The Kronzek Firm PLC

03/27/2026

Information from our family law team in Oakland County:

Parents who owe a significant amount of child support soon could lose their ability to travel internationally as the Trump administration expands and steps up enforcement of a 30-year-old law that allows the federal government to revoke American passports until payments are made, three U.S. officials told The Associated Press. That's great news for parents should be receiving child support but they struggle when those payments aren't made.

While passport revocations for past due child support of more than $2,500 have been permitted under 1996 federal legislation, the State Department had in the past acted only when someone applied to renew their travel document or sought other consular services. In other words, enforcement depended on the person approaching the department for assistance. Fortunately, that appears to be changing in the near future.

Starting soon, however, the department will begin to revoke passports on its own initiative based on data shared with it by the Health and Human Services Department, according to the U.S. officials familiar with the plan. Michigan law is clear. A child has the right to be supported by both parents.

03/06/2026

LEGAL ALERT FROM OUR TRIAL TEAM: Is Your Color Printer "Snitching" on You? ⚖️
Our trial attorneys are always learning more about technology forensics. This was a new one for us and most Michigan residents don’t realize that their home or office printer is leaving a digital fingerprint on every document they produce. If you’ve ever printed in color, you’ve likely participated in a silent tracking program without your consent.
The Hidden Secret: Machine Identification Codes (MIC)
Take a color-printed page and shine a blue LED light on it. You’ll see a faint grid of tiny yellow dots. These aren't a mistake; they are Machine Identification Codes.
These tiny dots, less than a millimeter wide, are automatically printed on every page you print on a color printer, by almost every major brand—including HP, Canon, and Xerox. They encode:
✅ Your printer’s unique serial number
✅ The exact date of printing
✅ The exact time you hit "Print."
Why This Matters for Your Privacy
Begun in the 1980s to detect counterfeiting, this spy technology is now a powerful forensic tool. In a famous 2017 case, a federal whistleblower was identified and sentenced to five years in prison after security researchers decoded the yellow dots on a secret, leaked document.
While you may not be handling government secrets, this "tracking kiss" applies to:
Confidential medical records
Sensitive financial documents
Anonymous correspondence

How to Protect Your Anonymity
At The Kronzek Firm, we value the privacy and rights of our fellow Michiganders. After all, we live and breathe security and confidentiality for our clients. If you are printing confidential information that requires true anonymity, consider using a black-and-white only laser printer. Because these machines lack yellow toner, they typically do not include these tracking patterns.
Knowledge is your best friend. Stay informed, stay private.
📊 Did you know? Researchers tested 106 printer models from 18 different manufacturers. 100% of them contained hidden tracking codes on every page printed.

The Kronzek Firm
📍 Lansing | Detroit
🌐

Family Law, Criminal Defense, CPS Defense, Estate Planning, Bankruptcy, Drunk Driving Defense, S*x Crime Defense and Civil Litigation. Call Now 517-886-1000

02/10/2026

It's tax time again, which means that our family law attorneys are getting lots of phone calls from our clients about child related tax exemptions and credits. Here is some general information, but always consult with your tax preparer before making tax filing decisions:

Understanding Child Tax Benefits After Divorce in Michigan

Navigating tax issues after divorce can be complicated for Michigan families. If you're a divorced or legally separated parent, understanding who can claim child-related federal tax benefits is crucial for your financial planning.

Who Gets to Claim the Child?

Under IRS regulations, the parent with whom the child spends the majority of nights during the tax year is generally considered the "custodial parent" for tax purposes. This custodial parent typically receives the right to claim various child-related tax benefits, including the dependency exemption and Child Tax Credit.

Can Tax Benefits Be Transferred?

Yes, under specific circumstances. Federal tax law allows the custodial parent to release certain tax benefits to the noncustodial parent by completing IRS Form 8332 (Release/Revocation of Release of Claim to Exemption for Child by Custodial Parent). When this form is properly executed and the noncustodial parent attaches it to their tax return, they may claim specific tax benefits.

What Benefits Can and Cannot Be Transferred?

