Livingston Reporting - page 290

Needed Preparations Before You Purchase A Home

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes time to purchase a home it is vital to be conscience of the task at hand and its importance. Purchasing a home should be done with caution, preparation and with the assistance of a licensed real estate professional.  The purchase of a home, for most people, is the most expensive purchase they will make.  Whether this is the first time you are buying a home or the fifth there are preparations to be made, steps to be followed and caution to be had throughout.

The very first step in the home purchase process is known as the preparation stage.  Buying a home is not something that can be done on impulse.  The first part of preparing to buy a home is to know what the real estate market is like around you.  Is it a buyer or sellers’ market?  Are homes mainly be sold as is or in tip top shape?  What do the sales projections look like for the area or neighborhoods you are concentrating on?

During the preparatory phase you will also want to look at your finances.  It is important that your credit score is accurate and reflects up to date information on your debt.  You will also want to have a detailed report of income as well as expenses.  Your debt to income ratio along with savings will help mortgage lenders to determine your preapproval amount.  During this stage you should find a mortgage broker or lender that you trust and would like to work with.  This may take some research on your end.  Remember not all lenders are created equally.  Find a mortgage lender that is thorough in providing you detailed options along with the pros and cons of each available mortgage.  Finding the best terms along with a low annual interest rate is imperative in helping you to finance the purchase of your new home.

After you have followed the necessary steps in preparing to buy a home you actually get into the actual buying phase.  This is when patience as well as diligence come into play.  Many people interested in buying a home consider this the fun stage of buying a home.  Your realtor will pull from a list from the IDX records, MLS listings and other sources to find homes that meet your criteria.  It is essential that your criteria be broken into a few sets including things the home must have for you to purchase it and those luxuries that would be nice but that aren’t critical deal breakers.  Once your realtor has found you the perfect home and you decide that this is the one step three can occur.

During phase three of the buying process you will submit your offer, have your offer accepted and close on your new home.  Of course this is simplified a bit.  A lot of work is done behind the scenes between your mortgage lender, the title company and the real estate agency. There is a lot that needs to be processed and solidified before the home is yours however after a few hours signing papers the house will be yours.

Lake and Land Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor out of Pinckney, Michigan serving homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Hamburg, Pinckney and Howell. Information can be found at http://www.lakelandmi.com

Lake and Land Real Estate

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Defining Business Insurance Policies

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Insurance for General Liability:  All businesses should have at least basic general liability insurance.  This is true even if you run a home based business or consultant.  Liability insurance policies provide coverage for litigation and damages that are caused as a result of you, an employee, product or service.  This includes property damages as well injury to one’s person.

Insurance for Property: A property insurance policy should be purchased to cover your building as well as any business property including office equipment, tools and inventory. Separate coverage should be considered to protect against fire, theft, vandals and such.

Interruption Insurance: This is a policy that can be purchased by business owners that covers the business in situations where there is an interruption that does not allow the business to operate.  This insurance protects the potential earning power of the business when service or products are unable to be provided.

Auto Insurance For Commercial Vehicles:  As you insure a car for your personal benefit your work fleet also needs coverage.  Commercial auto insurance is used to insure vehicles that are used in the line of work from damage as well as collision.  When employees use their personal vehicles to complete business related tasks it is important the business owners have insurance that covers the business in case the employee does not have adequate coverage.

Insurance for Workers Compensation:  Workman’s comp, as it is often referred to protect employees who suffer from work related injuries or who are hurt on the job. This insurance provides for a replacement of the employees’ wages as well as medical benefits.  Workers compensation protect the business owner and company from legal complications.  Providing workman’s’ comp benefits alleviate employers risks from future litigation arising from the incident.

Error and Omissions Insurance:  Also known as professional liability insurance the policy provides coverage for litigation and damage that is the result of services rendered improperly.  This coverage is different from general liability insurance.  Professional liability insurance is tailored to specific trades and professions.  Services professions such as lawyers, accountants, real estate professionals, insurance agents, hair salons, technology providers and more should all be sure to have adequate error and omissions insurance.

