Flint Divorce attorney comments on the issues of the Carrere divorce if it was filed in Michigan.
FILING FOR DIVORCE
Wayne's World star Tia Carrere has filed for divorce to end her seven-year marriage.
Grounds for divorce in Michigan.
“[T]here has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved.”
In Michigan divorce procedure if she had filked here Tia Carrer may not include any other explanation of the grounds in the complaint. Her Husband Simon Wakelin could then admit or deny the grounds. The court may consider an admission but is not bound by it in its final deliberation
The initial Michigan and Flint divorce documents in cases without children would be a summons, a complaint, filing fees, and a record of divorce or annulment (some counties require filing at the time of entry of the judgment).
If Carrere and Wakelin had minor children or a request for spousal support, a verified statement must be served on the other party and provided to the Friend of the Court. The initial filing for a divorce with minor children must also include information about custody proceedings and the names and birth dates of the minor children.
The Michigan and Flint Divorce petition or complaint must include the following:
The statutory grounds for divorce, without further explanation.
The parties’ complete names and their names before marriage.
Residency information.
Whether a party is pregnant.
The required case caption language .
Whether there are minor children of the parties or minor children born during the marriage.
The complete names and birth dates of any minors involved in the action, including minor children of the parties and all children born during the marriage.
Whether there is property to be divided.
If a request for protection of property is made, facts sufficient to support the relief requested.
If spousal support is requested, a showing of the need for support and the other party’s ability to pay.
If there are minors or a request for child support, whether any Michigan court has continuing jurisdiction over the minor and, if so, the court and file number.
If custody of a minor is to be determined, the following must be included in the complaint or in an attached affidavit: (1) the child’s present address, (2) places where the child has lived within the last five years, (3) names and present addresses of persons with whom the child has lived during that period, (4) whether the party has participated in other litigation concerning the custody of the child in Michigan or elsewhere, (5) whether the party knows of a proceeding that could affect the current child custody proceeding, and (6) whether the party knows of a person who is not a party to the proceedings who has physical custody of the child or claims custody or parenting time rights.
Filing fees may be waived. Fees and costs must be waived or suspended for persons receiving public assistance and indigent persons. The judge may hold a hearing to determine if the person is indigent.
LONG OR SHORT TERM MARRIAGE
In a Michigan and Flint contested Divorce , spousal support is a useful tool, especially when the attorney is representing a spouse in a long-term marraige or where there is a substantial disparity in income between the spouses. When a Flint divorce terminates a long-term marraige spousal support is used in its traditional sense as support and maintenance of a former spouse who is unable to support himself or herself at a comparable standard of living due to years of financial dependence. The longer the marraigethe older the recipient; the less able the recipient is to support himself or herself due to lack of education, job skills, or on-the-job experience; the more likely spousal support is to be awarded.
NO FAULT
The actress filed papers in Los Angeles on Friday, citing irreconcilable differences for the split. [1]
Most in Divorce have heard of no-fault divorce. The phrase no-fault divorce means it is not necessary to prove fault by a party—for example, infidelity or abuse—for a divorce to be granted. However, the court may consider fault in determining the distribution of property and in ruling on spousal support.
REPRESENT YOUR SELF
The Waynes world star 43 is acting as her own attorney.[2]
Many People in Michigan and flint Divorce represent themselves or appear in pro per.
Why:
Lack of funds to hire attorney
Distrust of attorneys
Inability to secure counsel as indigent due to lack of programs and/or
conflict where legal aid represents spouse
Stated intent to keep things “friendly” through divorce, etc.
Maximum preservation of marital assets for division (avoid attorney fees even if they can be afforded).
Failure to adequately understand pitfalls of self-representation
She wed photographer Simon Wakelin, her second husband, on New Year's Eve in 2002.
SOLE CUSTODY PHYSICAL AND LEGAL
Carrere is asking for sole custody of the couple's four-year-old daughter, Bianca. [1]
The term physical custody, as commonly used by the court, typically focuses on where the child resides. MCLA 722.26a(7)(a).
Legal custody is the authority to make important decisions regarding the welfare of the child. Wellman v. Wellman, 203 Mich App 277, 512 NW2d 68 (1994). Price v. Price, Westlaw 1609013, unreported, decided December 14, 2001
The court must make findings on this issue before deciding custody.
