Divorce costs vary significantly based on complexity, contested issues, and whether children are involved. We offer transparent pricing and flexible payment plans to make quality legal representation accessible. During your consultation, we’ll provide a clear estimate based on your specific situation–including whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, property division complexity, and custody considerations. Our offices accept various payment methods, and we’ll discuss all options upfront so there are no surprises.

An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on all major issues—property division, child custody, support, etc. This is typically faster and less expensive. A contested divorce means you disagree on one or more issues, requiring negotiation, mediation, or court intervention. Even if you start with a contested divorce, many cases settle through negotiation before trial. We help clients explore all options to reach fair resolutions efficiently.

Yes. If circumstances have changed substantially since your original custody order, we can help you petition the court for a modification. Common reasons include:

• Relocation of one parent
• Changes in work schedules affecting parenting time
• Concerns about the child’s safety or well-being
• Changes in the child’s needs (medical, educational, etc.)
• Significant lifestyle changes by either parent

Michigan courts prioritize the child’s best interests when considering modifications.

Michigan uses a formula based on both parents’ incomes, the number of children, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses. The Michigan Child Support Formula considers:

• Each parent’s gross income
• Number of overnights with each parent
• Health insurance premiums for the children
• Childcare costs related to work or education
• Other children either parent supports

Our attorneys can help you understand the calculation and ensure it’s applied correctly to your situation.

While Michigan allows self-represented divorce, having an attorney is strongly recommended—especially when children, significant assets, or complex issues are involved. Even small mistakes in paperwork or negotiations can have long-term financial and custody consequences. Our attorneys protect your rights, ensure fair outcomes, and handle the legal complexities so you can focus on moving forward.

Wills take effect after death and must go through probate court, which is public and can take 6-12+ months. Trusts can avoid probate, provide privacy, protect assets during your lifetime, and allow for more complex distribution strategies.

Many Michigan families benefit from having both:

• A revocable living trust to hold major assets and avoid probate
• A pour-over will as a safety net for any assets not in the trust, and to name guardians for minor children

Our estate planning attorneys can explain which option—or combination—best suits your needs and goals.

Review your estate plan every 3-5 years, and update it immediately after major life changes:

• Marriage, divorce, or remarriage
• Birth or adoption of children
• Death of a beneficiary or named executor
• Significant changes in assets (inheritance, business sale, real estate purchase)
• Relocation to another state
• Changes in tax laws
• Children reaching adulthood
• Retirement

Even if nothing major has changed, periodic reviews ensure your plan reflects current Michigan laws and your evolving wishes.

If you die “intestate” (without a will), Michigan’s intestacy laws determine who inherits your property:

• Married with children from current marriage: Spouse inherits everything
• Married with children from previous relationship: Spouse gets $150,000 + half the balance; children split the remainder
• Unmarried with children: Children inherit everything equally
• No spouse or children: Parents, then siblings, then more distant relatives inherit

Intestacy also means:

• The court appoints guardians for minor children (may not be who you’d choose)
• Unmarried partners receive nothing
• Probate takes longer and costs more
• Your estate may not support your intended beneficiaries

Estate planning costs vary based on complexity. Simple wills typically cost less than comprehensive plans with trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your needs and provide transparent pricing. Many clients find that investing in proper estate planning now saves their families thousands in probate costs, taxes, and legal fees later.

Yes, several strategies can help avoid or minimize probate:

• Revocable living trusts: Assets held in trust avoid probate
• Joint ownership: Property owned jointly with right of survivorship passes directly to the surviving owner
• Beneficiary designations: Life insurance, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death accounts pass directly to named beneficiaries
• Transfer-on-death deeds: Real estate can transfer automatically to named beneficiaries

Our estate planning attorneys help you implement the right strategies for your situation.

A personal representative manages the estate through probate. Responsibilities include:

• Filing the will and necessary court documents
• Inventorying and valuing assets
• Paying debts, taxes, and final expenses
• Managing estate property during probate
• Distributing assets to beneficiaries
• Providing court accountings
• Resolving disputes or claims against the estate

It’s a significant responsibility. We guide personal representatives through every step, ensuring compliance with Michigan law and protecting them from personal liability.

You choose when your power of attorney becomes effective:

• Immediate: Takes effect as soon as you sign (common for convenience)
• Springing: Only activates when specific conditions are met (typically incapacity)

Most Michigan attorneys recommend immediate financial POAs because “springing” POAs can create complications when banks require proof that the triggering condition occurred.

Healthcare powers of attorney only take effect when you cannot make or communicate medical decisions yourself.

For Divorce/Family Law:

• Marriage certificate
• Financial documents (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements)
• List of assets and debts
• Information about children (birth certificates, school records)
• Any existing court orders or agreements

For Estate Planning:

• List of assets (real estate, accounts, investments, business interests)
• Beneficiary preferences
• Existing estate documents (wills, trusts, POAs)
• Information about minor children or dependents with special needs

For Probate:

• Death certificate
• Original will (if available)
• List of assets and debts
• Information about beneficiaries

We’ll provide a detailed checklist when you schedule your consultation.

We offer initial consultations to discuss your situation, explain your options, and provide transparent pricing. Contact our Ann Arbor or Tecumseh office to schedule yours.

We serve clients throughout Washtenaw and Lenawee Counties, including Ann Arbor, Tecumseh, Ypsilanti, Saline, Chelsea, Dexter, Adrian, Whitmore Lake, and surrounding communities. Our offices are conveniently located in Ann Arbor (230 Collingwood Drive, Suite 150) and Tecumseh (108 W Chicago Boulevard).

We strive to schedule consultations promptly and begin work on urgent matters immediately. Timeline depends on case complexity and our current caseload, but we prioritize responsiveness. Contact us today to discuss your specific timeline needs.

While Michigan allows self-represented divorce, having an attorney is strongly recommended—especially when children, significant assets, or complex issues are involved. Even small mistakes in paperwork or negotiations can have long-term financial and custody consequences. Our attorneys protect your rights, ensure fair outcomes, and handle the legal complexities so you can focus on moving forward.

Our clients consistently highlight:

• Over 20 years of experience serving local families and businesses
• Personalized attention—we limit our caseload to focus on each client
• Local expertise—deep knowledge of Washtenaw and Lenawee County courts
• Clear communication—we explain legal concepts in plain language
• Proven results—track record of favorable outcomes
• Comprehensive services—multiple practice areas under one roof

We’re not just attorneys—we’re your neighbors, serving the communities we call home.