- DivorceMindy L. Hitchcock is an experienced Michigan family law attorney and mediator with a proven record of excellent results for her clients. In a field known to reward "scorched earth" tactics that often leave families devastated, she has adopted a distinctly holistic approach to divorce law which is based on a clear eyed recognition that divorce is an outworking of life-changing forces which can be mastered and channeled to the highest good for all concerned. Read more about Mindy.
- Child SupportCurrently it is considered the "norm" for parties to share joint legal custody. Increasingly, parties are also agreeing to share joint physical custody, which does affect (reduce) the amount of child support a party is required to pay. However, courts cannot blindly accept the parties' stipulation. The court must independently agree that the custody arrangement is in the best interests of the child. If the parties cannot agree on custody issues, they need a good attorney to skillfully argue their position to the court.
- Child Custody and VisitationIn a trial, each spouse's attorney argues their client's position on the disputed issues. Witnesses, including family members or friends, may be called and experts may be brought in by each side to give opinions on child custody arrangements or to value property.
- GuardianshipCan t hird p arties ( s uch as o ther f amily m embers) c hallenge c ustody? There is a presumption in favor of parents in all custody disputes. If a third party, such as a relative seeks custody of a child against their parents, the third party must show by clear and convincing evidence that it is in the child's best interest. Third parties have standing (i.e., the right to seek custody) in limited situations, such as if the custodial parents are dead or missing. Third parties may also seek custody under the guardianship statute.
- Spousal SupportIn most cases, however, especially where children, spousal support, or property is involved, legal representation is needed from an experienced divorce lawyer. Once a couple determines that they need legal representation they move to the next step: Choosing which of a variety of methods they will use.
- KidnappingParental kidnapping is a felony, where the noncustodial parent takes the child either in or outside of the state for more than 24 hours. However, if the kidnapper can prove that the act was necessary to prevent harm to the child, it is a complete defense.
- Employment LitigationI have retained Ms. Hitchock twice now for civil matters and continue to be impressed my her diligence and professionalism. A couple years ago I was in the middle of an employment dispute and Ms. Hitchcock alleviated the issue quickly and professionally. A few months ago when I came into a civil matter so I contacted Ms. Hitchcock again, who in turn explained all my options and helped guide me in the direction we both agreed would be best. She put together and filed a complaint very quickly and took the time to thoroughly explain to me all of the possible outcomes and what to expect in the preceding months. I couldn't be happier with my choice to retain Ms. Hitchcock and know exactly who I'll turn to if I happen to get involved in a legal issue again.
- Construction LitigationWe assist our association clients with, among other things, assessment collection, bylaw enforcement, litigation, contract negotiation, document amendments, and construction disputes. While most of these issues can be resolved without litigation, our attorney is a skilled litigator and will use the court system when necessary.
- Condominium LawCondominium law in the United States is governed by laws at the federal level and defined by individual state laws. In the state of Michigan, condominiums form what is known as community associates and are governed by the Michigan Corporation Act.
- Estate Planning
- WillsYour last will and testament, or a “pour-over will” when drafted in conjunction with your trust, which can contain provisions for the care of minor children.
- TrustsThe best way to keep your assets out of probate court and make sure they go directly to the ones you want to receive them is to set up a living trust. This document is revocable during your lifetime, and it will completely bypass the court process after you are gone. This allows your loved ones to focus on what really matters to them after your death: Loving memories of you.
- Power of AttorneyAn advanced health care directive or medical power of attorney that directs a trusted individual to make health-related decisions on your behalf, should you be unable to do so, as well as relays your wishes about your care, including organ donation, burial, and resuscitation.