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Is Google and AI Legal Advice Reliable? Why Lawyers Are Still Your Number One Resource

Family Law

Is Google and AI legal advice reliable - Stephanie Krane-Boehmer Law.

As a practicing attorney with nearly two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand the risks people take when they rely on non-professional sources for legal advice. Today, AI tools and Google searches can provide quick answers, but when it comes to the law, quick is often the opposite of accurate or safe. Using Google and AI legal advice is risky.

Legal advice is not just about information; it’s about judgment, context, and consequences. And none of those can be reliably delivered by a search engine or an AI chatbot.

What are the Top 5 Reasons To Not Use Google Or AI Legal Advice?

Let’s explore the key reasons you should seek legal advice from a lawyer, and not search engines or AI tools:

1. Laws Are Complex and Context-Specific

AI and online content might give you a broad overview of a legal issue, but law doesn’t work in broad strokes. It works in details.

Jurisdiction matters: What’s legal in Ohio may not be legal in Michigan.

Facts matter: Small factual differences can change legal outcomes entirely.

Timing matters: Laws change. AI and Google may be referencing outdated statutes or precedents.

2. AI and Google Are Not Lawyers

Even if an AI tool sounds confident or a search result seems informative, neither can:

  • Offer advice tailored to your specific situation.
  • Draft legally binding documents customized to your needs.
  • Represent you in court or negotiations.

That’s because they are not licensed professionals. They’re tools—useful ones in the right context, but not a substitute for an attorney.

3. High Risk of Outdated or Inaccurate Information

One of the most dangerous aspects of using AI or search engines for legal matters is the illusion of accuracy. These tools can provide:

Out-of-context answers.

Summaries of laws that no longer apply.

Misinformation that seems plausible but has no legal grounding.

As someone who routinely checks, interprets, and applies current statutes and case law, I can tell you that even experienced professionals double and triple-check their sources. An AI model or online forum certainly isn’t going to do that for you.

4. No Attorney-Client Privilege or Protection

When you consult a licensed attorney, your information is protected by attorney-client privilege. When you type your problem into a chatbot or a search engine:

Your data may be stored or used in ways you don’t expect. There’s no legal confidentiality. There’s no ethical obligation on the part of the AI or platform to protect your interests.

5. There’s No Accountability with Google or AI Legal Advice

Attorneys are held to professional standards and can be disciplined for misconduct or negligence. We carry malpractice insurance. We answer to licensing boards.

AI and Google don’t. If their advice leads to you losing a case, getting sued, or missing a legal deadline, you have no recourse.

Technology Is a Tool, Not a Substitute.

I’m not saying AI and Google have no place in the legal world. In fact, many lawyers, myself included, use these tools to assist with research and streamline processes. But there’s a vast difference between using tech as a tool versus trusting it as an advisor.

If you’re facing a legal issue, skip the AI legal advice: your best move you can make is to consult with a qualified attorney. Don’t gamble your future on generic answers and machine-generated guesses.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get the guidance you need. We provide legal services for family law, bankruptcy, wills and estates, and debt settlement. Our office is located in Rochester Hills, and we serve Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, and Wayne Counties.

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Custody in Michigan: How Courts Decide Child Custody (And What You Can Do About It)

Family Law

Child held by her hands by separated parents - child custody in Michigan - Stephanie Krane Law.

One of the most stressful parts of any divorce or separation is figuring out who gets custody of the kids. Whether you’re just starting the divorce process or facing a custody modification, it’s important to understand how courts handle custody in Michigan—and what you can do to protect your relationship with your children.

Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody in Michigan

Before diving into the legal process, it helps to know the difference between the two key terms:

  • Legal Custody: The right to make important decisions about your child’s life, including education, medical care, and religious upbringing. This can be joint (shared by both parents) or sole (one parent has the final say).
  • Physical Custody: Where the child lives and how much time they spend with each parent. Again, this can be joint or sole, though joint physical custody doesn’t always mean equal time.

Michigan Courts Focus on the Child’s Best Interests

Michigan courts are guided by the “best interest of the child” standard, not what’s most convenient or fair to the parents. Judges rely on 12 statutory factors under the Michigan Child Custody Act to decide what arrangement best supports the child’s well-being.

