Blog
“Three Things Not To Do Before Filing Bankruptcy”
THREE THINGS NOT TO DO BEFORE FILING BANKRUPTCY Many times when I first meet with clients about a potential bankruptcy filing, I learn about various property transfers made and transactions they have recently engaged in. While, in most cases, the transfers or...
“2018 Tax Planning in Divorces with Alimony/Spousal Support Payments”
2018 TAX PLANNING IN DIVORCES WITH ALIMONY/SPOUSAL SUPPORT PAYMENTS In the recent past, it has generally been beneficial for both parties to file a joint tax return in any year during which divorce proceedings are underway. For example: the parties frequently delay...
“How Does the Tax Reform Act Impact Alimony/Spousal Support Payments?”
HOW DOES THE TAX REFORM ACT IMPACT ALIMONY/SPOUSAL SUPPORT PAYMENTS? Beginning with court orders entered after 2018, alimony will no longer be deductible to the payer or taxable to the payee. This is a significant change and will affect divorce proceedings starting...
“Bankruptcy Exemptions (Michigan) What Are They?
BANKRUPTCY EXEMPTIONS (MICHIGAN): WHAT ARE THEY? In my prior Blog, I briefly described what bankruptcy exemptions are, how they are claimed, and then went into detail on the numerous, available, “federal” exemptions. Since Michigan has not “opted out” of the...
“Bankruptcy Exemptions (Federal) What Are They?”
BANKRUPTCY EXEMPTIONS (FEDERAL) WHAT ARE THEY? When an individual files for bankruptcy relief, they are principally interested in getting a discharge of most, if not all, of their debts. (For more on the scope of the Bankruptcy Discharge, please check out my...
“So, You Want to Get Your License Back”
SO, YOU WANT TO GET YOUR LICENSE BACK? Over the years, a number of clients have come to me and the firm of Damon, Ver Merris, Boyko & Witte, PLC, requesting assistance in getting their operator’s (driver’s) license back. In most cases the privilege to...
“The Bankruptcy Process – Part II”
The Bankruptcy Process – Part II In my prior article, I walked through the initial steps in getting the required information, the need for an individual to take a pre-bankruptcy credit counseling course through an accredited credit counseling agency, and preparing the...
“The Bankruptcy Process – Part I”
The Bankruptcy Process – Part I I quite often get inquiries about “how do I file bankruptcy”? This article is designed to answer this question, describe the process, and review what information and documents are needed for an individual bankruptcy filing. People...
“How Can I Pay My Child Support If I Don’t Get a Regular Paycheck”
HOW CAN I PAY MY CHILD SUPPORT IF I DON’T GET A REGULAR PAYCHECK? If you wish to pay your child support in person, you do not have to go to the Friend of the Court. In early 2017 the State began a system of receiving Child Support payments at Family Dollar Stores and...
“What is the Difference Between Marital and Separate Property?”
What is the Difference Between Marital and Separate Property? Usually we think of marital property as property that is obtained by the couple during the marriage. However, the law in Michigan does not clearly define separate property. Courts typically adopt a rule...
“Do They Really Read The Will (Estate Administration) – Part II”
Do They Really Read the Will? (Estate Administration) – Part II) In the prior article I addressed the question about reading a Will (it rarely occurs) and spent some time on reviewing the probate process and what usually happens when a probate estate is opened. This...
“Do They Really Read The Will (Estate Administration) – Part I”
Do They Really Read the Will? (Estate Administration) – Part I Generally, the answer is “no”. On occasion, you will see a movie or television show where someone has passed away and there is a subsequent meeting of the heirs, with the attorney for the deceased. They...