Laurie Schmitt

The Economic Impact of Divorce – The Financial Storm

April 20, 2023 By Laurie Schmitt

The cost of food has risen. The housing market remains unpredictable- values soaring and values crashing. The cost of gas has gone sky high, with no end in sight. Consumers have experienced a significant drop in purchasing power. So, how can a weak economy impact your divorce?

It can be an added stressor if you’re not financially prepared for your new economic reality: a single income. And you need to quickly assess how far your income will go in today’s economic climate. You need to be prepared to weather the storm. If you’re going through a divorce, the following are a few tips on how to get through the financial storm:

INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS: Many people have watched their retirement/investment accounts drop in value. What does this mean to you? This could delay your retirement plans. Work with your financial advisor to see what you can do to reduce your loss and stay on track with your retirement plans.

EMPLOYMENT: Employment security can be in question. You think you have job security. But that may be further from the truth than you think. Businesses are laying off staff and closing their doors in record numbers. When you’re at work, keep your divorce conversation low key. You don’t want management to think you’re unable to perform effectively because of divorce drama.

SUPPLEMENTING YOUR INCOME: Prepare a realistic budget for your new single income status. Perhaps you may need to consider seeking a part time job to supplement your first income. Leave enough room in your new budget for unexpected expenses.

WATCH YOUR SPENDING: Don’t make unnecessary major purchases. Be mindful about how you’re spending your money. After the divorce you may need transportation. But it doesn’t mean you need a new car. And of course, you need a place to live after the divorce. But it doesn’t mean you need to put yourself in a position of being rent or mortgage poor.

MANAGE YOUR COSTS: Review your cell service plan, cable service, subscriptions, memberships, club memberships, gym memberships, and other monthly spending. Ask yourself if these are necessary expenses, or just extra spending you can live without.

DOWNSIZING: If you had “toys” such as boats, motorcycles, campers, and snowmobiles during your marriage, you need to carefully contemplate your ability to afford them after your divorce. Not only do they cost money to purchase, but they cost money to maintain and use them. It may no longer be reasonable for you in your new single status to keep recreational vehicles that you and your spouse purchased while married.

LEARN TO COOK: Dining out can be considered a luxury. And even if you say I only go out for fast food, frequent trips to fast food restaurants can add up to thousands of dollars a year.

COFFEE: Learn to make your own coffee! Spending $5 cup for a cup of coffee five times a week equals $1200 a year. What else could you do with an additional $1200 a year?

TAX CONSEQUENCES: You need to review your tax withholding and estimate tax payments for any necessary adjustments which may need to be made to reflect your new single status. Contact your accountant or talk to your human resources department to make sure you are paying taxes at your new single status.

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR FAMILIES. GRAND RAPIDS COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.

At Schmitt Law, PLLC, we understand that filing for divorce can be an emotional and confusing experience. And we understand the negative impact a divorce can have on financial security. That’s why we are committed to providing personalized service to each client we represent, and will be with you through this difficult journey. At Schmitt Law, PLLC we encourage clients to take a more collaborative approach to divorce that promotes positive communication and cooperation. Through mediation or the collaborative divorce process, Laurie guides her clients through amicable divorce settlements so they can move forward with their life. To discuss your circumstances and legal options, contact Schmitt Law, PLLC at (616) 608-4634 to schedule a consultation. Or contact us online to arrange a consultation.

Can You Control Lifestyle Differences In Your Ex’s House?

April 17, 2023 By Laurie Schmitt

Courts don’t adjudicate values for your children. They leave that for parents. If you and your spouse are getting divorced or are already divorced, you may not share the same values or lifestyles. So, what can you do when you and your ex have different rules and lifestyles in your homes for your children?

You need to find a way to accept that you and your ex are ending or have ended your marriage for a reason. And you need to accept the reality that each of you have the right to make different decisions and implement different rules for the children while the children are in your care. You need to manage your expectations now, for what’s about to come: each parent having the right to control their homes during their parenting time.

If it’s not illegal, considered neglect or abuse, or putting the children in danger, the court will not get involved in micromanaging you or your ex’s lifestyle and decisions regarding your children.