Key Person Insurance:  Coverage under key person insurance provides compensation for any financial losses that come about from the death or incapacity of a key member in the business.  If one person is responsible for the majority of revenue brought in to the company this coverage is a necessity.  If one person’s work, knowledge, skill set or contribution is unique and consider irreplaceable without incurring loss or expense to the business; key person insurance can carry a business through a period of time and financial loss.

When it comes to insurance, policies, protection and coverage needs for your business it is wise to seek advice from a reputable business insurance agent.  An agent that is familiar with your industry is more likely to know the needs associate with your company providing the exact bundle of business insurance that is needed.  This also helps to ensure that you are not over insuring your company and in turn wasting valuable financial resources.

For more information on business insurance throughout Livingston County, MI including Brighton and Howell, contact Cobb-Hall Insurance. We are experts in all types of insurance needs and look forward to helping you with all of your business and personal insurance needs. Check us out online at http://www.cobbhall.com

Cobb Hall

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Take Risks In Business But Not With Your Insurance Coverage

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

As you open a business no matter how big or small there are a ton of questions that run through your head.  I bet business insurance is one of those things that comes to mind. When it comes to owning your own business you will take a lot of risks and you will make a ton of mistakes.  Don’t let insurance coverage for your business be one of them. When it comes to insurance for your business there are a million questions you need to ask to ensure that you are substantially covered.

The first question you need to answer is in regards to equipment and goods used while outside of the actual business premise.  Your business insurance coverage should cover business equipment whether on site or in transit to a tradeshow.  You will want to make sure your coverage is all inclusive when it comes to where the equipment is located.

Question your insurance provider to make sure that you are covered under circumstances from theft to a flood.  It is important that the insurance policy for your business covers expenses that are man-made as well as natural occurrences.

Do you need to contact your insurance agent when you make upgrades to your equipment or your premise?  It is important to understand your policy and the intricate details.  If additions to the premise or upgrades in equipment need to be reported the agent for the insurance to cover them that it is essential that you address that before you make the purchase so that it is covered.

With the policy that you have purchase does it cover replacing the building if it is fully destroyed? Are you required to build in the same spot or are you allowed to build in an area that is more suitable than the last one?

Does your policy cover a loss of income if your office, warehouse or production site is destroyed?  What about if it is partially damaged or if your business is severely affected by the damage be it man-made or a natural disaster. It is dire that you completely understand the coverage that you purchase.

When considering purchasing a policy make sure that it covers in case of a breach of data.  When you take client information and payment via credit or check you need to make sure that your client’s information is protected.   Data protection is a newer policy to consider but is so important in the age of technology that we are currently living in.

Questions are important especially when it comes to your business and the insurance plan that you have on it.  Your business is your source of income.  Income creates the means that support your family and livelihood. It has never been more important that when buying business insurance to understand what you are getting in return for the money you are paying. If you have any questions regarding the insurance coverage to your business ask your agent questions.  Your insurance agent is there to help you understand and to clarify your business insurance policy.

For more information on business insurance throughout Livingston County, MI including Brighton and Howell, contact Cobb-Hall Insurance. We are experts in all types of insurance needs and look forward to helping you with all of your business and personal insurance needs. Check us out online at http://www.cobbhall.com

Cobb Hall

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Limiting Risk In Business With Insurance Coverage

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

No matter what size business you own whether it is small, medium or large purchasing business insurance is crucial.  Risks are inevitable when it comes to owning a business.  Insuring your company helps limit your exposure to these risks.  Selecting the correct insurance policies is also important when it comes to insuring your business.  Avoid the following mistakes when it comes to obtaining a business insurance plan that covers all of your business needs.

Protect Your Business’s Financial Situation With The Right Insurance Coverage

The size of your business does not dictate whether your business has risks that need to be insured.  All businesses regardless of size has the possibility of facing risk.  A good insurance agent will find the risks in your company and offer insurance to protect against them.  Risk comes in many forms and can be man-made or natural.  Risk involves the things outside of your control.  Risks that are natural include weather related risks such as flooding, hurricanes etc.  Man-made risks involve theft, vandalism, data loss and so on.

