When there is a divorce, child custody dispute, or other family law matter on the horizon, you need compassionate legal guidance from attorneys in Ann Arbor who understand what you’re going through. At Smith Law Offices, our family law attorneys bring decades of combined experience to clients throughout Washtenaw County. We know that family law issues affect every aspect of your life and future. That’s why we make it our mission to provide personal, face-to-face representation that addresses your unique situation and goals. Our law firm maintains a physical office location in Ann Arbor, making it convenient for local clients to meet with their lawyer throughout their case.
The Smith Law Offices, P.C., handles all aspects of Michigan family law. Our attorneys represent individuals at every stage of family law proceedings. We understand that each family’s circumstances are different, which is why we take time to learn about your specific needs before developing a legal strategy.
Our law office provides services for:
Many law firms treat family law cases like assembly-line work, passing clients back and forth among multiple attorneys and staff. At The Smith Law Offices, P.C., we take a different approach. When you hire our firm, you’ll work directly with an experienced Ann Arbor family lawyer who will handle your case from start to finish.
We believe that successful attorney-client relationships require meaningful personal interaction. When you work with us, your lawyer will meet with you in person to discuss your case, answer your questions, and keep you informed about developments. These meetings allow us to understand the nuances of your situation and adjust our strategy as circumstances change.
Some family law matters can be resolved through negotiation or alternative dispute resolutions such as mediation. These approaches can save you time, money, and emotional stress. Other cases require aggressive courtroom advocacy. Our attorneys are skilled in both approaches and will recommend the strategy that best serves your interests. We aim to work cooperatively with opposing counsel when possible. However, we’re always prepared to fight for your rights in court when necessary.
As a smaller law firm, we keep our overhead low and pass those savings on to our clients. We believe high-quality legal representation should be accessible to everyone facing family law issues. Our attorneys will work efficiently to resolve your case while still providing the thorough attention it deserves.
Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. This means you don’t need to prove that your spouse did something wrong to end your marriage. You simply need to show that there has been a breakdown of the marriage relationship that cannot be repaired. This legal standard—that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed with no reasonable likelihood the marriage can be preserved—is all that Michigan courts require.
No-fault divorce offers several advantages. You won’t need your spouse’s permission to file for divorce. You won’t have to prove claims of adultery, abandonment, or other marital misconduct. The process typically moves faster than fault-based divorces in other states because neither party is required to present evidence about who caused the marriage to fail.
The timeline of divorce proceedings depends largely on whether you and your spouse can agree on major issues like child custody, parenting time, property division, and support payments. An uncontested divorce—where both parties agree on these matters—can be finalized relatively quickly once Michigan’s mandatory waiting period has passed. A contested divorce, where disagreements necessitate court intervention, will take longer and will likely cost more.
Our Ann Arbor divorce lawyers will give you a realistic assessment of your timeline based on your specific circumstances. We’ll work diligently to move your case forward while protecting your interests.
When parents separate or divorce, Michigan courts make custody and parenting time decisions based on what serves the child’s best interests. The law looks at numerous factors, including the emotional bond between parent and child, each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s needs, the stability of each home environment, and the child’s reasonable preference (if they’re old enough to express one).
Custody can be joint (shared between both parents) or sole (granted to one parent). Legal custody refers to decision-making authority over important matters such as education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Physical custody refers to the arrangement that determines where the child lives.
Parenting time (sometimes called visitation) ensures that the noncustodial parent maintains a meaningful relationship with their child. Our attorneys will help you establish a parenting time schedule that works for your family’s needs and protects your relationship with your children.
Michigan uses standardized formulas to calculate child support, taking into account both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and each parent’s parenting time. However, courts can deviate from these guidelines in certain circumstances. Our law office will review any proposed child support order to ensure it complies with state requirements and fairly reflects your financial situation.
Spousal support (also known as alimony) is less predictable than child support. Courts consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, the standard of living during the marriage, and each party’s financial needs. Support can be temporary or long-term depending on the circumstances. Our lawyers will explain whether spousal support is suitable in your case and advocate for a fair arrangement.
Michigan is an equitable distribution state. This means courts divide marital property fairly, though not necessarily equally. Marital property includes most assets and debts acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the title. Separate property—assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance—typically remains with the original owner, though there are exceptions.
Property division can become complicated when dealing with retirement accounts, business interests, real estate, and other valuable assets. Our attorneys will identify all marital property, determine its value, and negotiate a division that protects your financial future.
Life changes after divorce. You might experience job loss, receive a promotion, or need to relocate for a job. Your ex-spouse might refuse to comply with court-ordered parenting time or support payments. When circumstances change significantly, you may need to modify existing orders.
Our law firm can help you petition the court for modifications to child custody, parenting time, child support, or spousal support arrangements. We can also assist with enforcement actions when your former spouse fails to comply with court orders.
The Smith Law Offices, P.C., offers a free initial consultation to every client. This meeting gives you an opportunity to discuss your situation with an experienced family law attorney, learn about your legal options, and decide whether our firm is right for you. During this consultation, we’ll answer your questions and provide honest guidance about what to expect.
Our Ann Arbor law office is conveniently located to serve clients throughout Washtenaw County. To schedule your free consultation, contact us online or by phone. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
