Family Law

What Rights Does a Guardian Have in Michigan, and What Rights Does the Ward Keep?

By mifamilyattorn / August 18, 2025

When a Michigan court appoints a guardian, it is often to protect the well-being of someone who cannot fully manage their affairs. This person, known as the ward, may be a minor child or an adult incapacitated due to illness, disability, or age. While guardianship provides essential protections, it does not erase all of the…

What Happens to the Family Home in a Michigan Divorce?

By mifamilyattorn / August 9, 2025

For many Michigan families, the marital home is far more than real estate. It often reflects years of shared experiences, hard work, and financial commitment, while also serving as a place of comfort and consistency for children. When a marriage ends, deciding the future of that home can be one of the most challenging and…

Top 5 Estate Planning Mistakes Michigan Parents Make After Having a Baby

By mifamilyattorn / August 2, 2025

Welcoming a new baby is one of the most exciting and life-changing moments for Michigan parents. Along with the joy and responsibility of raising a child comes the need to plan for their future. Estate planning is an important step that ensures your child will be cared for financially and legally, no matter what happens.…

What Happens to Your Kids If Something Happens to You? Emergency Guardianship Planning in Michigan

By mifamilyattorn / July 21, 2025

No parent wants to imagine a future where they are unable to care for their children. However, life is unpredictable, and planning for the unexpected is one of the most crucial things you can do to safeguard your family. If you suddenly become incapacitated or pass away, who would care for your children? Would the…

Understanding Parenting Time in Michigan: What the Courts Look For

By mifamilyattorn / July 14, 2025

In Michigan, one of the most sensitive and significant issues that arises when parents part ways is how to divide parenting time. Also known as visitation, parenting time refers to the schedule that outlines when a child will spend time with each parent. While every case is unique, Michigan law provides clear guidance on how…

What Intended Parents Should Look for in a Michigan Surrogacy Agreement

By mifamilyattorn / July 7, 2025

Bringing a child into the world through surrogacy is a moment filled with hope, anticipation, and emotion. For intended parents in Michigan, the recent legalization of compensated surrogacy provides new clarity and legal support, but that does not mean the process is simple. A surrogacy agreement is more than just legal language. It is about…

Guardianship vs. Conservatorship in Michigan: What’s the Difference and When Are They Needed?

By mifamilyattorn / June 30, 2025

When a loved one is unable to manage their own personal or financial affairs, families often turn to the legal system for help. In Michigan, that typically involves guardianship, conservatorship, or in some cases, both. While these legal tools may seem similar, they serve different purposes, and understanding the distinction is crucial when deciding how…

Why Surrogacy Contracts Are Essential in Michigan—Even If You Trust Each Other

By mifamilyattorn / June 16, 2025

Welcoming a child through surrogacy is a deeply personal and life-changing journey. For hopeful parents in Michigan, surrogacy offers a meaningful way to grow a family, especially when traditional paths aren’t an option. But even when the surrogate is someone you know and trust, relying on verbal agreements or informal understandings is risky. A legally…

Unmarried Parents in Michigan: Your Rights and Responsibilities in Custody and Support

By mifamilyattorn / June 5, 2025

Raising a child is a life-changing responsibility, and for unmarried parents in Michigan, understanding your legal rights and obligations is crucial. Whether you’re navigating the early stages of parenthood or facing a dispute over custody or child support, Michigan law offers protections—but also presents unique challenges—for parents who are not legally married. At Steslicki &…

Do You Need a Prenup or Postnup in Michigan? How These Agreements Can Protect Your Future

By mifamilyattorn / March 16, 2025

When planning a marriage, few people like to think about what could go wrong—but smart planning isn’t pessimistic, it’s proactive. For couples in Michigan, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can offer a practical way to protect personal assets, clarify financial expectations, and avoid costly disputes down the road. At Steslicki & Ghannam, PLC, our family law…