These factors include:

  1. Emotional ties between the child and each parent
  2. Capacity of each parent to provide love, affection, and guidance
  3. Ability to provide food, clothing, and medical care
  4. Length of time the child has lived in a stable environment
  5. Permanence of the existing or proposed home
  6. Moral fitness of each parent
  7. Mental and physical health of the parents
  8. Child’s school, community, and home record
  9. Preference of the child (if mature enough)
  10. Willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent
  11. History of domestic violence, if any
  12. Any other relevant factors the court finds important

No single factor is determinative. When it comes to custody in Michigan, judges look at the whole picture and may weigh some factors more heavily depending on your family’s circumstances.

Joint Custody Is Common—But Not Automatic

In Oakland County and throughout Michigan, courts often prefer joint legal custody, assuming both parents are fit and capable of working together. Joint physical custody is also common, but doesn’t necessarily mean a 50/50 split. The goal is a custody schedule that supports the child’s routine and stability.

If parents can’t agree on a plan, the court may order mediation or appoint a Friend of the Court (FOC) evaluator to investigate and make a recommendation.

What You Can Do to Strengthen Your Custody Case

If you’re going through a custody case, here are some steps to help protect your rights and show the court that you are acting in your child’s best interests:

  • Stay involved in your child’s daily life (school, activities, medical care)
  • Keep records (texts, emails, calendars, expenses) that reflect your involvement
  • Be cooperative and avoid bad-mouthing the other parent
  • Follow court orders and show that you can put your child’s needs first
  • Speak with an experienced family law attorney who knows how custody decisions are made in your local court

What If You Already Have a Custody Order?

Custody orders can be modified—but only if there’s been a significant change in circumstances, like a move, a new job schedule, or concerns about the child’s safety. The court will once again review the best interest factors before making any changes.

Talk to a Local Attorney Who Understands Custody Law in Michigan

Child custody cases are emotional, complex, and deeply personal. You don’t have to face it alone. At the Law Office of Stephanie Krane-Boehmer, we help parents navigate the custody process with clarity and confidence, whether you’re just starting out or need help modifying an existing order.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get the guidance you need to protect your parenting rights and your child’s future. We are located in Rochester Hills and serve Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, and Wayne Counties.

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Understanding the Legal Rights of Unmarried, Cohabiting Parents in Michigan

Family Law

Couple with child outdoors, smiling - Michigan custody laws for unmarried parents - Stephanie Krane-Boehmer Law.

In Michigan, as in many other states, there are an increasing number of couples who choose to live together without getting married. While these couples may share a home and raise children together, it’s important to understand that the legal implications of cohabitation—particularly when it comes to parenting—can be quite different from those of married couples. If you’re an unmarried parent or are thinking about starting a family while living together, learn your legal rights and responsibilities. It’s important to understand Michigan custody laws for unmarried parents

Custody and Parenting Time

One of the most important issues that unmarried parents face is custody. Let’s look at the Michigan custody laws for unmarried parents. 

In Michigan, when a child is born to unmarried parents, both parents are presumed to have legal custody of the child. However, physical custody (the child’s primary residence) can become a point of contention if the parents separate.

If the parents break up, it’s critical for both parents to have a clear understanding of the parenting arrangement and parenting time (formerly called visitation). The Michigan courts focus on the best interests of the child, and factors like the child’s relationship with each parent, the parents’ ability to care for the child, and the child’s emotional and physical needs are all taken into account.

Parents who live together but are unmarried should establish a formal agreement or parenting plan regarding how they will share custody and time with their child if they separate. If the parents cannot agree, they may have to go to court to resolve custody and parenting time issues.

Establishing Paternity

For unmarried fathers, one of the first steps in ensuring legal rights over a child is to establish paternity. In Michigan, if the parents are unmarried, the father’s paternity must be legally recognized for him to have rights to custody, visitation, and decision-making regarding the child.

Paternity can be established in a couple of ways:

  1. Affidavit of Parentage: If the father is present at the birth, he and the mother can sign an affidavit at the hospital to establish paternity.
  2. Paternity Suit: If the parents disagree on paternity or the father is unsure, a paternity suit can be filed with the court to establish legal paternity.

Once paternity is established, the father has the right to seek custody and parenting time and is legally responsible for child support.

Child Support Obligations

Even though unmarried parents are not married, both parents are financially responsible for raising their child. If the parents separate, the non-custodial parent (the parent who the child does not primarily live with) will likely be ordered to pay child support, just as a non-custodial parent in a divorce case would be.