Statutory standard.
There is an established custodial environment if over an appreciable period of time, the child naturally looks to the custodian in that environment. The court must also consider
the age of the child,
the physical environment, and
the inclination of the custodian and the child as to the permanency of the relationship.
The court makes a factual determination regarding whether there is an established custodial environment; the court is not bound by the parties’ stipulation.
Determine burden of proof.
If there is an established custodial environment, a change of custody may be made only on clear and convincing evidence that the change is in the best interests of the child.
If no established custodial environment exists, custody may be changed on showing by a preponderance of the evidence that the custodial arrangement is in the best interests of the child.
Effect of certain facts.
Prior custody orders—mere existence does not create an established custodial environment.
Custodial parent voluntarily relinquishes custody—all factors must be examined to determine if a new custodial environment is created. Public policy encourages a parent with difficulties to temporarily relinquish custody to resolve his or her problems.
In prejudgment cases where the parties are residing together, the judge makes the determination on a preponderance of the evidence.
The best interests of the child is the standard used in custody disputes between parents, agencies, and third parties.
The court must consider each factor and make findings on the record.
The factors need not have equal weight; the court determines the weight of each factor.
Factors.
(a) The love, affection, and other emotional ties existing between the parties involved and the child. This factor focuses on the emotional bond that already exists between the parent and the child.
(b) The capacity and disposition of the parties involved to give the child love, affection, and guidance and to continue the education and raising of the child in his or her religion or creed, if any. This factor tries to project the parent’s ability to foster an emotional bond in the future, and the parent’s impact on such matters as education, guidance, and religious training.
(c) The capacity and disposition of the parties involved to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care or other remedial care recognized and permitted under the laws of this state in place of medical care, and other material needs.
(d) The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment, and the desirability of maintaining continuity.
(e) The permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or proposed custodial home or homes. This factor focuses solely on the permanence of the family environment, not the acceptability of the home or child care arrangements.
(f) The moral fitness of the parties involved. This factor evaluates the parties’ moral fitness only as it relates to how they will function as a parent and not as to who is the morally superior adult.
(g) The mental and physical health of the parties involved. This factor should not impair or defeat the public policy goal of integrating disabled persons into the mainstream of society.
(h) The home, school, and community record of the child.
(i) The reasonable preference of the child, if the court considers the child to be of sufficient age to express preference. The court must take the preference of the child into account if it decides that the child is old enough to express a preference. The court is not required to disclose the child’s preference. The child’s preference does not automatically outweigh other factors; it is only one element used to make the determination.
(j) The willingness and ability of each of the parties to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent or the child and the parents.
(k) Domestic violence, regardless of whether the violence was directed against or witnessed by the child.
( l ) Any other factor considered by the court to be relevant to a particular child custody dispute. The court may not consider the race of a parent’s spouse in considering whether to change custody.
PRE NUPTIAL AGREEMENT
The couple have a pre nuptial agreement.[2]
In a Flint Divorce Court MCLA 557.28, MSA 26.165(8) provides that a contract that relates to property and that is made between persons in contemplation of marriage remains in full force after the marriage takes place.
The Michigan Supreme Court recognized, in the early case of Hockenberry v Donovan, 170 Mich 370, 136 NW 389 (1912), that marital agreements will be enforced if the parties to the agreement are mature and have a full understanding of the agreement and no fraud is involved. Marriage, as well as the waiver of property rights, constitutes sufficient consideration to support the contract. Id. at 380.
The leading Michigan case on marital agreements that govern the distribution of property at death is In re Estate of Benker, 416 Mich 681, 331 NW2d 193 (1982). In Benker, the court affirmed that such antenuptial agreements are generally favored by public policy. However, the court also noted that there must be a fair disclosure of assets by both parties for the agreement to be valid. The court said premarital agreements “give rise to a special duty of disclosure not required in ordinary contract relationships so that the parties will be fully informed before entering into such agreements.” Id. at 689
NOT THE FIRST TIME
The actress' first marriage to Elie Samaha also ended in divorce after seven years. She split from the producer in 2000.[1]
Posted here by
Terry R Bankert a Michigan/Flint Divorce lawyer
http://attorneybankert.com/
To Find your Michgian County Court House go to
http://dumpmyspouse.com/
see
[1]
http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/2010/04/03/13453311-wenn-story.html
[2]
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20357726,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Will Tia Carrere get child custody? Will her pre nuptial hold up.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
SHOULD SANDRA BULLOCK SEEK CHILD CUSTODY?