Even if you and your ex disagree on decisions for the children, you and your ex get to decide what takes place in your respective homes. These are just a few examples of decisions parent gets to make when the children are in that parent’s care:

What the children may eat
What clothes the children may wear
What bed times the children will have
The children’s access, use, duration and choices of tv, video games, cell phone use, internet access, and social media platforms
What activities they will participate in
How they will wear their hair

These are just a few issues the court will not involve themselves in:

Mom/dad lets me stay up later
Mom/dad lets me play that video game
Mom/dad lets me listen to that music
Mom/Dad said I could at their house

Ask yourself, if your ex’s decisions are negatively impacting the health, safety, or welfare of your children? Your inclination may be to jump to the answer yes, of course their decisions are bad for the children. But will the court agree with you?

FINAL TIP: You may not approve of your ex’s decisions nor would you make the same choices at your house. But that’s the very definition of lifestyle differences. So, before you litigate lifestyle differences, ask yourself if you can show the court that a health, safety, or welfare issue is involved. Disagreements, conflicts, and differences about lifestyles will not be enough to convince a court to micromanage your ex’s life.

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR FAMILIES.GRAND RAPIDS COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.

At Schmitt Law, PLLC, we understand that filing for divorce can be an emotional and confusing experience. That’s why we are committed to providing personalized service to each client we represent, and will be with you through this difficult journey. At Schmitt Law, PLLC we encourage clients to take a more collaborative approach to divorce that promotes positive communication and cooperation. Through mediation or the collaborative divorce process, Laurie guides her clients through amicable divorce settlements so they can move forward with their life. To discuss your circumstances and legal options, contact Schmitt Law, PLLC at (616) 608-4634 to schedule a consultation. Or contact us online to arrange a consultation.

Are You On The Divorce Roller-Coaster?

April 13, 2023 By Laurie Schmitt

Divorce is a painful and emotionally stressful time for everyone. And divorce can be one of the hardest decisions to make in life. So, it’s no surprise that with divorce comes a roller-coaster of emotions.

Albeit I am not a trained counselor, my experience as a divorce attorney means I assist people every day who are going through the painful process of ending their marriage. And in my experience people who enter into my office find themselves in various emotional stages.

The following are just a few of the more common emotional stages that you may find yourself in while going through your divorce.

ANGER: You’re angry that your spouse has asked you for a divorce, and/or filed for the divorce. And anger is a natural reaction. It’s what you do next that matters. If you’re struggling with your anger, seek professional help to get you through your divorce.

DISBELIEF: You feel blindsided – you never saw the divorce coming. You thought you and your spouse had a solid marriage. You can’t believe your finding yourself faced with your marriage ending. Once again, there is no shame in seeking professional assistance in addressing your feelings.

FEAR: You have no idea what’s going to happen next. You worry about where you’ll live after the divorce. You wonder if you can afford to be divorced – if you’ll be able to support yourself after the divorce. You worry about how your divorce will impact the children. (See blogs “Divorce Fears”).

EMBARRASSMENT: It’s relatively common for you to feel embarrassed that you’re in the midst of the divorce. Your divorce can affect your friendships, your family relationships, your religious associations, and even your relationships with your children.

ACCEPTANCE: After time, you’ll accept the divorce and your new life. It’s not if you will come to accept your divorce, it’s how long your journey takes to find acceptance of your new status in life. Acceptance allows you to move on and realize that your past does not need to define your future.

RENEWAL: Your divorce has been ongoing for months but you see the end in sight. And you are ready to complete your divorce and move on with the next chapter of your life. You find yourself feeling content, and at peace. You’re finding your new life and where you fit into it. And you realize you can do it!

HELPING PEOPLE START THE NEXT CHAPTER OF THEIR LIVES GRAND RAPIDS COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.

At Schmitt Law, PPLC, we understand that filing for divorce can be an emotional and confusing experience. That’s why we are committed to providing personalized service to each client we represent and will be with you through this difficult journey. At Schmitt Law, PLLC we encourage clients to take a more collaborative approach to divorce that promotes positive communication and cooperation. Through mediation or the collaborative divorce process, Laurie guides her clients through amicable divorce settlements so they can move forward with their life. To discuss your circumstances and legal options, contact Schmitt Law, PLLC at (616) 608-4634 to schedule a consultation. Or contact us online to arrange a consultation.

How Should You Act During Your Custody Case?

April 10, 2023 By Laurie Schmitt

CUSTODY AND THE COMMON-SENSE RULES.

You’re in the midst of a custody case, and suspect it may turn into a battle. Or your case has taken a turn for the worse, and everything you say and do seems to get back to the judge. What should you do?

