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Dividing Retirement Benefits in a Mid-Michigan Divorce
For divorcing couples in Mid-Michigan, including Lansing, East Lansing, Jackson, Howell, and Charlotte, a complex asset that needs to be divided is retirement benefits. Under Michigan law, retirement plans are generally treated as marital property. Whether you’re dealing with a pension, 401(k), or IRA, it’s important to know how these assets are divided during a…
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In Michigan, What’s The Difference Between a Prenuptial and a Postnuptial Agreement?
Legal documents such as prenuptial and postnuptial agreements can be useful for planning for the future. While they are very similar, there are some differences between the two, other than being before and after marriage. Understanding the differences can help you choose the one that best suits your needs for keeping your assets protected. However,…
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Filing for Divorce First in Mid-Michigan
When it comes to filing for divorce in the Lansing area, filing first may sometimes provide certain strategic advantages, especially in counties like Ingham, Clinton, and Eaton. Whether you live in Lansing, East Lansing, Mason, or St. Johns, discussing the benefits of filing first with your attorney can help you make effective decisions as you…
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Domestic Violence and Personal Protection Orders in Mid-Michigan: What You Need to Know
Domestic violence is a serious concern for families throughout the entire Lansing, Michigan area, including communities in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Livingston, and Ionia Counties, as well as cities such as Lansing, East Lansing, Charlotte, Jackson, St. Johns, and Brighton. Knowing your legal rights and remedies when facing abuse or threats in a domestic relationship is…
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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…
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Challenging Paternity Michigan Courts: What Parents Should Know About the Revocation of Parentage Act
In Michigan communities such as Lansing, St. Johns, Charlotte, and Ionia, families sometimes face unexpected legal challenges involving paternity. In Michigan’s law, paternity is called parentage. Michigan’s Revocation of Parentage Act (ROPA) was established to handle issues regarding legally established paternity. Understanding how this law works, and when it applies, is crucial for parents in…
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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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Choosing the Right School When You Share Custody in Michigan
By Attorney Brandy Thompson In Michigan, the law encourages both parents to participate in major decisions affecting their child’s education, especially when joint legal custody is in place. When parents live in different school districts, selecting the right school for their child can become one of the most difficult decisions they face. So, how do…