COULD SANDRA BULLOCK SEEK GUARDIANSHIP AND THEN CUSTODY OF THE CHILD OF JESSE JAMES. ?
Jesse James Once Again In Child Custody Battle With Ex-Wife[1]
Flint Divorce Attorney Terry Bankert comments on the Family Law applicable if Jesse James Custody case was in Michigan.
CHILD CUSTODY
The Press released recently, Motorcycle builder Jesse James is once again in fights with ex-wife Janine Lindermulder over their child . James is now married to Sandra Bullock as of July 2005, but the fight over custody with his ex-wife returns in light of the now alleged scandal.[1]
Jesse James has Custody of his daughter.
In Michigan and Flint Divorce Courts the Child Custody Act demands an assessment of the ability of individual parents to care for their children. The act standardizes the criteria for the best interests of the child and creates a comprehensive framework for decisions regarding child custody. Wealton v Wealton, 120 Mich App 406, 327 NW2d 493 (1982).
CHANGE IN CHILD CUSTODY
The porn star ex-wife of Sandra Bullock's hubby has reportedly decided to take him to court to get custody of their daughter. [2]
In Michigan and Flint Divorce Court a child custody order is never unchangeable. The Child Custody Act allows a trial court to modify child custody orders “for proper cause shown or because of change of circumstances,” and if in the child’s best interests. MCL 722.27(1)(c).
There is a lot of proper cause here.
DAD HAS CUSTODY OF DAUGHTER
James currently has full custody of Sunny since Lindermulder lives in a halfway house after being found guilty of tax evasion, TMZ reported.[2]
Sources told the celebrity site that Lindermulder knew she didn't stand a chance of gaining even partial custody from James…[2]
In Michigan and Flint Divorce Court the court must consider three issues before modifying a custody order: (1)Has the petitioner carried the initial burden of establishing either “proper cause shown” or a “change of circumstances”? (2) Is there an established custodial environment? and (3) Is the modification in the best interests of the child?
The requirement to find a change of circumstance or proper cause and not changing an established custodial environment without clear and convincing evidence—are intended to “erect a barrier against removal of a child from an established custodial environment and to minimize unwarranted and disruptive changes of custody orders
NON CUSTODIAL EX PORN STAR MOM IS IN HALF WAY HOUSE AFTER PRISON.
Lindermulder is hoping to get her six-year-old daughter Sunny back, although she currently lives in a halfway house after the feds busted her for tax evasion . [1]
If this were a Flint Divorce Court cause the burden will be on Lindermulder to show a change in circumstances.
The Flint Divorce Courts first issue will be to considered whether the biological mother has shown the requisite “proper cause” or “change of circumstances” directed by MCL 722.27(1)(c). Vodvarka v Grasmeyer, 259 Mich App 499, 675 NW2d 847 (2003). The existence of proper cause or a change of circumstances is a threshold matter in any consideration of a change to a prior custody order. The biological mother here has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that either proper cause or a change of circumstances exists before the trial court can consider whether an established custodial environment exists (thus establishing the burden of proof) and conduct a review of the best interests factors. Id. at 509.
MOM ADMITS SHE CANNOT PROVIDE STABILIZING ENVIRONMENT
Lindermulder previously believed, say sources, that she would have a difficult time getting even partial custody of Sunny because Bullock was considered "a stabilizing family influence." [1]
A Michgian Flint Divorce Court must follow the Michigan Child Custody Act which contains a strong policy statement that “the best interests of the child” must be the court’s controlling guide in custody disputes. MCL 722.25. MCL 722.23 defines the “best interests of the child” . Stability is directly addressed in section (d) The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment, and the desirability of maintaining continuity.
IS DAD CURRENT MARITAL ISSUES ENOUGH TO CHANGE CUSTODY?