Ask yourself “What type of parent am I”? Will the judge conclude you are a good parent when they look at the evidence? Do your decisions reflect a parent that puts the needs of their children ahead of themselves? It’s important to understand that your day-to-day decisions will be scrutinized by the judge when your case goes to trial.

WHAT JUDGES REVIEW IN A CUSTODY CASE

Judges are concerned with your moral character, and your ability to make good decisions as a parent. Judges make custody determinations based off evidence presented in court. The following are tips to win your custody case:

STAY ACTIVE WITH YOUR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION. Attend all parent/teacher conferences. Stay in contact with the teachers (through email, telephone or in person). Address issues your children are having in school. Make it important to attend all extra-curricular and school activities of your children. It’s all about making your children’s education important.
OBTAIN COUNSELING FOR YOUR CHILDREN, IF NECESSARY. Each child copes with divorce and change in their own way. Children benefit from having a neutral third party they can talk to and need a safe place to express their feelings. Children feel your anxiety and frustration. So, pay attention to their mental health needs.
NO DATING. Dating while divorcing shows the court you’re placing your emotional needs ahead of your children’s needs, and shows poor judgment on your part.
IF YOU MUST DATE. And if you must date, don’t introduce your children to your significant other, or have your significant other spend the night when you have custody of your children. Be mindful that your children are struggling emotionally with the breakup of their family. And if this relationship extends past the divorce, an introduction can take place after the divorce.
DATING…CONTINUED. If you were never married to the other parent and are in the middle of a custody battle, having multiple new people in and out of the children’s lives is not healthy or appropriate. So, stop doing it, or don’t start it!
NO OVERNIGHTS. Unless you need to spend the night away for business purposes, refrain from spending the night away from home. And be prepared to document these trips as business trips. Staying the night away from home can show your needs come before your children’s needs. And, even if they are business trips, it can be misconstrued as a possible affair.
JUST STOP! Don’t engage in name calling, arguing, or use of foul language with your ex while in front of your children. Your children are already conflicted, and don’t benefit by seeing you act badly towards your ex. These behaviors show a lack of discretion and places your children on the front line of the war.
NO FIGHTING AT EXCHANGES. You and your ex are there to exchange the children, not engage in battle with the other parent. If you’re having issues with the other parent’s behavior at exchanges, you may want to document the exchanges via video
TAKE THE BATTLE OUT OF IT. Don’t engage in text/email wars. Anything you put in writing can and will show up in court. Make sure that your communications are necessary and relevant regarding your children. If you send it, the judge may read it. So, take a moment before you hit the “send” button. Ask yourself, “do I want the judge to see this”?
NO BAD TALK. When the children are with you, focus your activities around them. Don’t spend your quality time with your children disparaging your ex. It just puts your children in the middle.
RELIGION. If you’ve always attended church with the children, continue to do so. However, if you and the children have no real religious history prior to the custody case, don’t manufacture an interest in religion to make yourself look better to the court.
DO YOU WANT A PERSONAL PROTECTION ORDER FILED AGAINST YOU? Don’t stalk, harass, or repeatedly call the ex. It may cause your mental health and character may be called into question by the judge. And worse yet, you may find yourself receiving a PPO.
NO ILLEGAL ACTIVITY OR ARRESTS. If you can’t refrain from participating in illegal activity or getting arrested during a custody case, you will not be awarded custody.
DON’T DRIVE WITHOUT A LICENSE. If your license has been revoked or suspended, don’t drive with your children in the car. Doing so shows complete disregard for the law.
DRUGS/ALCOHOL: If there are allegations of drug use and excessive drinking, then you need to stop. Nothing worse than failing a court ordered drug or alcohol test.
ARE YOUR ACTIVITIES BEING DOCUMENTED. It’s not uncommon for private investigators to be hired in custody cases. Who knows your habits better than your ex? And what better way to make you look bad than to get video footage of you drunk at the bar. So, refrain from going to bars during your custody case.

CONTACT SCHMITT LAW, PLLC FOR LEGAL ADVICE ON CUSTODY. GRAND RAPIDS FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.