Child support in Michigan is calculated based on a formula that considers both parents’ incomes, the amount of time the child spends with each parent, and other relevant factors. If you’re the parent who is ordered to pay child support, it’s important to keep up with your obligations. Conversely, if you’re the custodial parent, you have the right to seek child support in a legal and timely manner.

Michigan Custody Laws for Unmarried Parents: Rights and Responsibilities

Unmarried parents have many of the same rights and responsibilities as married parents when it comes to raising their child. Both parents have the right to make decisions about the child’s education, health care, religion, and general welfare. However, issues can arise when unmarried parents break up, especially if there has been no formal agreement in place regarding custody, visitation, or child support.

Without a formal legal agreement or court order, it can be difficult for parents to enforce their rights or responsibilities. For example, a parent may not have a legal right to take the child on a vacation or make medical decisions without a court order in place. This is why it’s important for unmarried parents to have a written agreement about these matters, even if they are living together.

The Importance of Legal Agreements

Even if you and your partner are getting along and raising your child together, it’s still wise to have a parenting agreement or custody arrangement in place. A formal legal agreement can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes down the road, especially if you ever separate. Without one, there may be legal complications when it comes to issues like custody, parenting time, and financial support.

A cohabitation agreement—a document that outlines how you and your partner plan to handle co-parenting responsibilities and other legal matters—can also be an important tool to prevent future problems. While these agreements are not always legally enforceable, they can offer a clear understanding of each parent’s roles and responsibilities.

Considerations for Parents Planning to Live Together

If you and your partner are planning to live together and start a family, there are some key considerations you should keep in mind:

  • Communicate Early and Often: Discuss your expectations for parenting and legal responsibilities before having children.
  • Establish Legal Rights: If you’re the father, make sure paternity is established as soon as possible. This will ensure that you have a legal right to your child and can seek custody or visitation if necessary.
  • Consider a Legal Agreement: Even if you’re not married, having a parenting or cohabitation agreement can help protect both parents and the child in case of separation.

Legal Steps for Parents After Separation

If unmarried parents separate, there are legal steps they can take to ensure their parental rights are respected:

  • Filing for Custody and Parenting Time: If the parents cannot agree on custody or parenting time, either parent can file for a court order. The court will make decisions based on the best interests of the child.
  • Modifying Custody Orders: If circumstances change, such as one parent moving away or a change in the child’s needs, either parent can request a modification to the custody or parenting time order.

Working With A Family Law Lawyer – Stephanie-Krane Boehmer

You now have an overview of the Michigan custody laws for unmarried parents. Raising a child as unmarried, cohabiting parents in Michigan comes with unique legal considerations that married couples may not have to navigate.

However, with the right information and proper legal steps, unmarried parents can establish clear custody arrangements, ensure they meet child support obligations, and protect their rights as parents.

If you are an unmarried parent or planning to become one and are looking for a family law lawyer in Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills or Troy, consider Stephanie Krane-Boehmer.

Having the right legal advice and agreements in place can help you avoid future complications and ensure the best outcome for both you and your child.

Find out if Stephanie Krane-Boehmer is right for you – contact the office for a free consultation. We are located in Rochester Hills and serve Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, Lapeer Livingston, and Wayne Counties.

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Living Together, but Not Getting Married? A Family Law Attorney in Michigan Can Help Protect Your Relationship and your Rights

Family Law

Living Together, but Not Getting Married? A Family Law Attorney in Michigan Can Help Protect Your Relationship and your Rights

If you are living together, but holding off on getting married, you may wish to talk to a family law attorney in Michigan. There are many reasons couples put off getting married – they may be waiting until they’re more financially-secure, they may want to establish a career first, or they may simply not wish to get legally married.

According to the US News and World Report, US marriages hit an all time low in 2018, to 6.5 marriages per 1,000 people. During the pandemic, the marriage rate likely dropped even lower.

You may think that if you live together for a certain number of years, you are considered to be in a common-law marriage, but that’s a popular myth. The reality is that only certain States recognize common-law marriage, and even then, the definition of the relationship can be murky.

A good family law attorney in Michigan can help make sure you are set up to share rights and responsibilities in your relationship, and you’re protected should that relationship end.

What is the Difference between a Common-Law Marriage and a Marriage?

A common-law marriage is a marriage that is established informally – without registering for a marriage license or holding a religious ceremony. In the areas that recognize common-law marriages, the relationship is legally like a marriage.

