Please, I implore you, do not fight over pots and pans or other trivial personal property. Family heirlooms are different. As is expensive art, pieces of jewelry and things like that. Otherwise, I promise you, it is not worth it. If you would like to discuss personal property division, or, any other family law matters, please contact us here.
If you would like to discuss any family law issues you may have, please contact me here.
Emmer Law PLC was featured in Downtown News Magazine in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan in its September 2021 issue. Emmer Law PLC and Max S. Emmer strive to provide clients with thoughtful, reasonable and efficient representation and counsel throughout Southeastern Michigan. Moreover, Max S. Emmer believes in educating both clients and the community in the many different options and opportunities available family law and divorce. If you have any questions, or, wish to schedule a consultation with Max, please contact us today.
In this video I discuss the “myth” of pit bull lawyers and how, often times, all they do is inflame the situation making it more costly for you and your family. In my experience, 99% of the time, a thoughtful, reasonable attorney and counselor accomplishes more with less cost (financial and emotional capital) than lawyers who pound the table and scream and holler.
If you would like to confidentially discuss your family law matter, please contact me here.
A seemingly oxymoronic term, the uncontested divorce has hit the mainstream of late. While I think this is an excellent development since I am a collaboratively trained family attorney and believe knock down litigation rarely benefits most couples and families, I believe this style of divorce deserves a bit of explanation and clarification.
An uncontested divorce is a divorce where both parties agree on the major issues. These issues include;
Uncontested divorces are “easiest” when either (1) the parties have been married a relatively short period of time or (2) the parties do not have minor children. That said, if parties do have children, but agree in large party on all necessary requirements for the dissolution of the marriage, all that is needed is to file a Complaint for Divorce, memorialize the agreement and parties’ wishes in a Judgment of Divorce and have it entered by the Court. I have had uncontested divorces where only one party had an attorney. I always make it absolutely clear that I exclusively represent the rights of one party and have no legal duty or obligation to the other party. To ensure they truly understand (and to protect myself), I typically make them sign a letter and waiver to this effect. Parties can still engage in an uncontested divorce with each having their own lawyer (just to ensure each side is protected and the Judgment of Divorce and its terms are fair, reasonable and accurate).
All of this sounds great, right? The trouble comes when Party A believes it is/will be uncontested, hires their lawyer on that belief, and then Party B either immediately or as the case goes on dictates (either directly or indirectly) that the divorce is not uncontested. When this arises, expectations of both the attorney and party need to be discussed and addressed as this completely changes the landscape, timeline, complexity and costs of the case.
Limited scope representation lends itself quite well to uncontested divorces. With this, we can work to ensure you have the most flexible and cost-effective assistance (i.e. paying for a detailed consultation, preparing pleadings, reviewing documents or appearing for a pro confesso hearing). Limited scope representation lets you pick and choose what services you want and is more affordable depending on how much or little assistance and representation you want/need.
If you are interested in an uncontested divorce, please contact me and I will help you determine your options and best strategy.
If you would like to discuss any family law issues you may have, please contact me here.
