Issues Concerning Children

Birth Expense Elimination Changes

November 13, 2024 By Laurie Schmitt

If you are currently dealing with a case, past ruling or upcoming case related to child custody and birth expenses, please review the information below that was recently released by the Kent County Friends of the Court (FOC).

Pursuant to Senate Bill 747, reimbursement of Medicaid-paid pregnancy and birth expenses from fathers on new cases ceased on Oct. 1, 2024. In addition, all outstanding state-owed birth expense arrears will be automatically forgiven on Jan. 1, 2025.

The FOC also released this info impacting the court and partners of the court:

As of Oct. 1, 2024, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office no longer calculates pregnancy and birth expenses in state-initiated support and paternity cases.
The aforementioned expenses will no longer appear in Uniform Child Support Orders of newly filed cases.
FOC will not initiate support enforcement action if the paying-party owes only birth expenses and will seek dismissal of all FOC warrants on such cases.
The Michigan Office of Child Support (OCS) will eliminate all state-owed pregnancy and birth expenses automatically, through the Michigan Child Support Enforcement System (MiCSES) on Jan. 1, 2025.
FOC elected to not have notices filed with the court in all of the impacted court cases (totaling 6,526) for the following reasons:

FOC routinely processes arrears forgiveness on cases, and notices are not filed with the court in these routine instances.
The volume of impacted cases makes filing a notice in every case impracticable and not a responsible use of resources.
OCS will provide FOC a post-implementation report showing how cases were impacted by the forgiveness.

So, what impact will these changes have on parents? State-owed pregnancy and birth expenses will be forgiven for existing support payers and not calculated for new payers. The Michigan Office of Child Support (OCS) will notify all payers (via one-time letter) that the State has forgiven their Medicaid-paid pregnancy and birth expenses. The letter will also explain that this forgiveness does not impact the amount of support or arrears owed to the other parent. All letters will be mailed through Central Print in Lansing and will not come from local FOC offices.

However, recipients of support will not be notified. Per OCS, they will not be notified because the forgiveness will not impact the support they receive, or the support owed to them. There will be no refund of money paid for pregnancy and birth expenses if the payment was made prior to January 1, 2025.All parent inquiries can be directed to the FOC main number (616.632.6888) or email account (FOC.Mail@kentcountymi.gov).

How Does The Supervised Parenting Time Process Work?

March 22, 2024 By Laurie Schmitt

Have you or the other parent’s time with the children been ordered to be supervised? If so, the following explains how the supervised parenting time process works in Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan.

HOW DO YOU REQUEST SUPERVISED PARENTING TIME?

One parent will be required to file a motion with the court requesting the judge enter an order requiring the other parent’s parenting time be supervised at an agency. If the judge agrees with your request, an order is prepared by the judge.

WHAT AGENCIES ARE AVAILABLE IN GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN?

In Kent County, there are two supervising agencies: Journies, Inc. and Safe Connections. Either parent may request either agency. Or, either parent may request both agencies be used simultaneously. If both agencies are used simultaneously, then the parent with supervised visits may exercise parenting time at each agency, each week.

JOURNIES, INC.

If you are referred to Journies, Inc., your parenting time will be for one hour every week, depending on the availability of the parents and Journies, Inc. Payment for these visits can be assisted with the use of a grant. However, the judge must sign an order of “Access and Visitation Grant”, authorizing the grant to be used. The grant will pay up to $800, if funding is available. Payments for visits can be court ordered as follows:

$30 per hour from either parent, with $30 per hour from the grant
$15 from each party and $30 from the Grant
Other: whatever the judge believes to be appropriate

If grant funding is no longer available, payment will be as follows:

100% payment from father
100% payment from mother
50% from each party

SAFE CONNECTIONS

If you are referred to Safe Connections, all supervised parenting time will be according to the frequency and direction determined by the YWCA (typically one hour each week). Application of a sliding fee schedule will be applied by the YWCA to determine the cost of this service, to be paid in advance of each parenting time session. Safe Connections will work with both parties to determine the parenting time schedule based on the availability within the program schedule.

Safe Connections also offers safe exchanges for parenting time, meaning they assist in the exchange process for the purpose of keeping all parties safe during the exchanges of the child(ren).

