Family Law

For over 20 years, the Dunn Law Office PLC has been helping guide families through all types of family law matters, from prenuptial agreements, to the divorce process, to post-divorce modifications. From our office in Grand Rapids, we offer personalized service in the following matters:

• Divorce
• Property Division
• Child Custody
• Prenuptial Agreements
• Child Abuse & Neglect
• Move-aways & Modifications
• Domestic Violence

Divorce

A divorce may be granted to either spouse, as long as the court finds that there has been a breakdown in the marriage relationship to the extent that the parties cannot live together as husband and wife. If there are no minor children in the marriage, there is a 60-day waiting period before a divorce can be granted. In divorce involving minor children, the waiting period is generally six months. Once a divorce is granted, our firm guides spouses through each step of the divorce process, addressing such issues as the division of assets and debts, spousal support, and child custody.

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Property Division

In Michigan, the marital property of the spouses is awarded to each spouse based on what the court believes to fair and equitable under the circumstances of the case and based on whether each spouse contributed to the acquisition, improvement, or accumulation of the property. This may include an award of all or a portion of any real estate, including the family home; personal property, such as a family car; bank accounts; stocks and bonds; and retirement benefits and pensions.

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Child Custody

During a divorce, parents with minor children will either work out an arrangement for child custody, visitation, and parenting time or a judge will issue a custody order. There are two types of custody, legal custody and physical custody, which may be held jointly by both parents or by only one parent. The parent or parents with legal custody have decision-making rights and responsibilities for the children, including over the children's health, education, and welfare. Physical custody determines how much time each parent spends with their children. Any parenting arrangement may be considered, if it is in the best interest of the child.

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Prenuptial Agreements

Prenuptial agreements are contracts made by spouses before a marriage to help spouses determine their rights and responsibilities in their marriage and protect them in the case of a death or divorce. To be enforceable, prenuptial agreements must meet several requirements, including full disclosure of assets without fraud, duress, mistake, or misrepresentation.

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Child Abuse & Neglect

Our firm defends parents against allegations of child abuse or neglect, including parents who have been unjustly accused during a child custody dispute or divorce. If you are under investigation for child abuse or neglect, it is imperative to contact an experienced attorney immediately or risk having your parental rights terminated and your children placed into the permanent custody of a relative or foster parent.

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Move-aways & Modifications

Even after a divorce decree or custody order has been issued by the court, the circumstances of the parties may change for any number of reasons, including job promotions, layoffs, relocations, health issues, and remarriage. If a change in circumstances is substantial, a spouse or parent may be able to obtain a modification of a family law order. One of the most common types of modifications parents seek is an order for a "move-away," which allows a parent with custody to relocate along with their children. Move-aways may be granted for a variety of reasons, such as remarriage, job loss, or job relocation.

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Domestic Violence

If a client has suffered from domestic violence or spousal abuse, we can help by requesting emergency protective orders and temporary restraining orders against the perpetrator from the court. Sometimes, a spouse or parent may be unjustly accused of domestic abuse in divorce or child custody dispute in an attempt by the other spouse or parent to obtain custody. When this occurs, we utilize our experience in both family law and criminal defense to provide a thorough defense which addresses all of the relevant issues.

Western MichiganFamily Law Attorneys

At the Dunn Law Office PLC, we are dedicated to helping clients through all types of family law and divorce matters, including juvenile law matters such as child abuse and neglect. For personalized assistance in your case, contact our Michigan office today for a free consultation.