Lewis Reed & Allen, PCLewis Reed & Allen, PC2026-08-18T09:43:44Zhttps://www.lewisreedallen.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1405029/2026/03/cropped-site_icon_Lewis-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Lewis Reed & Allen<![CDATA[Balancing care and cost: When guardians and conservators disagree]]>https://www.lewisreedallen.com/?p=471082026-07-27T16:00:44Z2026-07-27T04:26:20ZThe care vs. capital conflict
Generally, a guardian and a conservator often clash over the ward’s personal care needs and the estate’s financial limitations. The legal tension arises because both parties have different duties under the law. If they cannot agree, the court may need to step in and decide what is best for the ward while also protecting the estate’s assets.
Strategies for resolution
Disputes between a guardian and a conservator can be stressful, but they do not always need to turn into court fights. Conflict can often be reduced with clear communication, where both parties hold regular meetings to review the plan of care and the financial inventory. Going over these documents together helps both fiduciaries understand what the ward needs and what the estate can afford.
Many Michigan probate courts recommend mediation if direct communication fails. A neutral third party can help the guardian and conservator reach a compromise without a court hearing. If a deadlock still remains, either party can file a petition for instructions with the probate court as a last resort.
The court’s best interests standard
When making a final decision, the judge often considers the ward’s needs against the estate’s long-term sustainability, including:
The court’s goal is to arrive at a fair and practical decision that serves the ward’s best interests now and in the future.
Planning ahead matters
When conflict arises between the guardian and conservator, having a well-drafted trust can provide clear guidance to prevent these deadlocks. A probate lawyer can help families set up a plan to ensure the ward remains protected, supported and financially secure for the years to come.]]>On Behalf of Lewis Reed & Allen<![CDATA[Am I more likely to get into a car crash on a college campus?]]>https://www.lewisreedallen.com/?p=471052026-07-01T19:51:44Z2026-07-01T19:51:44Z Michigan University brings energy, jobs and culture to Kalamazoo. It also brings a predictable shift in traffic patterns that can increase crash risk, especially when distracted driving meets dense pedestrian activity. In a college town like this, the most serious collisions often happen close to campus where drivers, walkers and cyclists compete for limited space and limited attention.
Why campus life changes the risk profile
Universities like WMU create a footprint that concentrates thousands of people into a small area. Class changes, athletic events and weekend nightlife create surges that are not always intuitive for drivers who are passing through. Add phones, navigation apps and rideshare pickups and the margin for error shrinks quickly. Studies have found that these conditions which are common to any college campus can turn a routine commute into a high-risk environment.
Student driver behavior and distraction trends
Student drivers are not uniquely careless, but they have less driving experience and are frequently exposed to the most common distraction triggers: unfamiliar routes, time pressure and constant connectivity. New residents may also be adjusting to Michigan winter driving, construction detours and parking constraints, all of which increase cognitive load behind the wheel. Add this to the fact that college age drivers are more likely to be involved in serious accidents compared to their older counterparts and it is no surprise that college campuses can see a higher rate of traffic accidents.
Practical takeaways for safer streets
Kalamazoo’s relationship with WMU is a strength, but it requires constant attention to traffic safety. Drivers should slow down near campus, anticipate sudden crossings and put phones away. Pedestrians should use marked crossings, stay visible at night and avoid stepping into traffic while distracted. When everyone expects the unexpected and uses caution, serious crashes become less likely.]]>On Behalf of Lewis Reed & Allen<![CDATA[Who gets crypto between you and your spouse during a divorce?]]>https://www.lewisreedallen.com/?p=471022026-06-08T08:05:33Z2026-06-08T08:05:33ZValuing a volatile asset
Cryptocurrencies change their values at unexpected times. One moment they have crashed to their lowest state, and the next they skyrocket to a new all-time high. You might be thinking about how the courts will divide this asset if there is no fixed value.
In Michigan, the court has discretion on a crypto’s valuation date. Usually, a judge may choose to acquire the digital currency’s current value on the day that is close to the final settlement or trial date.
Tracking down hidden assets
If you suspect your spouse is hiding their crypto, options exist to help you track their accounts. After all, hiding these assets violates Michigan’s strict full disclosure requirement when declaring finances.
Working with forensic accountants can be helpful in uncovering hidden wallets. These specialists analyze bank statements to find the initial paper trails, such as dollar transfers to platforms like Coinbase or Robinhood. They can track public blockchain ledgers directly to cold storage hardware wallets, ensuring every single digital coin is accounted for.
