Non-Traditional Families need Mediation and Collaborative Practice

When non-traditional families (gay and lesbian partners) or blended families (partners who have step children) separate, the courts in Michigan seldom have the authority to deal with all their issues.  In the case of gay or lesbian partners (even if you have married in states that sanction marriage), the court will not have jurisdiction.

Mediation or collaborative practice can assist you in:

• Settling custody issues
• Developing parenting plans, including parenting time between step-parents and step-children or legal children of your partner.
• Arranging for support
• Dividing property, including retirement benefits.

These separation agreements are generally more creative than divorce judgments or even mediation/separation agreements that are developed between traditional married people.  This is because the law imposes certain protections on traditional married couples that are not available to non-traditional families.

With the help of experienced professionals, it is possible to develop comprehensive agreements that meet the needs of all families.