Contested Divorce: When the spouses cannot reach an agreement on all or certain issues, the court will set a hearing date in which both spouses’ attorneys will have the opportunity to argue each spouse’s case. This divorce trial process only takes place when the divorce negotiations on all or some of the issues cannot be resolved before the court date. The spouses should be encouraged by both lawyers to engage in good faith but have aggressive negotiations. This means that a divorce lawyer should be mindful of the cost, both emotional and financial, and risk of litigating a divorce while keeping in mind what is of crucial importance to the divorce client.
Child Support
Violating a court’s child support order is against the law. At Upper Michigan Law, we have extensive resources that can be used to help you collect past due child support payments. Our lawyers can initiate wage garnishment for the parent who refuses to make their child support payments. Speak with our legal team today to get help collecting the payments you are owed.
Child Custody and Visitation
At Upper Michigan Law, our goal is to get you a fair custody and visitation settlement through mediation or other resolution processes. However, if this cannot be achieved, we are ready to litigate your case at trial. You can depend on our experienced litigation team.
Adoption
Paternity
Guardianship
Our family law attorneys also represent victims or perpetrators of domestic violence. We offer legal guidance in civil protection order proceedings and can defend people accused of domestic violence in criminal proceedings. We also take on adoption, guardianship, juvenile delinquency, child abuse, and neglect cases.
Spousal Support
When a couple decides to get a divorce, the court might award spousal support to one of the divorced parties. Sometimes spousal support awards are based on an agreement between the couple or a decision that has been made by the court itself.
A crime in which violence is used or threatened is taken very seriously by prosecutors and judges. A conviction can routinely cost you up to a year in prison, considerable fines, and leave an almost indelible stain on your record, potentially limiting your future prospects at purchasing a home or finding a job. You need to be proactive with any accusation of committing a violent crime, and call a trusted Escanaba criminal defense attorney immediately to prepare your defense.
DUI/DWI
Have you been arrested for an OWI (DUI) in Escanaba or surrounding areas of the Upper Peninsula? At Upper Michigan Law, our OWI defense lawyers have the experience and knowledge necessary to providing aggressive and effective representation to fight your charges. We understand that OWI convictions can have a significantly negative impact on your life and we are ready to work relentlessly toward a positive outcome for your case.
Fraud
White Collar Crimes
White collar crimes are those generally nonviolent offenses which are aimed at defrauding a business, entrepreneur, or public official. Because vast sums of money are often involved, federal agencies are typically called upon to apprehend and prosecute the alleged offender, which means much worse penalties at stake compared to the average state crime.
Theft
Misdemeanors
Drug charges vary widely from misdemeanors to felonies which can include fines, prison sentences, and other penalties. Charges can depend largely on the type and amount of drugs in question.
Embezzlement
Drug Crimes
Michigan’s laws on enforcing drug crimes and operating under the influence are some of the toughest in the country. The state enacts a zero-tolerance policy. Anyone who is found operating a vehicle while using any controlled substance can be considered criminally liable.
Assault
In order to avoid the harsh sentences of an assault or aggravated assault conviction, it is essential to understand your legal options for defense and have an efficient and dedicated attorney in your corner. We can take the time to thoroughly investigate and analyze your case to gather necessary evidence and testimony to ensure that your rights are protected.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the blastomycosis outbreak at the Billerud Escanaba paper mill, you may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. Workers' compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill in the course of their employment.
Suffering a car accident can be a jarring experience, both physically and emotionally. The shock is much worse if you have sustained a serious injury in the accident. When another person harms you in a car accident, you need to understand how liability works in your state for car accident injuries. Our Escanaba personal injury lawyers can help you understand how liability functions and how to recover the compensation you need for your medical bills, wage loss and help around the house.
Social Security Disability
If you have become disabled, you may be entitled to receive disability insurance benefits. Regardless of your current financial status, Social Security Disability benefits can still be offered as an alternative source of financial support as you will not have the ability to work or provide for yourself or your family.
Dog Bites
For those who were the victim of a dog attack, the Escanaba personal injury attorneys at our firm are fully prepared to hold the owner liable for your injuries. We are well-versed on the particular state statutes which relate to dog bites and we are fierce advocates for the rights of our clients who are injured through no fault of their own.
Our team of attorneys in Escanaba has over 40 years of experience serving the community with our professional yet personable services. Attorney Katie Clark specializes in estate planning and probate and can help you formulate the will or trust you need. Katie Clark is Upper Michigan Law's premier estate planning specialist.
Wills
Estate Planning – Estate planning deals with establishing wills and trusts in order to avoid probate upon the untimely death of a loved one and help those manage assets within their family.