Custody is a sensitive topic in divorce cases. Child custody mediation will put your child first and set you up for a healthy co-parenting relationship. With an experienced attorney and mediator like Laurie Schmitt, you will be able to navigate your new family dynamic with clear understanding and communication. Looking for a professional and experienced family law attorney, contact us online or give us a call at (616) 608-4634. At Schmitt Law, PLLC our commitment is to you!

Is It Ok To Use Social Media During a Divorce or Custody Case?

April 6, 2023 By Laurie Schmitt

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR FAMILY LAW CASE.

So much of our lives seem to be documented publicly on social media. But, if you’re going through a divorce or custody battle, you need to think twice about the use of social media platforms.

GOLDEN RULE

It’s common sense! If it’s in writing, it can and will be used against you in your divorce or custody case. So, ask yourself “Do I want the judge to see this?”. “Will this hurt or help my case?”

PROTECT YOURSELF

How do you protect yourself? Simply shut down social media accounts during your divorce or custody case. If you are unwilling to do so, refrain from posting anything – anywhere! Although this advice is not favored by clients, it just makes sense.

YOUR ACCOUNT IS SET TO PRIVATE

Even if your social media accounts are set to private, you need to be extraordinarily carefully with who you trust. It won’t be the first time a “friend” leaks posts to the soon to be ex. And all of the sudden the information you thought you were sharing with “friends” has found its way to the judge.

PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUPS

But you say you’re in a private Facebook group, and that will be ok. If you’re in a private Facebook group, these people are strangers to you. There should be no trust. You just never know who will release your private posts, and to whom your posts will be released to. Once again, if it’s in writing, it can and will be used against you in your divorce or custody case. And, if it’s in writing, it’s difficult to impossible to discredit the statement in court. Why? You put it in writing.

MY ACCOUNT WAS HACKED

And the excuse of “my account was hacked” holds little water to any judge. How much money are you willing to spend for an expert to show that your account was hacked? Remember, judges have heard it all, and this is not an original defense to inappropriate postings found on your account.

YOUR POSTINGS

Remember, posting things about your children can go viral. The judge would certainly frown upon you if you’re posting things about your children in an effort to shame the other parent. If you’re attempting to, or it appears that you’re attempting to disparage the other parent in your posts, the judge will believe you’re unable to encourage a close and loving relationship between the children and the other parent. This activity undermines co-parenting, and you may lose joint legal custody.

POSTINGS MADE BY SIGNIFICANT OTHERS

It’s true that you’re not responsible for controlling your significant other, their actions, or what they say on social media. However, if your new boyfriend/girlfriend are posting things about your divorce, or your children, don’t be surprised when you pay the price in court for their actions or statements.

YOUR CHILDREN

Lastly, do you care about your children’s feelings? Your children can be ashamed and embarrassed over your posts, so don’t’ drag your children into your divorce. Even if your children are young, it’s possible they will see your posts one day.

CONSIDERING DIVORCE? LEARN YOUR OPTIONS WITH SCHMITT LAW, PLLC. GRAND RAPIDS DIVORCE ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.

Contemplating a divorce can be one of the hardest decisions to make in life. There are many complexities involving the divorce process, making it overwhelming for most. However, know that you are not alone, and help is available. At Schmitt Law, PLLC we are here to answer your questions, ease your concerns, and protect your rights. To book a consultation, contact Schmitt Law, PLLC online or by calling (616) 608-4634.

Why Didn’t I Receive The Result In My Custody Case That I Expected?

April 3, 2023 By Laurie Schmitt

Custody cases are the most difficult of family law cases to litigate. If you are about to be, or are currently involved in a custody case, you should review this list. It may prevent you from finding yourself in a position of asking yourself why you didn’t receive the result you expected in your custody case.

I didn’t follow the guidelines of my attorney. It’s likely early in your professional relationship with your attorney there were discussions about what was expected from you. If you failed to follow those guidelines, it may have been a contributory factor in not being awarded the parenting time or custody you were seeking.
My communication with the other parent was harassing and/or off topic from issues related to the children. This is a simple rule to follow: while in the midst of a custody case, keep your communication with the other parent about the children. This means do not discuss the history of your relationship, what lead to the breakdown of your relationship, what angers you about the other parent, or make any derogatory statements to the other parent through your communication. Negative communication to the other parent can constitute harassment, it is unnecessary, and will not assist you in achieving your goals as a parent. And assume that all communications with the other parent will be shared with the judge.
I refused to stop drinking and/or using drugs. When a Michigan court makes a determination regarding custody and parenting time, they do so by reviewing the best interest factors. And one of the best interest factors is related to alcohol and drug use. An ongoing substance abuse or alcohol issue can be viewed by a judge as an impediment on your ability to appropriately care for your children.
I refused to address my anger issues. If domestic violence was an issue in your relationship with the other parent (or with any other significant other), you may want to seek professional assistance. Once again, a domestic violence issue is yet another best interest factor that will be heavily weighed by the judge in their final decision regarding custody and parenting time.
My expectations were not realistic from the start of the case. At your first consultation, it’s important to share your expectations with your attorney. And, it’s equally important for your attorney to inform you if your expectations are realistic. Client disappointments happen when clients want more than they can receive from the judge, and when attorneys overpromise.

