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. (more…)

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. (more…)

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. (more…)

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. (more…)

5 Tips on the Revocation of Paternity Act

Businessman Taking NotesIn June 2012, the Michigan Legislature passed the Revocation of Paternity Act. In the 10 months since its passage, the courts have begun to demonstrate preferences. Here are 5 things you should know before filing the action: (more…)

Staight Talk on Gay Marriage UPDATE: The Arguments

This week the Internet was buzzing with speculation on the Supreme Court oral arguments in two cases challenging laws relating to gay marriage: California’s Proposition 8 and the Defense Of Marriage Act. For those curious about what happened, here is a summary. (more…)

Straight Talk on Gay Marriage: Possible Outcomes

This is the final post in a blog series stemming from Straight Talk on Gay Marriage, a talk that Attorney Lisa J. Schmidt presented at the Ferndale Public Library. After having reviewed the current law, the debate, California’s Prop 8, and DOMA, this post will look at the potential outcomes available to the Supreme Court.  Arguments are scheduled for March 26 and 27. An opinion is expected in late June or early July. (more…)

Straight Talk on Gay Marriage: DOMA

MP900309404This 4th post in a continuing series of posts from Straight Talk on Gay Marriage, presented by Attorney Lisa J. Schmidt at the Ferndale Public Library, looks at the controversial federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on this law on March 27, 2013. Earlier posts in this series discussed current laws, the debate, and California’s Proposition 8. The next post will look at possible outcomes for the Supreme Court. (more…)

Straight Talk on Gay Marriage: California’s Proposition 8

MP900382890This 3rd of 5 blog posts on Attorney Lisa J. Schmidt’s presentation, Straight Talk on Gay Marriage, will explain the Supreme Court case Dennis Hollingsworth, et al., v. Kristin M. Perry, et al., which challenges California’s ban on gay marriage (Proposition 8). The case will be heard on March 26, 2013. Previous posts explained the current law and the debate over gay marriage. Future posts will cover the challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act and explain possible outcomes by the Supreme Court. (more…)

Straight Talk on Gay Marriage: The Debate

ChangingAttitudesThis is the 2nd of 5 posts anticipating the gay marriage hearings before the Supreme Court later this month. These posts are based on Straight Talk on Gay Marriage, presented by Attorney Lisa J. Schmidt at the Ferndale Public Library in January. A previous post reviewed the current state of the law. Future posts will look at the two cases before the Court and look at the scope of possible outcomes.

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