Family Law Frequently Asked Questions

Custody is the allocation of time and legal responsibilities each parent has for their child. Whether you are separating or filing for divorce, custody matters are essential topics to resolve. Even if you and your previous spouse or partner agree on custody issues, having the right information about child custody can protect you and your child years down the road.

The physical custody of your children is based on how much time each of the parents spends with the child. Many factors help the courts decide the best allocation of time and strive to decide on the best interest of the child. Don't miss out on the milestones in your child's life. Protect your right to spend time with your child by contacting an attorney from Armstrong Betker Schaeffer and Neal, PLC.

Joint custody explains the arrangement where your child spends approximately half of the year with each parent. Joint custody, also known as shared custody, allows for each child to have regular and continuing contact with both parents.

Having legal custody of your child protects your ability to make decisions regarding your child. Generally, the courts assume joint legal custody to be in the child's best interest. If you believe that this is not the case for your family, talking to an experienced attorney at Armstrong Betker Schaeffer and Neal, PLC can protect you and your children. Call our office today.

Child support is a court-ordered payment to help support your minor child or children. Most often, this payment is made by a noncustodial parent to the other parent. Child support is meant to cover a broad range of expenses, including school fees, entertainment, extracurricular activities, food, clothing, and shelter. Both parents should support their child.

Child support is calculated using the Michigan Child Support Formula Manual. While this manual is available to the public, calculating child support can be confusing. If you have any questions regarding your child support, contact our seasoned attorneys at Armstrong Betker Schaeffer and Neal, PLC. We will discuss your legal needs with you and provide you with information that can protect you and your children for years to come.

The Michigan Child Support Formula Manual considers each of the parent's incomes and health care costs as well as the custody and number of children. Because of the formula, one party may still owe the other party child support even if they have equal parenting time.

This formula does not consider the bills of either party or unemployment. Also, a new spouse only affects the child support equation if the tax filing changes for either party. If one party has no visitations, this does not mean they are free of child support.

In Michigan, the Friend of the Court is responsible for enforcing child support orders. There are many enforcement methods that they can use if a parent does not follow the terms of the order. However, the Friend of the Court does not always get you the support you need. If the Friend of the Court has denied you, contact us today. We will support you in your efforts to receive both current and past-due child support.