It's important to understand that not all tax benefits can be released to the noncustodial parent. Certain benefits always remain with the custodial parent, including:

Head of Household filing status
Child and Dependent Care Credit
Earned Income Tax Credit (in most cases)

Additionally, the custodial parent retains the right to revoke a previously granted release of tax benefits by providing proper notice to the noncustodial parent and the IRS.

Michigan Divorce and Tax Planning

These federal tax rules interact with Michigan divorce judgments and parenting time arrangements. Your divorce settlement or custody order should address these tax considerations to prevent future disputes. The federal tax law does allow the Michigan Judgment of Divorce to deviate from some of the above guidelines. So our divorce attorneys regularly negotiate divorce agreements that take into consider that way that each parent may/may not use their children as tax exemptions or credits.

Get Professional Guidance

The intersection of Michigan family law and federal tax regulations is complex. When our legal team is negotiating a divorce settlement, modifying custody arrangements, or have questions about tax benefits, our experienced family law attorneys can help protect your interests.

Contact our Lansing or Oakland County, Michigan offices today to discuss your specific situation and ensure you're maximizing your tax benefits while complying with all applicable laws. You can reach us by calling 800-576-6035. Always consult your tax preparer before making final decisions about tax filings.

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01/31/2026

Heads Up: The Post Office (USPS) Just Changed How Postmarks Work

If you rely on mailing documents and need to meet deadlines — tax returns, rent payments, legal notices, etc. — listen up.

The USPS has a new rule (DMM §608.11) that changes when your mail gets postmarked.

Postmarks will now show the date your mail is first processed at a USPS sorting facility, NOT the day you dropped it in the mailbox or handed it over at the counter.

👉 What does that mean for you?

Your envelope may receive a postmark that’s one or more days after the day you actually mailed it. And for anything with a strict deadline, that delay could cause problems.

📌 Why it matters:

Postmarks are often used as proof that something was mailed on time — especially for:
• Tax filings
• Rent or bill payments
• Court filings and legal notices

If the postmark is delayed, it could look like you missed a deadline even when you didn’t.

📑 How to protect yourself:
• Mail very early, especially for anything time‑sensitive.
• Ask for a manual postmark at the post office counter if you need same‑day proof.
• File electronically whenever possible — it gives you a clear, timestamped record.

At both our Lansing, Michigan, and Oakland County, Michigan, law offices, mail delivery is sporadic and unreliable. Mail can take weeks or months to reach its final local destination. When we can send documents or communications electronically, we usually choose that option. Sometimes we have to go so far as to courier them for hand delivery. These days, we do not advise people to rely on U.S. Mail delivery.

Staying ahead of these changes can help you avoid unnecessary headaches. If you’re unsure how this might affect your legal obligations or deadlines, reach out to an experienced attorney for guidance.

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11/01/2025

The Kronzek Firm Secures Rare Complete Victory in High-Stakes Michigan CPS Defense Case
Veteran CPS Defense Attorney Brandy J. Thompson Achieves Extraordinary Results Against Michigan Children's Protective Services
The Kronzek Firm, Michigan's premier child protective services defense law firm, announces another landmark victory in what has become a remarkable series of successful outcomes for families facing CPS allegations. Leading the firm's CPS Defense Team, Attorney Brandy J. Thompson has achieved results that underscore both her exceptional advocacy skills and the firm's unwavering commitment to protecting parental rights.

In a stunning courtroom victory, Ms. Thompson recently secured an Involuntary Dismissal of a CPS petition at the close of the State's proofs—marking the third time in two years she has achieved this extraordinary outcome. This type of dismissal, which would be equivalent to summary disposition in other civil proceedings, represents one of the most decisive wins possible in child protection litigation and is exceptionally rare in Michigan CPS cases where the burden of proof heavily favors the state.

"Obtaining an Involuntary Dismissal in a CPS case is the legal equivalent of demonstrating that the state's entire case was insufficient as a matter of law," explained Ms. Thompson. "It means we successfully argued that even viewing all evidence in the light most favorable to CPS, they failed to meet their burden of proof. This doesn't happen often—which makes three such victories in two years particularly significant."

