Anne E. Lewis, P.L.C.Anne E. Lewis, P.L.C.2026-03-02T08:48:52Zhttps://www.annelewisplc.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1304397/2023/04/cropped-ANNELEWIS-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of vchakali@findlaw.com<![CDATA[Your financial planning checklist for navigating divorce]]>https://www.annelewisplc.com/?p=466262025-09-18T20:23:20Z2025-09-18T20:23:20ZBefore you file
Before you even file the papers, you need to have a clear picture of your financial situation. Gathering all your important documents is a critical first step, as it helps you understand what you own and what you owe, which is essential for protecting your interests.
Here are the key financial documents to gather:
Tax returns from the past three to five years
Bank statements
Investment and retirement account statements (401(k), IRA, pensions)
Credit card bills and mortgage or loan documents
You also need to understand the difference between marital property and separate property, and you should pull credit reports for both you and your spouse to fully grasp all joint and individual debts.
Also, consider opening a separate bank account in your name to manage your individual finances. Be careful not to drain joint accounts because the court can view this as reckless. Set aside a cash reserve for immediate expenses.
During the process
As you move through the divorce process, it's essential to be strategic with your money. Avoid making large purchases, taking on new debt and other risky moves, which can hurt your case and your financial stability. Other actions include:
Closing joint credit accounts and establishing new credit lines in your name
Knowing how asset division works in Michigan
Understanding that courts divide property based on factors like the length of the marriage and each party's financial contributions
Key assets like the marital home, retirement accounts and business interests are all subject to division. Guidance from an experienced Michigan divorce attorney can help you with these complex financial matters. Skilled lawyers can help ensure a fair settlement that protects your long-term economic health.
After the divorce
Once your divorce is final, you have a chance to start over. Update all of your important legal documents, including your will, trusts and powers of attorney. Also, be sure to change beneficiary designations on life insurance and retirement accounts.
Next, you should create a new budget based on your post-divorce income and expenses, including any spousal or child support, to give you a clear roadmap for your new financial life. Taking control of your financial destiny is the first step toward securing a stable and prosperous future.]]>On Behalf of vchakali@findlaw.com<![CDATA[3 ways to protect a child’s mental health during custody disputes]]>https://www.annelewisplc.com/?p=466272025-06-17T00:41:38Z2025-06-17T00:41:38Z1. Keep children out of conflicts
Parents may find themselves disagreeing about adjustments to the parenting schedule or major decisions about the children's schooling. Emotions may flare, but parents should not involve their children.
Research has made it quite clear that high levels of parental conflict correlate to the worst outcomes for children when their parents divorce. Keeping the children away from conflict and having an outside space in which to discuss the matter without the children present can go a long way toward limiting the damage that divorce causes them.
2. Make day-to-day life as stable as possible
Disruptions to family routines are also a major hurdle for children adjusting to shared custody. It can be very challenging for children and teenagers to acclimate to a new schedule and to two different sets of household rules.
Parents can make this adjustment process easier by keeping things as consistent as they can. Whenever possible, keeping children in the family home and in the same community is beneficial. They likely have pre-existing relationships with schoolmates and neighbors that can help them work through their emotions.
Additionally, parents may want to discuss current and future rules that may apply to their children at different ages to keep expectations consistent between households. Adopting the same schedule regarding when the children wake up and go to bed can also make the transition between households as smooth as possible.
3. Embrace the need for mental health support
Parents may want to work cooperatively to find a counselor or mental health professional to work with their children. In some cases, finding one professional to work with the family as a unit and each child individually is the best option.
Other times, finding a practice with multiple therapists can be beneficial if the children have different needs and preferences. There are mental health professionals who specialize in divorce, shared custody and the trauma that children experience during family upheaval. A combination of individual sessions, joint sessions with parents and whole-family sessions may be necessary for optimal support.
