Default
DEFAULT – a notation on the court file allowing a party (generally the plaintiff) to proceed to judgment without the other party’s (generally the defendant’s) participation in the case. A…
Complaint
COMPLAINT – the plaintiff’s first pleading describing the claim for relief and the facts upon which the claim for relief is based.
Custody
CUSTODY – the care and control of a minor child awarded by the court to a parent (or both parents for joint custody) in a case for divorce, separate maintenance,…
Child Support in Michigan
CHILD SUPPORT – is money to be paid by a parent for the care, custody, and maintenance of a child. Child support calculations must be based on the Michigan Child…
Best Interests of the Child
BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD Michigan law requires judges to consider only “the best interests of the child” in deciding contested custody cases. MCL 722.23 defines “the best interests of…