Category: Finances
-
Stopped Receiving Child Support in Mid-Michigan: Here is What You Need to Know
Helping Families in Lansing, East Lansing, Charlotte, St. Johns, and Ionia Protect Their Children’s Financial Security If you stopped receiving your court-ordered child support, the financial stress can feel overwhelming. For families in Mid-Michigan, including Lansing, Okemos, Charlotte, Mason, St. Johns, and Ionia, you can request the court to enforce child support and protect your…
-
A Michigan Family Law Attorney’s Perspective on Prenuptial Agreements
After decades of practicing family law here in Michigan, I’ve learned that few topics generate as much confusion—and unnecessary fear—as prenuptial agreements. Many people assume a prenup will never hold up in a Michigan court, so they avoid the conversation altogether. That belief is simply incorrect. Michigan courts routinely enforce prenuptial (or “antenuptial”) agreements, provided…
-
When the “Fun Parent” Costs You: Disney Dad Behavior in Michigan Divorces
Divorcing with children in Mid-Michigan cities like Lansing, Okemos, DeWitt, Jackson, Charlotte, St. Johns, or Ionia often comes with emotional mind games. One of the most common? The “Disney Dad” act. There is also the “Disney Mom” game. Your ex-spouse may be suddenly handing out expensive gifts, planning lavish vacations, buying new electronic devices, or…
-
Can a Spouse Reduce Their Income to Avoid Paying Spousal Support in Michigan?
By Charles M. Kronzek Some Michigan residents believe spousal support (alimony) is less common than it used to be. Spousal support is no longer limited to outdated stereotypes. Michigan courts regularly award spousal support when the law allows it, and either spouse—male or female—may be ordered to pay or receive support, depending on the facts…
-
Divorce and Bankruptcy in Mid-Michigan: What Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, and Ionia County Residents Need to Know
By Attorney Brandy J. Thompson Divorce and bankruptcy are very stressful legal experiences in a person’s life. Unfortunately, some people find themselves experiencing them at the same time. If you are juggling both cases in Mid-Michigan, whether you live in Lansing, Jackson, Charlotte, St. Johns, or Ionia, understanding how these cases interact with each other can…
-
Michigan Divorce and Digital Assets: Cryptocurrency, NFTs, and Online Businesses in Property Division
As digital technology continues to expand, divorces in Michigan are no longer limited to dividing homes, vehicles, and retirement accounts. Increasingly, courts in counties like Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Livingston, and across Michigan have had to find a way to address digital assets such as cryptocurrency, NFTs, and online businesses. While Michigan law provides that all…
-
Can Child Support Be Changed After a Job Loss in Mid-Michigan?
A Guide for Parents around Ingham County, Clinton County, Lansing, and Eaton County Facing Financial Changes Losing a job is already stressful and scary. You are rushing to apply to new companies and waiting for interviews without knowing how you will provide for yourself in the meantime. Unemployment can be even more complicated when you…
-
Can Spousal Support Be Modified After Retirement in Michigan?
Divorce settlements in Michigan often include spousal support (alimony), but what happens when the paying spouse reaches retirement age? Retirement typically brings a significant reduction in income, which raises the question of how this affects the spousal support obligation. Michigan Law on Spousal Support Modification Michigan law allows a court to “revise and alter” an…
-
Professional Degrees and Property Division in a Michigan Divorce
When couples here in Mid-Michigan divorce, the court must divide marital property in an equitable way under Michigan law. Courts must make a fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital assets. But what happens when one spouse has earned a professional degree during the marriage, such as a law degree, medical degree, or MBA? Degrees…
-
Is Your Spouse Hiding Assets During Your Divorce? Here’s What Mid-Michigan Residents Need to Know
Divorce is a difficult process. Alongside the emotional aspect, you must also handle complex legal issues. In Michigan, the law requires both spouses to disclose all of their assets and debts during the divorce process. Failing to do so can result in serious consequences. If a spouse is hiding assets or debts during a divorce,…