Couples in valid common-law marriages can claim inheritance rights, social security benefits, employment benefits, and are treated like a married couple within the taxation system. They can also ask the court to divide property or award alimony should the relationship end.

Plus, when you live together, you bring your own property into the relationship, and may acquire valuable property together. Married couples have clearly defined property rights within the law. Unmarried couples do not, regardless how long they have lived together (or cohabitated).

Common-Law Marriages Are Only Allowed in a Few States

Common-law marriages are only recognized in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, New Hampshire (for inheritance purposes only), Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and the District of Columbia.

Common law marriages are not permitted in Michigan.

If you move states, your common-law marriage may be recognized even if the new location doesn’t permit them, although you should check with a qualified family law attorney in Michigan to be certain.

Both Parties Must Intend to Be Married

Intent is a key requirement for establishing that you are in a common-law partnership. It may sound obvious. But if your relationship ends, in order to obtain the rights in a common-law marriage, you need to have proof that both of you treated and intended to treat your relationship like a marriage.

This can be extremely difficult to prove in court.

Because marriage is a more formal legal contract, the intent is obvious, and when a marriage ends, the path through the courts is clearer.

Ask a Family Law Attorney in Michigan to Help With a Cohabitation Agreement.

If you intend to live together in a relationship, but do not wish to be married, or if you have moved to Michigan from another state, there are a few ways a professional family law attorney in Michigan can help you.

One critical way is to help you draw up a Cohabitation Agreement.

A Cohabitation Agreement lays out ownership of existing assets, ownership of joint property (like homes, vehicles, etc.), how and if you intend to share assets, debt liability and expenses, how property will be divided if you separate, and a process for dispute resolution.

The document needs to be signed by both parties, and if challenged in court, a judge may ask for proof that both parties sought separate legal advice before completing the document. This helps ensure one party does not take advantage of the other.

So, while there are many online templates available for cohabitation agreements, you should have a lawyer look over your document to ensure it is legally-sound, and that signing it is in your best interest.

Looking For an Experienced Family Law Attorney in Michigan? Choose Stephanie Krane-Boehmer.

Serving Rochester Hills, and Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston and Wayne Counties in Michigan, Stephanie Krane-Boehmer has a wealth of experience in family law, wills, living wills, trusts, and bankruptcy. Stephanie is friendly, approachable and professional in all her dealings. Clients love how she breaks down complex law into easy-to-understand bites, and provides them with practical advice and insights. Contact Stephanie for a no-obligation consultation today.

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Resources

US News and World Report: U.S. Marriage Rate Hits Historic Low
https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2020-04-29/us-marriage-rate-drops-to-record-low

Joint Custody: What Do I Do if We Disagree About School?

Family Law

Rochester Hills divorce lawyer - Joint custody

As a Rochester Hills divorce lawyer, one of the most pressing issues I work on with parents in the spring is schooling decisions. Almost every parent wants the best education for their child. But they can disagree on what “best” means, and how to achieve it.

In particular, three issues often arise: school location, educational choice, and expense.

Start Talking and Start Planning Now

We’re getting to the end of the school year, and your child may be starting school for the first time, or moving on to middle school or high school in the coming year. Perhaps you’ve recently divorced and are living in different towns or school districts. Have you discussed where they will go to school next year?

If you have joint custody, both parents have equal say in where their child goes to school.

Like many issues in family law, if the parties cannot agree they may have to go to Court for a decision. Decisions like these can take several months to go through court, so now is the time to contact your Rochester Hills divorce lawyer and start planning for the next school year.

The Best Interests of the Child

Like almost every decision in family law regarding children, the court holds the “best interests of the child” in highest regard. The landmark case for school choice and joint custody in Michigan is Pierron v. Pierron, settled by the Supreme Court of Michigan in May 2010.

In essence, the Pierron case established that the parent requesting the change has the burden to demonstrate that the change is in the best interest of the child. If the school change modifies the existing custody arrangement, the court must consider a higher burden of proof than if the custody arrangement is not affected.

When evaluating a case, the court will consider:

  • The existing custody arrangement between parents and how the choice of school will disrupt the family dynamic;
  • Reasonable preferences of the child;
  • Additional factors such as the stability of the family home, the home, school and community record of the child and other factors the court deems relevant in the case.

An experienced Rochester Hills divorce lawyer can help advise you on existing case law, and help you present a strong case to the court.

