Experienced legal guidance for domestic disputes in Michigan
At The Law Offices of Barry Fayne, I have compassionately counseled clients through the complexities of divorce and its related concerns, including spousal support, child custody, visitation and child support enforcement and modifications. My firm also helps Michigan residents seeking to adopt new family members. You can trust me to provide sound advice that is founded on more than 45 years of practicing family law in the Southfield community.
Respected law firm advocates assertively for clients facing divorce
To file for divorce in Michigan, one of the spouses must have lived in the state for more than six months. An uncontested divorce doesn’t involve going to a courtroom because the spouses agree on the distribution of property, issues involving children and other aspects of the marriage dissolution.
Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, which means that you don’t need to prove your spouse did something wrong. A divorce may be granted simply upon a showing that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.
However, in awarding spousal support, also known as spousal support, judges may consider the past behavior of spouses. A spouse may avoid paying support if they can prove adultery, desertion, abusive conduct or addiction to drugs or alcohol on the part of the other spouse.
Whether you’re divorcing or legally separating, I’ll listen carefully to your concerns and work hard to achieve an optimal result. My firm can also draw up prenuptial and postnuptial agreements for couples who wish to protect the assets they brought into the marriage.
Accomplished attorney advocates for clients’ parental rights when marriages dissolve
My firm advocates strongly for our clients in divorce cases, dealing with their concerns when there are children of the marriage.
In determining custody and visitation, Michigan courts consider the child’s physical and emotional health and safety, the parents’ cooperativeness with each other, the educational needs of the child and overall parental fitness.
Child support in Michigan is typically paid to the parent with primary custody. The amount is generally based upon parental income and can be modified based on changing situations. Child support is enforced by the state and delinquent payers are subject to wage garnishment and other actions.
I also handle paternity disputes related to custody, visitation and child support.
Committed counselor assists families in the adoption process
I’ll help you navigate the numerous steps in the adoption process with a view toward fulfilling your wish to welcome a new family member. You can be single or married to adopt a child in Michigan, but you must be at least 18 years old and complete a home study process and background checks. If the child is 14 or older, they must consent.
Contact an experienced Michigan attorney for a free consultation
At the Law Offices of Barry Fayne in Southfield, I have helped Michigan clients with divorce, adoption and other family law matters since 1973. To schedule a free consultation, call 248-763-6014 or contact me online.