Divorce Fast & Easy In Michigan

Hosted by Akiva Goldman

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300

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Aug 2026

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Michigan attorney discussing frequently asked family law questions. Click the link to schedule a complimentary phone case evaluation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687

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August 27, 2026Episode 52 min

S11 Ep05: Can Divorce Papers Be Served at a Funeral or Hospital?

#ChooseGoldman Serving divorce papers at a sensitive location like a funeral or hospital is legally permissible in many jurisdictions, but it is often discouraged due to potential ethical and court-related complications. A judge may view service under such distressing circumstances as harassment or abuse of process, potentially leading to challenges in court. • Serving divorce papers at a funeral or hospital is technically possible under the law. • Such service is generally discouraged because it can be seen as highly insensitive or harassing. • Courts may look unfavorably upon service conducted during times of acute vulnerability or grief. • Using aggressive tactics for service can complicate your case and annoy the presiding judge. • It is always best to consult with an experienced attorney to determine appropriate and legally sound methods of service. Download Divorce & Custody Survival Guide. Click here: https://akivagoldman.com/free-legal-ebook/ Schedule Your Complimentary Phone Consultation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428 Learn more in our blog: https://akivagoldman.com/blog/divorce/can-divorce-papers-be-served-at-a-funeral-or-hospital For more information: https://akivagoldman.com/michigan-divorce-lawyer Visit us at https://akivagoldman.com/ #Goldmanandassociateslawfirm #ChooseGoldman #ChooseGoldmanLaw #DivorceService #LegalProcess #FamilyLawMichigan #DivorceTips Akiva Goldman Michigan Family Law Attorney Goldman & Associates Law Firm ChooseGoldman.com

August 26, 20261 min

S11 Ep04: How Is Divorce Handled If a Spouse Is Mentally Incompetent?

#ChooseGoldman When a spouse is declared mentally incompetent, the court utilizes specific legal procedures to ensure the divorce process moves forward while protecting their rights. A declaration of incompetence does not stop a divorce proceeding or force a couple to stay together. • The court will appoint a guardian or Guardian Ad Litem to represent an incompetent spouse and safeguard their best interests during the divorce • An incompetent person stating they do not want a divorce will not stop the case, as Michigan is a no-fault divorce state where only one spouse needs to want out for it to be granted • The court-appointed representative ensures the incapacitated person receives an equitable share of the marital estate and necessary spousal support for long-term care • The court-appointed fiduciary works directly with trial counsel rather than allowing the lawyer to make unilateral personal decisions for the client • The representative effectively steps into the shoes of the person declared incompetent to advocate for their best interests throughout the proceedings Download Divorce & Custody Survival Guide. Click here: https://akivagoldman.com/free-legal-ebook/ Schedule Your Complimentary Phone Consultation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428 Click the link to watch: https://youtu.be/EpeHRzCcquw Learn more in our blog: https://akivagoldman.com/blog/divorce/how-is-divorce-handled-if-a-spouse-is-mentally-incompetent For more information: https://akivagoldman.com/michigan-divorce-lawyer Visit us at https://akivagoldman.com/ #Goldmanandassociateslawfirm #ChooseGoldman #ChooseGoldmanLaw #DivorceLaw #MentalIncompetence #FamilyLaw #GuardianAdLitem #MichiganDivorce Akiva Goldman Michigan Family Law Attorney Goldman & Associates Law Firm ChooseGoldman.com

August 21, 2026Episode 32 min

S11 Ep03: How Does Divorce Work If Your Spouse Lives Abroad?

#ChooseGoldman Navigating a divorce when your spouse lives abroad is entirely possible as long as you meet Michigan's residency requirements. This episode explores the legal process and challenges involved in international divorces. • You can file for divorce in Michigan if you have been a state resident for at least 180 days prior to filing. • You must file in the specific county where you have resided for at least the 10 days preceding the filing. • Having a spouse who lives in another country, such as the United Kingdom, does not prevent you from moving forward with a divorce. • The primary legal challenge in an international divorce is successfully effectuating valid service of process using an international courier or process server. • Once properly served, spouses living abroad frequently hire local Michigan attorneys to represent them in the proceedings. Download Divorce & Custody Survival Guide. Click here: https://akivagoldman.com/free-legal-ebook/ Schedule Your Complimentary Phone Consultation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428 Learn more in our blog: https://akivagoldman.com/blog/divorce/how-does-divorce-work-if-your-spouse-lives-abroad For more information: https://akivagoldman.com/michigan-divorce-lawyer Visit us at https://akivagoldman.com/ #Goldmanandassociateslawfirm #ChooseGoldman #ChooseGoldmanLaw #InternationalDivorce #MichiganDivorce #DivorceLaw #SpouseAbroad #FamilyLaw Akiva Goldman Michigan Family Law Attorney Goldman & Associates Law Firm ChooseGoldman.com

August 20, 2026Episode 21 min

S11 Ep02: Can You Go to Jail for Contempt in Family Court?

