Tag: finances
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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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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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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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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 Spousal support is no longer limited to outdated stereotypes.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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Child Support Modifications in Mid-Michigan: How to Adjust Your Support Order When Life Changes
Child support plays a vital role in maintaining a child’s care after a divorce or separation. But when jobs change, children grow, and financial circumstances shift, your child support order may no longer fit your situation. Michigan law provides a process for modifying it to fit a family’s evolving needs. If you live in Mid-Michigan—whether…
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Asking the Court to Make Spouse Pay Attorney Fees in My Divorce Case in Ingham, Clinton, Eaton, Jackson, Ionia, or Shiawassee County?
In our more than 30 years of business practicing family law in Lansing and throughout Mid-Michigan, we are often asked if a spouse can be ordered to pay the other’s attorney fees in a divorce case. Usually, Michigan uses the “American Rule” where each party pays for their own lawyer. However, Michigan family law has…
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If I Earn More Than My Spouse, Do We Still Split Everything Equally in a Michigan Divorce?
The Importance of Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements in Michigan Divorce Cases It is a common misunderstanding that if one spouse earns more, they should receive a larger share of the marital assets. This belief was more common in past decades, especially when men were predominantly the breadwinners of the household. However, as times have changed,…
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How do I Figure Out What my Stuff is Worth For My Divorce Case in Michigan?
When you get divorced in Michigan, just like everywhere else in the country, you and your spouse device up your belongings. The division of assets, where you determine who gets to keep that beautiful painting you bought together on your honeymoon, and who keeps Great Aunt Agatha’s fine china, is a standard part of pretty…
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DIY Divorce: It’s Not Always The Money Saving Option You’d Hoped For!
We live in a society that champions the DIY approach for just about everything. You only have to spend five minutes on Pinterest to find recipes for everything from homemade laundry detergent and sunblock, to instructions on how to build your own dining room table and weave your own hammock. While this wonderful variety of…