Divorce Fast & Easy In Michigan

#ChooseGoldman If your ex is not following your custody order, it's important to know what steps you can take to make them follow the rules. This includes consulting an attorney and taking legal action through the court to protect your rights and your child's well-being. • Always talk to your lawyer first to confirm the order and your rights. • File a motion to hold the other person in contempt fo...

#ChooseGoldman Can you legally stop a parent from moving far away with children in Michigan? This video explains what "moving far away" means to the court and how the child's best interests guide all decisions. If you share custody, you may have options to prevent such a move. • Moving over 100 miles from the child's legal residence or out of state typically requires court permission. • The court'...

#ChooseGoldman Understanding if your inheritance is safe in a Michigan divorce is crucial. This episode breaks down how inheritance is generally considered separate property, but warns against common mistakes like commingling that can make it divisible. Learn how to protect your assets. • Inheritance is generally separate property in Michigan divorce cases. • Mixing inherited money with marital fu...

#ChooseGoldman If you've been ordered to pay child support but have doubts about whether you're the father, you may have legal options. In Michigan, there's a strict time limit to challenge paternity, so acting quickly is essential. • You can challenge a paternity finding even after a support order is in place. • A critical three-year statute of limitations exists in Michigan to dispute paternity....

#ChooseGoldman When a divorce turns high-conflict, it can feel like an unwinnable battle. In this episode, we explore mediation as a powerful tool to cut through the distrust, save on legal fees, and help you reach a final agreement without the stress of a court trial. • High-conflict divorces are fueled by a deep lack of trust between all parties. • A neutral mediator's role is to calm the chaos...

#ChooseGoldman This video explores if you can get a divorce without splitting all your property. Akiva Goldman explains how Michigan courts handle property division and when exceptions might apply, offering key insights for your situation. • Courts typically aim to divide all property in a divorce. • If both parties agree, the court can allow certain assets to remain undivided. • Sometimes, not sp...

#ChooseGoldman If a child is born during your divorce, it can make things much more complex. This guide explains why paternity must be determined and how it impacts your case and future arrangements for the child. • Paternity must be determined, often with DNA testing, especially if the mother had other relationships. • If the husband is found to be the father, divorce documents and parenting plan...

#ChooseGoldman Child custody agreements can be enforced across state lines, despite common misconceptions. This video explains how the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) ensures that states honor each other's laws, helping to manage complex interstate custody issues. • States are required to honor each other's custody laws under "full faith and credit." • The UCCJEA de...

#ChooseGoldman This video explains if and how you can contest a prenuptial agreement after getting married in Michigan. Learn what makes a prenup strong or weak and how Michigan courts approach these agreements to ensure fairness. • A prenuptial agreement is meant to address what happens if a marriage doesn't work out. • Courts usually view a prenup as a binding contract if created fairly with tim...

#ChooseGoldman As the school year begins, parents with shared custody must shift from summer flexibility to structured routines. Adjusting parenting time for school events, homework, and holidays is key to minimizing stress for everyone involved. • School schedules require changes to parenting time • Both parents must share school transportation duties • Holidays and breaks should be divided fairl...

#ChooseGoldman A judge in Michigan may order the sale of your marital home during a divorce. This commonly happens when neither spouse can afford to buy out the other's share, ensuring a fair division of the home's value. • The court may decide the marital home must be sold if one spouse cannot buy out the other. • "Equity" is the home's value minus what's owed; it's a shared asset that must be di...

#ChooseGoldman Many people wonder if being the first to file for divorce puts them at a disadvantage. While judges aim to be fair, filing first can offer a slight edge by letting you control the initial story and set the tone for your case. • Filing first can help you control the narrative, especially in complex cases. • First impressions matter, even with judges who strive for neutrality. • Waiti...

#ChooseGoldman If you're charged with domestic violence, understanding "no contact" orders is crucial. This episode explains why courts issue these orders and the strict rules you must follow. Learn about the serious consequences of ignoring a judge's order, even if the alleged victim asks you to come home. • A no-contact order usually prevents you from returning to your home if you're charged wit...

