- DivorceFoster and Harmon, P.C. in East Lansing MI are dedicated to providing sound legal advice and effective representation to individuals, couples and families who are involved in divorce and family law matters in Mid Michigan.
- Child SupportYou or your spouse must live in Michigan for at least 180 days and in the county in which you file for at least 10 days prior to filing. These requirements are not necessary for other types of actions, such as a custody case or child support case, and sometimes, if the 6 month period cannot be met, another action can be filed to obtain necessary court orders, and that case can be merged into a divorce action later on.
- Child Custody and VisitationMistakes during a divorce or child custody case can cost you money, time, and emotional energy. To help your case go smoothly, we recommend hiring an experienced divorce attorney. They will be able to point out some of the common pitfalls and misconceptions people encounter when filing for divorce.
- AdoptionIn Michigan, in certain cases a step parent can adopt a step child. If the biological parents are divorced, or in some cases where they were never married, and the custodial parent has remarried, the custodial parent and their spouse can join in a petition for adoption. The non-custodial parent can consent to have his/her parental rights terminated, and the step parent can proceed with the request to adopt. If the biological parent has not substantially visited or supported the child for two years or more, the court can terminate their rights in a step parent adoption proceeding without the non-custodial parent's consent. The non-custodial parent's rights are terminated in a court proceeding, either by consent or by court order if there has been no support or visitation for two years or more. In most cases the step parent and the biological parent must be married for at least a year before the adoption can be finalized. After the petition for adoption is filed, a home study is completed to make sure that the adoption is proper. After the termination proceeding and after the home study, the adoption can be finalized. The custodial parent and step parent appear in court with the child in a closed proceeding, and the judge issues an order for a final adoption. This is usually a very emotional and happy time for both the parents and the child. Our Lansing/East Lansing adoption attorney can help you with any questions about a step parent adoption, and can guide you through this process.
- Premarital Agreement
- GuardianshipPlanning attorneys will give you that peace of mind by preparing for you various estate planning documents, or tools, that will address the concerns unique to your family. The estate planning attorneys at Foster & Harmon in East Lansing, MI will first identify your goals and then develop a plan to fit your needs. Our attorneys at Foster & Harmon concentrate on estate planning, probate and trust administration, and guardianship.
- Spousal SupportIn Michigan, the stator grounds to file for divorce require that there has been “a breakdown of the marriage to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved”. Simply put, Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, so if one spouse wants out of a marriage, they can get a divorce, even if the other spouse does not want the divorce. However, fault is still considered in the overall property division or in the case of alimony, although the degree to which it is considered varies from judge to judge. Our Michigan divorce attorneys can counsel you in what conduct would constitute “fault”.
- Legal SeparationPsychology Today is referring to the tendencies of children to act in these ways in accordance to their age. If your children respond differently to your legal separation, don’t worry. Each child is different.
- AnnulmentIn Michigan, there are three ways to end a marriage; annulment, separate maintenance and divorce. Michigan does not have what is referred to as a “legal separation”. An Annulment is a request for a court to find that a marriage never did exist because of a fraud or legal impossibility or irregularity, such as bigamy or underage of a partner. An annulment is not granted merely because the marriage is of short duration, although often times the parties can stipulate to an annulment where the marriage is short and there are not assets. A Judgment of Separate Maintenance is procedurally the same as a divorce except that the marriage is not severed. Generally a Judgment of Separate Maintenance is used for religious purposes, or in some cases to preserve medical benefits.
- Criminal Defense
- DUI/DWIHave you or a loved one been recently convicted of a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offense? If so, you’ll want to read this blog post to learn how your life may change in the coming months. A
- Wrongful DeathAt Foster & Harmon P.C., our Wrongful Death Attorneys centrally located in Lansing, MI, are experienced with the elements of wrongful death suits involving; the cause of death, who is liable for the death, and who can claim the wrongful death. Wrongful Death is defined as the death of an individual as a direct result of the negligence of another individual, company, or entity. Wrongful death claims are usually sought after by relatives, siblings, or members of the decedent’s estate who have lost a considerable amount of money due to the wrongful death of the decedent. Our Wrongful Death Attorneys can help you out with all legal issues involving wrongful death claims against companies and individuals statewide in Michigan.
- Traffic ViolationsOur experienced drunk driving defense and criminal attorneys can help. Our services include, DUI & DWI defense, investigation of every part of the traffic stop and arrest, filing of all appropriate motions to reduce or drop charges, court representation and defense of all related traffic violations.
- Fraud
- White Collar Crimes
- Theft
- MisdemeanorsIn Michigan, a felony is defined as a crime for which the potential punishment carries greater than one year in county jail. Felonies can be capital in nature (i.e., life imprisonment), can carry a statutory maximum in prison (i.e., 10 years), or can function as a "high-court misdemeanor" (i.e., 2 year maximum). If you are charged with a felony, your case will begin with an arraignment—which is held either in jail or via a "self-surrender." Then, you are entitled to a preliminary examination, where the prosecutor is required to prove your guilt to send your case to trial. Our attorneys at Foster & Harmon have handled hundreds of preliminary examinations for virtually every felony charge imaginable, and would be glad to review your case to see if your case might be dismissed at this early stage. Our attorneys and legal staff are dedicated to helping you through this stressful time.
