- DivorceIn dividing assets in a divorce, Montana is a no-fault and equitable distribution state. Equitable means “fair” not necessarily “equal.” No-fault means the Court doesn’t divide the marital estate based upon who is “at fault” in causing the marriage to break up. By law, there are a number of financial, health and other factors that the Court must consider in dividing a marital estate. The Montana Supreme Court has also outlined special guidelines concerning the division of inherited, gifted and pre-marital property. If your divorce involves such property, you will want to consult with us early on in your case to protect your rights.
- Child SupportChild support is subject to the Montana Child Support Guidelines, which can be surprisingly complicated (particularly if you are self-employed). Many divorce cases in Montana are resolved short of trial through formal or informal settlement negotiations. Indeed, a settlement conference is mandatory in many jurisdictions before you can go to trial. Because any good settlement is based upon an assessment of what could happen if your case went to trial, it is in your best interest to have experience on your side.
- GuardianshipEarly in his career, Mike represented the State of Montana handling guardianship, conservatorship, trust, fraud, and elder exploitation matters in Ravalli County.
- DUI/DWILarge recoveries ($300,000+) for victims of DUI crash, highway speed rollover crash caused by negligent driver, crash on mountain highway, and highway-speeds crash caused by negligent commercial driver.
- Wrongful Death
- Property Damage
- Personal InjuryMultiple personal injury settlements for victims of negligent drivers in automobile, truck, motorcycle, bicycle and pedestrian crashes, including many policy limits and UIM recoveries.
- Auto Accidents
- Estate PlanningMike works closely with clients in estate planning, elder protection, and handling the estates of loved ones who have passed.
- WillsMike has many years of experience handling insurance claims, preparing wills and estate planning documents, and helping clients settle the estates of their loved ones.
- Power of AttorneyIn Montana, many people find that a Will, Health Care Declaration (sometimes called a “Living Will”), and Power of Attorney adequately cover their estate planning needs without the need to tie up their assets during their lifetime in some kind of trust. (If you have minor children, you should definitely nominate a guardian in your Will). This does not mean there is not an appropriate place for trusts in estate planning.
- Probate