Archive for 'Firm News' Category
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 […]
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, […]
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, […]
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 […]
What is Estate Planning? Estate planning is essentially creating a plan for your assets. An estate could be modest or substantial, including vehicles, homes, investment properties, retirement funds, bank accounts, life insurance, and personal belongings like furniture, clothing, and kitchenware. When you pass away, none of it can be taken with you, which raises the […]
For many, pets are more than just animals; they are cherished family members. Many pet owners want to ensure that their pet receives the same love, care, and attention after the owner passes away, as the pet has become accustomed. One way to secure the well-being of your pets is through establishing a pet trust. […]
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 […]
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