Family Law
Divorce, Custody and Support Handled With Care
When your family is changing, you need clear answers and an attorney who returns your call. Kyle Dupuy handles divorce, parenting time, custody and child support across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
What We Handle
Family Law Matters We Take On
Family cases are personal, and they move on the court’s schedule, not yours. We keep you informed at every step, explain your options before each decision and prepare the paperwork so nothing stalls over a missing form.
Whether you are thinking about filing, have already been served, or need an existing order changed, you work directly with Kyle from the first call to the final judgment.
- Divorce, contested and uncontested
- Division of the home, accounts and other property
- Parenting time schedules
- Child custody, including changes to existing orders
- Child support, new orders and modifications
- Paternity and support for unmarried parents
- Enforcing orders the other side is not following
Common Situations
Where Clients Usually Are When They Call
“I think I want a divorce.”
You want to know what the process looks like, how long it takes and what happens to the house and the kids before you file.
“I was just served.”
Your spouse filed first and there is a deadline to respond. We review the complaint and make sure your answer is filed on time.
“I’m not seeing my kids.”
The other parent is not following the parenting time order, or there is no order yet. We ask the court to set or enforce one.
“My schedule changed.”
A new job, a move or a change in the children’s needs means the current parenting time or support no longer fits.
“Support isn’t fair anymore.”
Incomes or overnights have changed since the order was entered, and the support amount should be reviewed.
“We were never married.”
Unmarried parents need custody, parenting time and support set by the court, often starting with paternity.
How We Work
A Calm Process for a Hard Season
Listen First
We learn what is happening, what matters most to you and what deadlines are already running.
Lay Out the Options
You get a plain-English picture of the process, the likely issues and what each path could cost in time and money.
Prepare and File
We draft the pleadings, financial disclosures and proposed orders, and handle negotiation with the other side.
See It Through
From hearings to the final judgment, and later if an order needs to change, Kyle stays your attorney.
Plain English
How Family Law Works in Michigan
No-Fault Divorce
Michigan is a no-fault state. You do not have to prove wrongdoing to get divorced; the court only needs to find that the marriage has broken down. Conduct can still matter in some decisions about property and support, so it is worth discussing with your attorney.
Waiting Periods
Michigan law sets waiting periods before a divorce can be finalized, and the period is longer when minor children are involved. Residency requirements also apply before you can file in a particular county.
Dividing Property
Marital property is divided equitably, which means fairly rather than automatically down the middle. Courts often start near an even split and then consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, including raising children and keeping the home, and each person’s needs going forward. Separate property brought into the marriage may be treated differently.
Custody and Parenting Time
Every custody and parenting time decision is based on the best interests of the child. Michigan law lists specific factors the court weighs, from each parent’s relationship with the child to stability and the child’s own preference when the child is old enough. Existing orders can be changed when circumstances have changed in a meaningful way.
Child Support
Support is calculated with the Michigan Child Support Formula. The two biggest inputs are each parent’s income and the number of overnights the children spend with each parent. When either one changes, a review of the support amount may be appropriate.
Client Words
What Family Law Clients Say
“Very professional and helpful during a difficult time in my life. I felt confident having him represent me, and he made sure I didn’t get taken advantage of legally while going through a divorce. Would recommend.”
Amanda Garner, Google review
“Kyle is very professional and always made himself available to answer all of my questions. He was also very easy going about changing things last minute on my divorce papers and was very patient with me while doing it.”
Ashton Morris, Google review (excerpt)
Reviews are shown word for word from Google. Every matter is different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Questions
Family Law FAQ
How long does a divorce take in Michigan?
There is a minimum waiting period set by law, and it is longer when there are minor children. Beyond that, timing depends on how much the two of you agree on. Uncontested cases move fastest.
Do I have to prove my spouse did something wrong?
No. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. The court only needs to find that the marriage has broken down.
Will property be split 50/50?
Not automatically. Michigan divides marital property equitably. An even split is a common starting point, but the court can adjust it based on the circumstances of the marriage.
How is child support calculated?
With the Michigan Child Support Formula, mainly based on each parent’s income and the number of overnights the children spend with each parent.
Can a custody or parenting time order be changed?
Yes, when there has been a meaningful change in circumstances or other proper cause. The court then looks at what is in the child’s best interests.
I was served with divorce papers. What should I do first?
Note the date you were served and talk with an attorney right away. There is a deadline to file your answer, and missing it can limit your options.
Related
Other Ways We Help
Talk to Kyle
Get Clear on Your Next Step
Tell us what’s going on. You’ll hear back from Kyle within one business day.