Sharon L. Michaels, Attorney

06/23/2026

Many homeowners think a reverse mortgage will help their family cover costs after they pass away. The truth is that reverse mortgage credit lines lock up immediately upon death and the loan becomes due. If you want to protect your home and ensure your family has the cash they need for estate taxes, we need to talk. Contact our office to build a proactive estate plan.

Learn how the 2026 estate tax change affects homeowners with reverse mortgages and why heirs can’t use a credit line to pay estate taxes.

06/19/2026

Divorce, child custody, support, and property division can present unique legal considerations for LGBTQ individuals and families. Learn more about LGBTQ family law issues and the legal rights that may affect your situation.

https://www.custodyxchange.com/topics/divorce/advice/lgbt-divorce.php

06/18/2026

Bought your first home? Single Gen Z women should pair homeownership with an estate plan—at minimum a will, beneficiary designations, and powers of attorney—to make sure your house and finances go to who you choose and avoid probate headaches.

Despite purchasing what might now be their biggest asset, women are less likely than men to have any estate planning documents in place.

06/17/2026

Navigating a military divorce introduces unique legal complexities, including the division of military pensions under federal law and the calculation of support payments using VA disability. Learn how specific military regulations, tax shifts, and updated estate plans will impact your post-divorce financial future. https://www.usaa.com/advice/divorce-and-financial-stability/

06/16/2026

Inheriting a home with a mortgage can raise important questions about ownership, loan obligations, taxes, and estate administration. Learn more about the financial and legal considerations that may affect your options as an heir.

In many situations when a family member passes away, beneficiaries inherit both a home and the mortgage that goes with it.

06/12/2026

To protect your finances during a later-life divorce, you should freeze joint accounts and separate your credit history to safeguard individual assets. It is also essential to consult a financial advisor and divorce attorney to navigate complex state property laws, update retirement beneficiaries, and manage tax liabilities.

Steps to take when a longtime marriage ends

06/11/2026

Estate planning does not always require leaving equal inheritances to every beneficiary. Learn more about the legal and personal considerations that may influence decisions regarding unequal distributions in a will.

https://www.legion.org/information-center/news/planned-giving/2026/january/passing-unequal-shares-in-your-will

06/10/2026

Dividing debt during a divorce can be just as important as dividing assets. Learn more about the financial and legal considerations that may affect debt responsibility, credit protection, and your future after divorce.

https://www.greenpath.com/blog/managing-debt-during-a-divorce/

06/09/2026

Estate planning ensures your assets are distributed according to your precise wishes rather than being left to a probate court's discretion. A comprehensive plan protects your loved ones by naming guardians for minor children, minimizing tax liabilities, and preventing family inheritance disputes.

Learn why estate planning is essential for protecting assets, avoiding probate, minimizing taxes, naming guardians, and preventing inheritance disputes.

06/05/2026

If you were married for at least 10 years and are age 62 or older, you may be eligible to collect Social Security benefits based on your ex-spouse's earnings history. Filing for these benefits will not notify your ex-spouse or reduce their monthly payments, making it a critical asset to evaluate when navigating a divorce.

The end of a marriage doesn’t necessarily end eligibility for family benefits