Immediately contact the experienced defense attorneys Lucido & Manzella, P.C. DO NOT talk with the police, and do not allow them to search your house/vehicle/person without a warrant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Divorce, Bankruptcy & Criminal Defense Matters in Michigan
Criminal Law
We assist clients in resolving a wide variety of criminal charges, including serious felonies.
But I’m innocent! Surely once they hear my story everything will work out?
If the police wish to speak with you, it typically means they are investigating a crime. Do not talk to the police without speaking to us first. Remember, everything you say can and will be used against you.
My significant other/loved one/friend has been arrested, what should I do?
If someone you know has been arrested, the only way to help them is through an experienced criminal defense attorney at Lucido & Manzella, P.C. The police are not there to help the people they arrest. Immediately contact our office where an attorney is available to speak to you 24/7/365.
But this is only for an insignificant offense?
Even the most minuscule and petty crimes can have long lasting effects on your public record. They can affect your job, driver’s license, and immigration status among other things. Do not proceed without first speaking to an attorney from Lucido & Manzella, P.C. who can explain all the potential consequences to you or your loved one first.
What if everyone thinks I’m guilty?
It is the police and the government’s job to prove you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. One of our experienced defense attorneys will stand up for you no matter the odds and make sure the government stays honest.
Personal Injury
Our attorneys are highly experienced in obtaining compensation for injured people and their families.
I know Michigan is a "no fault state," but I am in a lot of pain, I can’t sleep and the accident has affected my marriage. Can I collect damages for my pain and suffering?
In some cases, yes. However, you must be able to prove all of the following: The accident was caused at least 51% by the other driver’s carelessness You didn’t intentionally hit the other driver’s vehicle At the time of the accident, you had at least the minimum amount of insurance coverage required by Michigan law You must also show that injuries from the accident have caused “serious impairment of a body function, or a “serious and permanent disfigurement.”
What kind of injuries qualify as "serious impairments of a body function" and "serious and permanent disfigurements"?
There’s no list of injuries that automatically qualify as “impairments” or “disfigurements”, and qualified medical testimony will always be required. However, in every case the injuries you’ve suffered must significantly affect your ability to live your life as you did before the accident. Have you been able to return to work? If so, it’ll be harder to prove that you have a qualified “impairment”. But, your inability to perform some work-related or other physical tasks can also be a factor.
How long do I have to file a claim for pain and suffering?
In most cases, a claim must be filed before the third anniversary of the accident. If the victim was a minor, the claim must be filed before he or she turns nineteen. Remember that these are only general answers and are not intended as legal advice. The circumstances of your accident, the nature and severity of your injuries and your personal situation are each unique. The attorneys at Lucido & Manzella, P.C. have many years of experience in evaluating automobile personal injury claims. Let us review your case today – we’ll give you clear and honest answers to your questions and help you understand your rights and options.
Estate Planning
A well crafted estate plan can save your loved ones from stress and disagreement, and ensure your wishes are followed.
Does having a will avoid probate?
No. If you die and are the sole owner of property, probating a decedent’s estate will be necessary to distribute your property according to your will (if you have one), or to your heirs of law (if you do not have a will).
Does having a trust avoid probate?
Yes. Trust administration is usually accomplished without involving a court, as long as all your property is owned by (or titled to) your trust at the time of your death.
Will a quit claim deed avoid probate?
A quit claim deed only applies to real estate in which you name someone as a co-owner. Thus, if your only probate asset is real estate, and you have executed a quit claim deed naming an additional owner, no probate will be necessary.
However, a quit claim deed, or any other form of joint ownership, has problems you should be aware of. For example, the co-owner you name could have creditors, in which one or more creditors could have this property seized to satisfy the debt owed to them.
How do I get started with estate planning documents?
An important first step is to name responsible people, whom you trust, to handle your property and affairs. You must be mentally competent at the time you sign your estate planning documents. There are many versions of forms available, especially on the internet, which could allow you to draft your own estate planning documents. But due to their complexity and differing laws among the states, it is recommended to consult with a knowledgeable attorney to make sure the documents are drafted specifically to your circumstances. Contact the professional attorneys at Lucido & Manzella, P.C. to make an appointment in order to discuss your estate planning needs.
Family Law
At Lucido & Manzella, P.C. we have many years of experience advising individuals who wish to legally end their marriages.
I understand Michigan is a "no fault" divorce state, but do I still need to sue my husband/wife?
Yes, even in a “no fault” case, one spouse must still be named as the “plaintiff” who is requesting the divorce.
