Straight Talk on Obamacare: Medicaid and Medicare

Caduceus with First-aid KitThere are a lot of questions about the Affordable Care Act, often called Obamacare. Attorney Lisa J. Schmidt paired up with insurance specialist Glenn Smith of InSphere Insurance Solutions this week to explain the law, and point out what we still don’t know. This first of four posts will look at the affect of the law on government run programs: Medicaid and Medicare. Read the full post »

Why Do I Need a Lawyer for My Uncontested Divorce?

MP900302920There has been a push in recent years for what some call “DIY Divorce.” These services allow you to complete forms that will pass judicial scrutiny and legally end your marriage. So if you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse aren’t fighting, you may wonder why you should hire a lawyer at all. There are two reasons that make it worth your money. Read the full post »

Deciding Child Custody: A Look Behind the Curtain

Mother and DaughterIf you have ever stood in a family court and heard the judge make a custody ruling, you may wonder where the decision comes from. The Child Custody Act requires judges in each case to figure out what is in the best interests of the child. But if you’re facing this kind of decision, you should know that not all factors are considered equal. Read the full post »

Grand Rapids Marijuana Law Gets Court Approval

Bush of a hempLast year voters in Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed an amendment to the city’s charter classifying simple marijuana use or possession as a civil infraction, not a crime. At the same time similar voter-driven initiatives happened elsewhere in the country. Two states, Colorado and Washington, legalized recreational use of the substance. But, as seems to be the trend with voter initiatives, once the law is passed, the litigation begins. Read the full post »

Can You Really Afford to Keep the House?

House of CardsWhen you’re facing divorce, it is natural to want to hang on to as much of your old stuff as you can. It may feel like anything you don’t lay claim to, your spouse will get, and at that moment you probably don’t want your spouse to get anything. But once the Complaint is filed and the emotions have cooled just a little, you should take a serious look at your financial future. You might find that the best answer is simply to let go. Read the full post »

Tough Questions: LGBT Divorce

MC900391804Gay marriage is a popular topic these days. People on both sides are making aggressive arguments, but regardless of politics, one thing is true: Michigan does not allow same-sex marriages. But what about same-sex divorce? The answer, it turns out, is all in your genes. Read the full post »

Straight Talk on Students’ Rights: To Remain Silent

Student Standing in CorridorEarlier this month, Attorney Lisa J. Schmidt presented Straight Talk on Students’ Rights at the Ferndale Public Library. Previous posts have summarized students’ rights regarding free speech, freedom of religion, and search and seizure. But the interplay between criminal investigation and students’ rights deserves a closer look. Read the full post »

Straight Talk on Students’ Rights: Search & Seizure

PrincipalPlaqueLast week, Attorney Lisa J. Schmidt presented Straight Talk on Students’ Rights at the Ferndale Public Library. Previous posts covered free speech and freedom of religion. This post will address the how the 4th Amendment applies in public schools. Read the full post »

Straight Talk on Students’ Rights: Freedom of Religion

Girl PrayingRecently Attorney Lisa J. Schmidt presented Straight Talk on Students’ Rights at the Ferndale Public Library. A previous post summarized students’ free speech rights. This post will review the question of freedom of religion in public schools. Read the full post »

Straight Talk on Students’ Rights: Free Speech

School Hallway Monday, April 15, 2013, Attorney Lisa Schmidt presented Straight Talk on Students’ Rights at the Ferndale Public Library. This first of a 4 part series on the talk will cover Students’ Free Speech rights in public schools.  Read the full post »