ARE THERE OPTIONS FOR SUPERVISED PARENTING TIME?

Yes, you can ask the court to grant your request for supervised parenting time. However, supervised parenting time doesn’t have to be at an agency. You and the other parent can agree on a supervisor such as a family member, or mutual friend, and then all parenting time would be supervised by the selected third party. This saves you and/or the other parent from paying an agency to supervise the visits. And using a family member or friend allow for flexibility for the parent in visitation days and times.

If you believe supervised parenting time should be ordered in your case, contact Schmitt Law, PLLC to discuss your concerns.

HELPING FAMILIES MOVE FORWARD.

GRAND RAPIDS COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.

When confronted with any family law matter, there are personal and financial issues unique to each individual and family. In an effort to achieve the best possible outcome, we are committed to providing you with accurate information, outlining your options and providing thorough, effective and efficient representation. At the initial consultation, we will seek to understand your personal needs and your family’s needs, to help you move forward.

To discuss your circumstances and legal options, contact Schmitt Law, PLLC at (616) 608-4634 to schedule a consultation. Or contact us online to arrange a consultation. Our office is located at 401 Hall Street SW, Suite 112D, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Social Media or Custody?

February 19, 2024 By Laurie Schmitt

Social media or custody of your children? Which one do you cherish more?

Child custody cases are difficult for clients. Unfortunately, it is the emotional nature of child custody issues that makes clients’ misuse of social media one of my most challenging issues as an attorney. I get it. It feels good—even if it’s just for a moment— to blow off steam with a piping hot Facebook post (that doesn’t actually mention the other parent by name, so it’s harmless, right?). And all of those Facebook ‘likes’ on your child custody issue frustrations and woes can feel very validating at a time when you need validation from your friends and family the most.

However, use of social media during your child custody case can be dangerous and foolish. Here are my top recommendations about use of social media to clients who are going through a child custody dispute:

NEVER slam the other parent on social media.
Refrain from any and all Facebook updating, commenting, liking, or sharing that can be seen as making a comment on the case or disparaging the other party. You may want to share your true feelings about the case on Facebook. But all it will accomplish will be to heat up an already difficult situation.
Even better advice…stay off Facebook until your case is complete. Don’t use Facebook to share your life with the world while you and your child’s future is pending with the court. It’s simple: if you stay off Facebook, nothing you say, innocent or otherwise, can be used against you, because it’s just not there to be found.
If you decide to stay active on social media during your child custody dispute, remember your social media photos are worth a thousand words. Never post pictures of yourself in bars, drinking alcohol, at parties, and definitely never using illegal substances. What you may see as innocent pictures of a fun night out with friends, are now being shown in court as a way to support the other parent’s effort to depict you as a bad parent.
Social media privacy is an oxymoron. If you think none of this applies to you because you are smart and have your social media accounts set to private, think again. You would be amazed at how many of my clients’ “friends” have been willing to provide their opposing party with access to their “private” social media posts and photos.
If your account is not set to private, the other parent and their attorney is regularly reviewing your activity. And Facebook accounts with photos can be incriminating when they include drugs and drug paraphernalia lying about your house, photos where you are visibly intoxicated, photos that undoubtedly show an adulterous relationship, and volumes of your derogatory comments about the other parent that go directly to your own fitness as a parent.

GOLDEN RULE: If it is on your Facebook account, your judge will see it.

If you are fighting for your children, stay away from Facebook and other social media while your child custody case is ongoing. What you post can be misunderstood and will used against you. Getting through a heated custody case is hard enough. So, before you post that comment or photo on Facebook, remember your end goal: custody of your children.

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR FAMILIES.CONTACT SCHMITT LAW, PLLC FOR LEGAL ADVICE ON CUSTODY. GRAND RAPIDS FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.

Custody is a sensitive topic in divorce cases. Child custody mediation will put your child first and set you up for a healthy co-parenting relationship. With an experienced attorney and mediator like Laurie Schmitt, you will be able to navigate your new family dynamic with clear understanding and communication. Looking for a professional and experienced family law attorney, contact us online or give us a call at (616) 608-4634. Our office is located at 401 Hall Street SW, Suite 112D, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. At Schmitt Law, PLLC our commitment is to you!