If parents can agree to put their children first, then the major changes ahead do not necessarily have to be traumatic for the entire family. The right plans and priorities may make all the difference for families adjusting to shared custody.]]>On Behalf of Anne E. Lewis, P.L.C.<![CDATA[How can dependent spouses support themselves after gray divorces?]]>https://www.annelewisplc.com/?p=465342025-03-12T22:20:04Z2025-03-12T22:20:04ZWith a share of their marital estate
Michigan law protects the rights of both spouses in a divorce scenario. If spouses litigate their property division issues, a judge should try to divide their property in an equitable manner. A dependent spouse may have a right to a share of retirement savings or a pension accrued by the other spouse. They should receive a fair share of home equity and other valuable assets. Those resources can provide the foundation for financial independence after divorce.
With spousal support
The family courts in Michigan can order a higher-earning spouse to provide alimony or spousal support to their lower-earning spouse. Particularly in scenarios where one spouse might receive a pension that is not directly divisible, regular payments can help balance the economic circumstances of the spouses.
With common benefits
Dependent spouses may only be eligible for Medicare benefits because of the employment history of the other spouse. The same could be true of Social Security retirement benefits. Thankfully, both programs have rules in place to protect dependent spouses after a divorce. Provided that the marriage lasted for at least 10 years, a lower-earning spouse might be able to secure Medicare benefits or Social Security retirement benefits based on the employment history of the wage-earning spouse. Typically, the claims of a dependent spouse do not diminish the benefit rights of the higher-earning spouse.
Those preparing for a gray divorce often need help strategizing to ensure their financial stability during their golden years. Reviewing household finances with a skilled legal team can be an important step for those trying to prepare for an upcoming gray divorce.]]>On Behalf of Anne E. Lewis, P.L.C.<![CDATA[What happens to retirement accounts in a Michigan divorce?]]>https://www.annelewisplc.com/?p=465332024-12-28T03:41:27Z2024-12-28T03:41:27ZThe accounts may be subject to division
The uncomfortable reality for those with retirement savings is that they usually have to disclose them and may have to divide them when they divorce. Typically, spouses have to look at account history and determine how much of the balance represents deposits made during the marriage and what, if any, balance was from before the marriage or after the formal separation of the spouses.
Any marital contributions are likely subject to division under Michigan's equitable distribution statute. The courts do not care that the account is only in the name of one spouse and that only one spouse made deposits into the account. What matters is that those deposits involved marital assets and income. Spouses may have to divide their retirement accounts or may have to factor in their value when making other decisions about how they split their property.
In some cases where direct account division is necessary, spouses can at least avoid taxes and penalties by having a lawyer draft a specialized document. With a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO), those with tax-deferred retirement savings can avoid the secondary financial consequences of taking a pre-retirement distribution from the account.
Understanding the rules that govern property division proceedings during a high-asset Michigan divorce can help people prepare themselves for divorce. Reasonable expectations may make it easier for spouses to settle or to recognize when they need to litigate to protect themselves and their financial future.]]>On Behalf of Anne E. Lewis, P.L.C.<![CDATA[Why is it important to keep your divorce off of social media?]]>https://www.annelewisplc.com/?p=465032023-11-20T00:19:56Z2023-11-20T00:19:56Z72% of people in the United States use some form of social media regularly. Obviously, with roughly three-quarters of people using social media, most people expect their social networks to offer them guidance and support when they face major challenges, like an upcoming divorce. Yet, despite what people might think when reacting emotionally to a divorce, sharing concerns about this experience on social media can be a very dangerous choice.
What people say online can become evidence in court
Whether someone posts a laundry list of complaints about their spouse or content trying to imply that they are happier now that they have separated or filed for divorce, what they share online could become evidence in their divorce hearing.
Both spouses potentially have the right to seek discovery access to the other's social media content. Formal discovery would give people access even to private and deleted content. Often, spouses and lawyers don't need to go that far to gather damaging evidence. Publicly-shared posts and comments can be enough to show that someone cheated or wasted marital assets. Even what people try to limit to those that they trust could end up captured through screenshots and sent on to a spouse or other people.
Taking a break is often the best option
People should operate under the assumption that anything they share on social media could end up presented to the courts or leverage during negotiations regarding a divorce. What people share online can impact property division or even custody matters if the courts believe that they are unstable or unsafe around the children. Ultimately, there are other resources available for those who need support and guidance during a divorce. There are in-person support groups, specialized counselors and other resources that may help people manage the stress and frustration that comes with the end of a marriage.
