Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Divorce legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Michigan Divorce Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Divorce for Michigan on
Q: What can I do about my husband leaving me all the bills to pay after he took a ton of money out and ran away?

My husband left me on Wed. He took just a few things and left a strange note telling me to keep everything else. He stopped paying our bills (both names on bills) and took a ton of money out of our account. He did all the banking so I didn't find out until he was gone that his checks have not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: My ex wife and I got a storage unit together before our divorce, but it was only put in her name. Can I get my stuff?

My ex wife and I got a storage unit together before our divorce, but it was only put in her name. After our divorce she never allowed me access to it to get my belongings. Now she is selling my items. The things in the storage unit were not listed in the divorce. Is there any recourse for me to get... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 1, 2024

You are in a tough spot. Why didn't this come up during the pendency of the divorce? Presumptively, you signed or agreed as part of a hearing that everything was included and settled. As a legal matter, any remedy would be an uphill battle for you to establish. The old adage "possession... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Divorce for Michigan on
Q: Want file a motion
1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Divorce and Child Support for Michigan on
Q: Can a father take back a phone and watch that were Christmas gifts or file a stole property report?

What are the laws in Michigan about receiving gifts, then asking for it back and being threatened to file a police report that’s it’s stolen property? The kid is 18 and the father is enraged that I filed for a support review for my 14 year (it’s been 10 years since the last order, oldest... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 17, 2024

Generally, once a gift is given, it's the receiver's property. Unless the father has some evidence these items were stolen, he's risking filing a false police report - which is a crime itself - once the police investigate and find he actually gave those items and now just wants them back.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: Men who own property before marriage, does it automatically become joint property if he should divorce?

Long story short, my brother owns a farm with a house on one side of the street and another house, he built, on the other side. He owned both before he married. He wants and needs a divorce. He is selling the big house and moving into the little house with the farm because she has financially... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 10, 2024

I think he needs to think through this from the standpoint that the properties are likely part of the marital estate that would be divided through divorce. There are exceptions to that, but then he needs to consider whether 1) those exceptions apply, and 2) whether it's worth the cost to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: Sold house during a divorce. Locks have been changed so I can’t access inside. Can I gain entry by any means?

Technically is the house still ours until move out date? And can I get into the house by any means to get my stuff out of house?

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on May 30, 2024

Are you selling the house through realtors? You should be in contact with your realtor. Ordinarily, yes, you would have access to the house until a date determined in the purchase agreement or at closing. But you cannot use "any means". Further, it will depend on what your court orders... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Michigan on
Q: What are implications for child support/custody? I am from Ontario and the mother is from Michigan?

Does it matter where the child is born? We live together in Michigan currently.

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 3, 2024

It matters greatly and particularly where the child lives as that establishes jurisdiction. It sounds like that would be Michigan for you, which means Michigan courts and law will apply.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: My question is about alimony and a divorce married 22 years

I've been married 22 years I have been disabled 4 years prior to being sent away with our son and a house that we shared that he didn't want and I have been paying for all the things that have been going wrong with the house and I only make $966 a month so I'm just wondering if I am... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 25, 2024

I understand you are going through a difficult time and have concerns about alimony and your financial situation after a long-term marriage. While I can provide some general information, please note that laws vary by state and individual circumstances are unique, so it's always best to consult... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Arbitration / Mediation Law for Michigan on
Q: After a 23 year relationship/ engagement. Not married. I'm I intitled to file for sweat equity if we separate? Thanks mi

She says everything we paid for that's in her name she will take because we're not married but ingauged for 23 years

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on May 16, 2024

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as sweat equity here. Being engaged is not a legal status. What's her's is her's and what's your's is your's.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Real Estate Law and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: Do i have any legal rights in this situation?

I've put over 400K into property to develop it and build a huge pole barn, paid numerous mortgage payments as well as put another 10k cash on principle. Since i haven't been able to get on the property and having excuses time and time again I'm leaving but would like to know if i... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on May 14, 2024

In GENERAL a verbal contract is worth the paper it is written on.

In the case of real estate however, there is an actual rule called the "statute of frauds" that says 'if it isn't in writing it is not enforceable. So -- your assumption was it was 'joint'...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: Is it legal for an apartment complex to tell my husband I am renting from them?

