About Me
I started my legal experience in a diverse manner. As a law student, I representing municipalities in zoning cases, drafted real estate transaction documents, assisting with estate plans, and drafted scores of appeals to middle appeal courts and once to the US Supreme Court. After law school, I worked as a litigation lawyer suing for compensation after accidents and represented police in traffic matters. I did probate work and divorce work. After all this experience, I realized that many times, people will lawyer-hop resulting in mistakes. One lawyer knows about a disability claim, a different lawyer handles an immigration issue, and yet another lawyer handles a criminal charge, for example. These seemingly divergent matters can impact the other matters directly, yet often, the lawyers don't know about the other matters and the client suffers the consequences. And clients are afraid to tell one trusted lawyer about all of these issues.
When people are asked, “Who is your doctor?” most people respond with the name of their primary-care doctor. Your primary care doctor brings in experts when needed, and diagnoses issues with annual check-ups. I felt that people should likewise be able to say that they have a family lawyer, who handles matters, helps people avoid losses and obtains referrals when necessary. Most of my cases are family-related, divorce, custody, child support, adoptions, etc. But I strongly encourage families to come back to see me for the other things like traffic tickets that can add thousands of dollars of additional insurance annually if not handled correctly, a fire loss that if not adjusted properly can cause a serious shortfall in the claim, or serious criminal matters that can affect lives on a permanent basis. With my extensive litigation practice experience, and former appellate experience, I can advise you on the pros and cons of mediating vs. litigating. I am a certified mediator for civil and family matters in Michigan. My wide range of experience helps me identify “red flags” and avoid pitfalls for you.
Clients have told me that going to see a lawyer is a huge step. They are afraid to share their problems and are afraid of the cost. I want to be your family's lawyer, the person you trust enough to call if you have a question about a situation, the person you call if you want or need a referral, the person you call if a problem arises. I want to take the fear out of going to see a lawyer. I want you to feel comfortable saying, “I'm going to see the family's lawyer.” There is nothing more frustrating for me than for clients to suffer a legal loss when it could have all been avoided by seeing me first. I do house calls for the signing of a will, for example, or draft documents in large font so it is easy to read, to make sure that you understand everything and are protected. I do my best to make it easy for you to afford my services.
Don't be afraid to come in and see me. I'm a kind person and will help you to the best of my ability.