Family Law Blog

McKinley Irvin Blog

A little knowledge can go a long way to protect your assets and family relationships. Planning can save headaches and money, and can provide peace of mind. The articles and tips in this section of the McKinley Irvin website are intended to help you understand and prepare for some of the more common issues you’ll encounter in a divorce, child custody, or other family law matter.

Please be advised that family cases can be very complex. The information provided here should not be construed as legal advice in your case.

  • Co-Parenting During Spring Break

    Co-Parenting During Spring Break Determining how co-parents will allocate the time they get to spend with their children during spring break can sometimes be challenging. When co-parents fail to discuss and coordinate their plans, it can create serious disputes that might need to be resolved in court. If you want to enjoy spring break with your kids and avoid arguing with your co-parent, then consider the following tips. Determine a Long-Term Custody Schedule Although it’s normal for both parents to get excited about making fun plans with the children for ...
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  • It’s Never Too Late to Learn from Co-Parenting Mistakes

    It’s Never Too Late to Learn from Co-Parenting Mistakes We understand that adjusting your parenting style after divorce can be challenging, especially when emotions run high when interacting with the other parent. However, part of becoming a better co-parent is to identify when you have made a mistake and take the necessary steps to make amends. Although co-parenting is fraught with various obstacles that can make it difficult for parents to cooperate, there is much that can be learned from the following co-parenting mistakes. Using Your Children to Obtain Information About the ...
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  • Five Questions to Ask Before Filing for Divorce

    Five Questions to Ask Before Filing for Divorce If you think your marriage is no longer working and are seriously considering filing for divorce, then there are some important questions that you need to ask yourself to make sure you are really prepared to go through with this life-changing decision. The following five questions can help you carefully examine your situation and weigh your options before proceeding with a divorce . #1: Have You Clearly Communicated Your Concerns According to Sherry Amatenstein , a marriage therapist and author, “people hear only between 30% ...
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  • What to Do After Being Served with Divorce Papers

    What to Do After Being Served with Divorce Papers If one has been served with divorce papers, then one needs to take the situation seriously and make smart choices that will ensure their rights and best interests are protected. Whether one is expecting a divorce or not, how one responds to the divorce petition can severely impact the outcome of their case. Although dealing with divorce papers might seem overwhelming at first, following these steps can get one started on the right path. Step #1: Read the Entire Petition Once you’ve received divorce papers from your spouse, ...
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  • What to Expect When Moving After Divorce

    What to Expect When Moving After Divorce Adjusting to life after divorce can be challenging and stressful, especially if one has to move out of the marital home. Whether the move is to a new city or out of state, all of the following things need to be handled if one is divorced with children and plans to relocate. #1: Comply with all Agreements If you have children, then moving out of the house will be more challenging because you will need to make sure the relocation adheres to the divorce and custody agreements. Don’t begin moving anywhere until you obtain all of ...
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  • How to Create a Comfortable Home After Divorce

    How to Create a Comfortable Home After Divorce Life after divorce can be a dramatic shift, from major changes in one’s social circle to adjusting to a new living situation. For many recently divorced individuals, moving into a new home and living without their spouses feels empty and strange. However, one should view this transition as an opportunity to get rid of bad memories from the old marriage by creating a new home that is suited to one’s unique tastes and brings a feeling of joy. Maintaining the Home On Your Own Married couples often divide daily tasks that need ...
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  • Pet Custody Battles in Divorce

    Pet Custody Battles in Divorce In addition to child custody and spousal support, some couples have to also figure out how they will handle pet custody when they divorce. Courts generally place pets in the same category as other personal property, especially if the animal was expensive. In pet custody cases, judges usually want to know which party put up the money to purchase the pet, as well as whose income was primarily used to cover vet bills and other essentials for the animal. However, according to the Animal Legal and Historical Center at Michigan ...
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  • Preparing for Divorce in the New Year

    Preparing for Divorce in the New Year With 2020 behind us, many folks are setting goals and making resolutions for 2021. If divorce is one of the major changes being considering this year, then there are several steps one should take to prepare for the legal process ahead. This is especially important if one isn’t familiar with the finances of their household. Below, we discuss the important things one should start gathering if they want to end their marriage this year. #1: Financial Information We have seen spouses get cut off from credit cards and even ...
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  • Whether or Not to File for Divorce During the Current Health Crisis

    Whether or Not to File for Divorce During the Current Health Crisis By Theresa Lorella , McKinley Irvin Senior Attorney People thinking about divorce or separation as COVID guidelines went into place have fallen under two broad categories now that the stay-at-home orders are upon us: Those who told their spouse (or physically separated, or filed a case, etc.) before the pandemic hit; and those who didn’t have the chance to break the news before all the COVID regulations went into place. For those who did have the opportunity to have a meaningful conversation with their spouse prior to COVID ...
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  • What Should I Ask for in a Divorce Settlement?

    What Should I Ask for in a Divorce Settlement? The division of property is a difficult aspect of the divorce process. It includes the family home, any other shared real estate, vehicles, funds in bank accounts or trusts, investments, stock options, retirement benefits, pensions, and business interests. With so much at stake, it is important to know what to ask for when in the process of negotiating a divorce settlement. In addition to the immediate outcome and changes to your life, this agreement will have lasting effects on your future. Know Your Case Being familiar ...
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