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Ever wondered how a stepparent can legally adopt their stepchild? When I was working in the Allegan County courts, it was a frequent conversation that I had with parents. Either one parent would be asking about how their new spouse could adopt a child or the other...
Small business is the heartbeat of the West Michigan economy. A small business is a business that employs fewer than 500 employees, and these small businesses make up 99.6% of all Michigan businesses. Here in Ottawa County, according to the U.S. Small Business...
The prenuptial agreement is a written contract entered into before marriage that establishes the property rights between spouse in the event of death or dissolution of the marriage. Often referred to as “prenups,” these are legal documents that can outline the...
Introduction. The decision to file for a guardianship is often stressful for both the person who intends to become a guardian and for the person who is has lost their ability to care for their own well-being. But, understanding these 4 key areas will help you make...
Probate is the legal procedure for gathering the property of a deceased family member, settling debts, and distributing the remaining assets. Determining if probate is necessary can be confusing, but probate is only required for property solely in the decedent’s name. To better understand this concept, let’s consider an example. A couple jointly owns a bank account. If one spouse…
Divorce is a complex and emotionally charged process that involves various legal considerations, one of the most critical being the division of marital property. In Michigan, like many other states, property division follows the principle of equitable distribution. This means that assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided fairly, though not necessarily equally, between the spouses. Dividing the…
Did you know that a significant number of adults in the U.S. – around 77% – haven’t documented their end-of-life plans? Even if you fall into this category, it’s important to understand that you still have an estate plan. You may not have created one yourself, but the State of Michigan has a plan in place for you called Probate. …
Estate planning is a crucial aspect of securing your family’s future, and when it comes to children, the stakes are higher. A well-thought-out Minors Care Plan goes beyond financial considerations and addresses the holistic well-being of your children. In this blog post, we will delve into the essential components of a comprehensive Minors Care Plan, including letters to nominees, powers…
Probate is a legal process that ensures the orderly distribution of a deceased person’s assets and debts. In Michigan, probate plays a crucial role in administering estates. This article will provide you with an overview of Michigan probate, including what it is, when it’s required, and the steps involved. What is Michigan Probate? Michigan Probate is the legal process that…
Family dynamics are intricate, and when legal matters arise within the familial sphere, it becomes crucial to understand the intricacies of family law. In Michigan, like in many other states, family law encompasses a broad range of issues from marriage and divorce to child custody and support. This article focuses on some of the key aspects of the divorce process.…