SUCCESSFUL CO-PARENTING | MELDER & MELDER, P.C.
- By Admin
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- 14 Mar, 2018
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Find A Way to Sustain Open Communication with your Ex
No matter how much anger or resentment you may feel towards your ex, it's important to find a way to establish open, healthy communication with your ex. That's a part of co-parenting well. To best take care of the kids, you and your ex will need to fill each other in on small and big things that happen in your children's lives when the other is not around.
Although you may do a combination of texting, sending emails, talking on the phone, leaving voicemails, mailing letters and talking in person, you may find that one primary form of communication tends to work best for the two of you. Find a way to make it work in a way that won't make you consistently miserable.
Agrees to Rules that will Be Established in Both Houses
When you first get divorced, it may feel exciting to get to parent "on your own" when you have the children with you. However, the reality is that you are both parenting your children even when they're not with you. The lessons you teach your kids will resonate even when they are staying with your ex and vice versa. Therefore, it's important to figure things out together.
Consistency is extremely important when you are raising children with your ex. Try to agree to rules that will be enforced in both households. For example, if children are only allowed to play video games for 30 minutes per day when staying with one parent, the same should be true when staying with the other parent when you both agree to the rule.
Keep your Emotions Check
The best way to co-parent during and after a divorce is to try to keep negative emotions out of all your communication with your ex. There will likely be times when you want to scream and shout, but that will only hurt your chances of successfully co-parenting. Yes, you can and should stand up for yourself, but do it when you are cool, calm and collected.
Remember that you have every right to let your ex know that you will get back to him or her about a topic. No matter how unpleasant the subject matter is, you don't owe any immediate answers to anyone. Take the time you need to answer in the way that you're sure you won't regret. Your kids will be better off when you keep your emotions in check.
Be a great example of the Golden Rule
Treat your ex the way you want to be treated. Accentuate your ex's good qualities when discussing him or her with your children. Praise the good things that your ex does. That will help your children feel comfortable about expressing affection for the other parent in front of you. Also, try to show compassion when your ex makes parenting mistakes and offer support when possible. You may find that extending the olive branch is beneficial to you, too.
Finally, keep in mind that co-parenting can be one of the trickiest parts of a divorce, but it can get easier when you are proactive in protecting the best interests of you and your kids. You may reach out to your divorce lawyer for help and advice on all the legal aspects of your divorce. The caring attorneys at Melder & Melder, P.C., can assist you with many aspects of family law.
Filing for divorce is a difficult and emotional process, but having the right attorney on your side can make it a little bit easier. When choosing an attorney to represent you in your divorce case, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they are the right fit for you. Here are some things to ask an attorney when filing for divorce:
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What is your experience with divorce cases? It’s important to choose an attorney who has experience with divorce cases and is knowledgeable about family law. Ask about their experience handling divorce cases, their success rate, and how long they have been practicing family law.
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What is your approach to divorce cases? Every attorney has a different approach to handling divorce cases, so it’s important to find one whose approach aligns with your goals and values. Ask about their approach to negotiations, mediation, and litigation to see if it aligns with what you are looking for.
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What is the likely outcome of my case? While no attorney can predict the outcome of your divorce case with certainty, they should be able to give you an idea of what to expect based on their experience and knowledge of family law. Ask about the likely outcome of your case and any potential challenges that may arise.
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What are your fees and billing practices? Divorce can be a costly process, so it’s important to be clear about your attorney’s fees and billing practices upfront. Ask about their hourly rate, retainer fee, and any other costs associated with your case.
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How will you communicate with me throughout the process? Communication is key in any legal case, so make sure you ask your attorney how they will keep you informed about the progress of your case. Ask about their preferred method of communication, how often you can expect to hear from them, and how quickly they will respond to your inquiries.
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Can you help me set realistic expectations for my case? Divorce can be a complex and time-consuming process, so it’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of your case. Ask your attorney to help you set realistic expectations about the timeline, cost, and likely outcome of your divorce case.
Choosing the right attorney to represent you in your divorce case is crucial to achieving a successful outcome. The attorneys at Melder & Melder are the only local legal resource you need. No matter your situation or questions you have, we are here for you. Call us at (248) 541-3400 for a free initial phone consultation with one of our attorneys

Going through a divorce is often challenging, especially when children are involved. Fortunately, at Melder & Melder, P.C., our child custody lawyers at can help. We understand the sensitivity of child custody matters including support and visitation, and that each family's situation is unique. Our skilled attorneys are committed to finding solutions that respect the rights of our clients, while still serving the best interests of the children.
As our client, we will stand with you throughout the entirety of your divorce and make sure that you are protected and defended. You will always be told the truth, and we will listen to your concerns, and answer any questions that you may have regarding your matter. Thought the process we explain how the system works, and recommend strategies and approaches to the issue at hand.
Call the Law Office of Melder & Melder, P.C., and let our experience, knowledge, and skill, assist you in the toughest of circumstances.
Melder & Melder, P.C.
2304 East Eleven Mile Road
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
Telephone: (248)-541-3400 or (800)-LAW-5454
Facsimile: (248)-541-6332

