Emmer Law PLC

My son brought lunch to my office. He was very confused that I had an office different than my home office and wanted to visit. He was very loud, not very productive, and, only wanted to watch tv and make a mess in the kitchen!

I don’t want to speak for my clients, but, I believe they hire me for my unique style, my thoughtful approach, and my genuine attention to them and their situation. Maybe they hire me for my brilliance...doubtful :)

Sitting down with a potential new client this morning, I tried to be a calming influence in the eye of a storm; provide necessary information and guidance, yes - but, also, be a listener to their worries and a sounding board for their questions. I believe these skills are essential in any line of work or business, but, they are absolutely critical in family law - if the people you work with do not feel heard, comfortable, and valued - your brilliance will likely not much matter.

I tell people not to fight over “pots and pans” (personal property) during their divorce. If it is a Renoir or a family heirloom, different story. I bought this painting when I was in Vietnam and was thinking about it...

I was walking along a street in Hanoi, and, this painting captured my eye - it was not expensive per se or crafted by a famous artist - I just really liked it and love having it hang in my home as a reminder of my travels and experiences.

While I never want a client to expend significant time, resources, and emotional capital on personal property generally, sometimes, things have an inherent value that is not readily explained on a marital balance sheet or asset summary.

What is your most prized possession (even if it isn’t super expensive or famously noteworthy)?

Gambling With Marital Property - I was in Las Vegas last weekend, lost a quick $125.00 and stopped. But, gambling has come up in a number of my divorce cases, and, I wanted to share a few thoughts and insights.

1. If you are gambling $25.00 here or $50.00 there, this should not be relevant or of major concern.

2. If you have gambled extensively during the marriage (with joint marital funds/property), that could certainly be an issue, both as an asset and liability.

3. Gambling joint marital funds/property away, unless done as a couples hobby and excercise, is not for the benefit of your spouse - if you are winning lots of money, it will be divided. If you are losing lots of money, your spouse will surely look for a concession and accounting for that in a global financial settlement. They will not want to “eat” your gambling losses from their 50% of the marital estate, nor, will they want to assume such a liability. This is not a mortgage, credit card or expenses for a child’s school or camp.

Everyone should be smart with their money gambling, but, if you are thinking about or in the divorce process, be extra mindful, and, discuss with your attorney.

I was in Vegas this weekend (which was awesome). But, I met a woman at this lobby bar who was on a Divorcelorette party!

I’ve posted about the divorce registry trend and the other social trends seeming to pop up following the immense life cycle event that is divorce. We celebrate everything else in life, and, while ending a marriage and potentially “breaking up” a family is sad, it is also the end of one life chapter and the start of another.

While some may think it is in poor taste, I believe life and the world are tough enough as it is (especially right now), and, if someone wants to celebrate and let their hair down, by all means, do it!

What do you think?

I’m Max. I help people divorce differently. I’m a lawyer who wears big blue glasses and bright orange ties. I am authentically and unabashedly myself (for better and sometimes worse). I believe people appreciate that about me.

My wife snapped this picture in our yard this morning (a dressy day for me). No AI, no professional camera. It took me a while as a lawyer (and as a person) to be comfortable in my own skin - now, some may say I am too comfortable! But, I when I am striving to be my true, authentic self, that helps me be the best husband, father, lawyer and professional I can be.

My advice always is to be yourself - the right people will like you for it.

Happy Fathers Day! To all the Dads out there and those who love them, have a great day. Max Spencer Emmer

When the Boss kicks you out of your desk chair to go swimming on a holiday Friday, you must oblige…

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Max Spencer Emmer

As I was sitting at the pediatrician with my son yesterday, I was thinking about a client question about joint custody and how that works for medical care and decisions for shared minor children.

As professionals in this field, we assume every party and client knows how this works, which is, of course, not realistic to expect or the reality. Below are summarized provisions from a recent Judgment of Divorce I finalized for a client related to joint custody and medical care and decision-making:

- Both parents consent is required for all non-emergency health procedures, including, but not limited to, surgeries and dental procedures;

- In the event both parents are unavailable to consent to an emergency health procedure, one parent may consent to said procedure upon the advice and recommendation of a qualified medical professional;

- Minor children cannot be placed on any long-term medication or medical therapeutic (longer than 1 month) without consent of both parents or court order;

- Parents must keep the other fully informed as to the children's medical status and have full access to medical records and personnel;

Should you have any questions about joint custody, parenting time issues, or your divorce or family law matter, please contact me.

[email protected]

www.emmerlawplc.com

248-859-0015

Many lawyers would not like to be called "a very nice person" professionally - I believe it helps me be an effective advisor, counselor, and dealmaker to and for my clients!

I pride myself on being communicative, creative, and thoughtful with clients; this client came to me with unique and challenging circumstances - it was a privilege to help him reach a positive result for this client and their family!

As a refresher (or introduction!), I’m Max. I am a family lawyer and certified mediator who believes in educating clients so they are aware of all options to make the most informed decisions for themselves and their families.

I strive to provide my clients with options aside from protracted, expensive, and draining family law and divorce court battles that are unlikely to provide any meaningful benefit or material advantage.

I provide my clients with creative, thoughtful, specialized and customized advice and counsel (and injecting humor and perspective where appropriate and able)!

I practice law and approach divorces differently than most, which, I believe my clients appreciate and value.

And, I always enjoy connecting with like-minded professionals, both locally (Michigan) or nationally!

I had the privilege of speaking at Career Day for Seaholm High School today - I enjoy speaking with students about my experiences as a student, lawyer, business owner. The two biggest pieces of advice I shared were...

1. Learn, improve, and bolster your soft skills/communication skills.
2. Seek out varied experiences and opportunities to learn more about what they like, what they dislike, want to do and do not want to do.

What advice would you give high school juniors in 2024?

I don't do cookie-cutter divorce - this describes my business and law practice to a T. Your life is uniquely yours - you deserve creativity and unique planning and tailoring during a life-altering event like divorce.

Www.emmerlawplc.com

Emmer Law PLC Emmer Law PLC is a boutique family law firm in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

Really enjoyed speaking at the Cranbrook Kingswood Career Fair Last Night! The advice I shared - obtain as many varied experiences and meet as many different people as you can… 🏫

A little work & a little play to finish 2023 at Emmer Law - wishing you and yours a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2024!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and relaxing holiday season (courtesy of my red & green holiday uniform)! Here is to a prosperous and joy-filled 2024 - looking forward to connecting, sharing (and growing) in the new year!

www.emmerlawplc.com

[email protected]

Max Spencer Emmer

It's always gratifying to help someone in their time of need. My client found herself in a very unusual and complicated situation - I was beyond thrilled to help her and her family resolve and overcome it in less than three weeks!

I cannot promise nor guarantee results - but, I always provide and deliver thoughtful, well-reasoned, and creative advice and counsel to people when they need it most.

Words like "kind", "ethical" and "compassionate" are not used generally in reviews for lawyers (let alone family lawyers). And, many may think those are the wrong descriptors for a family lawyer; glad to have clients who appreciate it.

Emmer Law PLC Emmer Law PLC is a boutique family law firm in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

A privilege to serve the community with many other terrific colleagues and professionals - shout out to my talented wife, for making the graphic (the right price helps)!

COMING NEXT WEEK! My chat with Nicole Gopoian Wirick, JD, CFP® on the intersection of financial planning and divorce. A mix of education and entertainment! Keep an eye out...

Nicole possesses unique and wide-ranging credentials across a number of professional disciplines. Her educational background in law, business, finance and tax, she provides terrific insights on what people should know about their financials, generally as well as prior to, during, and after a divorce.