Do my spouse and I need to be separated before I file?
No. There is no required separation period before filing for divorce in Michigan.
What are the residency requirements?
The plaintiff (or, in some cases, the defendant) must have been a resident of Michigan for at least 180 days. That spouse must (with a few limited exceptions) also have resided in the county where the divorce complaint is filed for at least ten days prior to filing. Once the residency requirement has been met, you may file a complaint for divorce.
My spouse has moved to another state. Can I still file for divorce in Michigan?
The Michigan court will be able to grant a valid divorce, but it may not have full authority to divide your marital assets or to rule on custody or child support issues. However, if your spouse is willing to do so, he or she can consent to allowing the court in Michigan to decide all divorce-related issues.
How quickly will my divorce be granted?
With rare exceptions, there will be a “cooling off” period of either sixty days (if there are no minor children and no children are expected to be born) or six months if there are minor children.
Bankruptcy
If your debts are becoming unmanageable, our bankruptcy attorneys may be able to help you find relief.
How do I know if it’s time to file for bankruptcy?
When you are unable to keep up with bills, such as following an illness or unemployment, we recommend exploring bankruptcy as a solution. Additionally, if a creditor obtains a judgement against you, filing for bankruptcy can prevent the creditor from seizing assets or garnishing wages.
Can a wage garnishment be stopped by filing a bankruptcy?
Yes. Once your case is filed, the court issues an automatic stay which prevents creditors from trying to collect from you; including garnishing your wages for debts that existed at the beginning of the case.
Does Bankruptcy wipe out all of my debts?
Bankruptcy does not discharge all debts. In general, certain debts won’t be discharged, such as:
- Taxes
- Child and spousal support
- Responsibility for injuries or death caused by drunk driving
- Debts originating from the debtor’s own intentional or malicious misconduct
- Debts from a previous bankruptcy that cannot be discharged
- Criminal penalties
- Student loans; and forfeitures.
Secured debts may still be discharged, but expect the creditor to retake the property using the necessary legal processes. Typically, the debtor is able to reclaim the property by reaffirmation and redemption if their equity interest is exempt.
What is the difference between secured and unsecured debt?
Secured debt is a debt claim that is secured by a lien of some type in your property, either by your agreement or involuntarily, such as with a court judgment or taxes. Unsecured debt is not tied to any type of property. Most credit card debts are unsecured. If you wish to keep property which secures a debt you must enter into a reaffirmation agreement with the creditor.
Must I list all of my assets on my petition?
Yes. It is very important that all assets are listed. Knowingly and fraudulently concealing your assets from the bankruptcy court is a felony and the court has the power to fine you and deny you a discharge. Remember that most bankruptcy cases are considered “no asset” cases since state or federal exemptions can protect all of your property.
Which type of bankruptcy should I file?
Individuals who fulfill qualifying requirements typically select Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 is a common choice because Chapter 13 requires the individual to repay any amount of their debt. On the other hand, Chapter 13 may be a better solution if you wish to keep your house. Missed mortgage payments can be gradually repaid via your Chapter 13 plan. If you choose Chapter 7, you will need to pay the full amount immediately, meaning you will risk losing your home if the equity is greater than the exemption amount provided.
Success Stories
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Top notch counsel!!! The BEST.
Mr. Manzella is a true professional. If your legal needs are in his area of expertise, I would highly recommend you at least consider his services.
Vince and his team are super detailed, friendly and you will be represented in the best way. Highly recommended.
I’ve been a client for over ten years. Vince is fantastic, as well as Kim and Jenna! I would not handle my legal matters anywhere else.
Vince was an absolute god send! He helped me thru a very rough patch in my life and without his knowledge and expertise I don’t know that I would have had such a positive outcome. I would and will recommend him and his firm to everyone that I come across in the future who needs representation in Macomb Co. Thank you Vince and Bianca. You were both wonderful to work with and I can’t thank you enough!
I had the absolute pleasure of being represented by Vince Manzella in a custody case. To say he got the job done is an understatement. He is extremely professional and has a wealth of knowledge in the Macomb County court system. He was always available if I had any concerns or questions. His secretary Donna was extremely pleasant and always very punctual with responses. Vince got me more than I ever could have expected, and never let me give up…
Amazing lawyers and friendly receptionist too! Everyone at this firm is awesome. Very strong and professional. I was facing my 5th felony and bound to be on my 4th habitual. Considering all that made me super nervous but the lawyer Kim was very kind and patient with me. She talked me through everything and pretty much assured me that the judge would not revoke my bond as long as I kept doing what the courts asked me to do. Then…
I would like to thank Vince for representing me for my case. He did an excellent job, and I will recommend him and his firm to anyone.
