The Kronzek Firm PLC

Information from our family law team in Oakland County:

Parents who owe a significant amount of child support soon could lose their ability to travel internationally as the Trump administration expands and steps up enforcement of a 30-year-old law that allows the federal government to revoke American passports until payments are made, three U.S. officials told The Associated Press. That's great news for parents should be receiving child support but they struggle when those payments aren't made.

While passport revocations for past due child support of more than $2,500 have been permitted under 1996 federal legislation, the State Department had in the past acted only when someone applied to renew their travel document or sought other consular services. In other words, enforcement depended on the person approaching the department for assistance. Fortunately, that appears to be changing in the near future.

Starting soon, however, the department will begin to revoke passports on its own initiative based on data shared with it by the Health and Human Services Department, according to the U.S. officials familiar with the plan. Michigan law is clear. A child has the right to be supported by both parents.

It's tax time again, which means that our family law attorneys are getting lots of phone calls from our clients about child related tax exemptions and credits. Here is some general information, but always consult with your tax preparer before making tax filing decisions:

Understanding Child Tax Benefits After Divorce in Michigan

Navigating tax issues after divorce can be complicated for Michigan families. If you're a divorced or legally separated parent, understanding who can claim child-related federal tax benefits is crucial for your financial planning.

Who Gets to Claim the Child?

Under IRS regulations, the parent with whom the child spends the majority of nights during the tax year is generally considered the "custodial parent" for tax purposes. This custodial parent typically receives the right to claim various child-related tax benefits, including the dependency exemption and Child Tax Credit.

Can Tax Benefits Be Transferred?

Yes, under specific circumstances. Federal tax law allows the custodial parent to release certain tax benefits to the noncustodial parent by completing IRS Form 8332 (Release/Revocation of Release of Claim to Exemption for Child by Custodial Parent). When this form is properly executed and the noncustodial parent attaches it to their tax return, they may claim specific tax benefits.

What Benefits Can and Cannot Be Transferred?

It's important to understand that not all tax benefits can be released to the noncustodial parent. Certain benefits always remain with the custodial parent, including:

Head of Household filing status
Child and Dependent Care Credit
Earned Income Tax Credit (in most cases)

Additionally, the custodial parent retains the right to revoke a previously granted release of tax benefits by providing proper notice to the noncustodial parent and the IRS.

Michigan Divorce and Tax Planning

These federal tax rules interact with Michigan divorce judgments and parenting time arrangements. Your divorce settlement or custody order should address these tax considerations to prevent future disputes. The federal tax law does allow the Michigan Judgment of Divorce to deviate from some of the above guidelines. So our divorce attorneys regularly negotiate divorce agreements that take into consider that way that each parent may/may not use their children as tax exemptions or credits.

Get Professional Guidance

The intersection of Michigan family law and federal tax regulations is complex. When our legal team is negotiating a divorce settlement, modifying custody arrangements, or have questions about tax benefits, our experienced family law attorneys can help protect your interests.

Contact our Lansing or Oakland County, Michigan offices today to discuss your specific situation and ensure you're maximizing your tax benefits while complying with all applicable laws. You can reach us by calling 800-576-6035. Always consult your tax preparer before making final decisions about tax filings.

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Another iconic American (Michigan) company is being bought out. Tony the Tiger's Kellogg Company, is being bought out by the owner of Ferrero Rocher for about $3.1 billion. Ferrero Roche has also bought out Nutella, Kinder, Tic Tac, Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops and Special K. Even though Tony is dissing us, at least we still have our other Tigers in Detroit.

Happy birthday USA.

🚗 Protecting Our Little Passengers: Michigan's New Child Restraint Laws 🚨

As a Michigan law firm committed to safety and legal guidance, we want to highlight the importance of properly securing children in motor vehicles. Michigan’s laws, outlined in MCL 257.710d, set clear standards for child restraint systems to ensure your little ones are safe every time they travel.

Here’s a quick guide to staying compliant with the new law which is effective on April 2, 2025, and protecting your family:

👶 Infants (0–2 years): They must be in a rear-facing child restraint seat until they are 2 years old or reach the manufacturer's height/weight limits.

👦 Children (2–5 years): Transition to a front-facing child restraint seat once they outgrow rear-facing limits, staying in this position until age 5 or until the manufacturer’s weight/height limits are reached.

👧 Children (5–8 years): Once front-facing limits are met, children must use a booster seat with a lap-shoulder belt until they are 8 years old or reach a height of 4'9".

👦 Children (8–13 years): Children can use a seatbelt but must remain in the back seat. If rear seats are occupied, they may sit in the front, but only with a properly fastened seatbelt.

⚠️ Special note: Rear-facing child restraints are never safe in the front seat unless the passenger airbag is deactivated.

💡 Pro Tip: For maximum safety, follow the height and weight limits set by your car seat manufacturer, even beyond the minimum age requirements.

Michigan law also requires everyone in the vehicle, including drivers and front-seat passengers, to wear a seatbelt (MCL 257.710e). Teens aged 13–15 must wear a seatbelt at all times. However, exceptions apply in specific situations, such as crowded vehicles or particular pickup trucks.

🚔 Non-compliance with these laws can result in a civil infraction—but more importantly, it could compromise the safety of your loved ones.

At The Kronzek Firm], we’re here to support Michigan families. If you have questions about these laws or need legal guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s work together to keep our roads safe for everyone!

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