The win represents just one highlight in an extraordinary period of advocacy for Ms. Thompson, who has been managing an intensive schedule of consecutive trials defending Michigan parents against CPS allegations. Her strategic approach and meticulous case preparation have consistently yielded favorable outcomes even in the most challenging circumstances.

In another critical victory—the second such result in three months—Ms. Thompson successfully persuaded the court that the circumstances in a client's case did not meet Michigan's statutory threshold for "aggravated circumstances." This finding prevented CPS from seeking immediate termination of parental rights, a devastating outcome that would have permanently severed the family bond. Instead, the court ordered reunification services, giving the family a meaningful opportunity to remain together.

"These cases involved serious allegations and significant state resources arrayed against our clients," noted Ms. Thompson. "The odds were overwhelming. But we proved that when you combine thorough preparation, knowledge of CPS procedure and statutory law, and fearless advocacy, even the most difficult cases can be won."

The Kronzek Firm's CPS Defense Team specializes in representing parents and families in CPS matters throughout Michigan's lower peninsula, including abuse and neglect investigations, removal hearings, adjudication trials, dispositional hearings, permanency planning hearings, and termination of parental rights proceedings.

With over three decades of experience defending Michigan families, The Kronzek Firm has built a national reputation for taking on cases others consider unwinnable and achieving results that exceed client expectations. The firm's attorneys understand that CPS cases involve the highest possible stakes—the fundamental right to raise one's children—and approach each case with the intensity and preparation it deserves.

"Every parent deserves a defense built on evidence, fairness, and the law—not assumptions or bureaucratic momentum," said Ms. Thompson. "These recent victories remind us why this work matters and why vigorous defense of parental rights remains essential to justice in our system."

For families facing CPS involvement, early intervention by experienced defense counsel can make the difference between keeping a family intact and losing parental rights forever. The Kronzek Firm encourages any parent contacted by CPS to seek legal representation immediately.

About The Kronzek Firm

The Kronzek Firm has defended Michigan families in child protective services matters for more than 30 years. The firm's CPS Defense Team, led by Attorney Brandy J. Thompson, represents parents and families throughout the lower peninsula of Michigan in all aspects of child protection proceedings. The firm is committed to ensuring every case is decided based on evidence and law, not speculation or prejudice. You can read more at www.ChildProtectiveServicesDefense.com or email us at: [email protected] when you need to hire the top rated Michigan CPS defense team.

Top CPS defense attorneys in Michigan. Fighting for parents and families and against false allegations by CPS for nearly a quarter century.

09/01/2025

This Labor Day, one of the attorneys in our Lansing, MI office received an "emergency call" asking how quickly we could draft a prenuptial agreement for them. It was a really short call since drafting important contracts with long term consequences on a rushed basis isn't something we're willing to do. But it does remind us that lots of people are talking about the latest celebrity engagement and the money that's involved. Here's our thought about the semi-royal couple:

💍 Love, Fame & Legal Foresight:
What Michigan Couples Can Learn from Celebrity Engagements

When two high-profile individuals fall in love, the world watches. And when they get engaged—cue the headlines, hashtags, and speculation. While we won’t name names, let’s just say that when "The Two Ts" a pop icon and a football superstar decide to tie the knot, it’s not just romance—it’s a merger of empires.

But behind the glitz and glamour lies a very real legal consideration: the prenuptial agreement.

🌟 Why Celebrity Engagements Spark Legal Conversations

Celebrities often bring substantial assets, intellectual property, and future earnings into a relationship. Whether it’s chart-topping music royalties or multimillion-dollar sports contracts, their financial lives are complex. That’s why prenups aren’t just common—they’re essential.

But here’s the twist: you don’t need to be famous to benefit from the same foresight.

🏠 Michigan Couples: Why a Prenup Might Be Right for You

In Michigan, prenuptial agreements are usually legally enforceable as long as they’re entered voluntarily, with full disclosure, complete fairness, and without coercion. They can help couples:

Protect family-owned businesses

Clarify financial responsibilities

Safeguard inheritances or premarital assets

Avoid costly litigation in the event of divorce

Think of it as a blueprint for your financial future—not a prediction of failure, but a commitment to transparency.

