🎆 “Freedom, Fireworks… and F*cked Up Custody Exchanges” 🇺🇸
Matt Newburg Matt Newburg

🎆 “Freedom, Fireworks… and F*cked Up Custody Exchanges” 🇺🇸

The only thing more explosive than a Fourth of July fireworks show? A custody exchange gone sideways. This Family Law Friday, we’re breaking down why your parenting plan doesn’t magically disappear just because it’s a holiday—and how “just trying to have a good time” can land you back in court by Monday. Spoiler: freedom doesn't mean free-for-all.

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How Much Do I Owe? Michigan’s Child Support Math (a.k.a. Why You’re Broke Now)
Matt Newburg Matt Newburg

How Much Do I Owe? Michigan’s Child Support Math (a.k.a. Why You’re Broke Now)

Think Michigan child support is just a random number the court pulls out of thin air? Think again. It’s a legally mandated formula that looks at your income, parenting time, healthcare costs, and more. If you’ve ever said, “But I bought him a PS5!”—this one’s for you. Spoiler: that’s not how math—or the law—works.

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How to Screw Over Your Kids with a Free Will Template.
Matt Newburg Matt Newburg

How to Screw Over Your Kids with a Free Will Template.

You downloaded a will, filled in the blanks, and high-fived yourself for being responsible and frugal. Fast-forward to your funeral, and your family’s not reading your wishes—they’re reading each other for filth in probate court. That “simple” DIY will? It’s missing witnesses, clarity, and literally everything that makes it legally enforceable. Congrats—you didn’t save money. You just bought a front-row seat to a courtroom cage match.

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🧃 Weaponized Juice Boxes & Custody Chaos: Welcome to Vibes-Based Parenting Plans
Matt Newburg Matt Newburg

🧃 Weaponized Juice Boxes & Custody Chaos: Welcome to Vibes-Based Parenting Plans

“Technically violating the order” is still violating the order.
It doesn’t matter if your co-parent should’ve known, if the weekend switch was “vibes-based,” or if you booked concert tickets before asking permission. That’s not co-parenting—it’s contempt bait.
And yes, the judge does care.
Think you’re just being flexible? The court might call it interference.
Spoiler: Screenshots and “per the decree” texts won’t save you from a contempt hearing.

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🧨 Family Law Friday: “Best Interest of the Child” — Not Code for ‘Who Buys the Fancier iPad’
Matt Newburg Matt Newburg

🧨 Family Law Friday: “Best Interest of the Child” — Not Code for ‘Who Buys the Fancier iPad’

When the court says “best interest of the child,” they don’t mean who throws the best birthday parties or supplies the latest tech. They’re looking for stability, safety, and parenting that puts the kid first—not your ego. If your custody strategy involves bribery, drama, or a TikTok campaign, you’re doing it wrong. Let’s break down what actually matters in court.

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Matt Newburg Matt Newburg

Who Gets What? Understanding Property Division in Michigan After a Divorce.

Dividing up assets during a divorce isn’t just emotional—it’s legal.
And in Michigan, the law has a few things to say about who gets what.

Whether you’re worried about the house, the retirement accounts, or your dog (yes, really), here’s what you need to know about property division in a Michigan divorce.

Michigan Is an “Equitable Distribution” State

Let’s get one thing straight:
Equitable does not mean equal.

Michigan follows equitable distribution, which means the court aims for a fair division of property—but not necessarily a 50/50 split. The court looks at multiple factors to decide what’s fair based on your situation.

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