Happy 4th of July fellow Americans! The Fourth has always held special meaning to me being a foreign born adoptee. It was the official day I became naturalized and, therefore, a US Citizen.
Two fun facts you may not know:
1. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826
2. Calvin Coolidge is the only president born on Independence Day.
Julie Williams, Esq.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Divorce legal and Emotional Survivial
I believe divorce can be one of the most difficult chapters in a person's life. I am not divorced myself, but our office has representated many clients from many different situations and backgrounds and all the divorces have common facets to them.
I provide in this blog some of the survival tips. First tip is to plan the divorce out. Put an ACTION PLAN in place. Part of our action plan here at our office is to figure out what our clients' goal or goals may be and how can we acheive them... Plan and plan... Do not make the decission based upon how you "feel". Your feelings will be up and down. By siting down and planning it out you will feel more in control of your situation.
Tip 2. You MUST have an attorney. I do not say that because it has to be our firm, but do not represent yourself. Find the money. Save up, borrow from a family member or friend. The process takes a long time so perhaps like our firm you put money down at first and then make monthly payments. All our clients have regreted NOT having an attorney.
Tip 3. You are not alone. Even if you do not have family and friends go to your local church and get help! If you have family and/or friends select carefully. You need those members who are strong and can lift you up and perhaps take you in if necessary.
Tip 4. Prepare yourself mentally and physically for the long haul. It is a long process.
Tip 5. Do not give up.
Tip 6. Be involved in your divorce. A. Provide everything our firm requests. B. Show up timely for court dates. C. Ask questions if you don't understand, but you have to trust us, and any other experts involved.
Tip 7. Part of the action plan should be planning for your life after the divorce. Figure out what you are going to do when your divorce is final.
Tip 8. If you have children, minor or adult, explain to them appropriate to their ages about what is happening and why. Seek professional help for them if necessary. But do not worry that they will not survive or be "damaged for life". They will be FINE.
Tip 9. Keep telling yourself this will all be over.
Tip 10. Do not fool yourself. Amicable divorces are extinct. They are a myth. In reality they are painful, but far from the end of your world!
YOU WILL MAKE IT!
I provide in this blog some of the survival tips. First tip is to plan the divorce out. Put an ACTION PLAN in place. Part of our action plan here at our office is to figure out what our clients' goal or goals may be and how can we acheive them... Plan and plan... Do not make the decission based upon how you "feel". Your feelings will be up and down. By siting down and planning it out you will feel more in control of your situation.
Tip 2. You MUST have an attorney. I do not say that because it has to be our firm, but do not represent yourself. Find the money. Save up, borrow from a family member or friend. The process takes a long time so perhaps like our firm you put money down at first and then make monthly payments. All our clients have regreted NOT having an attorney.
Tip 3. You are not alone. Even if you do not have family and friends go to your local church and get help! If you have family and/or friends select carefully. You need those members who are strong and can lift you up and perhaps take you in if necessary.
Tip 4. Prepare yourself mentally and physically for the long haul. It is a long process.
Tip 5. Do not give up.
Tip 6. Be involved in your divorce. A. Provide everything our firm requests. B. Show up timely for court dates. C. Ask questions if you don't understand, but you have to trust us, and any other experts involved.
Tip 7. Part of the action plan should be planning for your life after the divorce. Figure out what you are going to do when your divorce is final.
Tip 8. If you have children, minor or adult, explain to them appropriate to their ages about what is happening and why. Seek professional help for them if necessary. But do not worry that they will not survive or be "damaged for life". They will be FINE.
Tip 9. Keep telling yourself this will all be over.
Tip 10. Do not fool yourself. Amicable divorces are extinct. They are a myth. In reality they are painful, but far from the end of your world!
YOU WILL MAKE IT!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Snyder Declares May Foster Care Month!
Congratulations to all the foster care parents and children. Our Govenor has specifically declared this month a tribute to you.
And, hopefully a seed planting for those of you out there thinking about being a foster family or adopting.
And, hopefully a seed planting for those of you out there thinking about being a foster family or adopting.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Addictions: The Killer of Families
Although I thoroughly enjoy the practice of law; the thinking, the people... I get to use what I know to help families. Family Law or what we now call Domestic Relations is extremely difficult though when it comes to children's issues such as the termination of parental rights.
I read a case this morning (you can read it below) about a woman who's rights were terminated by the court because she just could not stay in a treatment program and stop getting pregnant while on drugs. While two minor children were already placed with legal guardians she was pregnant with another one.