Take action with legal assistance
Dividing cryptocurrencies can be overwhelming, especially when you think your partner is hiding their assets. A family law attorney can provide the guidance you need to ensure the courts divide property fairly.]]>On Behalf of Lewis Reed & Allen<![CDATA[3 important estate plan inclusions]]>https://www.lewisreedallen.com/?p=470502026-05-13T12:15:07Z2026-05-13T12:15:07ZCreating an estate plan is a critical action for all adults, and it’s one that should be taken seriously. One of the most important things to remember about an estate plan is that it must be set up based on your wishes and your circumstances.
Some estate plans are simple, but others are more complex. Understanding some of the components that go into a comprehensive estate plan may be beneficial for anyone who’s getting ready to set up their plan.
Will
A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets and responsibilities are going to be handled after your death. You will name an estate administrator, which is the person who handles your entire estate, in your will. It goes through the probate process, which can take time. The will can have several sections and instructions, but it’s critical that it’s completely accurate. Some people choose to use the will as a way to pass down assets to their beneficiaries; however, that’s not the only option that’s available.
Trusts
Trusts are legal tools that make it possible to set your own terms to get assets to beneficiaries. These don’t have to go through the probate process, which means your loved ones may receive their inheritance faster and with less cost. There are various types of trusts, each of which have different purposes. All trusts are divided into two categories. Irrevocable trusts can’t be changed, but revocable trusts can. This leads to a few differences between them. For example, irrevocable trusts offer protection from your creditors, but revocable trusts don’t offer that protection.
Powers of attorney designation
Powers of attorney designations allow you to name someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. You can set one up for your finances and one for your healthcare. The same person can hold both designations, but it’s also possible to name two different people. Ultimately, you must ensure that your estate plan reflects your wishes in a legally enforceable manner. Working with someone familiar with these matters is beneficial so they can assist with getting everything set up properly.]]>On Behalf of Lewis Reed & Allen<![CDATA[Must drivers submit to field sobriety tests during OWI stops?]]>https://www.lewisreedallen.com/?p=470342026-05-29T20:22:04Z2026-04-11T17:39:53ZField sobriety testing is voluntary
Police officers typically administer three standardized field sobriety tests to determine the likelihood of a driver being intoxicated. The walk-and-turn test and one-leg stand test help evaluate a driver’s balance and motor function. The horizontal gaze nystagmus test looks for signs of involuntary muscle spasms in the eyes that become more pronounced while under the influence.
Many Michigan drivers are confused about their rights during traffic stops. Specifically, they may wrongfully assume that they have an obligation to submit to any test requested by police officers. Michigan does have an implied consent law that mandates that those arrested for OWI offenses submit to chemical tests.
However, implied consent rules do not govern pre-arrest field sobriety testing. Even after an arrest, physically performing field sobriety tests is not mandatory. Drivers can decline testing requests without risking immediate arrest or additional penalties if they eventually face OWI charges.
People who submit to field sobriety tests may unintentionally help the police officers who stopped them gather enough evidence to justify an arrest, which may then result in mandatory submission to chemical testing. Motorists who understand and assert their rights are in a better position to avoid inappropriate OWI charges and unfair convictions.
For those already facing charges, challenging the test results or the legitimacy of an initial traffic stop could be part of their defense strategy. Reviewing what happened during a traffic stop with a skilled Michigan legal team can help OWI defendants understand their options for fighting their charges.]]>On Behalf of Lewis Reed & Allen<![CDATA[LLC or C-Corp: Deciding on a business structure in 2026]]>https://www.lewisreedallen.com/?p=463332026-05-29T20:23:35Z2026-03-10T08:29:04ZUnderstanding how an LLC works
In Michigan, an LLC is a common starting point for business owners due to its affordability. It functions as a legal entity that is separate from you. However, you must maintain a strict corporate veil by separating your personal account from your business finances.
As for taxes, the Internal Revenue Service views an LLC as a pass-through entity by default. It is important to note that members are often subject to self-employment taxes.
Establishing a C-Corp
Unlike an LLC, a C-Corp has a formal hierarchy that includes shareholders, a board of directors and officers. However, this path can lead to double taxation on corporate profits and dividends.
Despite this, C-Corps remain a popular structure because of their advantages. You can offer equity compensation and fringe benefits to employees. Additionally, you attract investors from venture capitalists.
Staying compliant when forming a business
Regardless of your choice, Michigan demands diligence. Consider researching the state’s requirements and the consequences of failing to meet them.
Selecting a business structure affects your taxes, liability and ability to scale. It would be wise to seek advice from a business law attorney to learn more about how to ensure your foundation is infallible.]]>