Understanding how dangerous social media can be during a divorce may help people avoid one of the more common modern mistakes related to family law matters. Those who have questions about how their everyday actions could impact a divorce case can seek legal guidance at any time.]]>On Behalf of Anne E. Lewis, P.L.C.<![CDATA[Why is it important to establish paternity?]]>https://www.annelewisplc.com/?p=461262023-04-10T19:26:08Z2023-04-04T03:41:28ZBenefits of paternity
Establishing paternity offers important rights and benefits to the child of unmarried parents that are sometimes taken for granted in marriage partnerships. Some of these benefits might include:
Connection to family and lineage
Access to information about family medical history
Financial and physical support from both parents
Beneficiary status for life insurance, pensions, social security and veterans’ benefits
Access to health insurance
Regardless of whether your child’s birth was planned, they deserve all the benefits conferred on children of married parents. Establishing legal paternity can offer a more financially, emotionally and physically stable upbringing and provide the support of healthy, cooperative co-parenting.]]>On Behalf of Anne E. Lewis, P.L.C.<![CDATA[7 Mediation Steps]]>https://www.annelewisplc.com/?p=461192023-04-11T07:43:39Z2023-03-11T04:41:28Z1. Be prepared to compromise and come to an agreement, not win
It goes without saying that bad feelings often accompany divorcing couples. There can be a sense of wanting to get even, to win, or to be repaid for the sadness you’ve experienced as a result of the marriage. Many divorcing individuals want to find a sense of fairness that they feel doesn’t exist at present.
When seeking to “win” in a divorce negotiation, compensation for suffering or returning to what feels like a state of fairness is not likely to happen. This is especially true when children are involved.
When you approach divorce mediation, you need to be prepared to come to a compromise in order to sign an agreement. You’re going to have to give and take. You’re going to have to be willing to give up some wishes that you might feel you deserve, in order to receive most of the items that are most important to you.
2. Set aside your personal emotions and prepare to work rationally
There are certainly a lot of emotions swirling around a divorce. One can go through the stages of grief for as long as a couple of years. These stages of grief don’t just happen in a successive order. You can cycle in and out of them randomly. Sadness, anger, and remorse over the loss of your marriage are understandable feelings to have during this crucial period in your life. They help you heal and recover from the loss.
Passionate Interaction in Mediations Pushes Couples into Litigation
These emotions, however, can be very counter-productive when trying to negotiate a divorce agreement. The process of mediation is a rational one. Both individuals must be willing to set aside their emotions and come to an agreement that is practical and possible. Rage, wanting revenge, strong unrealistic hopes of reuniting, and wanting to stall the negotiation will make mediation an ineffective process, requiring that the couple move to litigation, a much more lengthy, expensive, and emotionally challenging process.
3. Create a list of all assets, possessions, and debts
It’s important to get a clear and comprehensive overview of your all the items that you and your spouse jointly own. If you’ve been married for many years, this can really add up and get complicated. But that does not mean that mediation won’t work in helping you find reasonable resolution on negotiating the separation of these various assets.
Don’t Let Lack of Information Stall the Process
To help the mediation process, it’s vital that you create an accurate list beforehand so that nothing gets left out in the divorce agreement, and nothing holds up the process later, requiring unexpected negotiation.
4. Form a budget
One of the biggest challenges, as you separate into two households, is predicting the financial implications. It can be challenging to know exactly what your actual expenses will be. Try to estimate as conservatively as possible and be as precise as you can.
The best way to know what your expenses are going to be after the divorce is through a written spending plan. Having a plan that is written down will not only be helpful for you as you organize your new life, but it will also be vital in the mediation process. It will help you and your attorney know what your needs are and what your goals should be in the final divorce agreement. It also helps the mediator to communicate with the other party realistic and rational options that are needed to bring the divorce process to a conclusion.
5. Decide what your priorities are
“You can’t always get what you want,” as the song goes. So, when you’re preparing for divorce, it’s a good idea to decide what’s important to you, and what you can let go. By knowing beforehand what you’re willing to give up, you are in a better position to negotiate.
