Emily Evers, Attorney at Law

08/17/2022

Guardianship for Your Children

It's hard for a parent to imagine not being able to raise their child(ren), but unfortunately it happens. Parents can designate ahead of time a guardian for their child(ren) in their Last Will and Testament otherwise the court will appoint someone and rarely do they appoint someone that is not family.

For information on how to select a guardian, check out the below website. For legal assistance, feel free to call me at (616) 364-2900.

Choose a personal guardian -- someone to raise your children in the unlikely event you can't.

08/17/2022

My parents and I watched the Whitecaps game last night in the Super Suite with my work. The food was delicious and the people were amazing. 

08/15/2022

Last week, the Michigan Supreme Court released an Order retaining, rescinding, and amending Michigan Court Rules. Notably, Michigan will continue to utilize videoconferencing (ie. zoom) for court procedures. Videoconferencing allows flexibility for people to attend court procedures.

08/12/2022

Trivia Question: who can name the most areas of law?

08/10/2022

This article has some great estate planning tips. Let me know if you want to discuss anything from the article.

The inheritance you leave could be eaten away by taxes or given to the wrong person. Here are five tips to avoid that.

08/08/2022

Information about a Ladybird Deed (in Michigan)

-A Ladybird Deed allows a property owner to deed property to themselves for during their life time and list a beneficiary for the property that automatically transfers about the owner's death.

-A Ladybird Deed is not considered a transfer for gift purchases, which means the beneficiary does not pay taxes upon receiving the property.

-A Ladybird Deed is not a divestment for Medicaid purposes, so the owner can leave the property to someone without fear of being denied future Medicaid benefits.

-A Ladybird Deed is automatically transferred upon death providing protection from creditors.

-A Ladybird Deed transfers without probate, which allows a smooth transference of real property.

For more information about a Ladybird Deed or to have a Ladybird Deed prepared, feel free to call me at (616) 364-2900.

08/06/2022

My firm sponsored the Ladies Golf Invitational yesterday.

08/05/2022

Trivia Question: As of February 2022, approximately how many people are licensed to practice law in Michigan?

08/01/2022

Information about Personal Protective Orders (PPOs)

-A PPO is a court order for if you receive threats, violence, or harassment against you.

-There are three types: domestic relationship PPO, non-domestic stalking, and non-domestic sexual assault PPO.

-A domestic relationship PPO can protect you from a spouse, ex-spouse, your child's other parent, someone you live with or used to live with, and someone you are dating or used to date,

-A non-domestic stalking PPO can protect you from someone you are not in a domestic relationship with that is stalking you.

-A non-domestic sexual assault PPO specifically protects you from someone who you are not in a domestic relationship with that sexually assaulted you or threatened to do so.

-You can file for a PPO with the county circuit court. You can request an ex parte PPO hearing where the other party will not be present but there is a higher standard of proof required to prove the need for a PPO. Otherwise, you can request a hearing where the other party will be served the PPO request and have the chance to attend the hearing to defend themselves, which requires a lower standard of proof.

For more information or assistance with filing for a PPO, feel free to contact me at (616) 364-2900.

07/29/2022

Random Law: May 25th and September 30th each year are designated as "Memory Days" for the purpose of improving and beautifying cemeteries throughout the state and the graves in them. (If the day occurs on a Sunday, the following Monday is the substitute "Memory Day") MCL 128.121

07/25/2022

What should you do when considering a divorce?

1) Consider attending personal counseling and/or marriage counseling to see if your marriage can be saved or if its time for a divorce.

2) Gather originals or copies of tax returns, retirement accounts, credit card accounts, titles and deeds to property, and other important documents that show debts and assets.

3) Start planning about where you will live and support yourself during the divorce process when assets have not been divided and then after the divorce.

4) Be smart about social media, emails, and text messages because these can be used as evidence in a divorce.

5) Decide whether you want or need legal assistance. Lawyers, like me, educate you on the law, explain your rights, and work hard to protect your rights.

*Feel free to contact me at (616) 364-2900 for more information about filing for a divorce.