Family Law



Family law, or domestic relations law as it is known in the literature, is the law dealing with family relationships.  It encompasses such proceedings as divorce, child custody and support, and adoption.  It is the one area of law where emotions run the highest because so much is often at stake for those involved in the process.

For someone who has never been through a divorce or child custody case, the emotional toll it can take on a person is extraordinary.  Most of the time, the parties involved either are or were heavily emotionally involved with each other, and this causes emotions to run high during the course of the proceedings.  For an unwilling or unexpecting spouse or parent, the service of divorce or custody papers can be emotionally traumatic.  For a spouse or parent deciding whether to obtain a divorce or file for child custody, the decision making process involved is inextricably tied in with emotions that the spouse or parent has for the other parties involved.

Family law also has a reputation as one of the few areas of law where compromise and equity is the rule rather than the exception.  Both parties sometimes expect results that completely favor one or the other, but the law often attempts to achieve equity in these cases.  For instance, in a Michigan divorce, property settlements are an equitable division of property.  Also, in Michigan, the courts look to the best interests of the child, when deciding a custody case.  In many custody cases, judges find that spending time with both parents is in the child’s best interests.  These are only illustrative examples and are not meant to predict the outcome of any individual case.  In fact, each case is decided on its own merits, as with all cases that enter our court system.

As a human being and as an attorney I understand the emotional toll that most domestic relations proceedings can take on the people involved.  That is why I treat every one of my clients like family.  I sit down with all my clients and listen to what they have to say, listen to all their concerns, and then provide them with the tools they need to make the right legal decisions for themselves and for their families.  I treat my clients with the respect and dignity they deserve when going through what could be the most difficult time of their lives.

As your attorney, I will help you understand what to expect in terms of both the legal proceedings involved, and the possible outcomes in any case.  I can never guarantee a particular result, but I can help you understand, through the law, what outcomes are possible, and help prepare you to achieve the best outcome possible in any case.  I will always listen to you and will make sure I understand what goals you want to achieve before proceeding with any case.  I will negotiate with the opposing party and counsel aggressively using your goals as my guide.

In divorce or custody proceedings in the courtroom, I will zealously represent your interests and will work hard to achieve the result you desire in any case.  I will explain the law to you and how the court could apply the law to your case.  I will tell you what factors the court will use in making its decisions, and explain how those factors apply to your situation.  In short, I will help you understand what will happen when you set foot in the courtroom, before you even arrive there.

Please contact me using this page if you have any questions about any of the following:

• Divorce • Child custody and visitation

• Child support and alimony • Adoption

• Paternity • Martial property division

DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this site is intended to be used or relied upon as legal advice.  If you are contemplating taking any action in a any legal matter, you should consult a licensed attorney before doing so.  Nothing on this page or this website is intended to create an attorney/client relationship between the reader and the author’s firm.  Only by signing a representation agreement with the firm will any person be considered to be a client of the firm.  If you are interested in hiring me as your attorney, please contact me by clicking here.