This is a great question. You would be amazed at how many people have older estate plans – 5, 10, 15, 20 years old or more – and have not had them updated. Here is what you should know: • Your plan should be updated when you have a change in your family (for example,… Read More »
Blog Posts Page 10
What is included in Child Support?
Question: I pay about $3,000 in child support each month and my oldest just started college. I pay $1,000 per month to the school toward tuition and room and board. Can I deduct this payment from the child support and pay only $2000? Answer: In Michigan the answer is no in most cases. Because the… Read More »
I recently had some improvements done on my house. One of the workers filed a construction lien against the property about two years ago. It has not been discharged and there have been no lawsuits filed. I may sell my house soon. How can I get rid of the lien?
A person who properly files a construction lien must file a court proceeding, often a foreclosure, to collect on the lien within one year from the date the lien was recorded. If this does not happen, the lien automatically expires. If the lien continues to interfere with the sale, the person filing it can be… Read More »
If I am in an car accident, can I sue the owner of the other car even though he was not driving?
Question: I was t-boned by a car that ran a stop sign. The driver of the other car was a teenager and did not own the vehicle, his parents did. Can I sue his parents for my injuries? Answer: Yes, Michigan has what is known as the owner liability act. Under this law, the owner… Read More »
Can I use Medical Marijuana While on Probation?
Question: Last year I was sentenced on the crime of drunk driving. The Judge put me on probation, and as part of my probation she ordered me not to use any illegal drugs. I just recently obtained my medical marijuana card. Although I am still on probation I can smoke medical marijuana now that I… Read More »
If I am thinking about divorce, can I move out of my house without losing my children or my home?
Just like many questions that come up during a divorce, the answer is: “Yes, but…”. Sometimes people think that if they move out in anticipation of divorce, they may be accused of abandoning their children or their home. Under a strict reading of the law, this is not the case, BUT there are risks involved… Read More »
I’m getting married for the second time and both my new husband and I have adult children. Is there anything different I need to do with my estate planning?
Yes. We see more and more “blended families” (marriages where each spouse has children from a prior relationship). You must take special steps to make sure you take care of each other, but also provide for your children after you are gone (if that’s your goal). This can be quite complicated. For example, what if… Read More »
Simple Real Estate Transactions?
Question: I hired a real estate agent to sell my house. We got an offer for less than what we owed on the house. We have a first mortgage and a second mortgage. Our real estate agent told us that he would take care of getting approvals from the banks to accept less than the… Read More »
I was in an auto accident. Who pays for my damages?
Question: I was sitting at a red light the other day and I was rear ended. I was hit pretty hard, there was a lot of damage to my car, and I injured my back and neck. My insurance company is giving me a lot of grief about paying for my damages. I thought this… Read More »
Can I get charged with domestic violence against my brother?
Question: Over the weekend my brother and I got into an argument that turned physical. We must have been pretty loud because our neighbor called the police. I am being charged with domestic violence! This has to be a mistake, right? Isn’t domestic violence between a husband and wife? Answer: Domestic violence is commonly thought… Read More »