Emily K. Catania, Esq.

06/03/2026

AI can be a powerful tool for learning and creating a starting point for important legal documents like prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. But there is a major difference between generating a document and creating an enforceable agreement.

Legal documents must account for state law, local court requirements, venue specific rules, and legal frameworks that AI often cannot fully evaluate or apply. What looks like a money saving shortcut today could become a costly problem tomorrow if your agreement is challenged and found unenforceable.

A free contract may seem like a great deal, but it could end up being the most expensive mistake you make when litigation becomes necessary to sort out what should have been handled correctly from the start.

06/01/2026

🚨 A major shift could be coming to 401(k) plans.

The Department of Labor has proposed a rule that may make it easier for retirement plans to offer alternative investments like private markets, real estate, infrastructure, and lifetime income solutions.

Why it matters:

✔ More investment flexibility

✔ Potentially broader diversification

✔ New considerations for retirement planning—and even divorce settlements involving 401(k) assets.

Swipe through for the key takeaways.

Educational purposes only. This is not tax, legal, investment, or financial advice. Consult qualified professionals regarding your specific situation.

06/01/2026

Think jurors are judging your case? They’re judging YOU too.

After years in Michigan and New York courtrooms, I’ve seen the same red flags trigger juror suspicion again and again.

In this video, I’m breaking down 5 things that instantly make jurors question your credibility before you’ve even finished speaking.

Some of these mistakes are surprisingly common.

Watch until #5 because it’s the one people do without realizing it.

Have you ever served on a jury? Which one stood out to you most?

aitips

05/31/2026

You can be 100% right on the facts and still lose the room.
One of the biggest lessons from the courtroom: tone wins arguments. Juries do not just evaluate what you say. They evaluate how you say it. Confidence, credibility, and connection often matter more than being technically correct.
If you want people to listen, trust, and agree with you, start paying attention to your tone.
Have you ever seen someone lose an argument even though they were right?

05/29/2026

Street Tips from a Local Litigator: credibility is currency. Once you lose it in court, in business, or in life, it is hard to get back.

Example: if you tell the court you always prioritize your child’s schedule but the text messages and emails show otherwise, your credibility takes a hit. Judges remember consistency and so do clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel.

The strongest position is not always the loudest one. It is the one backed by facts, consistency, and truth. Protect your credibility like it is your most valuable asset because it is.

05/28/2026

You’d be shocked what ends up as courtroom evidence 👀 Fantasy football group chats. DoorDash receipts. Apple Watch data. The things people think “don’t matter” can absolutely matter in litigation.

05/27/2026

In Michigan, if a child is born during a marriage, the spouse is presumed to be the legal parent, even if they are not the biological parent. That means the biological father usually cannot be added to the birth certificate at the hospital without a court order. See Michigan’s Revocation of Parentage Act, MCL 722.1441.

05/27/2026

Think before you post because opposing counsel definitely will. If you’re in litigation, your social media can do more damage than you think. And before filing a lawsuit, make sure there isn’t a smoking gun sitting on your own Instagram, TikTok, or page. Sometimes the best post is no post at all.

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

“Upsizing” your home is not always about more square footage. According to , it is about stepping into a better, new, or completely different chapter of your life. That mindset allows her to tailor the home buying and selling process to what each client truly needs.
As an attorney, I love working with Ashley because she treats her clients the same way I do: with strategy, care, and a focus on long term outcomes.

Divorce tip: involve a real estate agent early in the divorce process. Understanding housing options, equity, and timing upfront can make a major difference in settlement planning and peace of mind.