Practice Areas Overview

Michigan Divorce and Father's Rights Attorney

The lawyers at Gordon & Shaw, PLC in Grand Rapids, Michigan protect their clients' rights and interests today and help men plan ahead and prepare for their future.

Divorce for Men

As soon as divorce is mentioned in your home, you should be prepared to protect and assert your rights as a father and husband. We strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment with us far in advance of any potential litigation so you are well informed and do not make any mistakes that could be detrimental to your case. All consultations are 100% confidential and the fact that we met with you will not be shared with anyone. If you have already been served with divorce papers you should consult with us immediately, whether the case seems "uncontested" or not, to avoiding the entry of a default against you. Too many men make the mistake of waiting too long to speak to an attorney or to be lulled into a belief that their spouse and her attorney will be fair. Do not make this mistake. If you are facing a divorce you need to seek counsel immediately. We can help you.

Spousal Support / Alimony for Men

There are many misconceptions regarding alimony/spousal support. Many men believe that alimony/spousal support no longer exists. This is not true. In fact, many courts will award temporary alimony/spousal support at the beginning of a case. If you believe that your spouse may seek an alimony/spousal support claim against you then it is crucial that we gather and review your financial situation as soon as possible and that we are prepared to stamp out any claim early on or so that we can ensure that any award be fair and feasible. Men are equally eligible for alimony/spousal support but because of certain double standards in some courts it may be harder to obtain. It is imperative that the request be properly handled and articulated aggressively so that a proper support award can be obtained for a man.  

Asset & Property Distribution

Property division can be one of the most complicated issues in a divorce. It is important to distinguish between marital and separate property and to gather all the supporting documentation as quickly as possible. We are highly experienced in organizing and understanding these issues and can strongly advocate your position. We will guide you through this process and protect your interests along the way for an equitable division.

Child Custody

A mother does not automatically receive custody of the children in a court of law. You have rights, and if you feel your child will be better off in your custody, you should assert those rights. We never assume that the mother is the best candidate to receive custody of the child. You need to understand the law and exactly what the court will consider when determining custody. We are aggressive and experienced and can help you develop a winning strategy. It is vital that we meet with you early on, discuss your situation and begin to prepare your case for success. 

Child Support

The child support formula is based on income but it is also heavily influenced by both custody and parenting time. It is important that you do not leave the home and distance yourself from your children for a variety of reasons. Once we evaluate your circumstances we can explain your options and develop a strategy in regards to the amount of child support that is ordered. If you have to pay child support, we will explain the formula that determines your obligations. We also represent clients with post-divorce modification orders to change child support as well as visitation and custody. 

Uncontested Divorce

There are occasions where the parties are able to agree on equitable terms and dissolve their marriage amicably. These case are not that uncommon. If both parties are truly willing to dissolve their marriage fairly and peacefully, we can meet with you and explain all the issues that need to be discussed and decided by you and your spouse as well as drafting up and entering temporary orders and final Judgments in an amicable manner. Although the matter may appear uncontested initially, as a male in a divorce proceeding, you still need to be careful and should seek advice to ensure that all terms are fair and to avoid making any critical errors along the way. Sometimes a case may start as uncontested and then become contested when the parties argue over certain issues or terms and cannot resolve the case without a court hearing. You need to be prepared in the event that this is the case and we can help protect you. 

Prenuptial Agreement

When entering a marriage, you must be prepared for any outcome. If there is a significant difference in age or income between you and your wife, it may be in your best interest to have a prenuptial agreement that details your possessions and assets, and provides for any support after the marriage. Once we meet with you and assess your set of circumstances we can draft and execute the proper agreement that will protect you in the event your marriage does not last.

Paternity

Men dealing with paternity issues have usually been denied their rights as biological fathers. Others may be seeking to prove that they are not genetically linked to a child so that they do not have to pay support. Whatever the case may be, timing is extremely important in a paternity case to receive a fair custody, parenting time and child support order. Anyone facing such a case should seek competent and experienced counsel immediately to respond to a paternity petition and to protect their rights. Failure to act in a timely manner could lead to a Default Judgment against you that will forever haunt and impede your pursuit of fairness in the matter. Regardless of your situation, our attorneys will represent you and your rights.

Domestic Violence

An accusation of domestic violence carries serious legal consequences along with a stigma as a "wife beater." If you have been unjustly accused of an assault crime against your spouse, a law firm that has defended the rights of men since its inception can help. Before you speak with the authorities and make any admission or before you enter a plea due to guilt or legal pressure you should seek counsel that can review, advise and adequately defend you in a court of law.

Criminal Defense

Whether you are suspected of a drug crime or arrested on a sexual offense or other criminal charge your freedom and reputation are at stake. We provide strong, aggressive criminal defense representation

Estate Planning

From preserving your assets through comprehensive planning, to handling matters in the probate court, a skilled lawyer at our firm stands ready to protect your rights.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Gordon & Shaw, PLC.