My husband and I live in Michigan and are considering divorce. I went to an apartment complex to sign a lease for a new place. His cousin works there and saw me. He called my husband later that day to tell him I signed a lease. I have yet to talk to my husband to share this news yet. I’m... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Apr 30, 2024

It's not illegal. Whether the apartment complex has an internal policy about their employees (e.g. the cousin) disclosing information is a separate question that you can address with the apartment complex.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Michigan on
Q: Can we stop a divorce before the judge signs the final copy?.

The agreement was turned into the court. I called the court and asked the court if we can stop the judge from signing it as both of us want to reconcile our marriage. I did it without letting my lawyer know. I know not a smart decision, now my lawyer is calling me about it. I'm freaking out.... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Apr 7, 2024

Not wise, for sure, to call the court without your lawyer. Your lawyer ostensibly wants what you want; did you think he or she would be mad that you want to reconcile? It makes absolutely no difference to him or her.

If the judgment has not been signed, your lawyer - working with the other...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: Other than the summons and complaint which papers do I serve my ex. Very overwhelmed
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Mar 21, 2024

See if your county or courthouse has a legal assistance center that can advise you on this. In many places, a packet of papers are available complete with instructions.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: Do I have a chance to still get shared custody 8 months ago my wife abandoned our home with the kids and got a ppo?

Am I screwed?

On June 11 last year while I was at church my wife abandoned our marital home and took the kids with her, the very next day she filed a ppo with a petition full of lies and false allegations about me physically and verbally abusing her (with no evidence of course) we had a... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Feb 28, 2024

You sound like you are aware this will be an uphill battle. Are you screwed? No! Of big concern is why you haven't seen the kids in 8 months; is that because you never raised this issue with the court or your soon-to-be ex is just not complying with the order? I think with that amount of time... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Divorce for Michigan on
Q: Can a parent get custody if they don't have a job or a drivers license?

My husband is saying he is keeping the kids and getting full custody of our kids because I don't work and don't have a drivers license. I do everything for our kids, and all the housework. He also says he isn't paying child support because he already pays child support for his other... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Feb 28, 2024

That's not how child custody works. If it were, a lot of people would not have custody. The court determines custody based on the best interest of the child factors.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: I have a question about removing a non biological father from the birth certificate in Michigan

Me and my girlfriend at the time were both at the end of getting divorced? Before the divorce was finalized my girlfriend ending up getting pregnant and delivering our daughter. Since she was still married to another man legally his name was put on the birth certificate. He lives in Texas and... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Feb 1, 2024

You will likely need to file a motion in the family court with jurisdiction here in Michigan. Preferably, you can have the non-biological father stipulate to the set of facts.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Civil Rights and Family Law for Michigan on
Q: Re on case papers on a dm case number what does that mean?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 21, 2024

In the context of a legal case, "re" on case papers with a docket number typically stands for "regarding" or "in the matter of." It's used to indicate the subject or nature of the case. So, when you see "re" followed by a case number, it signifies that... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Immigration Law for Michigan on
Q: I’m on political asylum status residing in MI. Do I need an immigration lawyer to divorce us?

She resides in Florida and I in Michigan.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 4, 2024

You may not necessarily need an immigration lawyer to proceed with a divorce, as immigration status generally does not affect the divorce process itself. Divorce proceedings are typically handled under state law, and since you reside in Michigan, you would typically follow Michigan's divorce... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Civil Rights, Domestic Violence and Legal Malpractice for Michigan on
Q: My lawyer refused to submit my evidence during the entire process. The judge rendered the final "opinion. My husband's

Lawyer filed a clarification and prayer for relief. I need to submit my evidence. Can I do that? Is there a time limit? My final hearing is 1/8/23.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 31, 2023

If you believe your lawyer failed to properly represent you by not submitting crucial evidence, this is a serious concern, particularly in a divorce case where such evidence can be critical. It's important to understand your options for addressing this issue.

The possibility of...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Divorce for Michigan on
Q: I obtained a personal loan under my name so my wife can pay off her credit cards with the agreement she makes the

Payment, she has been making the payment for the last 2 years but now she refuses to continue paying. There is a balance of $15,000 left, can I sue her in court to force her make the payment or refinance the loan in her name

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Dec 27, 2023

Are you contemplating a divorce? You signed an agreement with the bank or wherever else you obtained the loan, promising to make good on it; the bank will continue to look to you for payment, and you will remain legally on the hook for it. It doesn't matter what sort of other agreement you... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.