Law Office of Elizabeth A. Hohauser, PPLC

Michigan has “no fault divorce.” That means a divorce case may be filed without accusing one person of fault or allocating any blame. Whichever spouse files for divorce, the initial complaint must state only that "there has been a breakdown in the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved." 

The issue of fault may be relevant, however, when determining spousal support or property division and distribution.

Even though we have “no fault divorce,” emotions still run high and can sometimes cloud a person’s ability to think clearly. It is important to have an attorney who does not add fuel to the fire.  An attorney who stirs the pot and allows drama to continue is only increasing the likelihood of lasting trauma to the parties involved and adding hours to the lawyer’s bill. 

Attorney Elizabeth Hohauser takes her role seriously.  She understands the pain divorce can cause and her goal is to help your family through the process with as little trauma to you and your kids as possible. 

An amicable divorce is always Liz’s goal.  However, as a litigator, she has the knowledge and ability to make sure that you are not taken advantage of.  If you have suffered physical or emotional abuse in your marriage, Attorney Hohauser will fight to make sure you and your children are protected from further abuse.

Michigan law requires that parenting time be granted in accordance with the best interests of the child. It is presumed to be in the best interests of a child for the child to have a strong relationship with both of his or her parents.

If your circumstances have changed significantly since your last custody order, it may become necessary to change the existing custody order.  Michigan law requires that a child’s established custodial environment be kept consistent unless the party seeking a change presents facts that demonstrate proper cause or change in circumstances, relevant to at least one of the best interest factors. The change must be of such a magnitude as to have a significant effect on at least one of the twelve best interest factors, and not merely consist of normal life changes. Vodvarka v Grasmeyer, 259 Mich App 499, 675 NW2d 847 (2004).

If you have an existing custody order and have experienced a significant change, Attorney Elizabeth Hohauser can help you get your parenting time or custody order changed to meet the needs of your family. 

If your ex is preventing you from having your court ordered parenting time, Liz will file the necessary motion to ensure that you see your children.  

Michigan is a “no-fault” state.  But what does that mean?  It means that Michigan residents have given up certain rights in exchange for other benefits.  Generally speaking, each person’s own auto insurance pays their medical bills (and other economic benefits, like wage loss) arising out of a car accident – regardless of fault. In some circumstances, however, an injured person can sue the driver that caused an accident and receive compensation for pain and suffering, in addition to the money received from his or her own insurance company.

To put it more simply, there are 2 ways you may be compensated after a car accident: 

 Your own car insurance may pay for medical costs, lost wages, and other financial losses arising out of the car accident

and

The “at fault driver” may pay you for your pain and suffering due to injuries you sustained in the accident. 

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, call Attorney Elizabeth Hohauser for a free consultation regarding the benefits you may be entitled to from your own insurance company and a possible law suit against the at fault driver for pain and suffering. 

If you, or a loved one, have been bitten by a dog, call Attorney Elizabeth Hohauser for a free consultation.  Liz will ask you some simple questions about what happened including:

Where were you when the dog bite occurred?

Did you have permission to be there?

Who owns the dog that attacked you?

Who was responsible for the dog at the time of the dog bite?

Did you provoke the dog in any way prior to the dog bite?

Do you know if this dog has a history of biting or aggressive behavior?

Your answers to those 6 simple questions may be all we need to determine if you are entitled to compensation for injuries caused by that dog bite. 

Whether you've been injured in a car accident or by a dog bite, the consequences can be life changing. If a loved one has died in such an incident it is devastating knowing that someone else’s actions caused the tragic result.  Even more difficult is dealing with the legal system while in physical pain or in mourning.

While you may be going through the hardest time of your life, you can take a step toward closure. You may be entitled to compensation to help you cope with the impact of the injury or loss. Liz Hohauser is an effective, knowledgeable, and compassionate attorney and she can help you through that process.

If you or a loved one have been injured due to the fault of another person or a company, call Liz for a free consultation. 

Liz has experience with the following personal injury cases:

Car Accidents   

Pedestrian / Motor Vehicle Accidents   

Bicycle / Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motorcycle Accidents  

Dog Bites    

Slip and Fall Accidents

Product Liability

Medical Malpractice

The issues facing each adoption will vary depending on the facts of each case and the particular rules of each court. The process of adoption can be complicated and it is important to have an attorney who will make sure all of the court’s required procedures are followed, from termination of the biological parents' rights to any waiting period imposed by your particular court.