Is Nesting During Your Divorce Right For You?

January 29, 2024 By Laurie Schmitt

After your divorce has been filed, you and your spouse should discuss your living arrangement. Do you continue living in the marital home together, should one person move out, or is there another alternative?

Many couples getting a divorce can’t move on until final decisions have been made regarding asset division. Often times, couples need to sell the marital home, or receive their share of the equity from the marital home before they can commit to their housing future.

As Michigan requires a 6 month wait period before couples with children can complete their divorce, it may be too difficult for parties to remain living in the marital home together for 6 months or more.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

You and your spouse may consider a nesting arrangement. What is nesting? Nesting is an arrangement wherein the children remain in the home, and you and your spouse take turns living in the marital home. You and your spouse go back and forth, moving between two residences while the children remain stationary in the marital home.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A NESTING ARRANGEMENT?

A nesting arrangement maintains the children’s routine, and providing consistency for the children. It allows the children to stay in the home they are accustomed to, remain in the same school district, and stay near their friends while the divorce is pending.

WILL NESTING WORK FOR YOU?

Nesting can be a good alternative for some families and can be a disaster for others. If you and your spouse are involved in an emotionally charged divorce, nesting allows for the parties to have time with the children in the marital home, without the other party being present, and gives the parties space and privacy.

WHAT SHOULD THE NESTING AGREEMENT CONTAIN?

Before engaging in a nesting arrangement, you should obtain a written agreement in advance, addressing the common issues that arise. A written agreement helps the nesting arrangement to go smoothly if your written agreement takes into consideration the following:

• BOUNDARIES/PRIVACY: You and your spouse must clearly establish boundaries by deciding where you and your spouse will sleep when it’s you or your spouse’s turn to stay at the marital home. Often times one party will take the master bedroom, while the other party takes a spare room, or basement. The agreement should also state that each shall refrain from going into the other’s bedroom during their time in the marital home.

• PERSONAL ITEMS: The parties should commit to respecting the other’s personal items remaining in the home.

• BOYFRIENDS AND GIRLFRIENDS: Typically, a nesting agreement states significant others are prohibited in the marital home during the pendency of the divorce. After all, should the children be subjected to significant others already?

• FOOD: You and your spouse should agree as to who will purchase the food, or how will the food expense be divided.

• MORTGAGE AND UTILITIES: You and your spouse should agree how the mortgage payment and utility costs will be divided.

A nesting arrangement works well for many couples, as it allows for each party to have equal parenting time with the children. The largest downfall to a nesting arrangement is that each party must incur additional housing costs, as the nesting arrangement requires both parties to have another place to live during other parent’s time in marital home. This can be a financial burden for some parties.

And the final question you should ask is will your children be better with a nesting arrangement, or will it be better for your children if one of you move out of the marital home now and establish a residence somewhere else.

Housing issues while a divorce is ongoing is a difficult challenge and decisions must be considered carefully. If you would like to learn more about nesting, contact SCHMITT LAW, PLLC.

HELPING PEOPLE START THE NEXT CHAPTER OF THEIR LIVES GRAND RAPIDS COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.

At Schmitt Law, PLLC, we understand that filing for divorce can be an emotional and confusing experience. That’s why we are committed to providing personalized service to each client we represent, and will be with you through this difficult journey. At Schmitt Law, PLLC we encourage clients to take a more collaborative approach to divorce that promotes positive communication and cooperation. Through mediation or the collaborative divorce process, Laurie guides her clients through amicable divorce settlements so they can move forward with their life. To discuss your circumstances and legal options, contact Schmitt Law, PLLC at (616) 608-4634 to schedule a consultation. Or contact us online here to arrange a consultation. Our office is located at 401 Hall Street SW, Suite 112D, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

How Do You Handle Long Distance Parenting Time?

January 15, 2024 By Laurie Schmitt

What happens when you and the other parent live a long distance from each other? How do you handle parenting time? If you and the other parent live far apart, creativity in a parenting time schedule is a must. You should consider longer periods of parenting time verses a standard schedule. The frequency and duration of the visits depends on the child’s age and needs, as well as what works for the parents.

