Tag Archives: divorce

The Attorney’s Billable Hour.

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The Billable Hour Law firms have different methods of charging for their services. Some may offer flat fees, some rely on contingent fees where they are only compensated for their work if they win, but the most common way law firms charge is by the billable hour. What is universal among law firms though, is a fee agreement outlining the terms of their retention. As a client it is important to understand the fee agreement and understand your financial obligations under that agreement when retaining an attorney. Fee agreements usually outline billing practices of each firm and break down the Continue Reading…

legal rights of unmarried couples

Attorney Stereotype Not Accurate

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There are few professions more vilified than that of the divorce attorney (except maybe used car salesman.) Insulting lawyers is practically a sport. We hear lawyer jokes in line at the grocery store. There are comics and Facebook pages designed to malign attorneys. The interesting dichotomy is that if you listen to our clients, you hear exactly the opposite – that we were there for them during one of the hardest times of their lives. We supported them. Answered their questions. Advocated for them in the courtroom and genuinely cared about them. We gave them their best chance at moving Continue Reading…

Functional Alcoholic

Silent Marriage Killer: The Functional Alcoholic

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This is part one of a three-part series of blogs about some of the common causes of divorce. For the purposes of this blog about marriage to the functional alcoholic, we’ll refer to the drinker as “he” and the spouse as “she” or “the spouse”. We fully realize that although in the past more functional alcoholics were men, research shows the gender gap is closing. So we recognize that the drinking spouse in this scenario is almost as likely to be a woman, but for the sake of editorial clarity, please forgive the gender-specific pronouns.  In our busy Michigan law Continue Reading…

limited scope representation

Limited Scope Representation Makes Sense in Michigan

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It’s the right time for Limited Scope Representation in Michigan Currently, Michigan Legal Ethics standards do not allow attorneys to represent clients for parts of their cases. In other states, Limited Scope Representation enables clients to get help with just certain parts of their legal matters. For instance, in Missouri, a potential client could handle most of the document filing themselves and only work with an attorney for court appearances. According to the Missouri Lawyers Help article, 7 Things you should know about Limited Scope Representation, “LSR is an efficient way for clients who cannot afford the cost of hiring Continue Reading…

Military Divorce

Military Divorce Tips from Experienced Divorce Attorney

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Experienced Michigan Family Law Attorney Kathryn Wayne-Spindler recently completed continuing legal education at an ICLE Family Law Seminar. The seminar included a session on Military Divorce titled, “Top Tips for Handling Military Divorces” by Peter M. Kulas-Dominguez, Warner Norcross & Judd LLP; and COL John J. Wojcik of the Michigan National Guard. A Military Divorce involves one or both spouses serving with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or National Guard. There are certain specific considerations for Military Divorces that may not be applicable to civilian splits. This blog is designed to introduce potential clients to some of the specialized Continue Reading…

Resistance Refusal Dynamic

Children of Divorce: Breaking the Resistance and Refusal Dynamic

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Continuing Legal Education Topic Parental Alienation is a hot Family Law topic. There is heightened awareness and increased repercussions for parents guilty of intentionally turning their kids against the other parent. With this increased attention to alienation, there is also recognition of the slippery slope pattern of rejection of a parent labeled RRD (Resistance, Refusal Dynamic). Experienced Livingston County Child Custody Attorney Kathryn Wayne-Spindler recently attended a Family Law Continuing Legal Education seminar where Hon. T.J. Ackert of the 17th Circuit Court Grand Rapids; Ben Burgess of  Parmelee and Associates in Grand Haven; and Connie R. Thacker of Thacker Sleight Continue Reading…

disability and divorce

Disability and Divorce Special Considerations

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Every divorce is unique but doubly so when one or more of the parties has a disability. Whether it’s a physical handicap, chronic debilitating disease or unresolved mental health issue, one of the big concerns is making sure both parties have income and health insurance after divorce. Prior to divorce, often one spouse is employed and supporting the person with disabilities. Additionally, many people with disabilities also receive some governmental supplementary income or Medicaid. Experienced Michigan Divorce Attorney Kathryn Wayne-Spindler takes all of that into account when negotiating divorce settlements that involve one or more people with disabilities. “There are Continue Reading…

Divorce Rate Myth

The Myth of the 50 Percent Divorce Rate

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Is divorce rate myth accurate? If not, why does it continue to thrive? Most people have heard the myth that 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. Countless articles and books recall the well-worn statistic – reinforcing its status as one of the top urban myths of modern day America. There are studies to back it up. There are also plenty to debunk it. As with all statistical analyses, there are plenty of numbers to go around. Depending on the point each author is trying to make, they can draw on several marriage and divorce factors. Lately, there have been Continue Reading…

Silver Divorce on the Rise

Silver Divorce on the Rise

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Grey Divorce or Silver Divorce are terms coined to describe divorce for those over the age of 50. Much has been written about divorce trends for mature adults. One factor in the increased rate of Silver Divorce we’re seeing in family law practice is the influence of Millennials. “At a time when divorce is becoming less common for younger adults, so-called “gray divorce” is on the rise: Among U.S. adults ages 50 and older, the divorce rate has roughly doubled since the 1990s,” according to an article by Social Trends Author Renee Stepler on the PewResearch Center Website titled, “Led by Baby Continue Reading…