LET ME WORRY ABOUT WHAT MATTERS MOST … YOUR FUTURE WITH YOUR FAMILY. GRAND RAPIDS CUSTODY ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.

The hallmark of my family law practice is providing you with top quality legal service, and by being intensely responsive to my clients. I will work hard to protect your future with your children. I will help you to secure the best possible outcome in your custody case, by giving you your strongest voice in the family law process. To schedule a consultation or learn more about our services, contact Schmitt Law, PLLC online or call (616) 608-4634.

Should My Kids Be On Social Media?

March 30, 2023 By Laurie Schmitt

Should you allow your kids to be using social media platforms and allowing your children to publicly document their entire childhood? This article will share how allowing your children to be on social media platforms can harm your custody case, and how judges approach this subject.

HOW JUDGES LOOK AT CHILDREN’S USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Judges often take the position that is shows poor judgment when parents allow their children to be on social media platforms. Judges also believe allowing children to be on social media platforms is inappropriate.

Note, that if you allow your children to be on a social media platform, it can be used against you in a custody case. Why?

In the State of Michigan, providing appropriate guidance for your children is one of the best interest factors judges review to make a determination regarding custody and parenting time. Judges take the position that allowing your child to be on social media can be evidence that you are not providing appropriate guidance for your children.

Additionally, judges believe allowing children to be on social media platforms can speak to your home environment. And a parent’s home environment is yet another best interest factor judges review in making their final decision on custody.

TERMS OF SERVICE FOR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

As a parent you need to understand the terms of service for each social media platform your children may be using. What is the minimum age for each platform? Judges do not take it lightly when parents allow their child to be on social media platform when they are too young to legally be on the platforms.

HOW SOCIAL MEDIA CAN HARM YOUR CHILD AS AN ADULT

Judges also believe your children can suffer long term consequences for statements made on social media platforms. Anything your children post on social media platforms can remain there forever. These posts can have significant impact your children as they become adults looking to get into college, looking for that scholarship, and looking for the first job.

REAL LIFE STORY

A story shared by a judge at a conference went as follows: the child was accepted to college on a full athletic scholarship. When the college did a background check on the child’s use of social media, they found comments they did not approve of.

These comments were made when the child was in high school. Yet, those comments were used against the child as the college rescinded this child’s athletic scholarship and admission into college.

To conclude, if you are in a custody battle, you need to think twice about allowing your children to be active on social media platforms. Of course, if your children are on social media platforms and how it can impact your case is dependent on your judge’s personal perspective, and can vary from judge to judge.

CONTACT SCHMITT LAW, PLLC FOR LEGAL ADVICE ON CUSTODY. GRAND RAPIDS FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.

If you are concerned about your children being on social media platforms while at the ex’s house, Schmitt Law, PLLC. We’ll help you pursue the best outcome in your family law dispute. To schedule a consultation or learn more about our services, contact us online or call (616) 608-4634.

What Do These Words Mean? Divorce Terms – Simplified

March 27, 2023 By Laurie Schmitt

As if the decision of getting divorced isn’t stressful enough, there’s the confusion of learning the legalese that’s used by the court and attorneys through your divorce process. The following is a glossary of terms you may hear throughout your divorce.

Affidavit: A written statement of facts made under oath and signed before a Notary Public. Affidavits are attached to motions and are used to support the allegations being made. The attorney will prepare an affidavit to present relevant facts, and the person making the statements will sign the Affidavit.

Allegation: A statement that one party claims is true.

Answer: A written response to the Complaint for Divorce. It serves to admit or deny the allegations in the Complaint for Divorce.