PARENTING TIME SCHEDULES TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU LIVE FAR APART:

Every other weekend: if you live close enough to make this parenting time schedule practical.
Extended time during school breaks such as Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas break, spring break, winter break, and mid-winter break.
Thanksgiving break: you can alternate who gets Thanksgiving break every year or split the holiday between each of you
Christmas break: you can split the holiday, and alternate them every year or have the same split every year
Three-day weekends: given to the noncustodial parent when available in the child’s school schedule
Summer parenting time: this is a perfect opportunity for the non-custodial parent to be given an opportunity to have extended parenting time that would not interfere with your child’s school schedule. You could consider a two-week rotating schedule, or one half of the summer with you and one half of the summer with the other parent. Of course, this may depend on the distance you live from one another, the cost of travel, and the age of your child (younger children may not fare well with a longer period of parenting time).

HOW DO WE HANDLE THE EXCHANGE?

Options for exchange when parents live far apart may include:

The other parent handling all of the driving to and from your house (if you are the custodial parent)
You and the other parent meeting halfway
Flying your minor child. Note, airlines have restrictions about children flying unaccompanied and each airline has different restrictions. If flying is required, you should have a general understanding of the restrictions (and what is entailed) before you enter into a parenting time schedule that requires air travel.

WHO PAYS FOR THE TRAVEL EXPENSE?

You and the other parent must also agree on the cost of travel. Are each of you responsible for your share of the travel? Do you need to book flights for the child? Are you to share in the flight cost or the cost of gas?

Options for travel expense when parents live far apart may include:

Each of you pay equally for the travel expense
One party pays for all of the travel (if they moved out of state causing travel to be necessary)
The cost is divided based on specific parenting time such as one party always pays for travel for summer or specific holidays.
The expense is divided disproportionately based off of ability to pay, income, or some other agreement

What’s important to remember when you and the other parent are creating a long-distance parenting time plan, you need to agree on a schedule you can follow, understand what it is that each of you have agreed to, and follow through with the schedule.

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR FAMILIES.CONTACT SCHMITT LAW, PLLC FOR LEGAL ADVICE ON CUSTODY. GRAND RAPIDS FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.

Custody is a sensitive topic in divorce cases. Child custody mediation will put your child first and set you up for a healthy co-parenting relationship. With an experienced attorney and mediator like Laurie Schmitt, you will be able to navigate your new family dynamic with clear understanding and communication. Looking for a professional and experienced family law attorney, contact us online or give us a call at (616) 608-4634. At Schmitt Law, PLLC our commitment is to you! Our office is located at 401 Hall Street SW, Suite 112D, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

What Should You Consider When Creating A Parenting Time Plan?

January 11, 2024 By Laurie Schmitt

It’s always best when you and the other parent work together to develop a parenting time plan that meet’s your family’s needs. The court can make decisions about parenting time, but you and the other parent know more about your family’s needs than the judge. If you and the other parent are working to create a parenting time plan, what should you consider?

THINGS TO CONSIDER:

The age and developmental stage of your child. Of course, a schedule for an infant will be very different than a schedule for a teenager.

If your child is in school: Which parent can accommodate the needs of your child? Who can drop off and pick up from school? Who can assist the child in getting their homework completed? Who will make sure the child gets to school on time? What parent can provide a consistent weekday school schedule for the child?

Extra-curricular activities: which parent can provide transportation to and from these activities? Which parent will ensure the child is ready and at their activity on time?

Consider each of your work schedules. It makes no sense to agree on a parenting time plan that one or neither of you can actually do. Even though you may both want a schedule as close to 50/50 as possible, it may not be practical.

How will transportation be handled? Where will parenting time exchanges take place? Will you meet half way at a neutral location? Or will the exchanges take place at your homes?

How will your child get to and from school? Are there buses available from each of your homes? Will you or the other parent be available for drop off and pick up from school?

Days off from school or daycare. What will happen if school or daycare is closed or not available?

What happens if your child is ill and can’t attend school or daycare? Who will be responsible to stay home with your child or take off from work to provide care, especially if parenting time exchanges occur before or after the school/workday? A plan needs to be in place.

How will you share the holidays? You need to have a specific holiday schedule in your order in the event you no longer agree on holiday parenting time. You and the other parent may divide the holidays as you please. But, if you are unable to agree as to the division of holidays, you have the fallback plan in place (the court order specifically listing the holidays and how they will be divided).

