Bankruptcy

Q: How do I know if it is a good idea for me to declare bankruptcy?

A: Please allow us to assist you by making an appointment for a free consultation. We may be able to help you decide if bankruptcy is right for you.

Q: I heard that the law changed a couple of years back, and now it’s a lot tougher to get a bankruptcy. Is this true?

A: While the law did change in 2005, and some of the regulations are different than they were before the change, bankruptcy is still available in appropriate cases.

Q: I’ve gotten into trouble with my bills, and am thinking about filing for bankruptcy. Will I lose my IRA if I file for bankruptcy?

A: No. IRA’s are exempted completely under the Bankruptcy Code.

Q: The bank has foreclosed on my mortgage. Is there any way to save my house?

A: Yes. Under Michigan law, you have six months from the date of foreclosure to redeem the property. In other words, if you are able to catch up on the payments you owe to the bank, you can keep your house.

Family Law

Q: Michigan is a “no-fault” divorce State. Does that mean that my spouse’s conduct during the marriage doesn’t matter?

A: “Fault” is not relevant as grounds for the divorce itself, but it may be highly relevant to property division, matters pertaining to minor children, and spousal support.

Q: My significant other and I had a child together. Now that we have broken up, do I have visitation or custody rights even if we were not married?

A: Yes. You have parental rights that should be protected.

Q: I’m contemplating a divorce, but I don’t want my spouse to know before I have time to think about it. Are you going to leave messages at the house?

A: Your confidentiality is of the utmost importance to us. If you don’t want us to call or send correspondence to the house, we won’t. Period.

Personal Injury

Q: I was injured as a result of an accident caused by a careless driver. I want to recover for my injuries, but don’t have a lot of money to spend on a lawsuit. Can you help me?

A: Yes, we can. Personal injury cases operate on a contingency fee arrangement, which means that we don’t get paid unless and until you win.

Q: I was partially at fault in an auto accident. Can I sue for my injuries even though I contributed to the accident?

A: Yes. In times past, a plaintiff who contributed to the accident could not recover. But under current law, you can still recover as long as you were less than half at fault.

Criminal Defense

Q: What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?

A: A misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail, but a felony offense carries a sentence of one or more years in prison.

Q: I am under criminal investigation, and want to avoid being arrested. Should I talk to the police to try and get this matter cleared up?

A: When you are being investigated, you should not try to talk to the police without hiring a lawyer. Once you are represented by counsel, you can direct all police inquiries to your attorney.

Q: Can an attorney help me with my drunk driving case?

A: There are differing skill levels. The Great Lakes Legal Team prides itself on the number of current seminars its personnel attend, and especially on its aggressive defense. Great Lakes Legal Team will analyze the police report to determine if there was a violation of your constitutional rights.

Q: I have been charged with Drunk Driving. How long will it take to get my driver’s license back?

A: It depends upon whether this is your first offense, or if you have had prior offenses. You may want to consider making an appointment for a free consultation so that we can help you out.

Business Organizations

Q: I’m starting a new business. What is the best way to organize my business?

A: There are many options available, from partnerships and limited partnerships, to corporations and limited liability companies. The best way to organize a business depends upon your goals, the purpose of the business, and tax considerations, to name only a few factors. The Great Lakes Legal Team would be happy to walk you through all of your options.

Probate/Estate Planning

Q: I want to plan for the future and provide for my family. What estate planning issues do I need to think about?

A: It is important to have a will, powers of attorney for business and medical decisions, and to have your house titled in a way that will reduce the burdens of the probate process.

Q: Why do I need a lawyer to write a will when I can just buy a form at an office supply store?

A: The forms at an office supply store are generic, but your life is not. One-size-fits-all forms can fail to take into account your unique circumstances and wishes.

Q: I want to retire soon. I would like to give away my house to reduce tax liabilities. Can you help me to make sure I have a place to live?

A: Yes, we can. You may consider hiring us to deed your house to a family member, but also creating a “life estate” in the process. That means the house would no longer be yours, but you would be entitled to live there for the rest of your life.