Category: Marriage
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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…
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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…
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How a Nasty Divorce Can Hurt the Child: Attorney Charles M. Kronzek Explains
In Mid-Michigan, particularly within the Ingham, Clinton, Eaton, and Jackson circuit courts, family court judges are increasingly losing patience with “high-conflict” litigation. A recent appellate affirmation highlights a growing trend: the court will rescind a parent’s decision-making authority over the child not as a punishment for being “bad,” but as a logistical necessity when communication…
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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 Spousal support is no longer limited to outdated stereotypes.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…
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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…
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Can I Change the Locks After Filing for Divorce in Michigan? What Mid-Michigan Spouses Should Know
By Brandy J Thompson, Michigan Divorce Attorney For many couples in Mid-Michigan, including those living in Lansing, Charlotte, St. Johns, Eaton County, Ingham County, Clinton County, or Ionia, filing for divorce can be a difficult decision. Divorces can be contentious, and one of the most difficult questions that comes up is whether you can change…
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Protecting Your Address in Family Court:
How to Keep Your Location Confidential in Lansing And Other Mid-Michigan Cases Keeping Your Address Confidential in Michigan Family Court In Michigan family law cases in counties such as Ingham, Eaton, Livingston, and Clinton, address confidentiality can be a critical safety measure in certain cases. Michigan Circuit Courts and our Family Court judges, provide legal…
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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…
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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,…
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How a Well-Written Collaborative Divorce Agreement Can Save You Time and Money in Michigan
Collaborative divorce is one option for couples in Mid-Michigan who wish to avoid high litigation expenses and dissolve their marriage in an amicable manner. However, one mistake in the settlement agreement can force everyone back to court. Here’s what you need to know about avoiding ambiguity in your Michigan divorce settlement agreement. Why Collaborative Divorce…