Picture this: You're cruising down the road, wind in your hair, tunes blaring from the stereo. Life is good! But suddenly, those flashing red and blue lights appear in your rearview mirror. You've been caught speeding, and now you're facing a dreaded traffic ticket. Don't panic just yet! In this blog post, we'll show you why hiring an attorney to fight your traffic ticket can be a total game-changer. Buckle up and let's dive in!
1. They Know the Rules of the Game : When it comes to traffic laws, attorneys are the true experts. They eat, sleep, and breathe legal jargon like it's their morning coffee. By hiring an attorney specialized in traffic law, you're bringing someone on board who knows all the ins and outs of the system. They'll know which loopholes to exploit, what evidence to gather, and how to build a solid defense strategy tailored specifically for your case.
2. Experience Matters: Imagine going into battle without any prior training or experience – it's a recipe for disaster! The same principle applies when fighting a traffic ticket. Attorneys have years of experience dealing with similar cases and navigating through the legal maze. They know how to negotiate with prosecutors, present compelling arguments in court, and increase your chances of getting that ticket dismissed or reduced.
3. Saving Time and Energy: Let's face it – dealing with legal matters can be time-consuming and mentally draining. Researching laws, preparing documents, attending court hearings – it's enough to make anyone's head spin! By hiring an attorney, you're handing over these burdensome tasks to someone else who knows exactly what they're doing. This allows you to focus on other important aspects of your life while leaving the legal heavy lifting to the professionals.
4. Protecting Your Driving Record: Your driving record is like a precious gem – once tarnished, it's not easy to restore its former glory. Traffic violations can lead to points on your license, increased insurance premiums, and even license suspension. Hiring an attorney to fight your traffic ticket gives you a fighting chance at keeping your record clean. They'll work tirelessly to minimize the impact of the ticket on your driving privileges, ensuring that you can continue hitting the road worry-free.
5. Money Talks: Some people hesitate to hire an attorney because they fear the costs involved. But here's the thing – hiring an attorney could actually save you money in the long run! How? Well, think about it: paying a fine for a traffic ticket might seem like a quick fix, but it often leads to increased insurance premiums that can haunt you for years. By investing in an attorney upfront, you're potentially avoiding these long-term financial consequences and protecting your hard-earned cash.
Fighting a traffic ticket may seem like an uphill battle, but with the right attorney by your side, victory is within reach! From their extensive knowledge of traffic laws to their courtroom expertise, attorneys are the secret weapon you need in your corner. So don't just accept that traffic ticket – fight back and reclaim your driving freedom! Remember, hiring an attorney isn't just about winning; it's about taking control of your future on the open road.
If you find yourself caught up with a traffic infraction, go ahead and call Melder & Melder P.C at (248) 541-3400. We can help turn this traffic ticket fiasco into a distant memory.
Melder & Melder, P.C.
2304 East Eleven Mile Road
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
Telephone: (248)-541-3400 or (800)-LAW-5454
Facsimile: (248)-541-6332

Michigan divides marital property using the theory of "equitable distribution". Equitable distribution states divide property based on a determination of what's fair under the circumstances of each case, it doesn’t mean that the assets will always be divided on a 50/50 basis.
In a divorce, there are marital assets and separate property .
Marital assets are those accumulated during the course of the marriage up until the day of divorce. And, it doesn't matter which spouse technically earns the asset. Also, it is important to note that the name on the title of property doesn't necessarily determine who owns it.
Separate property is any property owned by a spouse prior to the marriage as well as some property that has been acquired either by a gift or inheritance. Sometimes, even inadvertently, your separate property could become commingled property, which essentially turns it into marital property.
Equitable distribution consists of the court deciding which assets are marital vs. separate property, placing a fair market value on each asset, and then actually dividing the assets. The division of assets is presumed to be fairly equal and a court must clearly explain if there is a deviation from this guideline. The origin of property owned at the time of the divorce may determine whether it is considered part of the marital estate.
Most property is divided by the parties working with their family law attorneys and made part of a settlement agreement. Property division is one of the areas in a divorce with the most room for negotiation.
If you, a friend, or a family member has questions, we can help. Please call us. Let our family, help your family!
2304 East Eleven Mile Road
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
Telephone: (248)-541-3400 or (800)-LAW-5454
Facsimile: (248)-541-6332
info@melderandmelder.com
www.melderandmelder.com