How Does Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order Impact Family Law?

Yesterday, Michigan families were preparing to comply and adapt to Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-21 (“Stay Home, Stay Safe”).  The Michigan Supreme Court issued a Statement, and the State Bar of Michigan also issued an Advisory regarding the impact on divorce and family law.  To assist you in understanding how you are impacted, we have outlined the key considerations of “Stay Home, Stay Safe”:

• All court orders for child custody, parenting time, and child support remain in effect.
• Individuals may travel as required by a court order which includes transportation of children pursuant to an agreement and/or order.
• Individuals are allowed to leave home to attend legal proceedings for essential or emergency purposes as ordered by a court.
• Deadlines pertaining to case initiation and the filing of responsive pleadings will be extended.
• The courts remain open and available to address essential emergency matters.
• Child support payment processing is expected to continue through the State of Michigan Disbursement Unit. Parents can also make payments through PayNearMe at CVS Pharmacy, Seven Eleven, Family Dollar, and Casey’s General Store.
• Parents are encouraged to sign up for MiChildSupport to see their child support case online.

If you find it necessary to adjust or modify parenting time due to the ramifications of “Stay Home, Stay Safe”, you are encouraged to cooperate as parents to further the best interest of your child(ren).  If an agreement cannot be reached, we remain available to help you.

We hope this resource is a helpful guide in understanding how to best respond to the Governor’s Executive Order as it relates to family law and divorce. We remain accessible and will be responsive to your needs, questions, and concerns by e-mail, telephone, and video conference. Please do not hesitate to connect with a member of the Rhoades McKee Family Law Team.