Angelo, Jenna, Vince, and Kimberly were all there for me. They are amazing people, and I strongly refer everyone I know to go here for any of their legal needs
We needed a lawyer to assist with my son’s traffic violation, and working with Vince Manzella was an amazing experience. His entire team displayed professionalism and excellent communication. Highly recommend Lucido & Manzella!
Very supportive, and very confident in himself and his ability to represent me was outstanding. I would say Manzella is very intelligent and motivated to help others.
I had the absolute pleasure of hiring Angelo D'Onofrio. A complete professional in every way. So calm, so caring. He helped me through a tough time. My life was pretty much on the line. I will tell you one thing. It was the best money I ever spent. Without a doubt. Thank you Angelo. When you walk into this law firm, the first person I would be asking for is Angelo. He's everything you want in a lawyer. Hands down.…
Gave great legal advice. The fact that he even listened to me and didn't take advantage of my situation just details how efficient they are! If I ever need an attorney, I'll definitely be calling.
Would recommend to anybody.
Very good attorney
Such an awesome Attorney!
Very Helpful, no charge for consultation, since they originally wrote well!
Efficient and timely service. Very helpful staff.
Amazing firm!
Vince and his Team are highly recommended. Good communication and availability to answer my questions and ease my concerns from moment one. Not only did he have good communication, he was able to get me a result that was fair and I felt I deserved. Hope I never need an attorney again, but I do know who I’ll call if I do!
Excellent Lawyer!! If you need a criminal Lawyer get him!!!
Mr. Manzella is very informative and put us in touch with the right person to help.
The service is excellent, the personnel are stellar. Can't say enough, would recommend them to everyone that needs their services.
Vince Manzella and the whole staff of Lucido & Manzella are the best in the business helped me in many transactions, I would recommend them anytime
Vince Manzella and his team are excellent and work hard with your best interests in mind.
The service provided by Mr. Manzella is top notch. He is quick to respond to emails, phone calls, and any matters that were related to my case. Anytime I needed something or requested information I would receive a reply within 24 hours. I have used many law firms before and it was a pain always chasing them down for answers. When Mr. Manzella takes you on a client he really gives you great service which is really hard to find…
Vince and his team are the best in the game. Super kind, knowledgeable, and very attentive. These are true professionals!
I would highly recommend Vince Manzella and staff. They get the job done.
Vince and the other attorneys and that law firm in my opinion are the best and Michigan by far I have used them multiple times and have gotten positive results and I have recommended them to friends and family and they also have gotten positive results. They treat you like family they take care of you till the end you will love the work they do for you.
If you have a very difficult person you are trying to negotiate with, you need Vince Manzella. He remains calm in the midst of absolute bull, but is resolute in his representation of his client! I am grateful to have had the privilege of Vince handling my negotiations.
I reached out to Vince during the most trying time of my life when it came to Family court and custody matters. Vince was always there when I needed answers regarding my case. I hired Vince because during the first 10 minutes of our consult I knew he was the best, and my family deserved the very best to get through this difficult case. Vince stepped in near the end of my case and worked diligently to gather everything we…
My only choice for any issues. Vince came highly recommended. From my wife's custody battle to my driver's license restoration Vince was there ready to prove the facts and fight in my defense. Results are priceless. Hiring them to be on my side...was worth it to sleep resting assured I was in good hands.
Vince and his assistant, Donna, are such a great team. I feel heard, and that is #1, in my opinion. We are just starting in this process, but every interaction has left me feeling confident.
Vince is an amazing attorney and such a great person overall. Quick response and help. Will definitely use him in the future if necessary! Highly recommend.
We seriously could not of asked for a better attorney. Our prior attorney dropped us due to our case being too much, (custody with one parent moving long distance), she did although refer us to Vince. We got a SAME DAY consult with zero hesitation from Vince to take us on. Donna was our main point of contact through Vince. So many ups and downs happened in the last year and Donna & Vince stayed consistent and helped us through…
My mom had a very difficult case and was stressed out to the max! A colleague recommended Vince Manzella and they were in touch very fast. He was well prepared and worked diligently to win the case. Vince and his staff were very professional and always responsive in a quick manner. My family would highly recommend Lucido & Manzella P.C.
I should have left this for Vince way back in 2007. He is a fantastic lawyer and friend to my family. He saved my life and we are so grateful for his hard work and dedication. I 100% recommend his services. Tell him Mark Belkowski sent you! ??
