Divorce Fast & Easy In Michigan

#ChooseGoldman Discovering hidden assets after a divorce is finalized can be shocking, but you may have legal options to reopen the case if fraud is involved. The court takes intentional concealment seriously and has the power to redistribute assets or hold the dishonest party in contempt. However, acting quickly is crucial because waiting too long can risk your ability to claim what is rightfully...

#ChooseGoldman Obtaining emergency custody requires proving immediate danger to the child rather than just navigating a parental disagreement. The court acts swiftly only when there is clear evidence of irreparable harm or imminent jeopardy, so acting fast is essential. • The court's definition of an emergency focuses on immediate safety, not just parental disputes or inconvenience.  • You must pr...

#ChooseGoldman Stock options are treated like any other marital asset in a divorce and must be valued to determine if they are marital or separate property. It is essential to understand the specific tax implications of dividing or exercising these options to ensure a fair settlement. • Stock options are considered property and are subject to division during a divorce. • The court looks at when th...

#ChooseGoldman Spiteful spending before a divorce is common, but courts can assign the debt entirely to the spender if reckless behavior is proven. It is vital to track the spending timeline and maintain payments to protect your credit score while the legal process resolves the liability. • Judges can assign 100% of the debt to the spender if the purchases were reckless or vindictive. • Establishi...

#ChooseGoldman Unlike the "ironclad" agreements often seen in movies, Michigan judges always review prenups to ensure they are fair and properly executed. A judge has the final authority to enforce, modify, or invalidate an agreement based on factors like fairness, timing, and whether any coercion was involved. • There is no such thing as an unbreakable "ironclad" prenup in Michigan; judges always...

#ChooseGoldman If a parent repeatedly violates court orders, your first step is crucial: document everything. You can then work with your lawyer to request enforcement, which can lead to serious consequences like contempt of court if the violations don't stop. • The most important first step is to document every violation. • You must be able to show the court a log of specific dates and events. •...

#ChooseGoldman A prenup is a contract, and courts generally try to support them. However, a judge can overturn or modify a prenuptial agreement if there is proof of fraud, coercion, or if the terms are found to be unconscionable. • A prenuptial agreement is a contract that courts are encouraged to support. • A court can overturn a prenup if it finds evidence of fraud, coercion, or if the agreement...

#ChooseGoldman Yes, you can modify a divorce decree after it's finalized, but it's not a simple process. You must prove to the court that a "significant change in circumstance" has occurred, and the court will be hesitant to undo its final judgment. • You must show a "significant change in circumstance" for the court to consider modifying a final decree. • The court is hesitant to undo a judgment...

#ChooseGoldman In Michigan, the law is very clear about what happens to an engagement ring if a wedding is called off. This discussion explains the concept of a "conditional gift" and how it applies to this common family law question. • An engagement ring is considered a conditional gift in Michigan. • The "condition" tied to this gift is the marriage itself. • If the marriage does not happen, the...

#ChooseGoldman Handling a divorce when young children are involved is especially challenging. Akiva Goldman shares essential steps to protect your kids, including maintaining routine, shielding them from conflict, and creating a clear parenting plan to minimize their stress. • Shield your children from all parental conflict; handle disagreements when they are not around. • Prioritize routine and s...

#ChooseGoldman A child's wish not to see a parent is only one factor the court considers. A judge must determine the *reason* for the refusal (e.g., preference for a "Disneyland" parent vs. genuine fear) and what is truly in the child's best interest. • A child's preference is only one factor the court considers; it does not automatically outweigh other factors. • The court analyzes the child's ag...

#ChooseGoldman Preparing for a divorce can be confusing. Learn the key first steps to take, from gathering documents to setting your goals, to protect yourself and your family. • First, gather all your financial documents, like tax returns and bank statements, before you file. • Second, clearly figure out your goals and objectives regarding the children, the home, and the assets. • Consult with an...

