Family Law Advocate Blog, Family Law Divorce Custody & Articles | Foster Swift https://www.yourfamilylawadvocateblog.com/category/co-parenting-separated-couples Mon, 12 Oct 2026 01:30:49 -0400 Navigating the Divorce Process: Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid https://www.yourfamilylawadvocateblog.com/navigating-divorce-process-top-five-mistakes-to-avoid Marcy Hahn, Lisa M. Serra navigating-divorce-process-top-five-mistakes-to-avoid Wed, 02 Sep 2026 09:00:01 -0400 This blog is not intended to provide individualized or state-specific legal advice. Each state’s family laws differ and you should consult a licensed attorney in the state where you live for specific legal advice regarding your particular situation.

Whether you are the spouse eagerly running to the courthouse, or the spouse who has been unexpectedly served with divorce papers, here are the 'Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid' during the divorce process:

1. Don’t Disparage Your Spouse

Don’t disparage your spouse to your kids, family, friends, or especially on social media.

Studies show ...

]]> Welcome Family Law Attorney Prather to Grand Rapids  https://www.yourfamilylawadvocateblog.com/welcome-family-law-attorney-prather-to-grand-rapids Xavier E. Prather welcome-family-law-attorney-prather-to-grand-rapids Tue, 27 Jan 2026 09:00:02 -0500 Foster Swift is excited and proud to welcome attorney, Xavier E. Prather, to the firm’s Grand Rapids office as a member of its Family Law practice.

As a family law attorney, he provides counsel to clients regarding divorce, custody, prenuptial agreements and other related matters. He is a member of the Family Law Board for the Grand Rapids Bar Association and the Kent County Domestic Mediator Roster.

He received his Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Spring Arbor University where he majored in criminal justice. Later, he received his Juris Doctor (JD) from Marquette University Law School ...

]]> Holiday Checklist: A Practical Guide for Parents and Guardians Traveling with Minors https://www.yourfamilylawadvocateblog.com/holiday-checklist-guide-parents-guardians-traveling-with-minors Destiny R. Hughes, Benjamin M. Williams holiday-checklist-guide-parents-guardians-traveling-with-minors Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:00:03 -0500 With the holiday season already here, many families are quickly approaching their holiday travel plans. Whether across state lines or international borders, when minors are involved, travel preparation for parents or guardians goes well beyond packing holiday gifts and road-trip snacks. Legal requirements, documentation, and industry safeguards can create unexpected hurdles, making the journey legally complex. Understanding the rules and preparing the right documents can help ensure a smoother journey. Here’s what you need to know.

Legal Issues and Custody ...

]]> Three Recommendations for Newly-Divorced Parents to Help Avoid Post-Judgment Parenting Time Struggles https://www.yourfamilylawadvocateblog.com/recommendations-newly-divorced-parents-post-judgment-parenting-time Benjamin M. Williams recommendations-newly-divorced-parents-post-judgment-parenting-time Mon, 25 Aug 2025 09:00:04 -0400 Almost every person who signs their judgment of divorce has the same feeling of relief: Phew. The case is finally over. I can move on.

In many ways, this feeling represents something real. Getting divorced is stressful and difficult when the couple gets along relatively well, to say nothing of high-conflict cases that may have had significant motion practice, difficult mediations, or even gone through trial or binding arbitration. But for a divorcing couple with children, the pre-judgment period is just the first phase. Along with the judgment comes an entirely new set of problems to ...

]]> Protecting Same-Sex Marriage Assets in Michigan If Obergefell is Ever Overturned https://www.yourfamilylawadvocateblog.com/protecting-same-sex-marriage-assets-michigan Gabrielle C. Lawrence, Badri Yono (Law Clerk) protecting-same-sex-marriage-assets-michigan Thu, 06 Mar 2025 09:00:05 -0500 When the Supreme Court made its landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, same-sex couples across the country gained the right to marry. But with recent shifts in the legal landscape, such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade, some are wondering if Obergefell could be next. While there is no such case on the docket as of now, it’s always a good idea to be prepared—especially when it comes to your legal rights and finances.

In the event of Obergefell being overturned, it could leave same-sex couples in states like Michigan uncertain about their legal standing ...

]]> Going Back to School: A Guide to Balancing Careers, Schedules & Divorce https://www.yourfamilylawadvocateblog.com/back-to-school-guide-balancing-schedules-divorce Gabrielle C. Lawrence back-to-school-guide-balancing-schedules-divorce Wed, 21 Aug 2024 09:00:06 -0400 The end of summer can be a stressful time for parents, balancing careers, extracurricular schedules and other activities, all while getting their children ready for school. Add a separation or divorce from a spouse into the mix and it can be downright nightmarish.

]]> How to Put Your Children First in Co-Parenting https://www.yourfamilylawadvocateblog.com/putting-children-first-co-parenting Jacquelyn A. Dupler putting-children-first-co-parenting Thu, 19 May 2022 09:00:07 -0400 Separation, and ultimately divorce in some cases, can be one of the hardest things that a couple who once shared a life together can endure. For some, the once happy memories are now replaced with hostility and contempt. But when children are involved, the one aspect more difficult than the divorce itself, is successfully co-parenting children together. How do you successfully raise children with someone who is no longer part of your life, someone whom you may have even grown to dislike? As family law attorney Jackie Dupler explains, the answer is quite simple, "You have to love your kids, more than you hate your ex!"

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