Vince is an excellent attorney that helped me navigate through a difficult divorce and custody battle. I still retain Vince as my lawyer today. Vince doesn’t give you the answer you want to hear, he gives you the answer that you need to hear. Vince is a man of principle and has values. However, ultimately it was his understanding of the law and how to navigate the judicial system that got me a favorable outcome that’s in the best interest…
Vince is the absolute best attorney around! I made a terrible mistake and needed someone on my side to help me out of that situation. There was no judgment just a lot of help guiding me through the process and fighting for me. I am so glad I went with this firm!
Vincent Manzella and his team go beyond their duty.
I am so lucky I was referred to Vince. He helped me keep a PPO in place. The situation was very stressful and scary for me, but I always felt comfortable and confident with him representing me. I will definitely refer him to other in the future. I wish I would have had him for my actual divorce. He is EXCELLENT.
I highly recommend this Attorney's office!! Kimberly DiBartolomeo is the best!!! Her assistant Mary as well.
"Angelo took great care of my husband and I would recommend this office to anyone in need of attorney closed our case almost immediately. Great staff."
"Absolutely the best Law Firm you can retain in Macomb County! Highly recommend them, absolutely stellar reputation and reasonable fees!"
"We use Lucido & Manzella for Business and Personal. Always quick to respond and they get the job done!"
"I’ve utilized services on several occasions. Helpful in helping me understand aspects of the situation I wouldn’t have understood on my own. A far more personal experience than I’ve experienced in the past with other firms. Beyond pleased with every outcome each time. You have My highest recommendation for representation."
"The best lawyers in town hands down."
"I used Mr. Manzella for several issues with my ex over the last few years. He always knows how to handle the issues so that I get the results I deserve."
"Vince Manzella and his firm have represented me for several years with extensive family/probate court issues. Vince is aggressive, professional and on point at all times. He stands out as one of the hardest working and involved lawyers I have ever retained and I can truly say, I will never go anywhere else for legal service. I trust this firm fully as they have proven time after time that they got my back and won't ever let me or my…
"I needed to find a lawyer to help with my parents with their estate plan and I brought them in to see Mr. Manzella. They were able to put together a plan that really met our needs. They were very understanding of our situation as well. I really appreciated the time they took explaining things to us."
"Mr. Manzella was great during my divorce. He got me through the hardest time in my life and did more for me than I thought was possible. His professionalism is exceptional & is matched by his confidence. The emotional support I received was invaluable. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer."
"Hired Manzella recently for some family issues and he did an amazing job working through things. He explained things through every step and never made unrealistic promises. This is the guy you want to see in Macomb County!"
"Vince is the greatest attorney I've ever had. He got a gun case dropped to misdemeanor!! Vince is a great listener and gets the job done. He is excellent!!! I would hire him in any case ever."
"Vince and his firm have been my family's attorney for over 10 years, They do a great job, When they say they will do something, they do it! And they get the job done. Very Trustworthy & have the highest of integrity! His entire staff is excellent! You won't go wrong with using Lucido & Manzella believe me!"
"Vince is a great lawyer who fought for me. His office and staff went the extra mile to help with my case. Thank you Lucido & Manzella!"
"I was contacted the same day. Me. Lou Corey was professional and I believe he directed me in the right direction."
"Personal Injury Attorney- I called looking for an attorney to handle my injury and received feedback immediately."
"When it comes to getting a law firm that you feel comfortable with, Lucido and Manzella have my trust. They were very prompt and forthright. They listen in detail to your concerns and give knowledgeable responses to your concerns. Their firm is well respected in southeastern Michigan. You will get treated with honest answers and feel very dignified by using their team."
"Working in the legal field can be rather challenging at times. Needless to say, having a firm grasp on the law and knowing how to apply it to ones case can mean all the difference between winning your war or getting less than you deserve. Having had the pleasure of working with this firm in both a personal and professional capacity, I would have to say that this firm goes out of its way to accommodate its clients no matter…
"Very personable, got a next day appointment and they went right to work for me! Would highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal services."
"Excellent Attorneys!!!"
"Lou and Anthony are the best!"
"Really good lawyers."
"I was treated like family, they take care of business, and they don't overcharge. A+"
"This law firm helped me through a very difficult situation involving my son. Vince Manzella is a top-notch attorney."