- EmbezzlementThe embezzlement and fraud attorneys at Foster and Harmon, P.C. understand what you are facing. We provide experienced defense to those accused of fraudulently taking money or other property from another person or company where there was a relationship of trust.
- Drug CrimesLaw Firm of Foster & Harmon P.C., located in East Lansing, MI are ready to defend your rights to the fullest and protect you. Drug crimes span a wide spectrum between minor offenses, such as possession of a small amount of
- AssaultIn contrast, a misdemeanor is a crime for which the maximum punishment is one year in county jail. Put simply, misdemeanor offenses do not carry the threat of prison. They range from low-level misdemeanors (trespass, retail fraud) to crimes of violence (domestic violence, aggravated assault). Generally, you will either be arrested for a misdemeanor or sent a notice to appear at district court. On misdemeanor offenses, there is no preliminary examination; so many times the prosecution will proceed on the basis of the police report alone. This can be extraordinarily frustrating, especially if you believe the report is false or misleading. Your attorney may be the only person fighting for your position. If you have been sent a notice to appear, investigated or arrested for a misdemeanor, our lawyers will be glad to help.
- Restraining OrderOften times an order to prevent the disposition of assets is filed at the same time a Complaint for Divorce if filed. These orders are mutual and prevent the disposition or sale of marital assets while the Divorce is pending, while allowing the parties to carry on the everyday required payment of bills.
- Forgery
- Money Laundering
- Extortion
- Workers CompensationWorker’s compensation insurance. However, there are some exceptions. The workers compensation attorneys at Foster & Harmon have put together some help tips to know when
- Employment DiscriminationWhile it is illegal to discriminate against a job seeker who has recently gone through bankruptcy, this doesn’t mean that it never happens. Your prospective employer is within their rights to check your credit history, especially if you are applying for a job that involves
- Employment ContractDUI can even cause you to lose your job. Certain employment contracts allow your employer to fire you for being convicted of a crime.
- Personal InjuryOur personal injury attorneys at Foster & Harmon P.C. specialize in Personal Injury law and all corresponding legal issues are here to assist you with any and all legal inquiries.
- Medical MalpracticeMedical malpractice is a doctor’s failure to exercise the degree of care and skill that a physician or surgeon of the same medical specialty would use under similar circumstances. In other words, this poor standard of care is negligence from a health professional that leads to injury. It is also commonly called med mal, and it is more prevalent than some believe. In fact, it is estimated that between 50% - 65% of all American doctors will be sued at least once in their careers. This is quite alarming, considering the amount of individuals in this field. Our experienced
- Auto Accidents
- Social Security DisabilitySocial security disability (SSD) is designed to financially assist those whose disabilities prevent them from working. In our professional opinion, we believe that hiring a social security disability attorney is a sound legal decision that can only improve your case's outcome. If you’re still unsure whether or not hiring a disability lawyer is necessary, ask yourself if you’re prepared to keep track of the paperwork, deadlines, and legal procedures to present your best case.
- Dog BitesSerious dog bites can also incur medical expenses. Knowing what legal steps to take after a dog bite can help you get the compensation you deserve after an unprovoked dog bite.
- Estate PlanningOne of the most common questions we get is whether or not estate planning is necessary for someone with few assets. The answer is that even if you don’t have very many assets, you will want to make sure you have a customized estate plan in place.
- WillsEmotions run high after people pass away, which is why it's important you have an ironclad will that can stand up in court. Well-meaning, but dissatisfied, family members can challenge a will if there are inconsistencies or loopholes.You want your will and testament to be strong enough that it can't be contested. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing that your assets will be distributed how you see fit. Read more about how to write your last will and testament! →
- TrustsThere are several ways to avoid probate, and a living trust is only one of them. Other methods include use of a Lady Bird Deed and beneficiary designations on assets such as life insurance, IRA’s, 401-K and annuities.
- Power of AttorneyA will directs how a person’s probated estate is distributed upon death. A will does not come into effect unless there is a probate estate. A will does not affect property that passes directly by joint ownership or by beneficiary designation. A will also allows you to control who is appointed as personal representative, trustee, or guardian for minor children. A will only comes into play upon death; as opposed to a durable power of attorney, which allows for management of property in the case of disability during the lifetime of the client. A will does not avoid probate; it guarantees it.
- Probate
- BankruptcyLansing Bankruptcy Law Attorney Richard Foster, recognizes that confidentiality and efficient service are of paramount importance. Attorney Foster assures you that your matter is attended to quickly and remains your business alone. Lansing Michigan Bankruptcy Attorney Foster also realizes that this is a serious decision and wants to provide you with all the information you need to feel confident, both in your decisions and in the firm, Foster & Harmon P.C.
- ForeclosureChapter 13 can save your home from foreclosure if you are behind on payments or owe unpaid property taxes! A chapter 13 filing will stop the foreclosure and give you the right to repay the arrearage through a Court supervised repayment plan. Do not wait to consult with a bankruptcy attorney. The changes made by BAPCPA (the bankruptcy reform laws) make it necessary that you seek legal advice well in advance of the sale date to plan the case. You must also obtain a credit counseling certificate before filing any bankruptcy case.
- Debt Collection