant to compensate for pain and suffering, as opposed to lost wages, is generally considered separate property. Washington v Washington, 283 Mich App 667, 674; 770 NW2d 908 (2009); Pickering [v Pickering, 268 Mich App 1, 706 NW2d 835 (2005)], 268 Mich App at 10. Moreover, separate assets may lose their character as separate property and transform into marital property if they are commingled with marital assets and “treated by the parties as marital property.” Pickering, 268 Mich App at 12–13, citing Wilson v Wilson, 179 Mich App 519, 521, 524; 446 NW2d 496 (1989). The mere fact that property may be held jointly or individually is not necessarily dispositive of whether the property is classified as separate or marital. See Korth v Korth, 256 Mich App 286, 292; 662 NW2d 111 (2003); Reeves, 226 Mich App at 492, 495–496.<br />
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The Cunningham panel held that the husband’s worker’s compensation benefits received during the marriage for an injury prior to the marriage were nonetheless marital property because they represented a replacement of wages that would have been earned during the marriage. The panel noted some confusion as to whether a lump sum award received after years of litigation was a settlement of the pre-marriage claim via redemption (which logically would be the husband’s separate property) or rather was merely retroactive benefits, i.e. replacement wages, for earnings that would have occurred at least partially during the marriage (a portion of which would be marital property).<br />
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<br />
</span><a href="http://www.attorneybankert.com/"><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN">http://www.attorneybankert.com</span></span></span></u></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN"> . Principle Source ICLE 09/16/10</span></span></span><a href="http://www.attorneybankert.com/"><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN">http://www.attorneybankert.com</span></span></span></u></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN"> . Principle Source ICLE 09/16/10</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0