"Fantastic!!!!.. If your looking for a true gladiator in the courtroom to fight for you.. Then look no further than Vince Manzella!!!!.. This guy is the whole package!!.. He's got the experience, education, and the aggressive stance that you need to overcome the obstacle your facing. I would not have believed it unless I saw it first hand for myself.. AT THE MINIMUM...You need to call this firm , ask for renee.. and have her set an appointment with Mr.…
"Lucido & Manzella Law firm is very good at what they do! Vince Manzella represented us and did a fantastic job. I would recommend him to all my friends and family members."
"Honest attorney"
"When I asked around I was referred to Vince Manzella. My friend told me he was the best around and after I saw him in court I couldn't agree more."
"Mr. Manzella took on a hard-to-win case for me and prevailed, his professionalism and expertise are superb!"
"When I received a speeding ticket, I knew I had to call Vincenzo Manzella. Within days, the speeding ticket was taken care of with no points to my insurance! Mr. Manzella was professional, honest, and reasonably priced. I would definitely recommend him to anyone in need of legal services."
"Great people who work hard for you."
"I have used the firm for landlord-tenant issues and have always had great results! Very knowledgeable and helpful."
"When your life is being compromised. Compromise elsewhere, Retaining Lucido and Manzella P.C.brings you INTEGRITY, HONESTY, RELIABILITY. AS I SAY "WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO", RETAIN LUCIDO AND MANZELLA P.C."
"Top-notch trial attorneys who fight tirelessly for their client's causes. I recommend Vince Manzella and his team for anyone facing a difficult divorce or criminal prosecution. You won't be disappointed."
"Vince and his team are wonderful. They’re knowledgeable, friendly, and will treat you like family."
"I want to express my appreciation for the integrity, sincerity and courtesy of this firm. I was treated like a "human being" from beginning to end and I am so thankful for that. I would recommend anyone who needs an attorney in their corner so to speak to Lucido & Manzella because they are certified, bonafide and indubitably qualified to help you with your legal needs just like they helped me."
"I have been a client here for over 10 years and will continue to be a client in the future. Mr. Manzella is all about helping the client rather than making money. All you have to do is spend 5 minutes with him and you can see that he is genuine. It takes time to find good honest attorneys and can be extremely costly when doing so. I highly recommend this firm for anyone looking. You will not be disappointed."
"Vince was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. I was very satisfied with how he helped me and would recommend him to anyone. I will definitely go back if needed!"
"Went back to see Vince about a custody situation with my ex. He went above and beyond again. He did a great job with explaining the process to me. While we were in court it was obvious he knew what he was doing by our end result. I was so glad I had him by my side."
"The prosecutor had my file red marked and wouldn’t cut a deal! Vince and his team not only got me a deal, I received just probation! Vince is second to none!"
"After being ticketed, a friend told me to call Vince Manzella to help me with my court case. I was very happy with the results, a really bad situation is now going to be a distant memory that won't be on my record. I'm very pleased with my representation and would give 11 stars if I could."
"We use Lucido and Manzella Law firm for our business and personal needs. Their staff is welcoming, helpful and most importantly knowledgeable. We appreciate all your hard work."
"Vince is hands down the best attorney I have ever worked with. Vince was very professional and efficient. His actions in circuit court helped saved our property values from a bordering development. I highly recommend Vince Manzella!"
"Pete and Vince have always treated me like a person. Kim and Doreen are the best. I can’t describe how much these people mean to me. I am at ease every step of the way."
"Great law office for Macomb MI. Always my go-to people. ?"
"Lucido & Manzella is a very professional law firm. I have known Pete and Vince for many years and they have always given great advice. Vince has excellent working knowledge and understanding of the law and has always been very highly respected in the legal community. I believe they are a law firm with care and compassion for all their clients."
"I have used the firm for my divorce. Each time I met with Vince through the process he was very helpful and understanding. Having to go through something like this was not fun but I felt a lot better knowing that I had him on my side."
"Good honest firm."
"Very nice staff easy to talk to."
"Vince is one of the best lawyers in Metro Detroit. He has taken care of multiple issues for me and my family. Whether it was probate or family law or anything else for that matter he does it swiftly, professionally and correctly! Thank God for lawyers like him!"
"I highly recommend Vince he helped my son out. He was there every step of the way, kept every promise, and was honest about the situation. He answered any questions we had and ensured us the best outcome. If you're looking for a great lawyer you don’t have to look any further. I would recommend Vince to anyone."
“Vince is a great attorney and will do his best to make sure that your legal matters are handled. I have used him and other attorneys in this firm and everyone is very knowledgeable and takes the time to help. This firm handles all matters and treats the client with respect…would recommend them to anyone!”
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