Now, sources state, in light of the scandal, Lindermulder hopes she has a better chance of getting her daughter back.[1]
GREAT STEP MOTHER
Before the scandal broke, Bullock had stated her joy in helping to raise Sunny, even having helped James get custody of the girl.[1]
MOTHERHOOD
In her Oscar acceptance speech for The Blind Side, Bullock said, "I would like to thank what this film is about for me, which are the mom’s that take care of the babies and the children no matter where they come from. Those moms and parents never get thanked."
CAN ESTRANGED WIFE AND STEP MOTHER GET CUSTODY?
However, Bullock isn't through with her stepdaughter Sunny, Bradley said. US has reported that she's looking to get custody of the 6-year-old girl, Bradley said. [3]Jacobs said on "The Early Show," "Think about it, Sandra's been married to Jesse for five years and they have raised this girl together. Her mother, her biological mother, is in a halfway house, she was a former porn star, she's an admitted drug addict. [3]
So basically Sandra has been this girl's mother. [3]
Now she wants to divorce Jesse, but she still wants to raise Sunny.
[3]It's an interesting legal question, because Sandra, of course, is not the biological (mother) or (has any) legal claims to this girl. But she basically is her mother." [3]Bullock's representatives have denied the star is seeking custody. [3]
IF THIS WAS A MICHIGAN CASE SANDRA BULLOCK COULD SEEK GUARDIANSHIP
James is currently in a rehabilitation facility for sex and drug addiction, according to Radar Online and US Weekly. [3]
Lindermulder is hoping to get her six-year-old daughter Sunny back, although she currently lives in a halfway house after the feds busted her for tax evasion . [1]
In Michigan and Flint a minor guardianship is a mechanism to give a person other than a custodial parent power to make decisions on behalf of a minor. A custodial parent may join the armed forces, enter drug treatment, be sent to prison, be too young to handle parenting responsibilities, or simply disappear. If the child is left with a person without legal authority a guardianship may be sought.
A full guardianship could be found in a Michigan court if it were the proper jurisdiction,which it is not, based on the following.
The parent or parents have permitted the minor to reside with another person and have not provided that person with legal authority for the care and maintenance of the minor. MCL 700.5204(2)(b). These circumstances must exist at the time the petition is filed.
AFTER STEP MOM GETS GUARDIANSHIP SHE CAN SEEK CUSTODY.
A guardian or limited guardian of a child can bring an action for custody of the child. MCL 722.26b; see also Walterhouse v Ackley, 459 Mich 924, 589 NW2d 780 (1998) (statutory provision that gives limited guardians standing to seek custody may be applied to guardianships in place before statute’s 1990 effective date). MCL 722.26b.
Posted here by
Terry Bankert
http://www.attorneybankert.com/
See.
[1]
http://tmdcelebritynews.com/headlines-jesse-james-once-again-in-child-custody-battle-with-ex-wife/05194
[2]
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/bullock_hubby_in_renewed_child_custody_FrIVidsBvn8TdJjBnE3jKK
[3]
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/03/31/earlyshow/leisure/celebspot/main6350168.shtml
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Jesse James, Sandra Bullock, adultry, and sex addiction. What results if this was a Flint Michgian Divorce?
Flint Divorce Lawyer Terry Bankert comments on the Michigan Family Law that would apply if Sandra Bullock and Jesse James lived in Flint Michigan.
ADULTRY AND HUMILATION IN DIVORCE
Divorce is a Family Law option as the parade of tattooed tarts continues, Sandra Bullock has concluded that her marriage was a lie and she's done being publicly humiliated.See[1]
Michigan and Flint Divorce court is a “no fault” divorce state.
But fault , in a Flint Divorce, such as adultery charges between a divorcing couple still have impact on the divorce outcome. Michigan and Flint Family Law deals with Divorce property allocation, child support or spousal support, and how much parenting time , or child custody. In a Flint Divorce fault like adultery and sex addiction may become an active part in dealing with these issues.
A Divorcing spouses indiscretions ,like the Adultry and self described sex addiction of Jessse James , will work against them when these decisions are being made.
Flint Divorce Court and all Michigan Family Courts have one ground for divorce: “There has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved.”
In Flint Divorce Court when placing a judgement “on the record“, some judges require only a recital of this assertion. No details need to be provided until there is a fight over the issues listed above.