When your insurance agent evaluates your business exposures they will take into account all of the man-made and natural risks that could occur in your industry with your company.  They will look at who your customers are, the product or service you offer and evaluate any and all potential risks that could factor into your business.  From here the insurance agent will present you with the policies that they believe are in your company’s best interest to purchase.  Having insurance for the risks involved in your business is sensible.

Don’t Underestimate How Important Insurance Is For Your Business

All businesses have risk.  Don’t underestimate or think even for a minute that your business is exempt.  Even if the risk is small you need to purchase coverage to meet the need. Even if you think your company can financially withstand risk insure your business needs.  The cost of the insurance outweighs the financial risk to the business all day every day.

Don’t Get Swayed By Low Priced Insurance Policies

Low priced policies are not always the most cost effective options in business insurance.  Low premiums may cover only the minimum risk in your business.  Consider that, do you want only the minimum of coverage?  Think about business insurance like you would health insurance.  When considering health insurance coverage for your family would you ever consider purchasing only the minimum?  The answer is a resounding NO! If you knew your son or daughter was at risk for cancer you would never choose the minimum coverage.  Think about your business the same way.  Everyday your business is at risk of something be it a man-made or natural disaster.  Insure accordingly.

Only Purchase Insurance From An Agent With Industry Knowledge

As you know by now purchasing insurance for your business is a challenge. It requires diligence and research.  Find an agent and insurance agency with a solid track record of settling claims and servicing clients.  Credibility is important when it comes to finding an agent to insure your company.

Insurance is an important part of life and business.  Avoid these pitfalls and mistakes when covering your business risks.

For more information on business insurance throughout Livingston County, MI including Brighton and Howell, contact Cobb-Hall Insurance. We are experts in all types of insurance needs and look forward to helping you with all of your business and personal insurance needs. Check us out online at http://www.cobbhall.com

Cobb Hall

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Advantages Of Choosing Aluminum Fencing For Your Home and Landscape

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are a variety of materials to choose from when you are considering a fence for your home.  With any material you choose there will be advantages and disadvantages that come with it.  When it comes down to it you need to weigh the importance of each type of fencing and match it with the look and feel you desire for your home. It is easy to see why aluminum fencing has become such a popular option amongst homeowners.

When it comes to aluminum fencing one benefit is the cost.  Aluminum fencing has many of the same qualities of wrought iron without the expense.  Wrought iron fencing is ultra expensive because of the way the fencing is fabricated and the type of metal that is needed to create it.  Aluminum fencing is less expensive because the metal to create the fence is cheaper and is able to be mass manufactured.

Another large benefit to aluminum fencing is that it is free of rusting.  Wrought iron is a ferric metal that over time oxidizes and rusts.  Aluminum is not. In reality it takes aluminum fencing over ten thousand years to disintegrate and rot away.

If you are looking for a low maintenance material in fencing, aluminum is the way to go.  Materials such as wood need constant maintenance and upkeep to keep the fencing looking its best. Wood fencing needs to be power washed and sealed about once every two to three years. Aluminum fencing doesn’t require regular painting like wrought iron.  Fencing made from aluminum is covered in multiple protective coats including a power painted coat that eliminates the need for future painting.

The fence needs to compliment the home and landscaping.  Esthetics is one of the most important factors associated with fencing.  Aluminum fencing provides security around the premise of your home on top of looking beautiful, blending well with most any style of home and landscaping.

The security provided with aluminum fencing is superior to most other types of fencing.  Chain-link and wood are easily scaled and cut through.  Aluminum provides a strong, secure fence that would be incredibly difficult to scale because of the picket design.  There really aren’t any good places for a foot or hand hold to lift you over. The picket design is also secure in keeping pets and children in the yard or out of trouble.  Aluminum fence and gates surrounding an in-ground pool is a popular because of just how secure it is.

Another reason aluminum fencing is such a popular option in fencing today is because it easily adjustable to the different slopes within the landscape.  When the fence is not able to be adjusted, such as wood, the gaps that are left are unsightly and are often big enough that children and pets could escape underneath.