💡 The Modern Prenup: A Tool for Trust

Contrary to outdated myths, prenups aren’t cold or unromantic. In fact, many couples find that discussing financial expectations early strengthens their relationship. It’s about building trust, not breaking it.

If two public figures with global fanbases and complex financial portfolios can sit down and hash out the details, so can you.

👩‍⚖️ How The Kronzek Firm Can Help

Our family law attorneys can carefully craft prenuptial agreements that reflect your values, protect your interests, and honor your relationship. Whether you're planning a quiet ceremony in Mid-Michigan, Oakland County, Ingham County, or a lavish celebration on Lake Michigan, we’re here to help you start your marriage with clarity and confidence.

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07/30/2025

A WORD OF CAUTION:

🛑 Think Before You Ask — Protect Your Privacy 🛑

🚫 Asking legal questions to an AI app? Be cautious.
Your inquiries to AI platforms are NOT confidential and do NOT fall under attorney-client privilege. That protection only exists when you're speaking directly with a licensed attorney in a professional, confidential setting. Subpoenas are being issued to AI companies requiring them to disclose what inquiries specific users have made.

🤖 While AI can offer general information, it’s not a lawyer. Online answers are often incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading, and relying on them could have serious consequences for your rights. Don't rely on AI for your legal advice. Your inquiries might end up in court someday. Don't rely on your co-worker or your mechanic for legal advice. Hire an experienced attorney.

✅ When it comes to legal advice: Don’t Google it. Don’t guess it. Don’t AI it. Consult an attorney. Your future could depend on it.

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07/10/2025

Another iconic American (Michigan) company is being bought out. Tony the Tiger's Kellogg Company, is being bought out by the owner of Ferrero Rocher for about $3.1 billion. Ferrero Roche has also bought out Nutella, Kinder, Tic Tac, Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops and Special K. Even though Tony is dissing us, at least we still have our other Tigers in Detroit.

07/04/2025

Happy birthday USA.

03/29/2025

🚗 Protecting Our Little Passengers: Michigan's New Child Restraint Laws 🚨

As a Michigan law firm committed to safety and legal guidance, we want to highlight the importance of properly securing children in motor vehicles. Michigan’s laws, outlined in MCL 257.710d, set clear standards for child restraint systems to ensure your little ones are safe every time they travel.

Here’s a quick guide to staying compliant with the new law which is effective on April 2, 2025, and protecting your family:

👶 Infants (0–2 years): They must be in a rear-facing child restraint seat until they are 2 years old or reach the manufacturer's height/weight limits.

👦 Children (2–5 years): Transition to a front-facing child restraint seat once they outgrow rear-facing limits, staying in this position until age 5 or until the manufacturer’s weight/height limits are reached.

👧 Children (5–8 years): Once front-facing limits are met, children must use a booster seat with a lap-shoulder belt until they are 8 years old or reach a height of 4'9".

👦 Children (8–13 years): Children can use a seatbelt but must remain in the back seat. If rear seats are occupied, they may sit in the front, but only with a properly fastened seatbelt.

⚠️ Special note: Rear-facing child restraints are never safe in the front seat unless the passenger airbag is deactivated.

💡 Pro Tip: For maximum safety, follow the height and weight limits set by your car seat manufacturer, even beyond the minimum age requirements.

Michigan law also requires everyone in the vehicle, including drivers and front-seat passengers, to wear a seatbelt (MCL 257.710e). Teens aged 13–15 must wear a seatbelt at all times. However, exceptions apply in specific situations, such as crowded vehicles or particular pickup trucks.

🚔 Non-compliance with these laws can result in a civil infraction—but more importantly, it could compromise the safety of your loved ones.

At The Kronzek Firm], we’re here to support Michigan families. If you have questions about these laws or need legal guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s work together to keep our roads safe for everyone!

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01/26/2025

Michigan first became a state on this date in 1837. We were the 26th state to join the union.