Law Office of Sarah Dinsmore Riggs, PLLC Blog
Addressing life insurance during a Michigan divorce
There are many logistics Michigan residents must figure out when seeking a divorce. Some of them are obvious, such as splitting finances and determining child custody. Others can often go overlooked, such as life insurance. Importance of life insurance Life insurance...
Dividing a 401(k) plan during divorce
The division of property during a divorce involves all the assets a couple has acquired during the marriage. This will often involve the division of one of the spouse’s 401(k) plans. It is important to understand how the division of 401(k) plans works if you and your...
Understanding domestic relationship personal protection orders
In Michigan, a domestic relationship personal protection order is the legal term for a restraining order in a case that involves domestic violence. This court order happens when an abuser has committed certain acts or is likely to do so. It’s used to protect people...
Differences between alimony and spousal support
Spousal support payments are typically granted by a Michigan family court judge if you have a lower income or have fewer assets than your spouse that can be used to support yourself after a divorce. While there is technically no difference between spousal support and...
Protecting yourself from a narcissist during divorce
Divorce is a difficult process on its own, but goin through one with a Michigan narcissist can bring an entirely new set of obstacles. Narcissists have a distorted sense of self-importance, lack empathy and often exhibit manipulative behaviors. If you find yourself in...
How fault could enter the process of no-fault divorce
All states in the country, including Michigan, allow married couples to end their marriages with a no-fault divorce. This means that neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing. You can think of fault as a reason for the marital breakdown, such as abandonment, cruelty or...
What are some statistics on children of divorce?
Many married couples in Michigan end up getting divorced. Some of them have children, and studies have found that the shift in the family dynamic can affect the kids in surprising ways. Single parents After a divorce, some children stop having a relationship with...
How to navigate divorce with a special needs child
Michigan parents who have a child with special needs probably already understand the additional stresses on their marriage. According to some studies, the divorce rate among parents of special needs children may be as high as 87%. While divorce is never easy, it’s...
Best ways for supporting your children through a divorce
Most Michigan parents who decide to end their marriage remain committed to caring for their children physically, mentally and emotionally. This commitment typically includes putting themselves in their children’s shoes before, during and after the divorce. It can also...
What expenses can be paid with child support?
One of the things that divorcing Michigan couples who have young children will have to address is child support, with an understanding that the support will be there to cover expenses related to raising the children. However, the parents might have differing opinions...