“Fault” and Equitable Division
“Fault” may be a factor in dividing property—it must not be the only factor. Kenbeek v Kenbeek, unpublished opinion per curiam of the Court of Appeals, issued July 31, 2008 (Docket No. 277359):
“In reaching our conclusion we note that a trial court may consider fault when determining how to divide the marital property, although it may not be the sole factor. Sparks, supra at 158.”
“Fault” is a valid consideration in dividing marital assets; was the conduct “more of a reason” for the breakdown of the marriage?[5]
In determining ‘fault’ as one of the factors to be considered when fashioning property settlements, courts are to examine ‘the conduct of the parties during the marriage.’” Welling v Welling, 233 Mich. App. 708, 711; 592 N.W.2d 822 (1999), quoting Sparks v Sparks, 440 Mich. 141, 157; 485 N.W.2d 893 (1992). The issue is whether “one of the parties to the marriage [wa]s more at fault, in the sense that one of the parties’ conduct presented more of a reason for the breakdown of the marital relationship than did the conduct of the other.”
SEX ADDICTION AND DIVORCE
Jesse James reportedly is seeking professional help to deal with "personal issues" after a cheating scandal that has put his nearly five-year marriage to Sandra Bullock on the line with the possibility of divorce.See[2]
( Jesse James ) Sexual Addiction - What is it?Sexual addiction is, in its simplest form, a normal sex drive that has become obsessive, to the point that behavior is out of control. Sexual addiction is referred to as a 'process' addiction, as opposed to a substance addiction like alcohol or drugs. In a process addiction, the euphoric feeling (or "high") comes from chemicals released into the brain, rather than from an external source. As the mind becomes accustomed to the release of these chemicals, it searches out for continued sources of that high. This could be from eating, the adrenaline rush of competition, putting yourself in dangerous situations, or from sexual stimuli. Sexual addiction can take on many forms, from the use of pornography and masturbation to repeated sexual affairs, patronizing prostitutes, and voyeurism. In extreme cases, sexual addiction can involve molestation, rape, and even murder. The many forms of sexual addiction have one thing in common, the behavior is done in secret, and the sex addict becomes skilled in hiding this secret life from those closest to him. [4]
(Jesse James ) Sexual Addiction - What Causes it?Sexual addiction is rarely caused by only one factor, but is more likely a build up of conditions over time. ... causes for sexual addiction can include traumatic experiences in their childhood such as physical and/or sexual abuse, abandonment, or emotional trauma. . [4]
( Jesse James ) Sexual Addiction - What's the Problem, it's only Sex?One of the most serious problems with sexual addiction is the way it affects our relationships. ...Closeness in a marriage is a combination of the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the relationship. Unfortunately, when one aspect of the relationship starts to break down, the others tend to suffer as well. ...sex addiction, at its core, is all about selfishness. The sex addict becomes obsessed with meeting his own needs at the expense of those around him. And selfishness in any form is damaging to a marriage relationship. [4]
The other major problem with sexual addiction is its progressive nature. While lingerie ads and R-rated movies can be visually exciting to a teenager, that excitement doesn't continue for the sex addict. The need for more and more stimulation leads into more explicit, hard-core pornography, adult movies and websites, and eventually into acting out the fantasies that are formed in the mind. The first consequence of this acting out is that the wife ceases to be a unique person, worthy of honor in the relationship. Instead, she becomes an object of sexual gratification. Eventually, this too becomes mundane, and the sex addict seeks thrills of an increasingly illicit nature. [4]
STEP MOTHERS RIGHTS TO CHILDREN IN DIVORCE
Sandra Bullock has access to Jesse James's children, a US report said.
Jesse James reassured the blind-sided star she can see his three children, including a six-year-old stepdaughter she raised as her own.See[3] She has no special rights to see the minor children after divorce unless the biological parents agree.
Posted here by,
Terry R. Bankert
http://www.attorneybankert.com/
For state wide mediation or how to find your Court see
http://www.dumpmyspouse.com/
[1]
http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/20100331_Tattle__Here_s_a_shocker__Sandra_reportedly_splitting.html
[2]
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=10246739
[3]
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1544908.php/Jesse-James-reassures-Sandra-Bullock-she-can-see-kids
[4]
http://www.allaboutlifechallenges.org/sexual-addiction.htm