#ChooseGoldman Many people mistakenly believe that jail time is only possible in criminal cases, but family court judges can indeed hold individuals in contempt for violating court orders. This episode explores how civil contempt works in family law and the various penalties, including fines and potential jail time, that judges may impose. • Hollywood media often misleads people into thinking jail time is restricted exclusively to criminal cases. • Civil cases allow judges to hold individuals in contempt for violating court orders or the court's authority. • Penalties for contempt can include requiring an apology, imposing fines, or putting the person in jail. • Judges evaluate whether the violation was willful or accidental and whether a valid excuse exists. • Courts often provide opportunities to fix the violation or suspend jail sentences conditioned on compliance. Download Divorce & Custody Survival Guide. Click here: https://akivagoldman.com/free-legal-ebook/ Schedule Your Complimentary Phone Consultation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428 Learn more in our blog: https://akivagoldman.com/blog/family-law/can-you-go-to-jail-for-contempt-in-family-court For more information: https://akivagoldman.com/michigan-family-law-attorney Visit us at https://akivagoldman.com/ #Goldmanandassociateslawfirm #ChooseGoldman #ChooseGoldmanLaw #FamilyLaw #ContemptOfCourt #LegalReality #DivorceCourt Akiva Goldman Michigan Family Law Attorney Goldman & Associates Law Firm ChooseGoldman.com

August 19, 2026Episode 11 min

S11 Ep01: How Do You Divorce a Spouse in Federal Prison?

#ChooseGoldman Filing for divorce from a spouse who is in federal prison is entirely possible, though it requires following specific legal procedures for service and response. Imprisonment does not pause the legal process, and failing to respond can result in serious default consequences. • You can still file for divorce and serve your spouse even if they are currently imprisoned. • Serving someone in jail requires coordinating with the facility's warden and the Department of Corrections. • An incarcerated spouse retains the responsibility to answer the divorce complaint, often by contacting a lawyer or relative. • Failing to respond in time leads to a court default, which blocks the imprisoned spouse from defending the case. • Default judgments are difficult to set aside later, as they require showing good cause and a meritorious defense. Download Divorce & Custody Survival Guide. Click here: https://akivagoldman.com/free-legal-ebook/ Schedule Your Complimentary Phone Consultation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428 Click the link to watch: https://youtu.be/mNMeswL3PNY Learn more in our blog: https://akivagoldman.com/blog/divorce/how-do-you-divorce-a-spouse-in-federal-prison For more information: https://akivagoldman.com/michigan-divorce-lawyer Visit us at https://akivagoldman.com/ #Goldmanandassociateslawfirm #ChooseGoldman #ChooseGoldmanLaw #PrisonDivorce #MichiganDivorce #IncarceratedSpouse #FamilyLaw #DivorceProcedure Akiva Goldman Michigan Family Law Attorney Goldman & Associates Law Firm ChooseGoldman.com

August 18, 2026Episode 1002 min

S10 Ep100: What Happens When Parents Disagree About Vaccinations?

#ChooseGoldman When co-parents strongly disagree on whether to vaccinate their children, the outcome depends on their legal custody arrangement and may ultimately require court intervention. This episode explores how shared versus sole legal custody impacts vaccination decisions and what happens when a judge has to make the final call. • Parents with a working relationship can often agree on best interests, but vaccinations remain a deeply divisive topic with strong opinions. • Disagreements commonly involve standard childhood vaccines, staggered schedules, or total opposition to vaccinations. • If parents share joint legal custody and cannot agree, neither can act unilaterally, and someone must file a motion in court. • If one parent holds sole legal custody, they have the authority to make the decision without the other parent's consent. • When a motion is filed, the court holds an evidentiary hearing where a judge must set aside personal opinions and decide based strictly on the facts and medical evidence. Download Divorce & Custody Survival Guide. Click here: https://akivagoldman.com/free-legal-ebook/ Schedule Your Complimentary Phone Consultation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428 Learn more in our blog: https://akivagoldman.com/blog/child-custody/what-happens-when-parents-disagree-about-vaccinations For more information: https://akivagoldman.com/michigan-child-custody-lawyer Visit us at https://akivagoldman.com/ #Goldmanandassociateslawfirm #ChooseGoldman #ChooseGoldmanLaw #ChildCustody #VaccinationDisputes #LegalCustody #FamilyLaw #ParentingRights Akiva Goldman Michigan Family Law Attorney Goldman & Associates Law Firm ChooseGoldman.com

August 17, 2026Episode 991 min

S10 Ep99: How Far Can a Parent Move Before It Counts as Relocation?

