The Goals of the Chapter Members are:

​

• Assist Our Clients in Challenging Family Law Cases, Consistent With The Highest Standards of Civility & Competency

​​

• Elevate the Practice of Family Law through Education, Consultation, and Mentoring

​​

• Provide Leadership, Guidance, and Input Regarding Statutes and Court Rules Governing Family Law

​​

• Serve As A Liaison And Local Representation For Attorneys & Clients From Other States

• Members of the Michigan Chapter Currently Are or Previously Have Been Current Members, Officers, and Chairperson of the Family Law Council, Which Governs The 2900+ Members of the Family Law Section

​​

• Chapter Members Routinely Furnish Input and Leadership on Court Rule & Statutory Changes Impacting Michigan Family Law

​​

• The Michigan Chapter Furnishes Independent Recommendations To the State Bar of Michigan Regarding Prospective Legislative or Court Rule Proposals.

​​

• Members of the Michigan Chapter Testify Before the Michigan Legislature or the Supreme Court Regarding Major Issues Affecting Family Law

​​

• No Major or Significant Family Law Proposal Is Enacted Without The Opportunity For Comment & Recommendation By Michigan Chapter Members

​​

• The Michigan Chapter Is A Private Organization, And Not Limited By Either Lobbying or Content Restrictions Which May Affect State Bar Sections

​​

 

Example of Issues the Academy Addresses:  In many circuits, any newly elected judge is assigned to the family division, even if he or she has no interest or experience in the area.  Many judges rotate out of the family division as soon as they have enough seniority.  The Michigan Chapter of the Academy is considering whether to support legislation creating a separate Family Court, with its own non-rotating bench at the level of the circuit court with appeals to the Court of Appeals.  The family court would have jurisdiction over all family matters, including circuit court domestic relations cases and matters previously heard in probate court (adoptions and guardianships) or the juvenile division of probate court (neglect cases).

 

​

Where a plaintiff divorced mother has challenged a judgment in a child custody dispute, a remand is necessary for the limited purpose of allowing the trial court to confirm which vaccinations are now recommended for the minor child by her pediatrician before the child begins the course of vaccinations.  Matheson v. Schmitt, MiLW 08-101582 (December 6, 2019).

​