Same-sex couples often face additional issues when it comes to handling legal matters surrounding adoption, divorce, custody arrangements, and the payment of child support. At The Law Offices of Mais & Sible, Attorneys at Law, we are ready to help you handle these issues facing your family. We are experienced Michigan family law attorneys who will be by your side throughout the entire legal process when you are facing these difficult issues.
Step-Parent Adoption Lawyers
Many LGBT couples struggle with understanding when a second parent or stepparent adoption is necessary for their families. If you are in a same-sex relationship where children were born into your marriage or where you adopted children prior to 2015, you may need to go through the process of a step-parent adoption. At The Law Offices of Mais & Sible, Attorneys at Law, we can help you decide if a stepparent adoption is necessary in order to protect your child’s future. We will also walk you through the adoption process in the state of Michigan, including helping you prepare all the necessary paperwork needed when going through the court system.
LGBT Divorce Attorneys
In 2015, same-sex couples gained the right to have a legal marriage in Michigan. With marriage equality, came the right for LGBT couples to obtain legal divorces. As your Michigan LGBT divorce lawyer, we will be by your side throughout the entire divorce process. Michigan is a no-fault state which means either spouse can get a divorce without proving fault of the other party for the marriage’s breakup. The only requirement for no-fault divorce is that 1 person states there 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.
The Law Offices of Mais & Sible, Attorneys at Law, we can help you handle issues regarding property division along with child support and custody. We are ready to help you at any point during the divorce process from filing the paperwork with the court system to following up on post-judgment divorce issues.
Property Division For LGBT Divorce
Under Michigan law, property is equitably divided when a divorce takes place. There are certain factors that impact the ability of your spouse to stake claim to a piece of property. As your divorce attorneys, we will fight to protect your assets. There are certain exceptions to the equal division of property including assets inherited during your marriage or other assets purchased prior to your marriage. We will ensure these exceptions are followed and that you maintain your property rights.
LGBT Child Custody Arrangement Lawyers
Making decisions related to child custody arrangements can be hard for families. Every parent wants to have parenting time with his or her child. While serving as your LGBT child custody attorney we will fight for your right to visitation with your child through the Child Custody Act. We will help you understand the different custody arrangements and will help you decide which is the best option for you when moving forward with an agreement.
You deserve time with your child and we will fight for your rights for visitation even if the child is not biologically yours or if a stepparent adoption has not taken place for the child.
Child support is typically determined by child custody arrangements in place for your family. As a 2nd parent, you may not have a financial obligation to care for the child if a second parent or stepparent adoption has not taken place. Typically, if a parent does not have legal rights to custody they will not have a financial obligation to the child either.
If your spouse legally adopted your child he or she will have a financial obligation to provide support for the child’s care. At The Law Offices of Mais & Sible, Attorneys at Law, we will help you understand the Michigan Child Support Formula and how it will impact the amount of support you will receive for your child. Dealing with child support agreements can be stressful, so contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Experienced LGBT Lawyers in Berrien County MI.
At The Law Offices of Mais & Sible, Attorneys at Law, we are ready to handle your case. We will help you handle any obstacles facing you and your family. As your legal counsel, we will protect you and will help you navigate the legal system to help your family reach the best outcome for everyone.