#ChooseGoldman Moving after a divorce often raises legal questions about distance limits, especially when a relocation impacts parenting time and school routines. Understanding how courts evaluate the best interests of the children during a move is essential for protecting your custody rights. • Moving more than 100 miles generally requires court permission, though laws can vary by state. • Some parents attempt to relocate just under the limit to deliberately make parenting time and school routines inconvenient. • Even a shorter move, such as 50 miles, can create significant logistical challenges for daily pickups and drop-offs. • Courts evaluate the totality of the children's best interest factors to determine whether a move makes legal sense. • Insisting on a relocation can prompt the court to alter custody orders, potentially shifting primary weekday parenting time to the parent living closer to the school. Download Divorce & Custody Survival Guide. Click here: https://akivagoldman.com/free-legal-ebook/ Schedule Your Complimentary Phone Consultation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428 Learn more in our blog: https://akivagoldman.com/blog/child-custody/how-far-can-a-parent-move-before-it-counts-as-relocation For more information: https://akivagoldman.com/michigan-child-custody-lawyer Visit us at https://akivagoldman.com/ #Goldmanandassociateslawfirm #ChooseGoldman #ChooseGoldmanLaw #ChildRelocation #ChildCustody #DivorceLaw #MichiganLaw #ParentingTime Akiva Goldman Michigan Family Law Attorney Goldman & Associates Law Firm ChooseGoldman.com

August 14, 2026Episode 982 min

S10 Ep98: What Is the Double Dipping Rule in Asset Division?

#ChooseGoldman Understanding the "double dipping" rule in asset division is crucial during a divorce when evaluating a business that provides both an underlying asset and personal income. This breakdown explores how courts distinguish between income and assets to ensure a fair division. • Explores the concept of double dipping where business income is used for alimony while the business asset itself is also divided. • Highlights the fundamental difference between income used for daily bills and underlying assets that grow over time. • Emphasizes the importance of obtaining an appropriate business valuation to determine the true worth of the asset apart from salary. • Discusses how a business's longevity and history of continuous sustenance add intrinsic value beyond physical equipment and accounts receivable. • Explains why the specific valuation formula used is crucial for fairly dividing the business and separating asset value from personal support income. Download Divorce & Custody Survival Guide. Click here: https://akivagoldman.com/free-legal-ebook/ Schedule Your Complimentary Phone Consultation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428 Learn more in our blog: https://akivagoldman.com/blog/divorce/what-is-the-double-dipping-rule-in-asset-division For more information: https://akivagoldman.com/michigan-divorce-lawyer Visit us at https://akivagoldman.com/ #Goldmanandassociateslawfirm #ChooseGoldman #ChooseGoldmanLaw #AssetDivision #BusinessValuation #DivorceLaw #Alimony #FamilyLaw Akiva Goldman Michigan Family Law Attorney Goldman & Associates Law Firm ChooseGoldman.com

August 13, 2026Episode 972 min

S10 Ep97: How Are Gambling Winnings Or Losses Treated In Property Division?

#ChooseGoldman This episode explores how courts handle gambling winnings, losses, and casino comps during a Michigan property division in divorce. Learn how the timing of the habit and whether it was mutually shared or hidden impacts the division of assets and liabilities. • Gambling winnings acquired during the marriage are generally considered marital assets subject to division. • Casino points, credits, and comps can represent significant marital assets that must be accounted for and divided. • Shared gambling losses that were mutually tolerated or participated in as a hobby are typically divided between the parties. • Hidden gambling done behind a spouse's back may protect the innocent spouse from being obligated to pay for those losses. • Courts closely examine the timing of the complaint and the history of the habit to determine an equitable division. Download Divorce & Custody Survival Guide. Click here: https://akivagoldman.com/free-legal-ebook/ Schedule Your Complimentary Phone Consultation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428 For additional information, watch this video: https://youtu.be/j4WUl7458n4 Learn more in our blog: https://akivagoldman.com/blog/family-law/how-are-gambling-winnings-or-losses-treated-in-property-division For more information: https://akivagoldman.com/michigan-family-law-attorney Visit us at https://akivagoldman.com/ #Goldmanandassociateslawfirm #ChooseGoldman #ChooseGoldmanLaw #GamblingInDivorce #PropertyDivision #AssetDivision #MichiganDivorce #FamilyLaw

August 12, 20261 min

S10 Ep96: How Are Student Loan Debts Allocated Between Spouses?

#ChooseGoldman Navigating student loan debt during a divorce involves understanding state laws, the timing of indebtedness, and how debt division impacts the fruits of your education. • Student loan debt allocation in a divorce depends on state law and the timing of the claim and indebtedness. • Expecting your spouse to pay half of your student loan generally means they acquire a 50 percent interest in your practice or education benefits. • A common and practical approach is for the debt to follow whoever received the benefit of the education and degree. • If a business or professional practice is established during the marriage, the division becomes more complex and goes beyond just the educational debt. • Demanding a financial contribution toward your student loans often results in having to share the value of your degree and career path with your former spouse. Download Divorce & Custody Survival Guide. Click here: https://akivagoldman.com/free-legal-ebook/ Schedule Your Complimentary Phone Consultation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17105687&appointmentType=18529428 For additional information, watch this video: https://youtu.be/j4WUl7458n4 Learn more in our blog: https://akivagoldman.com/blog/family-law/how-are-student-loan-debts-allocated-between-spouses For more information: https://akivagoldman.com/michigan-family-law-attorney Visit us at https://akivagoldman.com/ #Goldmanandassociateslawfirm #ChooseGoldman #ChooseGoldmanLaw #StudentLoanDebt #DivorceDebtDivision #MichiganFamilyLaw #StudentLoansAndDivorce Akiva Goldman Michigan Family Law Attorney Goldman & Associates Law Firm ChooseGoldman.com