Let me first say that the courts are very reluctant to terminate a biological parent's rights so you know in this situation it had to be BAD. Read for yourself. Below is a cut and paste from my daily case updates:
Issues: Termination under §§ 19b(3)(c)(i), (g), and (j); In re Sours Minors; In re Trejo Minors; In re JK; In re Miller; The children's best interests
Court: Michigan Court of Appeals (Unpublished)
Case Name: In re Brown
e-Journal Number: 48705
Judge(s): Per Curiam – Beckering, Whitbeck, and M.J. Kelly
The trial court properly terminated the respondent-mother's parental rights to her two minor sons (AKA and AMD) where the statutory grounds were established by clear and convincing evidence. In 08/07, police officers found respondent wandering with four-month old AKA in the middle of the night. Respondent was disoriented and hysterical and could not provide the officers with basic information. She had a history of substance abuse and mental health issues. She also had a history of CPS involvement, and her two oldest children were already placed in legal guardianships. At the first review hearing in 07/08, respondent was already four months pregnant again and tested positive for marijuana and cocaine. She tested positive for cocaine when AMD was born. In recommending termination of her parental rights, the referee noted that respondent had "not completed the most important parts of the treatment plan that address substance abuse and mental health issues." This finding was supported by the record. Respondent was never successfully discharged from any of the many substance abuse programs she tried. She suffered relapses in 10/08, 12/09, and 03/10. There was no evidence that she adequately addressed her substance abuse problem at the time of the termination hearing, which occurred almost two years after the older minor child was placed into care. Also, respondent had bipolar disorder and admitted she did not consistently take her medications. She submitted to evaluations and attended individual therapy but was eventually dismissed for failure to participate. Thus, her issues with her mental health also remained unresolved. Respondent may have made progress when she secured adequate housing and was receiving supplemental security income and food stamps. However, this progress was negated when she left the state without any warning or notice to the caseworkers or the court. She had only been in Georgia for four days when she appeared at the termination hearing by speakerphone. She was under the impression that she could work on her troubles in Georgia and then return for the children when she got her life in order - which, by her estimation, would be in approximately two years. Given this evidence, it was clear that the conditions leading to the adjudications continued to exist and there was no reasonable likelihood that the conditions would be rectified within a reasonable time. Respondent was unable to provide the children with proper care and custody. Also, because of her unaddressed substance abuse and mental health issues, the children likely would be harmed if returned to her care. Affirmed.
I read a case this morning (you can read it below) about a woman who's rights were terminated by the court because she just could not stay in a treatment program and stop getting pregnant while on drugs. While two minor children were already placed with legal guardians she was pregnant with another one.
Let me first say that the courts are very reluctant to terminate a biological parent's rights so you know in this situation it had to be BAD. Read for yourself. Below is a cut and paste from my daily case updates:
Issues: Termination under §§ 19b(3)(c)(i), (g), and (j); In re Sours Minors; In re Trejo Minors; In re JK; In re Miller; The children's best interests
Court: Michigan Court of Appeals (Unpublished)
Case Name: In re Brown
e-Journal Number: 48705
Judge(s): Per Curiam – Beckering, Whitbeck, and M.J. Kelly
The trial court properly terminated the respondent-mother's parental rights to her two minor sons (AKA and AMD) where the statutory grounds were established by clear and convincing evidence. In 08/07, police officers found respondent wandering with four-month old AKA in the middle of the night. Respondent was disoriented and hysterical and could not provide the officers with basic information. She had a history of substance abuse and mental health issues. She also had a history of CPS involvement, and her two oldest children were already placed in legal guardianships. At the first review hearing in 07/08, respondent was already four months pregnant again and tested positive for marijuana and cocaine. She tested positive for cocaine when AMD was born. In recommending termination of her parental rights, the referee noted that respondent had "not completed the most important parts of the treatment plan that address substance abuse and mental health issues." This finding was supported by the record. Respondent was never successfully discharged from any of the many substance abuse programs she tried. She suffered relapses in 10/08, 12/09, and 03/10. There was no evidence that she adequately addressed her substance abuse problem at the time of the termination hearing, which occurred almost two years after the older minor child was placed into care. Also, respondent had bipolar disorder and admitted she did not consistently take her medications. She submitted to evaluations and attended individual therapy but was eventually dismissed for failure to participate. Thus, her issues with her mental health also remained unresolved. Respondent may have made progress when she secured adequate housing and was receiving supplemental security income and food stamps. However, this progress was negated when she left the state without any warning or notice to the caseworkers or the court. She had only been in Georgia for four days when she appeared at the termination hearing by speakerphone. She was under the impression that she could work on her troubles in Georgia and then return for the children when she got her life in order - which, by her estimation, would be in approximately two years. Given this evidence, it was clear that the conditions leading to the adjudications continued to exist and there was no reasonable likelihood that the conditions would be rectified within a reasonable time. Respondent was unable to provide the children with proper care and custody. Also, because of her unaddressed substance abuse and mental health issues, the children likely would be harmed if returned to her care. Affirmed.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Second Mortgage GONE!
