Westland MI Family Law Blog

Michigan bankruptcy law: The financial effects of health issues

On behalf of The Smith Law Offices, P.C. posted in bankruptcy law on Thursday, February 14, 2019.

Most people do not escape this life without dealing with a few health issues along the way -- some experiencing more than others. Those who do not financially prepare to tackle those issues may find themselves facing economic problems as well as their physical ailments. According to a recent report, most people, Michigan residents included, cannot afford the consequences that follow a serious medical problem. Thankfully, bankruptcy law may be able to bail them out and help them get back on their feet financially.

It is said that over 500,000 bankruptcy filings each year stem from health problems -- why? It is not just medical bills that are the problem. Health problems often affect a person's ability to remain employed. The loss of a job due to a medical crisis not only leaves one with no income, but it can also take away one's employer-sponsored insurance coverage. For the average family of four, that equates to roughly $28,000 a year, which would now have to be paid out of pocket -- if not more -- for medical coverage.

Relationships are bound to change when you get a divorce

On behalf of The Smith Law Offices, P.C. on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.

A family takes time to build, which is why it's so devastating that it can be destroyed quickly in divorce. You may have relatives who don't want you to interact with your ex-spouse or their friends or family members. Your ex-spouse might be the one trying to avoid people you both know.

If you have kids, breaking off all contact usually isn't possible. Even if you and your estranged spouse no longer get along well, you still have to do what you can to work together for the sake of your child.

Debt affects your wallet and your relationships

On behalf of The Smith Law Offices, P.C. posted in bankruptcy law on Friday, February 8, 2019.

Quite a few Michigan residents are struggling to stay afloat financially. There are a number of reasons for this, and each individual's debt story is unique to them. No matter how one got into debt, most people who find themselves struggling economically often find that their romantic lives suffer as well. At least, that is what a recently published article would have people believe.

Believe it or not, financial compatibility is a thing. When two people differ in their view about money, there is either no chance of striking up a romantic relationship or there is a significant chance that their relationship will last, at most, five years. Debt simply is a relationship killer.

Michigan divorce law: Settlement enforcement -- the Hogan case

On behalf of The Smith Law Offices, P.C. posted in divorce law on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.

Hulk Hogan has been divorced from his former wife for quite some time. Unfortunately, the two are still fighting over certain terms of their divorce settlement. While most Michigan residents do not have millions on the line when they battle over divorce law, they do still expect their exes to live up to the final settlement terms. Failing to abide by agreement terms seems to be the big issue in the Hulk Hogan case.

According to a recently released report, Linda and Terry Bollea were married for a total of 25 years before they divorced. During their marriage, Linda played a vital role in helping her husband build his brand. She was awarded property and 40 percent of future earnings of her former husband's business. It was a pretty straightforward deal, but it is one that Hogan has allegedly failed to comply with.

Michigan bankruptcy law: Gen Xers drowning in debt

On behalf of The Smith Law Offices, P.C. posted in bankruptcy law on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.

Money problems affect adults of all ages. Sometimes, no matter what one does, debt just cannot be overcome without a little help. Currently, Gen Xers in Michigan and across the country are said to have the most nonmortgage debt than any other age group. Bankruptcy law may be able to help individuals in this age group regain control of their financial situations.

According to a recent report, it is estimated that eight out of every 10 Generation X members -- individuals between the ages of 36 and 51 -- have 75 percent more nonmortgage debt than millennials and 69 percent more nonmortgage debt than baby boomers. The average amount of debt held by Gen Xers is $30,334. If this debt is on credit cards or high interest accounts, that amount could easily double if one only pays the bare minimum every month.

Michigan bankruptcy law: Calculating a Chapter 13 payment amount

On behalf of The Smith Law Offices, P.C. posted in bankruptcy law on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

Michigan residents who do not qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy but who would still like to benefit from a bankruptcy filing may pursue a Chapter 13. Like Chapter 7, unsecured debts can be discharged with an approved Chapter 13 petition. The big difference is that with Chapter 13 bankruptcy law, filers are required to make payments to creditors for a set period of time before debt discharge will happen.

Knowing that there is a repayment schedule involved with this type of bankruptcy may be off-putting to some. They are afraid that it will not be affordable for them. Here is the thing -- the terms of the repayment plan have to fit within one's current budget. A bankruptcy court is not going to approve repayment terms that one has no way of sticking to. That totally defeats the purpose of seeking bankruptcy protection under Chapter 13.

Michigan family law: Mental health can affect child custody

On behalf of The Smith Law Offices, P.C. posted in Family Law on Thursday, January 10, 2019.

Millions of Americans suffer from some level of mental illness. With treatment, it is possible for many of them to live relatively normal lives. One fear that some individuals struggling with mental health issues have is losing custody of their children if their marriages fall apart. Thankfully, whether they live in Michigan or elsewhere, family law courts will not deny custody simply based on a history of mental illness.

There are various mental illnesses that can be controlled with medication and therapy. Unfortunately, quite a few people try to avoid seeking treatment, as they believe that asking for help will give the state or their soon-to-be exes the right to refuse to give them any level of custody of their children. According to a report, parents with mental illness do have a greater chance of losing custody of their children, but that does not mean it happens in every case. Seeking help for any mental health issues is strongly advised.

Even if you don't drink, you can face impaired driving charges

On behalf of The Smith Law Offices, P.C. on Saturday, January 5, 2019.

If you believe that you are immune from impaired driving charges because you don't consume alcohol, you are sadly mistaken. Individuals who use street drugs, as well as those who take any number of prescription or over-the-counter medications, can also wind up facing impaired driving charges under Michigan law.

Everyone on the road should understand the law regarding chemical impairment. Any substance that could have a negative impact on how well you handle your vehicle or how quickly you can respond to sudden changes in traffic is likely illegal to consume before driving. After all, driving means controlling a vehicle that weighs thousands of pounds. You can do extensive property damage or kill other people if you make a mistake.

Bankruptcy law may help those living paycheck to paycheck

On behalf of The Smith Law Offices, P.C. posted in bankruptcy law on Thursday, January 3, 2019.

Living paycheck to paycheck is something that many Michigan residents from all different career backgrounds do. If any unexpected expenses arise, it can put them in a hole from which they may struggle to get out of. When that happens, bankruptcy law benefits may work in their favor.

According to a recent news article, many baby boomers, Gen Xers and millennials are struggling financially. Getting money into savings just seems impossible. According to the Federal Reserve, it is believed that four in 10 adults would not be able to cover an emergency that cost $400 or more. Every dollar of every paycheck is spent to cover living expenses, child care expenses and loans -- among other things.

Michigan divorce law: New year, new life

On behalf of The Smith Law Offices, P.C. posted in divorce law on Monday, December 24, 2018.

The hustle and bustle of the holidays tend to keep people busy and focused on what is good in their lives. When Jan. 1 rolls around, the stark reality of their situations is brought back into focus. This is why in Michigan and elsewhere, divorce law attorneys and courts see an increase in divorce filings in January.

At the beginning of the new year, most people are looking to make changes in their lives. They want to do something that they think will improve things for themselves and often their families. Sometimes, divorce is the answer and that is okay. When a marriage is not working, getting out of it is nothing to be ashamed of.