Grand Traverse County Michigan Divorce and Estate Planning Blog
Is Michigan a community property state?
While the idea of divorce might be a simple matter of two people ending their marriage, the logistics can be drawn-out and complex. One aspect of the divorce process involves dividing your assets. This includes property, personal belongings and even debts. But how...
Common misconceptions surrounding child support
Divorce can provide a person's life with significant challenges. Unfortunately, those challenges can get exacerbated if ex-spouses have children. The time and resources allocated to kids can be much more difficult to split than household possessions. That's because...
Tips for a successful co-parenting relationship
During the holiday season, parents are determined to make their children happy. They purchase gifts, make special dinners and do whatever they can to prove their love. This year is going to be more strenuous than usual—you and your husband are separating. There was no...
The pros and cons of a revocable living trust
Estate planning can involve many stages, details and parties. On top of that, there are several different options to choose from when deciding what works best for you and your family. One such option is a revocable living trust. What is a revocable living trust? A...
Creating an effective parenting plan
Divorce can feel like a roller coaster with all of its ups and downs. Couples parting ways often have to figure out how they’re going to divide both tangible and non-tangible assets, but deciding how they are going to raise their children separately can be an even...
Does my business need a succession plan?
When you are running your own business, you rarely run out of tasks that need to be completed. Whether it’s hiring employees, innovating or introducing new products, addressing client needs or balancing your budget, you always have a lot on your plate. One thing that...
When to take the leap and file for divorce
Considering divorce Everyone gets married with the hope that it will last forever. When they recite their vows, mean them with every fiber of their being. However, research estimates that about 50% of marriages end in divorce. You are likely aware of this statistic...
What happens if my father passed away without a will?
Passing away without a will is known as dying intestate. Intestacy laws govern what happens to someone’s assets when they pass away without a will. These laws are set at the state level and the regulations differ between each state. Probate courts administer intestacy...
Calculating a business share in divorce leads to a long division
It’s taken a long time to get your business to where it is today. But in a divorce, knowing how much your spouse contributed could have a big impact when it comes time to divide assets. 3.7 million small businesses in the U.S. are co-owned by married couples. But when...
What are the different types of business valuations?
For small business owners, more than likely at some point, they will need to have a business valuation completed. A business valuation sets the value of what a business is worth. Business owners need business valuations completed in divorce cases, when couples are...