#ChooseGoldman Co-parenting with an ex you can't stand is a common problem, but the court expects you to manage it. Learn practical tips to avoid drama and focus on what's best for your child. • Keep all communication strictly child-focused to avoid personal drama. • Sticking to the parenting schedule is the rule, not the exception; monkeying with the schedule causes drama. • Use court-approved ap...

#ChooseGoldman It's a shocking but common problem: people believe they are divorced, only to find out years later that they are still legally married. A divorce is only official when a judge signs the final Judgment of Divorce. • You are not divorced if a judge has not signed a final Judgment of Divorce. • Relying on an ex to file paperwork is a common reason divorces are never finalized. • A sign...

#ChooseGoldman While courts nationwide support joint custody, it requires cooperation. If parents constantly fight, a judge may reverse the decision and grant sole custody to one parent, which is a major risk. • Courts nationwide generally support joint custody to keep both parents involved. • Joint custody (both legal and physical) only works if the parents can cooperate and make decisions togeth...

#ChooseGoldman Does being a stay-at-home parent automatically help or hurt your custody case? The court's decision isn't based on the title, but on what is in the "best interest of the child." • The court's primary focus is *only* on what is in the best interest of the child. • Being a stay-at-home parent can be a strong positive, especially if the children are young and need stability. • The *sta...

#ChooseGoldman While Michigan law allows you to represent yourself in a custody case, it's strongly advised against. The process is highly technical, and mistakes can have major, negative consequences for you and your child. • You are legally allowed to represent yourself in most custody cases, as the court does not forbid it. • However, it is "absolutely not" recommended because custody is a seri...

#ChooseGoldman It can be difficult when your child refuses to visit their other parent. Learn why you, as the parent, must enforce the court-ordered parenting time and what your legal obligations are. • Kids don't have the final say in parenting time; the custodial parent must enforce the visit, just like going to school or the doctor. • The court's primary focus is the child's "best interest," wh...

#ChooseGoldman Privacy is a major issue challenged by today's technology. Using a GPS tracker on your ex without their consent is illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences, including criminal charges. • Using a GPS tracker on your ex without their consent is illegal in Michigan. • Marriage or having children does not grant permission to track someone's location. • Courts view unauthorized...

#ChooseGoldman In this episode, we explore the difficult question of whether you can make your ex sell the marital home during a divorce. Learn about the court's role in this decision, what happens when you and your spouse disagree, and how factors like children's well-being are considered. • The court has the final authority to decide whether the marital home should be sold if you cannot agree. •...

#ChooseGoldman In this episode, Akiva Goldman tackles a critical question: Can you legally hide money before a divorce? Discover the serious legal and financial risks of concealing assets and why full disclosure is the only strategy that truly protects you and your property. • Hiding assets is a serious violation of divorce law and is treated as a fraud on the court. • You are required to provide...

#ChooseGoldman Many people believe that proving infidelity will secure a win in a custody battle. This episode explores why that's often not the case in Michigan, detailing how courts prioritize the child's best interests over a parent's marital conduct. Proving your ex cheated does not automatically mean you will get custody. The court's primary focus is always on the "best interest of the child....

#ChooseGoldman If your ex is making false allegations to try and win a custody case, you cannot ignore them. You must take these claims seriously and gather evidence, as they can backfire on the accuser if they are proven to be lies. • Never ignore false allegations; you must take them very seriously. • You must gather evidence to disprove the claims, such as witness statements, video evidence, or...

#ChooseGoldman Facing a divorce when your spouse managed all the money can be frightening. Learn the critical first steps to protect yourself, from gathering records to freezing assets. • Get copies of all financial records to see how much money there is and where it goes. • If the finances are sophisticated (e.g., a business), hire a forensic accountant to get accurate numbers. • Ask for financia...

#ChooseGoldman If your ex takes your children in violation of a court order, the situation is incredibly serious and can be considered parental kidnapping. It's crucial to act immediately by contacting law enforcement and your attorney to ensure your child's safety and enforce the order. • Violating a custody order by taking a child can be treated as parental kidnapping. • Your first action should...