Child Custody: The legal rights and responsibilities awarded by a court for the possession of, care of, and decision-making for a minor child.

Child Support: Financial support for a child paid by one parent to the other parent.

Complaint for Divorce: The first document filed with the clerk of court in an action for divorce. The Complaint for Divorce sets forth the facts on which the relief is based.

Contempt of Court: The willful and intentional failure of a party to comply with a court order. Contempt of court may be punishable by fines or incarceration.

Contested Divorce Case: A case in which the parties cannot reach an agreement and requires a trial to have the judge decide the disputed issues.

Court Order: A court-issued document setting forth the orders entered by the judge presiding over the divorce. A “Consent Order” can be issued based upon the parties’ agreement. An Order can also be issued based on the judge’s decision.

Cross-Examination: The questioning of a witness by the opposing attorney during trial in response to questions asked by the other attorney.

Defendant: The responding party to a divorce; the party who did not file the Complaint for Divorce.

Deposition: A witness’s testimony taken out of court, under oath, and in the presence of lawyers and a court reporter. If a person gives different testimony at the time of trial, he or she can be impeached with their deposition testimony.

Direct Examination: The initial questioning of a witness in court by the attorney who called him or her to the stand.

Discovery: A process used by lawyers to discover information from the opposing party for the purpose of fully assessing a case for settlement or trial. Some types of discovery include interrogatories, requests for production of documents, and requests for admissions.

Equitable Distribution of Property: The method by which real and personal property and debts are divided in a divorce. Michigan law requires that marital property and debts be divided in an equitable manner.

Ex Parte: The term used to describe an appearance of only one party or attorney before the judge, without the other party or attorney being present. As an example, if you file an ex parte motion, you are asking the judge to sign it prior to a hearing being held, and before the other party has knowledge or ability to challenge the motion.

Hearing: Any proceeding before the court for the purpose of resolving disputed issues between the parties through the presentation of testimony, affidavits, exhibits, or argument.

Hold-Harmless Clause: A term in a Judgment of Divorce that requires one party to assume responsibility for a debt and to protect the other spouse from any loss or expense in connection with it. Basically, one party is ordered to hold the other party harmless from liability.

Interrogatories: Written questions sent from one party to the other that are used to obtain facts or information related to the divorce.

Joint Legal Custody: The parents share the decision-making rights, responsibilities, and authority relating to the health, education, and welfare of their child.

Joint Physical Custody: When each of the parents have significant, but not necessarily equal, periods of time with the child.

Judgment of Divorce: A final court order dissolving the marriage, dividing property and debts, ordering custody, parenting time, and child support.

Mediation: A process by which a neutral third party facilitates negotiations between the parties on the issues pending in the divorce.

Motion: A written pleading to the court requesting specific relief, such as temporary child support, child custody, or spousal maintenance.

Notice of Hearing: A written pleading listing the date and place of a hearing and the nature of the matters that will be heard by the court.

Party: The person in a legal action whose rights or interests will be affected by the divorce.

Plaintiff: The person who filed the Complaint for Divorce.

Pleadings: Documents filed by the court.

Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO): A type of court order that provides for direct payment from a retirement account to a former spouse.

Request for Production of Documents: A written request for documents sent from one party to the other during the discovery process.

Show Cause: Written motion to the court to hold another person in contempt of court for violating or failing to comply with a current court order.

Stipulation: An agreement reached between parties.

Spousal Support: Payments from one party to the other.

Subpoena: A document delivered to a person or witness that requires him or her to appear in court, appear for a deposition or produce documents.

Temporary Restraining Order (TRO): An order of the court prohibiting a party from certain behavior. For example, a TRO may order a person not to transfer any funds during a pending divorce action.

Trial: A formal court hearing in which a judge will decide disputed issues raised by the parties’ pleadings.

GRAND RAPIDS COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.

We understand that filing for divorce can be an emotional and confusing experience. That’s why we are committed to providing personalized service to each client we represent and will be with you through this difficult journey. At Schmitt Law, PLLC we encourage clients to take a more collaborative approach to divorce that promotes positive communication and cooperation. Through mediation or the collaborative divorce process, Laurie guides her clients through amicable divorce settlements so they can move forward with their life. To discuss your circumstances and legal options, contact Schmitt Law, PLLC at (616) 608-4634 to schedule a consultation. Or contact us online to arrange a consultation.

Laurie Schmitt

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