While it is true that every field of law has become increasingly complex, family law has expanded to include several areas regulated by federal law, as well as the usual proliferation and changes in state law. Moreover, there are important differences between domestic relations cases and almost every other form of civil case. The litigants will usually remain involved with each other, not just during the litigation, but long after the gavel has fallen.
Divorce affects the rights of three generations at once parents, children, and grandparents.
The court retains jurisdiction explicitly over these issues, as well as over many future financial matters. Thus, there are special considerations in drafting, knowledge of long-term consequences of property settlements, and ethical issues that require careful thought and research. Fortunately, as complex as the field has become, there are excellent resources available on all aspects of family law practice. There are two major treatises written for Michigan practitioners. The first, ICLE s Michigan Family Law , edited by Scott Bassett, Judith A. Curtis, and Sherri L. Katz, was first published in 1978.