Legal Resources
Family Law - An Overview
Family law is the term applied to the laws and rules developed regarding family relationships. Family law rules define not only the relationships between members of a family but also between a family and society as a whole. More than any other area of the law, family law reflects the values society shares regarding how people who are related should treat each other. When you are faced with an important life decision regarding a key family relationship, the advice and assistance of a family law attorney, like those at Mark F. Haslem PC in Grand Rapids, Michigan, often proves crucial to your understanding of the issues involved and your satisfaction with the ultimate outcome of your family law matter.
Typically, family law attorneys assist people in making and breaking family relationships. Specific areas of representation include marriage and relationship planning, divorce, paternity, child custody, and child support. Some family law attorneys also provide assistance in the area of adoption.
SEE OUR FAMILY LAW LEGAL RESOURCE PAGE
-------------------------------------------------
Estate Planning - An Overview
Mark F. Haslem PC's estate planning, probate, and estate administration practice focuses on helping our clients achieve comprehensive estate planning goals and tax-saving strategies. Our practice is designed to allow clients to direct the transfer of their assets according to their wishes, keeping the estate out of probate court and keeping taxes and expenses to a minimum. We will give you the peace of mind that your affairs will be taken care of properly without leaving any unnecessary burdens on the ones you leave behind.
SEE OUR ESTATE PLANNING LEGAL RESOURCE PAGE
-------------------------------------------------
Employment Law - An Overview
Employment law regulates how employers must treat both past and present employees, as well as job applicants. Mark F. Haslem, PC specializes in a wide variety of employment law practices.
SEE EMPLOYMENT LAW LEGAL RESOURCE PAGE
-------------------------------------------------
Bankruptcy - An Overview
The Bankruptcy Code is divided into chapters. The chapters which usually apply to consumer debtors are chapter 7, known as a Liquidation, and chapter 13, known as an Adjustment of the Debts of an Individual with Regular Income. An important feature applicable to all types of bankruptcy filings is the automatic stay.
The automatic stay means that the mere request for bankruptcy protection automatically "stays" or forces an abrupt halt to repossessions, foreclosures, evictions, garnishments, attachments, utility shutoffs, and debt collection harassment. It offers debtors a breathing spell by giving the debtor and the trustee assigned to the case time to review the situation and develop an appropriate plan. Creditors cannot take any further action against the debtor or the property without permission from the bankruptcy court.
Contact Mark F. Haslem to Protect Your Rights
Mark F. Haslem, PC
Grand Plaza Place Suite 450
220 Lyon Square NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2208
Phone: (616) 742-6732
Fax: (616) 774-8203
_____________________
Frequently Asked Questions about Family Law
Q: What is the legal definition of marriage?
A: Most states define marriage as a civil contract between a man and a woman to become husband and wife. The standard way to marry is to get a marriage license from a state-authorized official and participate in a formal civil or religious wedding ceremony. While most states will not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, the laws regarding same-sex marriage continue to evolve. Contact an attorney at our firm to learn more about the marriage laws in our state.
Q: What are the legal effects of marriage?
A: There are several federal and state laws that benefit married couples. Some examples include the right to file joint income tax returns, create a family limited partnership (FLP) under federal tax laws, create a marital life estate trust, receive survivor benefits, receive a share of your deceased spouse's estate under intestate succession laws, and claim the estate tax marital deduction.
Follow Our Blogs:
