How Plea Deals Work in Michigan
In Michigan, a plea deal is an agreement where a defendant pleads guilty or no contest in exchange for a concession from the prosecutor. State court rules require the agreement to be placed on the record and reviewed by a judge to ensure it is voluntary and understood. There are [...]
Asset Protection Professionals Divorce
Why Divorce Is More Complex for Professionals Divorce is often more complex for professionals because of the higher financial stakes and the nature of their income. Courts may look beyond current earnings and consider future earning potential when determining support, which can lead to long term financial obligations. [...]
How Police Mistakes Can Lead to Drug Charges Being Thrown Out
Being charged with a drug related offense is one of the more legal serious situations a person can find themselves in. That being said, there are a number of mistakes made by law enforcement during their investigation and subsequent handling of a case that can result in charges being [...]
Collateral Consequences of a Domestic Violence Case
A domestic violence charge can carry consequences that extend far beyond fines, probation, or even jail time. While most focus on the immediate criminal penalties, many are unaware of the lasting collateral consequences that can follow a conviction or even a plea. These consequences often affect nearly every area [...]
Ryan Kelly Recognized in Doyle’s Guide 2026 List of Leading Detroit Divorce Lawyers
Ryan Kelly of Kelly and Kelly P.C. has been recognized in the 2026 Doyle’s Guide list of Leading Family and Divorce Lawyers in Detroit, highlighting her standing among a select group of attorneys known for their work in family law. The recognition reflects Kelly’s dedication to representing clients in [...]
DLAD Letters of Support
Whether you are seeking to have your driver’s license restored or have been asked by someone to write a letter of support for their license restoration hearing, it can be difficult to understand what role letters of support play in such hearings. This guide serves to clarify some of [...]
DUI Arrests and Employment
Michigan’s OWI laws make impaired driving a serious criminal offense, and while many people assume only a conviction matters, even a DUI arrest can create immediate consequences for employment and professional licensing. This is because employers and licensing boards often treat an arrest as a sign of risk, judgment [...]
Divorcing a Mentally Ill Spouse in Michigan
Divorce is a stressful and often messy process regardless of the circumstances. If one of the spouses suffers from a serious mental illness, it can make this process even more complex. Mental illness does not prevent a divorce as Michigan is a no fault divorce state, which means there [...]
When a Spouse Passes During Divorce Proceedings
During a divorce in Michigan, the union is dissolved and assets are divided up between the two parties. However when one spouse passes during this process of proceedings, the divorce ends immediately because a final judgement was never entered. Because the marriage is still considered legally intact until the [...]
Digital Assets in Divorce Cases
Modern divorce cases are far more complex today than they ever have been. Not only are traditional physical assets included in proceedings, but digital ones too. Assets such as cryptocurrency and NFTs are now on the table during proceedings. As digital assets increasingly become common, they appear more and [...]
Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples
In Michigan, unmarried couples do not receive the automatic legal protections that married partners rely on, making a comprehensive estate plan essential for securing shared assets and ensuring each partner’s wishes are honored. Without proper legal planning and preparation, partners lack default authority for medical or financial decisions, and [...]
Law Clerk Experience Update
Oh how the time flies! Now well into my third and final year of law school, I have also been with the Kelly & Kelly team for over five months. Between my accumulated legal education and hands-on experience at Kelly & Kelly, the anticipation of beginning practicing family law [...]