Once you and the other parent have agreed to the terms of your parenting time plan, your agreement must be reduced to an order, and signed by the judge. This order will be enforceable by the court and Friend of the Court if it is specific and includes days and times for parenting time.

If you and the other parent seek to have your parenting time schedule have a lot of flexibility, and want parenting time to be “as agreed upon by the parties” or “reasonable parenting time”, then know that these orders would not be enforceable by the court or Friend of the Court (as they are too vague). If you want to have flexibility, but have your order be enforceable, consider using language such as parents will exercise parenting time as agreed upon by the parties. In the event they do not agree, parenting time will be [insert specific parenting time schedule, including times and locations for exchange].

COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE – THE LITIGATION ALTERNATIVE

GRAND RAPIDS COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.

Divorce is a stressful and difficult process. That’s why more couples are turning to the collaborative divorce process. A highly trained team of professionals work together with you to develop a fair, open and child centered resolution. If you want to avoid going to court, reach your own agreement, and promote positive co-parenting post-divorce, the collaborative divorce process may be an alternative for you.

Laurie K. Schmitt, founder of Schmitt Law, PLLC, is an Attorney, Mediator, and Collaborative Divorce lawyer. When possible, she guides her clients through amicable divorce settlements so they can move forward with their life. Contact Laurie online or by calling (616) 608-4634 to schedule a consultation to discuss the collaborative divorce process and how it can benefit you.

Our office is located at 401 Hall Street SW, Suite 112D, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

What Is Legal Custody In Michigan?

January 8, 2024 By Laurie Schmitt

Legal custody means the right to make major decisions about your child’s welfare. This includes decisions about medical care, phycological care, educational, and religion. If you are awarded sole legal custody, you will make these decisions without the need to consult with the other parent. If you and the other parent are awarded (or agree to share) joint legal custody, you will make these decisions together. If you and the other parent are unable to agree on a decision, then you would need to file a motion and have the court decide the issue.

As joint legal custodians, each parent will have equal decision-making authority with respect to matters concerning the child’s health care, religious training, and education. Both parents must be fully informed with respect to the child’s progress in school and will be entitled to participate in all school conferences, programs, and other activities in which parents are customarily involved. Specifically, the term “joint legal custody” means:

a. Each party will foster, encourage and support the relationship between the minor child and the other parent;

b. Each parent will be entitled to have complete access to the minor child’s medical, psychological, school, religious and other pertinent records of the child;

c. Each parent will advise the other promptly of any illness, emergency, or other significant events concerning the minor child (including school or health problems, if any) of which the parent becomes aware;

d. The parties will consult together concerning major decisions involving health, education, religion and welfare of the minor child;

e. The parties will use their best effort to work together to ensure consistency in agreement of matter affecting the upbringing of the minor child and to work together to promote the best interests of the minor child;

f. Each party shall have full rights to receive and authorize the release of information regarding the minor child from the child’s school, mental or physical health care provider or any other source;

g. The parties shall each be entitled to be informed of all parent/teacher conferences and all other activities (including sports) and/or school programs in which the child and parents are invited to attend;

h. The parties shall each be entitled to receive copies of the minor child’s report cards, medical records and current photographs;

i. Each party shall have the right to make routine and emergency decisions regarding the minor child when the child is with him or her;

j. That each party shall keep the other party informed of their present address, telephone number and any other emergency numbers.

ACCESS TO CHILDREN’S RECORDS

Even if you have sole legal custody, both parents will still have the right to access their child’s records or information. This includes medical, dental, school, and childcare records, as well as notification about any school meetings.

CHILDREN ARE FIRST. GRAND RAPIDS COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.

At Schmitt Law, PLLC we understand that the interests of your children always come first. Whatever your situation, Schmitt Law, PLLC is experienced, sympathetic and willing to help you achieve the best outcome for your entire family. Contact Schmitt Law, PLLC today by completing our online contact form, or calling us at (616) 608-4634 to schedule a consultation. Our office is located at 401 Hall Street SW, Suite 112D, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Issues Concerning Children

The FOC also released this info impacting the court and partners of the court:

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