Legal Services

Are you struggling to pay your bills? Chapter 7 Bankruptcy is designed to permanently eliminate unsecured debt, such as credit cards, medical bills, utilities and more. There are options under Chapter 7 that will allow you to keep your house and cars if you are current on your monthly payments. In most cases, we are able to protect all of your assets. A Chapter 7 is typically completed 90 days after filing.

A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is a debt repayment plan. The debtor makes payments to the bankruptcy trustee over a period of three to five years. During that time, the debtor catches up on any arrearages on secured debts and pays a percentage of his or her unsecured debts. When the plan is successfully completed, the remaining balance of the unsecured debts is discharged.

Ending your marriage is not an easy decision. Divorce involves many issues, including division of property and marital debts. When children are involved, divorce also includes custody, parenting time, and child support. Attorney Ellis will help you protect yourself both financially and emotionally during this difficult time.

In Michigan, child support is governed by statutory law, and courts will use guidelines that are based on monthly net income. The court will generally order the non-custodial parent to provide support for a child living with the other parent. The financial obligation to support a child is independent of parental rights, such as whether or not they have custody or visitation rights with respect to those children. If you want to establish child support, or if you are paying child support and want to have your case reviewed, contact Attorney Ellis for a consultation.

Individuals may deal with custody issues during a divorce, after a divorce, or as part of a relationship that may not have included marriage. Attorney Ellis understands that nothing is as important to you as your children. She will advocate for your rights as a parent and help you protect the best interests of your children.

Parenting time is the time that a child spends with his or her parents. If the parents can agree on a schedule, the courts will generally uphold the agreement, if it is flexible and reasonable. If the parties, however, cannot agree, the court will issue an order specifying exactly when the child will spend time with the non-custodial parent. Attorney Ellis will assist you through this process and advocate for your rights as a parent.

The purpose of spousal support is to ensure an adequate income stream for persons who are economically dependent as a result of the marital relationship. There are many factors involved in determining the amount of spousal support in case – ability to pay, standard of living, age and physical condition of the parties, duration of the marriage. Attorney Ellis will help you evaluate your situation and obtain a fair settlement.

A Power of Attorney is a legal process that gives an individual the right and authority to act on another’s behalf in legal matters. A General Durable Power of Attorney grants the right to make financial decisions and transactions on your behalf. A medical power of attorney, also known as an Advance Directive, allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to speak for yourself.

When a loved one dies, it is an emotional and challenging time, as family, friends, and relatives struggle to deal with the loss and handle the legal challenges that arise. Attorney Ellis will help guide you through the complex legal process of transferring the decedent’s property and administering his or her estate.

Early planning can ease the burden placed on your loved ones at the time of your death. Having a Will ensures that your assets will be transferred according to your wishes and can help avoid unnecessary conflict and dispute among family members.