Van Den Heuvel Law is Your Trusted Family Lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI

Navigating the complexities of family law in Grand Rapids, MI, requires a compassionate yet strategic approach. At Van Den Heuvel Law, we offer comprehensive family law services, guiding our clients through the intricate legal system with professionalism and empathy. Understanding the nuances of family law and the emotional toll it can take, our dedicated team ensures that your legal journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible. To schedule a consultation, contact us online or give us a call at 616-607-6362 today!

Why Choose Van Den Heuvel Law for Your Michigan Family Law Needs?

Choosing the right family attorney in Grand Rapids, MI, can make a significant difference in the outcome of your family law matters. Van Den Heuvel Law stands out for several reasons:

Expertise and Experience: At Van Den Heuvel Law, our Grand Rapids attorneys specialize in family law, bringing years of focused experience to your case.

Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize your needs, offering personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique situation.

Comprehensive Support: From legal consultation to courtroom representation, we provide end-to-end services in all aspects of family law.

Local Knowledge: Our deep understanding of the Grand Rapids legal landscape offers clients a strategic advantage.

Commitment to Excellence: At Van Den Heuvel Law, we're dedicated to upholding the highest standards of legal practice, ensuring you receive top-tier representation.

Our Michigan Family Law Services

Van Den Heuvel Law covers all facets of family law in Michigan, including but not limited to:

• Divorce and Legal Separation: When you work with the team of experts at Van Den Heuvel Law, we will assist you with negotiations and litigation in your divorce to achieve your goals in the least disruptive way possible to your family. We have the knowledge, skills, and resources to accurately evaluate complex assets such as ownership interests in a business, real estate, pension plans, and other investments.
• Child Custody: Your children are your top priority, especially when you and your spouse are going through a divorce, so their best interests are our focus. Whether you are arguing over custody, support amounts, or parenting time, we are fully equipped and ready to help you.
• Child Support: Determining the appropriate amount of child support that the noncustodial parent should pay can be emotional and overwhelming. It is our goal to ensure that each child has the same standard of living as before the divorce.
• Alimony and Spousal Support
• Asset Division: We also protect your interests when dividing assets and property, including any debt. We firmly believe that a divorce should not leave you in a financial crisis, so we work to protect your standard of living. We are experienced in valuating Michigan business ownership. We take pride in bringing years of experience to the table when representing spouses in complex, high-asset divorces.
• Adoptions: Whether you are a stepparent wanting to adopt your spouse’s child or a third party wanting to adopt a relative or an unrelated child, we are prepared to guide you through the adoption process step by step. We understand it is highly emotional and challenging at times, but with our compassionate and competent assistance, you can face the adoption process with confidence.
• Paternity

Each area requires a nuanced understanding of Michigan laws and how they apply to residents of Grand Rapids. Van Den Heuvel Law’s expert team is adept at navigating these complexities, providing clarity and confidence every step of the way.

Understanding Family Law in Michigan

The family law legal system in Grand Rapids, MI, encompasses a broad range of legal issues, from divorce proceedings and child custody battles to adoption and guardianship matters. Understanding this legal landscape can be challenging without professional guidance. Van Den Heuvel Law offers expert legal consultation to help you comprehend the intricacies of family law, ensuring you're well-informed to make the best decisions for your family's future.

Know Your Legal Rights as an Unwed Mother in Michigan

Van Den Heuvel Law recognizes that navigating your legal rights as an unwed mother can be particularly challenging and overwhelming. Our office would like to ease your mind and let you know that Michigan law protects unwed mothers in many ways. Michigan statutes and case law specifically delineate legal guidelines as well as definitions of “parent” and “mother”, which generally favor the mother, specifically with regard to initial custody rights.

Here is What You Need to Know

1) Unwed mothers have initial legal and physical custody. Therefore, they have the right to move with the child.

• Sims v. Verbrugge – When a mother and father sign an Affidavit of Parentage, the mother receives initial legal and physical custody of the child.

322 Mich App 205, 207-208 (2017). MCL 722.1006.

2) In the case of an unwed mother, the father is not included in the definition of “parent”. (Michigan Status of Minors and Support Act). The father is not a parent until he establishes parentage through a legal proceeding.

3) Legal statutes place a preference in favor of the mother.

1. The Paternity Act has no definition for “father”.

2. A child born out of wedlock is a “child begotten and born to a woman…” - MCL 722.711(a).

3. "Mother” is defined as the mother of a child born out of wedlock”. - MCL 722.711(c). (Michigan Paternity Act)

4) Custody starts with the mother, because she is the only necessary actor in the stages of carrying and delivering a child.

• Rose v. Stokely – Court of Appeals noted that, “after conception, the father has no physical role in carrying the child to term or delivering the child. The objective of the Paternity Act is to ensure the support and education of minor children.

258 Mich App 283, 288 (2003)

5) The mother has the right to her child even without the Court’s order.

• People v. Reynolds – The Court viewed MCL 750.450a(1), which provides that “adoptive or natural parent of a child shall not take that child, or retain that child for more than 24 ours, with the intent to detain or conceal the child from any other parent or legal guardian of the child…”. The Court of Appeals held that because the father removed the minor child from a person with lawful charge of the child, the circuit judge “clearly abused his discretion...”.

171 Mich App 349, 350 (1988)

6) The mother is the natural guardian of her child and has primary custody of the child if there is not a Court order.

• In Re Baby Boy Barlow – Supreme Court stated that the general rule in cases is that “the mother is the natural guardian of her child and has a primary right to his or her custody, subject always to the child’s best interest.”

404 Mich 216, 222-223 (1978)

7) Custody of a child is in the mother by default.

• In Re Beers – The Court stated that “Unless the Court orders otherwise, the custody of an illegitimate child is solely in the natural mother”. - 325 Mich App 653, 658 (2018)

8) Unwed mothers have the right to child support.

• Crego v. Coleman – The father may be ordered to pay child support in order to provide support for the child, because it is an “…important, and even compelling, state interest…”.

463 Mich 248, 252 (2000)

9) Rights of unwed mothers with adoption cases.

• In Re Mark – With respect to illegitimate children, the doctrine of Filus Populi recognizes first the mother and then the father. Circuit Court has the power to resolve whether custody should be transferred to a father.

8 Mich App 122, 129 (1967)

• In Re RFF – A mother may place her baby for adoption even if a father feels he may have been deceived as to the birthdate of the baby. There is no deceived father exception to prevent adoption.

242 Mich App 188, 192 (2000)

• In Re BKD – Court of Appeals stated “where the father of an illegitimate child has not taken steps to establish a custodial or supportive relationship, the State may constitutionally terminate his parental rights…”

246 Mich App 212, 214 (2001)

If you are an unwed or single mother, Michigan law has many legal protections for you. Attempting to navigate these legal waters on your own may be difficult. Before you file and certainly before you file an incomplete or improper child support or paternity action, contact our experienced legal team in Grand Rapids online or give us a call at 616-607-6362 today!

Why Engaging a Michigan Family Lawyer is Beneficial

Engaging a family lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI, provides numerous benefits, including:

Expert Guidance: Navigate the legal system with confidence, knowing you have experienced professionals by your side.

Strategic Representation: Benefit from tailored legal strategies designed to protect your interests and achieve favorable outcomes.

Emotional Support: At Van Den Heuvel Law, our empathetic approach ensures you feel supported throughout the legal process.

Efficient Resolution: Minimize stress and uncertainty with our commitment to resolving your case as smoothly and swiftly as possible.

Choosing Van Den Heuvel Law means choosing a partner who genuinely cares about your well-being and the well-being of your family.

Your Frequently Asked Questions, Our Expert Answers

1. How long does the family law process take in Grand Rapids, MI? The duration varies significantly depending on the complexity of your case and the court’s schedule. Simple cases may resolve in a few months, while more complex cases can take a year or more.

2. How can I prepare for my family law consultation? Gather any relevant legal documents, write down important dates and facts related to your case, and prepare a list of questions you have for the attorney.

3. What is the difference between child custody and child support? Child custody refers to the legal rights and responsibilities related to the care of a child, whereas child support involves financial contributions from one parent to the other for the child's expenses.

4. Can a prenuptial agreement be modified after marriage? Yes, prenuptial agreements can be modified post-marriage, but both parties must agree to the changes, and the modification must be done legally.

5. Is it possible to handle a family law matter without an attorney? While it’s possible, navigating the legal system without an attorney can be challenging, especially in complex situations. Hiring a professional Van Den Heuvel Law family law attorney ensures your rights are protected and can lead to better outcomes.

Contact us Today to Reach a Grand Rapids Family Lawyer You Can Rely On!

If you're facing a family law matter in Grand Rapids, MI, don't navigate this challenging time alone. The team at Van Den Heuvel Law is here to offer the legal support and guidance you need. Contact us online or give us a call at 616-607-6362 today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your family law needs. Let us be your ally in the legal system, providing peace of mind and professional assistance every step of the way.

Our offices are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and after hours by appointment. We are also available on Skype by appointment.