#ChooseGoldman This podcast episode explains how to file for guardianship of a minor in Michigan. It covers the legal steps, who can apply, and what the court looks at to ensure a child's safety and wellbeing. • You must file a petition with the probate court. • The court favors close relatives (like grandparents, aunts, or uncles) for guardianship. • The judge's primary focus is always what is in...

#ChooseGoldman Many people think lawyers control how and when someone gets served legal papers—but in Michigan, that job belongs to a process server. This episode explains how service works, what attorneys can (and can't) do, and what clients need to understand about delays. • Lawyers select the process server but don't control the timing of service • Process servers face access barriers like secu...

#ChooseGoldman Life insurance can become a legal problem after divorce if not updated properly. In Michigan, whether or not your ex receives the benefit depends on both state and federal rules, which can lead to costly mistakes if ignored. • Divorce may revoke your ex as beneficiary—but not in all cases • Federally governed plans like ERISA may still pay your ex unless updated • If no beneficiary...

#ChooseGoldman Understanding prenuptial agreements is crucial, especially when it comes to asset disclosure. This short summary explores what happens if assets are not fully revealed or are undervalued, and how this can impact a prenup's validity in Michigan family law. • If assets are not disclosed in a prenup, they typically become marital property and are not protected by the agreement. • Under...

#ChooseGoldman Understanding if you can get a portion of your ex-spouse's pension, even if they aren't retired, is a common concern in Michigan divorces. This video explains the role of QDROs and how different pension plans are handled. • A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is the necessary court order to divide pension benefits. • You typically won't receive pension funds until your ex is...

#ChooseGoldman Understanding if a family business is considered separate or marital property is crucial for anyone navigating divorce in Michigan. This video breaks down how these assets are typically handled under Michigan law. • Businesses started during the marriage are generally considered marital property. • If a business existed before the marriage, its original value might be separate, but...

#ChooseGoldman If you and your ex can agree on everything in your divorce, it can make the process much faster and less costly. This unity reduces court involvement, fewer disputes, and significant savings on legal fees. Even with an agreement, the court will still review your terms to ensure fairness and adherence to standards. • Reaching an agreement on all divorce matters significantly speeds u...

#ChooseGoldman If you're trying to get divorced but can't find your ex-spouse, don't worry! Michigan law provides clear steps to help you move forward and finalize your divorce, even if your ex evades service. • You do not always need to hand divorce papers directly to your ex. • Michigan court rules allow for "alternative means of service" if you prove diligent attempts to find your ex. • You mus...

#ChooseGoldman Understanding what to expect during a complimentary consultation with a divorce lawyer is essential. This initial discussion provides general insights into the divorce process and helps you prepare for what lies ahead. • Free consultations offer a general overview of the divorce process, not specific legal advice tailored to your case. • It's best to avoid sharing highly confidentia...

#ChooseGoldman Understanding how long alimony lasts in Michigan is a key question for many. This video explains that there's no fixed rule; courts decide each case based on factors like marriage length, financial needs, and the ability to pay, always aiming for fairness. • Alimony duration is decided on a case-by-case basis. • The length of the marriage is a major factor in alimony decisions. • Al...

#ChooseGoldman A contested divorce can be a confusing and challenging time. It involves a lot of paperwork, court hearings, and often leads to higher legal fees due to ongoing disagreements about money and children. Understanding what to expect can help you prepare for the process. • Expect a lot of paperwork and legal filings. • Be prepared for numerous court hearings and possible mini-trials. •...

#ChooseGoldman Should you and your ex agree on custody before going to court? The court often favors agreements, but they must always approve it, focusing on the child's best interests. This approach can save time and money. • The court is a big fan of parents reaching their own custody agreements. • Even if you agree, the court must still approve the terms, especially if there are concerns like s...