Archive for 'Family Law' Category
A trust can be one of the most effective ways to protect your assets and secure your family’s future. However, it’s not always the right fit for everyone. Knowing when to create a trust can help you make confident, informed choices about your estate and your legacy. At Parakletos Law in Ottawa County, MI, our […]
When a loved one passes away and leaves behind a trust, the responsibility of trust administration can feel overwhelming. Many Michigan families ask the same question: “Do I need a lawyer for trust administration?”The answer is almost always yes — and here’s why. At Parakletos Law, we guide Ottawa, MI families through every step of […]
When it comes to estate planning, one of the most common questions we hear is: “What’s the difference between a trust and a will?” It’s a great question—and an important one. Both documents are foundational tools in an estate plan, but they serve different purposes, operate in different ways, and offer different benefits. In this […]
When navigating family matters, specifically when there are minor children involved, the Friend of the Court (FOC) may act as a neutral third-party to help parents draft consent orders, conduct investigations into custody and parenting time matters, and enforce orders related to custody, parenting time, and child support. What is the Friend of the Court? […]
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 parent was asking how to give up their […]
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 Administration[1], small businesses employ close to 55% of all employees – where […]
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 division of assets, spousal support, and other financial matters. It certainly is not the […]
Losing a loved one is one of the most challenging experiences in life. Even with preparation, saying goodbye creates an irreplaceable void. Although nothing can alleviate the pain, leaving thorough instructions for loved ones is one of the most valuable gifts you can give them. The funeral home can assist you with many of the […]
In a world full of discussions, the words that are used carry deep and profound meanings. One such word is “Parakletos.” (Pronounced Para·Clee·Toes). Derived from Greek law, the term has significant implications in various contexts. This post will uncover the rich and multifaceted meaning of “Parakletos.” The term basically means “the advocate” or “the one […]
In Michigan, there is a presumption that it is in the child’s best interests to have a strong relationship with both parents, and the parenting time schedule should reflect that presumption. The concept of parenting time plays a crucial role in ensuring that both parents remain actively involved in their children’s lives. Parenting time refers […]
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