Family Law
What We Do
Whether you live in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, or anywhere in between, you will want a Michigan family law attorney to guide you through the unique complexities of the Michigan divorce process. You will also want a lawyer who understands that getting divorced is an emotional, life-altering event that affects every member of the family.
Our divorce lawyers deliver on both counts. We focus on family-friendly solutions that recognize the client’s wishes and serve the best interests of the children – no matter how complex the path to settlement and resolution may be. Divorce and issues related to domestic relations can involve custody disputes, spousal support (alimony) claims, prenuptial agreements, real estate ownership, business valuation, insurance coverage, pension plan and other retirement division, and more. We are adept at guiding clients through each step of the process. All along the way, we strive to ease the emotional impact on families.
One of the first tasks when we begin to work together is to determine which road to divorce is best suited to your situation. We explain the various factors to consider and weigh when making decisions. You will receive expert advice so that you can make a good, informed decisions and maximize the chance for a dignified and civil divorce. The right process can promote personal growth while still taking into account the children’s needs and interests.
Smith Haughey attorneys works within the system on a daily basis, keeping pace with new laws and regulations while maintaining relationships with all the players who can impact family law cases – social workers, adoption agencies, Friend of the Court personnel, and more.
Child Custody Concerns
Our goal is to negotiate good solutions that focus on the children rather than take a case to court. However, we have the knowledge and skill to fight for child custody and parenting time/visitation before a judge, if necessary. Our attorneys can assist with the gamut of custody issues, including:
- Legal Custody (decision making rights)
- Physical Custody (regularly residing with one or both parents)
- Parenting Time / Visitation
- Guardianship
- Conservatorship
Child Support
Our child support attorneys understand the unique complexities of Michigan child support laws. Smith Haughey attorneys have been working in Michigan family courts for decades, helping parents ensure that the best interests of their children are served.
Spousal Support
Sometimes known as alimony and/or spousal maintenance, spousal support is the financial support paid by one spouse to the other in order to maintain the lifestyle to which the spouse had become accustomed during the marriage. The goal is to balance the incomes and needs of the parties in a way that will not impoverish either one of them. Under Michigan spousal support laws, not everyone going through a divorce is eligible to receive spousal support.
Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreements
Properly negotiated prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are important financial planning tools that allow both parties to maximize their wealth. You should be aware that pre-formatted prenuptial and postnuptial agreements do not offer the same level of protection, or account for the unique characteristics of each marital situation. Smith Haughey family law attorneys have the expertise to prepare prenuptial and postnuptial agreements tailored to your unique situation.
Why We Excel
Common reasons to retain a
Family Law
attorney
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Mary is an experienced attorney whose exclusive focus, dedication and experience are in all areas of family law and domestic relations. She offers her clients patient, thoughtful counsel coupled with steadfast advocacy to help them resolve all manner of family law related issues with the most family-friendly outcomes possible.