» Financial and Property Issues

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Why the Child Tax Credit May Cause Issues for Divorced Families

President Biden’s American Rescue Plan includes increased child tax credits. These can help parents dealing with tight budgets and technology demands related to virtual schooling. However, rules around the existing tax code and claiming child depen… Read More
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Estate Planning for Minor Beneficiaries

In this time of COVID-19, I have had a lot of questions from parents about whether there are any special considerations they should have when planning for the unthinkable: their own incapacity or death while their children are still minors. The answe… Read More
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How does COVID-19 impact my support payment?

The impact of COVID-19 is extensive. Even those lucky enough to avoid becoming infected or having a friend or loved one become sick may still experience emotional and physical reactions ranging in severity. At the forefront of many people’s concern… Read More
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STAYING PREPARED FROM A LEGAL STANDPOINT DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

While the most significant suggestion is to have a plan for your health and safety, you should also consider having a plan for what happens if you are admitted to a hospital, confined to a home or nursing home, under quarantine, or can no longer cond… Read More
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Is it Wise to Add Children to Your Real Estate Titles

For centuries, people have added their children to the titles of their real estate before their deaths in order to avoid probate and pass their real estate to their children after their deaths. Does this remain a wise choice? It can be. It will accom… Read More
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Already Separated? Do I Need a Divorce

I have recently conferred with a number of people who have been separated from their spouse for many years, but remained married to them. They have many and diverse reasons for staying married. However, they are at a point where one spouse wants to e… Read More
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The effect of bankruptcy on divorce

Money is one of the biggest stressors in a marriage, and some couples come to the process with considerable debt. It’s important to consider whether there are sufficient resources to pay down the debt so that each party can support themselves and t… Read More
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Complete the retirement process right after a divorce

Under Michigan law, retirement plans are part of the equitable distribution of marital assets. But in a recent Michigan case, a former wife’s delay in getting a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) drafted and processed cost her dearly. The wi… Read More
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Preventing Credit Damage in Divorce

It is impossible to totally prevent credit damage if your former spouse has access to joint accounts once the divorce is imminent or has begun, unless your spouse is also committed to maintaining BOTH of your good credit. However, there are ways to m… Read More
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Car Titles

Many of my clients own their cars jointly with their spouses. This is a huge liability problem whether you are married or are divorcing. The greatest source of potential liability for you is your car. Why? At what ever weight the vehicle has, when it… Read More
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