There 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…)
All posts in category Family Law
Why Do I Need a Lawyer for My Uncontested Divorce?
Posted by Schmidt Law Services on May 20, 2013
http://schmidtlawservices.com/2013/05/20/why-do-i-need-a-lawyer-for-my-uncontested-divorce/
Deciding Child Custody: A Look Behind the Curtain
If 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…)
Posted by Schmidt Law Services on May 16, 2013
http://schmidtlawservices.com/2013/05/16/deciding-child-custody-a-look-behind-the-curtain/
Can You Really Afford to Keep the House?
When 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…)
Posted by Schmidt Law Services on May 9, 2013
http://schmidtlawservices.com/2013/05/09/can-you-really-afford-to-keep-the-house/
Tough Questions: LGBT Divorce
Gay 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…)
Posted by Schmidt Law Services on May 6, 2013
http://schmidtlawservices.com/2013/05/06/tough-questions-lgbt-divorce/
5 Tips on the Revocation of Paternity Act
In 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…)
Posted by Schmidt Law Services on April 15, 2013
http://schmidtlawservices.com/2013/04/15/5-tips-on-the-revocation-of-paternity-act/
Staight Talk on Gay Marriage UPDATE: The Arguments

Image Source: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/closeread/2013/03/prop-8-and-the-court-what-about-the-children.html
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…)
Posted by Schmidt Law Services on March 28, 2013
http://schmidtlawservices.com/2013/03/28/staight-talk-on-gay-marriage-update-the-arguments/
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…)
Posted by Schmidt Law Services on March 25, 2013
http://schmidtlawservices.com/2013/03/25/straight-talk-on-gay-marriage-possible-outcomes/
Straight Talk on Gay Marriage: DOMA
This 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…)
Posted by Schmidt Law Services on March 21, 2013
http://schmidtlawservices.com/2013/03/21/straight-talk-on-gay-marriage-doma/
Straight Talk on Gay Marriage: California’s Proposition 8
This 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…)
Posted by Schmidt Law Services on March 18, 2013
http://schmidtlawservices.com/2013/03/18/straight-talk-on-gay-marriage-californias-proposition-8/
Straight Talk on Gay Marriage: The Debate
This 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.
Posted by Schmidt Law Services on March 14, 2013
http://schmidtlawservices.com/2013/03/14/straight-talk-on-gay-marriage-the-debate/

