Being arrested or charged with a crime is one of the most stressful moments a person can face. In the middle of that stress, people often make decisions in the first hours and days that end up hurting their own case more than the original charge ever could. At The Friedman Law Firm, we have…
It is one of the most common concerns we hear from clients considering divorce: “My spouse controls all of our money, so how can I possibly afford to go through this process?” It is not uncommon for one spouse to make all of the income and manage every account while the other has little or…
Retirement accounts are often the largest asset in a Michigan marriage, and dividing them incorrectly can trigger tax penalties that follow you for years. Key Takeaways: Retirement contributions made during marriage count as marital property. 401(k)s and pensions need a separate QDRO order to divide. IRAs don’t need a QDRO, only careful, penalty-free transfers. You’ve…
Getting pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving is one of the most stressful moments a person can face. In the middle of that stress, most drivers make choices in the first few minutes that end up shaping the entire outcome of their case. Understanding what the law actually requires, and what it does not,…
Being charged with a crime in Michigan is a serious matter, but understanding what kind of charge you are facing is the first step toward building any kind of response. Michigan law divides criminal offenses into two broad categories: misdemeanors and felonies. The distinction between them affects everything from potential sentences to long-term consequences for…
The hours after a domestic violence arrest in Michigan are the most consequential, and most people have no idea what’s actually coming next. Key Takeaways: A domestic violence no-contact order at arraignment can bar you from your home before you’ve told your side. In Michigan, domestic violence bond conditions impose immediate restrictions on contact and…
A Michigan prenup is usually enforceable in other states, but some provisions may not hold up depending on the destination state’s laws and how the agreement was drafted. Key Takeaways: A prenup valid in Michigan may face challenges in states with different property or spousal support laws. Choice-of-law clauses and detailed financial disclosure make prenups…
Michigan custody law requires judges to follow 12 specific best interest factors, with no legal preference for either parent’s gender. Key Takeaways: Parenting consistency and daily involvement often determine custody outcomes. Document your parenting involvement to strengthen your custody position. An attorney helps you show courts what actually matters. If you’re going through a custody…
A DUI/OWI charge in Michigan puts your license at immediate risk, but whether you lose it, for how long, and whether it can be fought depends entirely on the specifics of your case and how quickly you take action. Key Takeaways Michigan distinguishes between license suspension and license revocation depending on the offense. A first-offense…
Michigan custody law applies different rules to unmarried parents than it does in divorce cases. At birth, Michigan law grants the mother sole legal and physical custody unless a court enters an order or approves a written custody agreement. Many unmarried fathers believe that signing a birth certificate or Affidavit of Parentage gives them equal…