Stocks often represent years of saving and long-term financial planning. Whether purchased through a brokerage account or received as part of an employer compensation package, they can make up a significant portion of a couple's wealth. It is important for couples in...
The divorce process generally requires a division of property. Unless spouses have clear marital agreements in place, they typically need to divide any assets that they purchased and income that they earned during the marriage. The rule that applies during property...
You may have heard people caution against marrying too young. They often warn that many of these young marriages ultimately end up in divorce. Parents may tell their young adult children to wait longer, for example, before tying the knot. But are there any statistics...
If you receive an inheritance while you are married, you may be tempted to commingle it. There are a few different ways that you can do this, as commingling just means mixing it together with other marital assets. Examples include: Jointly buying something, such as a...
You built your business on persistence and resilience. Every decision, every risk and every dollar invested was aimed at stability and long-term success. When divorce enters the picture, it can shift priorities. You’re no longer thinking about growth strategy or new...
When many couples plan for their retirement, they do so together. For instance, perhaps one spouse became a stay-at-home parent when they decided to have children. The other spouse has a lucrative job and is earning significant retirement benefits, so their plan is...
One interesting thing that happens in the fall is that divorce rates tend to spike in August and then drop in the following months. They often reach their lowest in November and December. But they then rise again in January, leading to some people referring to January...
Like most states, Michigan employs an equitable distribution approach to asset division during divorces. Equitable distribution rules prioritize fairness, which is different from community property rules in some states that require an even division of assets. Couples...
Leaving an abusive marriage is one of the most difficult steps a person takes. In Michigan, family law offers several protections to help safeguard individuals during this time. What types of protection are available? Emergency personal protection orders If someone is...
Arguments are more common in some marriages than others. While they can prove problematic, they can also help couples air and resolve their differences. One thing over which disagreements frequently occur is spending. Often, this is because the two parties have...