Sharon L. Michaels, Attorney

09/02/2026

Getting divorced later in life? A "gray divorce" requires unraveling decades of shared financial planning. From updating beneficiaries to tracking down all marital assets, here are the three critical financial moves you must make to protect your retirement.

Not all marriages are "happy ever after." Many couples are divorcing later in life, forcing older adults to rebuild retirement plans after sharing finances.

08/28/2026

Navigating a military divorce involves unique federal guidelines, such as the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act (USFSPA). From military pension division to healthcare eligibility, understanding these rules helps protect both parties.

Learn more: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/relationships/separation-divorce/divorced-military-spouse-rights-benefits/?

Learn about your rights and unique legal issues for divorced spouses due to military service. Here are some items to consider as you move through this process.

08/27/2026

A living will ensures your preferences for emergency medical care are clearly documented if you become unable to communicate. Setting up your advance directives early protects your wishes and eases the burden on loved ones. Learn what to include: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning/preparing-living-will

08/26/2026

Domestic violence can affect anyone in any relationship. Securing medical care, creating a safety plan, preserving evidence, and exploring protective orders are essential steps to protect your health and legal rights.

Intimate partner violence, or domestic violence, can be difficult to see if it starts little by little, if your partner says they love you

08/25/2026

A living trust keeps your assets out of probate court, but a will is still essential to appoint guardians for minor children. Pairing a trust with a backup "pour-over" will gives you complete protection. Learn the key differences between wills and trusts here.

https://www.willmaker.com/learn/living-trusts/trust-vs-will-do-you-need-both.html

08/21/2026

A divorce decree doesn't automatically remove your name from a joint mortgage. To protect your credit and financial independence, options like refinancing, spousal buyouts, or selling the home must be explicitly addressed in your settlement.

Read the guide:

One of the biggest decisions splitting couples face is what to do with their home. Here’s what to know about divorce and your mortgage.

08/20/2026

Can a nursing home hold family members personally responsible for a relative's care bills? Under federal law, admission contracts cannot force caregivers to guarantee payment from personal assets. Learn how to review agreements and protect your estate

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/resources-for-older-adults/know-your-rights-caregivers-and-nursing-home-debt/

08/19/2026

Dividing a shared home during a divorce? From selling and splitting proceeds to buyout refinances and temporary joint ownership, choosing the right path requires clear financial strategy. Learn how to evaluate your options.

Here are the three main ways you can divide up your home's equity after a divorce.

08/18/2026

What happens to your assets if you pass away without a valid will? Dying intestate leaves major financial decisions to state probate courts instead of your loved ones. Learn how intestate succession works and why having a clear plan matters. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/intestate.asp

08/14/2026

An uncontested divorce means both spouses fully agree on critical terms like property division, debt responsibility, and child custody. Putting these agreed terms into a formal settlement document helps protect your individual rights and long-term financial security. Reaching a complete agreement gives both parties full control over the outcome instead of leaving final life choices to a judge.

https://www.justia.com/family/divorce/the-divorce-process/contested-vs-uncontested-divorce/