Family Law Advocate Blog, Family Law Divorce Custody & Articles | Foster Swift

Navigating the Divorce Process: Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid

Marcy Hahn, Lisa M. Serra — 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

Xavier E. Prather — 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

Destiny R. Hughes, Benjamin M. Williams — 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 ...

Protecting Same-Sex Marriage Assets in Michigan If Obergefell is Ever Overturned

Gabrielle C. Lawrence, Badri Yono (Law Clerk) — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 09:00:04 -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 ...

How to Put Your Children First in Co-Parenting

Jacquelyn A. Dupler — Thu, 19 May 2022 09:00:05 -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!"

Get to Know Your Family Law Advocate: Jackie Dupler

Jacquelyn A. Dupler — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 09:00:06 -0400

In late August, Foster Swift welcomed attorney Jackie Dupler as a member of the firm’s Family Law Practice Group. Jackie recently sat down for a Q and A session with the firm's Business Development team to discuss her practice areas along with her perspective on being a family law attorney.

Can't Agree on Sending Children Back to School?—Seek Legal Counsel

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 09:00:07 -0400

If there is one thing that we have learned from the last six months, it is that the current pandemic has changed nearly all aspects of how we live our lives. One major issue that divides many is whether or not to send children back to school for in-person learning with COVID-19 continuing to surge across the country.

What do I do now that I have to follow COVID-19 related orders?

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 09:00:08 -0400

This blog has been updated with new information since its original publication. Due to rapidly changing laws and regulations surrounding COVID-19 matters, please consult your attorney or advisor for the latest information before taking any action.

You know that you want to see your child, but are uncertain of whether that is the right thing to do. Following the law means following orders. Co-parenting in today’s world means that orders include not only the Judge’s orders related to custody and parenting time in your case, but the Executive Orders of our Governor. Can doing what is right still mean doing something different?

Do I have to follow this Parenting Time Order?

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 09:00:09 -0500

You may need an attorney’s assistance to help figure out whether the answer should be “No.” Ideally, you and the other parent are able to develop a good working relationship that limits the need for Court intervention, but whether you should both ignore the Court’s Order is another matter.

Should I Hire a Private Investigator for My Divorce Case?

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 09:00:10 -0400

Divorce releases a range of emotions including regret and sorrow, but sometimes causes feelings of enmity and vengeance. Letting your emotions run your divorce instead of careful strategic thinking can result in unintended consequences.

What can a family law attorney help with?

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 09:00:11 -0400

Family law is an area where decisions made in the heat of the moment can result in irreversible consequences. Despite apparent similarities no two cases are exactly alike and the value of skilled family law counsel is often underestimated as an absolute necessity. Without doubt, choosing the right lawyer is the first step to a fresh start.

Welcome to Your Family Law Advocate Blog

Jacquelyn A. Dupler — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 09:00:12 -0400

Welcome to Your Family Law Advocate Blog. When family law is mentioned, divorce is often the first thing that comes to mind. Divorce however is only one of a number of regions that encompass this area of law.

Post-Divorce Modifications

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 09:00:13 -0400

Trusted Solutions. Compassionate Counsel. A Full Service Law Firm in Support of Your Future.

When a couple’s divorce is finalized, both parties receive a court document known as a “judgment of divorce” that states the provisions of the divorce. While a judgment is enforceable by law and must be followed by both parties, it is by no means absolute and can be changed given the right circumstances. As children grow older and jobs change, a judgment may need to be modified in order to accommodate for such changes. If you are in need of a post-divorce modification, attorneys at Foster Swift have the experience to walk you step-by-step through the associated legal processes and advocate for a favorable result on your behalf.

Child Custody Disputes in Divorce

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 09:00:14 -0400

One of the most distressing issues facing you in divorce involves child custody and parenting time. Child custody disputes can quickly escalate into expensive battles (emotionally and financially) without good planning and experienced legal counsel. This lack of planning often results in painful, emotional damage to your co-parenting relationship and your children. If you find yourself caught up in a family issue that requires legal action, it is imperative that you retain the services of a strong legal team to protect your rights and secure the best resolution for your situation.