Issue: Moving or changing the school district or custody agreement

When the family law issue involves a parent moving and/or changing the custody agreement, the Pierron case law applies directly. If parents cannot agree to changes to the custody agreement in place, the court will weigh the best interest factors.

Issue: Disagreeing on the Educational Option

Perhaps one parent wishes the child to go to a specialized magnet school or religious school, and the other parent disagrees with the choice. If the arrangement does not affect the custody agreement, the court may consider the child’s preferences above other factors (i.e. reasonable preferences of the child).

Issue: Costs of Schooling

If both parents agree the child should attend private school, schooling costs are typically split.

However, if only one parent wishes the child to go to an expensive private school, and the expense was not included in the Judgment of Divorce or parenting agreement, the court may consider additional factors to the best interest of the child, including income and standard of living.

In these cases, the parent who wishes to have the child attend private school may be responsible for covering the costs.

Making the Right Choices for Your Family Can Be Difficult

If you’re looking for a Rochester Hills divorce lawyer, choose The Law Office of Stephanie Krane-Boehmer. During your divorce, you will need to make a lot of important decisions. Custody arrangements, division of assets, schooling decisions, parenting time, vacations, finances…everything will change. You can count on my experience and expertise to help guide you through your divorce, and help you make the right choices for your family. If you’re considering divorce, reach out to me for a free consultation.

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What is Family Law, and When do you Need a Family Attorney?

Family Law

Family Attorney

The practice of family law covers a wide area of expertise, so a family law lawyer – or family attorney – may be knowledgeable in a number of areas. In short, family law deals with all family-related legal issues. That includes divorce and division of property, child custody, child support and spousal support (or alimony). But it also includes working with couples to draft prenuptial agreements, and can even include areas of adoption, foster-care, and reproductive law (like surrogacy and in-vitro-fertilization contracts.

A family lawyer can draft legal documents, represent clients in court, assist divorce mediation and family law mediation, as well as help protect clients who are victims of domestic violence.

Family Law in Michigan

In Michigan, family law matters are handled in Circuit Courts. Circuit Courts have the broadest powers of all courts in Michigan. The State of Michigan has specific state laws or guidelines for many areas of family law including custody, child support, marriage and divorce. If you live in Michigan and have a family law case, it’s critical that you seek a family attorney with extensive knowledge and experience with the State law.

Behind all the laws and legal terms, however, are people. Spouses who have decided, likely with some difficulty, that they need to separate. Children who may be worried and anxious about what might happen next. Parents who want to protect their children’s future.

Choose the Right Family Attorney for You

When you are seeking a divorce, you not only want a family law attorney who understands the law, you want a family law attorney who understands YOU. A family law attorney you can trust.

Dealing with family law experiences – particularly divorce – can be life changing. Choosing a family law attorney is a big decision, and how do you know you are making the right one? Referrals, testimonials and research are key. To learn more, read our blog Choosing the Right Family Law Attorney.

Many family law lawyers will offer a free consultation, where you can get to know them and they can become familiar with the details of your case. It’s highly recommended that you take advantage of this offer before choosing your family law attorney. If you are ready to get started, you can book a free consultation with Stephanie Krane-Boehmer.

PRO TIP: You may be tempted to use Google and AI legal advice, however, it’s always best to speak to a lawyer to get accurate, up-to-date legal insights.

Family Law and your Children

Child custody, child support and parenting time can be a major aspect of family law during a divorce. A family law attorney can help you with everything from talking to your children about divorce to crafting a parenting plan agreement that suits your individual family situation, and the needs of your children at every age. It’s important to also understand Michigan custody laws when you are unmarried parents and cohabitating.

Property Division and Spousal Support

The other critical element of a divorce is property division and spousal support. While on paper these can be cold financial decisions, the reality is that there can be a lot of emotion around possessions, and in particular the family home.

Working with couples to determine what is fair in a divorce settlement is a critical role for a family attorney. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or in court, a family law attorney works to protect the best interests of their clients and help them move forward into the next stage of their life.

When you Need a Family Attorney

Contact Stephanie Krane-Boehmer. Stephanie understands the complexities of divorce law, and the impact it can have on your life. She treats her clients with compassion, and offers the support, advice and experience you need to ensure a successful outcome to your case. If you are divorcing or considering separation or divorce, contact Stephanie to learn about the law, your rights and what your next steps should be.

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