"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty" Winston Churchill
So, you are faced with the decision of whether to file bankruptcy and save your home. You should keep in mind that with a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy you can keep your home and wipe out second and third mortgages. No fooling around with reducing the payment, interest rate, or negotiating a new agreement, but the second or third mortgage would be gone, wiped out, erased forever. You would never make another payment on that mortgage again!
Now is an opportunity during this difficult time in your life to seize the chance to truly start over and move forward.
Do not delay any longer call us now (248) 474-0670. The further behind you become on your first mortgage, the less likely you will be able to keep your home and qualify for a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.
So, you are faced with the decision of whether to file bankruptcy and save your home. You should keep in mind that with a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy you can keep your home and wipe out second and third mortgages. No fooling around with reducing the payment, interest rate, or negotiating a new agreement, but the second or third mortgage would be gone, wiped out, erased forever. You would never make another payment on that mortgage again!
Now is an opportunity during this difficult time in your life to seize the chance to truly start over and move forward.
Do not delay any longer call us now (248) 474-0670. The further behind you become on your first mortgage, the less likely you will be able to keep your home and qualify for a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.
Foster Care Month May 2011
Govenor Rick Snyder issued an official proclamation that May 2011 is Foster Care Month. This is a chance to bring awareness to the 14,000 foster care children in need of loving homes.
Did you know that many of the children in foster care are mentally and physically as stable as a child can be? Did you also know that being a foster family or adopting a child from foster care can cost little to nothing?
Did you know there are informational meetings and people you can talk to about foster care?
Did you know there are also post foster care support groups for parents and for the kids?
Feel free to call us too for more information.
"The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves." Helen Keller
Did you know that many of the children in foster care are mentally and physically as stable as a child can be? Did you also know that being a foster family or adopting a child from foster care can cost little to nothing?
Did you know there are informational meetings and people you can talk to about foster care?
Did you know there are also post foster care support groups for parents and for the kids?
Feel free to call us too for more information.
"The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves." Helen Keller
Saturday, April 16, 2011
What You Don't Know Can Hurt You!
There are non-attorney supervised companies out there that are engaging in the unauthorized practice of law by providing forms to self-create wills and other estate planning documents.
It is true what you don't know in this situation can hurt you. But, you won't know it until you are deceased! Only a trained, licensed attorney can truly provide the legal security for your family. Sure you can pull your own teeth out, but you shouldn't. In this situation trusting the non-attorney estate planning mills is DANGEROUS.
Let me share that drafting a secure and legal estate plan is not just "filling in forms." Sure if your family's assets and liabilities are identically to another family's assets and liabilities and all of you want to leave the exact same things to the exact same people then we would be able to draft just one document just changing the names. This rarely happens. Even when the Estate planning documents are for a husband and wife, "mirror images" of each other we don't just fill in the blanks!
Everyone who is smart wants "the best deal" they can get. We savers know that doesn't always mean doing something the "cheapest" way possible. It will cost you a lot more in the end. And, you can afford a mistake when you are not here to correct it!
It is true what you don't know in this situation can hurt you. But, you won't know it until you are deceased! Only a trained, licensed attorney can truly provide the legal security for your family. Sure you can pull your own teeth out, but you shouldn't. In this situation trusting the non-attorney estate planning mills is DANGEROUS.
Let me share that drafting a secure and legal estate plan is not just "filling in forms." Sure if your family's assets and liabilities are identically to another family's assets and liabilities and all of you want to leave the exact same things to the exact same people then we would be able to draft just one document just changing the names. This rarely happens. Even when the Estate planning documents are for a husband and wife, "mirror images" of each other we don't just fill in the blanks!
Everyone who is smart wants "the best deal" they can get. We savers know that doesn't always mean doing something the "cheapest" way possible. It will cost you a lot more in the end. And, you can afford a mistake when you are not here to correct it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)