Another terrific reason to choose fencing created from aluminum is the warranty.  Manufactures of aluminum fencing often offer a lifetime warranty on their fence and gate systems.  There are many options in material choices for the new fence in your yard.  Consider adding an aluminum fence with electronic gate for the most security for your home and family.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from.  You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.

SAC Fence

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Perfect Landscape Design From The Start When You Hire The Professionals

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When you finally make the decision to landscape your home it is important to hire a landscape designer.  When it comes to hiring a professional many homeowners are concerned with the expense hiring a designer will add to the budget.  This is however far from the truth; hiring a landscape professional can actually save you money.  Landscape designers have the connections to wholesale supplies as well as the know how to get exactly what is needed for your space the first time.  Trial and error doesn’t exist when using a professional landscaper as they know what is needed for the soil type, sunlight and overall outdoor environment.

If the home and landscape is new to you try to live in the space for a season or two before making any radical changes in the landscape.  After a season you will see what it is that you enjoy about the existing space and how you will be using the area.  It will also give you the opportunity to see what needs to be changed.  The worst thing you can do is dive in and start ripping things out and replacing them without getting a true sense of the landscape and yard.

After you have had time to identify the qualities of the landscape that you enjoy and those that need to be changed it is time to seek out a landscape design team. This is the tricky part.  Many people consider themselves landscaping experts.  However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.  When hiring a landscape designer look for someone with proper certifications.  You should look at their technical background and referrals.  Hire a landscaper based on a combination of their experience and education.

When you meet with the landscaper it is important to become prepared.  You should have a collection of ideas that you are interested in pursuing for in your own landscape.  This could include pictures from similar homes in your neighborhood, ideas from magazines as well as ideas from the internet.  You may pull together a variety of elements but any good designer will be able to take and pull the elements into one creating a personal space that is unique to your home.

If you would like to involve your family and get their opinions now is the perfect time.  Once you break ground on one idea you won’t be able to make drastic changes to the original plan without wasting time and money.  Your husband may desire a shed for his tools, the children may want to include a play structure, consider a small garden and what about a campfire pit?  All elements should be considered in an original plan.

Complete a wish list of plants and flowers that interest you.  Your landscape design team will look at the requirements in your region, the climate, sun exposure and soil type to determine which elements can be included in your final design.

Together you and your landscape design team will develop a plan that is within your budget, maintenance ability, as well as taking into consideration elements that you desire.

CBA Outdoor Services is a local landscape design firm offering services throughout Livingston and Wayne Counties.  For more information on the services they offer to both commercial and residential clients look online at http://cbaoutdoors.com/.

CBA Outdoor Services

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Protecting Your Computer From Dreaded Computer Viruses

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to your Windows 7 computer it is important to protect yourself from viruses and other threats that can harm your computer and its operating system.  This isn’t difficult if two requirements are met; you are diligent and you have some idea what to look for. Below is a list, all though not all inclusive, substantial in creating an environment free of computer viruses.

First things first, when you purchase a new computer it is important that you should have antivirus software installed correctly.  Keeping the antivirus software up to date will allow your computer to keep defending off viruses that will try to penetrate your email, operating system and computer files. New viruses will continue to appear every day.  Set your computer up so that it is keeping your antivirus updating automatically everyday to prevent even the newest of viruses from getting into your system.

One of the most common ways that people end up with an infected computer is through email attachments.  Viruses are easily attached to email messages.  As soon as the email is opened the virus will start to spread throughout your computer.  When it comes to email attachments the rule of thumb is to use caution and only open attachments that you are expecting.  Emails can come from friends with attachments that you weren’t expecting.  Before opening the attachment, contact the sender to see if they actually sent something that you need to see.

Not only is important that you keep your antivirus protection up to date it is also significant that your Microsoft operating system is updated regularly as well.  Microsoft will update your Windows OS regularly with updated security releases. It is imperative that you allow Windows security by turning on the automatic updating option and that it runs regularly.