Is getting the right schedule with the kids more important than the amount of alimony? Maybe staying in your home is a big deal to you. Maybe you want a particular possession with a lot of sentimental value. Maybe your schedule is flexible and so getting the certain days with the kids isn’t as big of a deal to you.
6. Make a list of concerns and be prepared to share
Are you concerned about daycare for the kids? Maybe you’re unsure if your spouse is prepared for the responsibility of caring for the children alone. Does a child have unique health needs? Maybe splitting your investments is going to be a problem. Whatever’s keeping you up at night, make a note of these issues and be prepared to discuss them in mediation. Now is the time to resolve these concerns.
7. Find a divorce mediator with a history of success
Not all divorce mediators are the same. Mediation is a skill. And years of experience helps. The legal knowledge of your mediator also helps. See what others are saying about the mediation specialist you’ve chosen. Walk into negotiations ready to find solution.]]>On Behalf of Anne E. Lewis, P.L.C.<![CDATA[Don’t view divorce as a failure]]>https://www.annelewisplc.com/?p=461022023-04-11T07:57:24Z2022-09-30T03:41:27ZIt’s better than staying in an unhappy marriage
Studies have found that staying in an unhappy marriage is worse for the children than getting divorced. Needless to say, it is also better for each spouse. It can lower everyone’s stress levels and improve relationships between children and parents.
It gives you a chance to focus on what you want
Everyone only has one life to live, and there are cases when what you want just doesn’t align with what your partner wants. Both of you may be happier if you’re able to go your own way and seek what truly makes you happy and what feels fulfilling.
You can still be a co-parent
If you and your spouse are parents, remember that you certainly don’t need to be married to be an effective and loving parent to your children. Studies have consistently found that, regardless of marital status, the best thing for children is to have two involved parents. You can set up a parenting plan to make this possible in any situation.
If you do decide to get divorced, make sure you look into all of the legal steps that you’ll need to take. You need to set yourself and your children up for a positive future.]]>On Behalf of Anne E. Lewis, P.L.C.<![CDATA[Who gets the dog in a divorce?]]>https://www.annelewisplc.com/?p=461232023-04-04T05:15:09Z2022-07-23T03:41:28ZPets are property
While many families consider their pet as a family member, under state laws, a pet is considered property – just the same as a laptop, stove or couch.
While the idea of your pet being an object might not sit well, this could be in your favor. If you happen to be the owner of your dog, then you may not have to worry about losing them during a divorce.
Your spouse, however, may have been the person who has their signature on the dog’s paperwork. That doesn’t negate the fact that you may have a stronger bond with the dog. If this is happening to you then you may want to consider talking to your spouse when coming to an agreement.
You and your spouse may discuss who can handle the dog after the divorce. There may be several considerations to take when deciding who gets the dog: who can feed, walk and play with the dog, who can pay for vet bills or if you’re considering the well-being of a child.
If you’re unsure how to proceed with a divorce because a pet stands to be lost in your life, then you may consider reaching out for legal assistance for your divorce.]]>On Behalf of Anne E. Lewis, P.L.C.<![CDATA[Is your spouse hiding assets in your divorce?]]>https://www.annelewisplc.com/?p=461122023-04-04T05:15:28Z2022-06-15T03:41:28Zassets are divided properly and fairly is for both parties to list everything. Unfortunately, not everyone is honest, and your spouse may try to hide assets. Some of the signs that you may be dealing with someone who is hiding assets can be found here.
Statements from accounts you know nothing about
One sign your spouse may be trying to hide assets from you and your divorce is if you begin seeing statements come in the mail with just your spouse’s name and from banks or other financial institutions you don’t know about.
While a lot of statements are delivered digitally, you can still watch your mailbox for these signs, too. It’s also smart to look at ATM receipts if you find them and see if they are from banks that you have never heard of.
Overpayments on credit cards
Take time to look at your credit card statements to see if your spouse is overpaying. For example, if your card only has a balance of $200, but your spouse pays $1800 on it, it means he has created a new bank account with money to spend. This is also something that won’t show up unless you are looking for it.
Protecting yourself during asset division in a divorce
If you want to protect yourself during the asset division process in your divorce, you have to know if your spouse is hiding assets. Look for the signs above and be sure to report any inconsistencies you find.]]>