You can also add on a Windows firewall that will keep you alerted to any activity that is suspicious. If a virus, worm or hacker attempts to infiltrate your system it will help block it.  If a virus, worm or hacker does get in a firewall should help protect the operating system from having harmful programs from being downloaded.

Turn on your browsers privacy settings.  This will prevent websites from using your private browsing information and prevent fraud and theft of identify.

Personal computer owners should also use a pop-up blocker along with their browser protection.  Turning off pop-up windows will help to create safer browsing as although pop-ups are usually advertisements some of them can be wicked and filled with code that is not safe.  Pop-up blockers eliminate the windows from appearing all together.

These steps will all help to eliminate the possibility of a computer infection.  Even if you apply each of these tips there is still a chance that a virus will slip through and your computer will become infected.  If you suspect that a computer virus has infected your PC you can take the machine into any local computer repair store and they will run scans to see if the computer is actually infected.  If it is they will remove the virus from the computer and update your virus protection and get Window updates running regularly.

Computers Plus Service provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.

Creative Programs and Systems

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Saving On Logistics Without Compromising On Other Business Operations

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There is not a company in business that isn’t concerned about cutting costs especially when it comes to logistics. All companies want to save money on less-than-truckload shipping however at what point is saving money on shipping costing you money on service and disruptions to other elements in the supply chain.  Money is only saved when the job is continued without flaw and the shipping is procured at a reduced rate.

If other obstacles are cause by saving money on the actual LTL shipping than you may really be costing the company more money that you are saving it in customer complaints and disruptions to the labor force.  The element that a great supply chain management system will look at is lower shipping costs to the point at which they do not interrupt any other aspect of the company’s goals.  When everything is working in balance and harmony is achieved your business will then be successful.

To start doing this within your company’s organization it is important that the company set clear objectives and supply chain requirements. Assistance is needed to clearly define LTL shippers bid objectives.  These goals may be to reduce costs, reduce the number of carriers involved in the logistics process, quicker movement of shipments or geographic needs that have to be addressed.  In order to work with a LTL carrier your company’s needs need to be matched with those of the LTL carrier.

When aligning yourself with a shipper be sure that they have thoroughly addressed and collected valuable data from the carriers that they will be using to meet your LTL needs.  A shipper should have up to date, clear information on all carriers such as past financial performance, ratings in customer service, IT capabilities, equipment standards, fleet size and CSA scores.  A shipper needs to align themselves with carriers that are interested in carrying out the goals that you have in common for your shipments.

As a company it is important that you review data on your shipper as well as their carriers.  All data should be supplied to you in a formal review of the past twelve months of activities.

Don’t align your company with a shipper that has evolved using too many different carriers to achieve results.  The best option when it comes to logistics is to create a plan around a shipper that uses a level carrier mix with proven results and limited issues.  The more carriers involved in the shipment of goods, the more issues that can arise; including leveraging the demand and volume.

Using due diligence and creating a relationship with your shipper will also help your company grow.  Much of logistics revolves around the relationship that you have with the shipper and in turn the shipper has with his suppliers.  Good communication, written documentation and an outline of expectations and company goals are crucial when developing this partnership.  You and your shipper should work to alert each other to issues arising with carriers to avoid customer service nightmares that can be had from late deliveries, incomplete and insufficient carrier services.  If a bump in the road with a carrier is not immediately corrected it will affect your company and the logistics plan that you have worked so hard to develop with the shipper.

Jefferson Diversified Group, LLC is a Global Logistics expert offering LTL shipping and more. Check out available rates today at http://www.detroitltl.com/.

Detroit LTL

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Straightforward Tips In Home Remodeling To Age In Place

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There is an increase in the number of seniors choosing to stay in their homes rather than moving into assisted living facilities.  With the rise of our older generation staying within their homes it is important that we as caregivers know how to provide an environment free of obstacles that may hinder the homes accessibility.

Many age in place home renovations can be done by do it yourselfers but others such as the installation of wheelchair ramps require hiring an outside contractor.  The list below will provide you with some easy tips on renovating the home to provide a safe living environment to grow old.

One easy tip is removing loose rugs and carpets.  This may not sound like a big deal but this easy and inexpensive tip makes a large impact.  If it is impractical to remove the rugs secure them with the use of double sided sticky tape.  Loose rugs and carpets increase the risk that comes along with falling as one ages.  A fall in your twenties is totally different than a fall in your sixties.  Bones are brittle and are at an increased risk of breaking.  The healing process is also not the same.  All rugs and carpets should either be removed or secured to prevent accidents from the loss of mobility we experience as we age.

Consider updating hard to use appliances.  Seniors tend to have issues with mobility and bending in general.  Limit the need for them to stretch or excessively bend.  This can be done with simple appliance updates such as a new raised front loading washer and dryer. The basic goal in updating appliances is finding models that adapt to the changing needs we experience as we age.

Replace the handles on cabinets and doors throughout the home. Lever style door handles are much easier to use and require much less effort to open them.  Seniors with arthritis will find traditional doors hard to open. Cabinet pulls make cabinets easier to open as well.  These simple changes are effective and inexpensive.  Little updates make life much easier with aging joints.

Another simple change that makes life easier on seniors is replacing old style light switches to new style rocker switches.  Arthritis can be an incredibly debilitating disease that makes seniors unable to accomplish the simplest of tasks. Rocker style light switches make turning the lights on and off simple.

The most important tip of all is to update the bathroom.  Most accidents when it comes to seniors happens in the bathroom.  Make the switch from a traditional style tub to a no threshold shower with a bench and grab bars. It is also important that you replace the smaller traditional toilets with a higher toilet.  This will make getting up off of the toilet much easier alleviating the strain that comes with getting up off of the toilet.

Seniors thrive when allowed to continue to live independently.   It is important to allow them the freedom that comes when still in your own living environment instead of moved to a retirement home. The tips included in this article will start you on your way to providing a safe place to continue to live the life they want.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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Enjoying Your Life Once Your Divorce Is Final

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When your marriage ends one life ends and a new one begins.  The problem is that not everyone is ready for this to happen.  Sometimes one partner in the marriage was not willing to accept that the marriage was ending and therefore the process of moving on and letting go of the past is more difficult than it should be. Below you will find some tips on letting go, moving on, jump starting your future and finding peace.

First things first; come clean with all of your emotions and realize that your life will continue after the end of your marriage.  The feelings that you will have guarantee to run the gamut of emotions as well as to change frequently.  You naturally will feel blame, pity, anger, worthlessness and insecure.  On another spectrum you may feel free, liberated, useful and unrestricted.  How you feel is uniquely personal. Feel what you feel.  It is okay to go through each emotion feeling it completely.  It is also perfectly normal to let it go.  Eventually you will come to the point where your marriage and divorce no longer defines you and you will understand that your marriage will be like a cruise; something you did once before a long time ago.

Some people I meet with you are on the verge of filing for divorce are hanging on out of fear of being alone.  Before there were two you were one and believe it or not you survived.  Just as you have done in the past you will survive on your own.  Being in a broken marriage is far lonelier than actually being on your own and creating a new life for yourself.  It is reasonable to grieve for your loss or the marriage that you assumed you would be in however as with grieving in death there will come a time when you can start to move forward.

The next step may seem impossible at first but is as necessary as any.  Make time to allow yourself to feel good.  Stop burning daylight and get on course to living your new life; a life that you create where you can do or be anything you put your mind to. This will hit you like a ton of bricks.  You won’t notice it happening but one day it will have happened and it will hit you.  All of a sudden you will be living a meaningful, productive life.  You will find yourself taking time in the morning making yourself feel good, you will wear clothing to feel good and that makes you feel attractive.  Be it trying a new sport, wearing a new style of clothes or finally cutting your hair is a style you never contemplated before you will find yourself living life for yourself and no one else. You will have found time to be you and you will feel good about it.

In our next installment on life after divorce we will focus on accepting the next step and jump starting your future now that you have accepted your marriage is over and you are on to living for yourself.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Men/Dad’s in divorce.  For experienced representation throughout the divorce process in Michigan you can find more information at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerfordad.com/divorce.php.

Longton Law

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