Issues that require a family law attorney in Michigan are often difficult to grapple with and have wide-ranging consequences, both emotionally and financially. At Alward Fisher, our Traverse City family attorneys are dedicated to providing comprehensive assistance on all legal matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and other related practice areas.
Our Traverse City family law lawyers understand the emotional difficulty and delicacy of these situations. We strive to provide the personalized attention and creative solutions necessary to meet the needs of your case. Contact us today to discuss the details of your case in a confidential consultation. We work with clients throughout Traverse City, Elk Rapids, and across Northern Michigan.
How Our Traverse City Family Law Attorneys Can Help You
Since our founding, the family law lawyers of Alward Fisher have assisted thousands of clients with the considerable difficulties that can arise during complex family law matters. With more than 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys can guide you through the most challenging times and provide level-headed advice and solutions.
In particular, the family matters we assist clients with:
- Divorce. Whether you and your former partner are in agreement on many issues or are far from being on the same page, our Michigan family law lawyers can help you reach a resolution. As a full-service family law firm, we also work with clients who are dealing with the complexities of high-asset divorces, which require a keen understanding of the underlying tax and financial issues.
- Child custody and parenting time. In today’s world, it’s increasingly more important to craft suitable parenting plans that consider the child’s best interests, while balancing the concerns of a parent’s work and life schedule. Our Traverse City, MI family law lawyers will work with you to determine what works best for you, your child, and your family.
- Child support. Financial stability is a major component of a successful, healthy upbringing. We can assist you with creating plans that work toward establishing that stability while protecting you and your child’s best interests.
- Alimony, spousal support, and maintenance. The issue of alimony and spousal support can be an emotional one for both sides. Our experienced attorneys will strive to place you in the most favorable position possible, whether you are paying or receiving spousal support.
- Property distribution. When you’ve spent years building a life and a legacy together, dividing those assets can be a highly emotional process. With extensive experience in divorces involving high assets, our family law lawyers have the diverse background necessary to help clients with all the subtleties of property distribution. This includes assisting with business valuations, pension and benefits, and other matters.
- Modifications of divorce terms. It’s unrealistic for a divorce agreement to forever reflect the changes in your life. Our legal team can help you evaluate your divorce agreement and make modifications to better reflect your current and future living situations.
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Going into a marriage, it’s important that each partner feels comfortable and protected. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are about transparency, fairness, and respect. Our seasoned Traverse City family law lawyers can evaluate your situation and help you agree on terms that are right for you.
- Adoption. Bringing a child into your family is one of the greatest joys in life. Our compassionate Traverse City adoption lawyers can handle all the legal legwork so your family can focus on the moments that are most important ─ bonding with your new child.
- Domestic violence. Domestic violence and accusations of violence play a factor in many divorces. Our knowledgeable Traverse City domestic violence attorneys have experience on both sides of the matter. We can move quickly to get legal protections in place for survivors of domestic violence. In cases where one spouse has been falsely accused as part of a legal maneuver, we can fight to defend their rights and their reputation.
- Mothers’ rights. A mother’s bond is strong, and Michigan law includes many protections for mothers’ rights. Our skilled family law attorneys can explain your rights and help you fight for the best interests of your children.
- Paternity petitions. Whether you need to establish paternity or challenge paternity, our family law attorneys can walk you through the process.
- Grandparents’ rights. Grandparents do have the right to visit with grandchildren under Michigan law. If you are not being granted visits with a grandchild during a divorce, separation, or under other circumstances, we can help you understand your rights.
- Unbundled legal services. We understand the need for affordable family law services. Some people are more comfortable handling the majority of their family law matters on their own. But they still need professional legal advice from time to time. That’s why we offer unbundled legal services. If you prefer to handle some of your cases independently, you can still call on us to represent you in a limited scope when you hit technical matters. Just reach out to discuss what you need help with.
Whether through mediation or other means, our family law attorneys in Traverse City, Michigan work to help our clients reach a successful resolution with minimal difficulty and resistance. In stressful situations, we pride ourselves on providing a compassionate, yet realistic approach to family law issues.
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At Alward Fisher, we provide more than savvy legal representation. We provide peace of mind. Peace of mind for your business. Peace of mind for your family. And the peace of mind for your future. No matter what types of legal challenges you are facing, we can help you find solutions.
What to Look for in a Traverse City Family Law Lawyer
Choosing the right family law attorney in Michigan to handle your family matter is an important decision. You and your lawyer will be talking about some very personal and emotional aspects of your life, so you want to feel comfortable with this person. You need someone who will listen to you, show compassion, and be straightforward about your options.
Here are some of the most important traits to look for in a family law attorney:
- Experience. You should ask any attorney you interview about their level of experience. Ask if they have specifically handled cases like yours before. Ask about their experience in both mediation and litigation.
- Communication. Talk about what you can expect as far as communication as your case progresses. Will your attorney be giving you regular updates? If you have to leave your lawyer a message, can you expect a call back within a certain amount of time? Will you typically be working directly with the attorney, or will another team member be your main point of contact?
- Personality. There are many family law lawyers out there who have the skills to handle your case, but not every personality is going to be a good fit for you. Set up an initial meeting, even if it’s over the phone, to talk about your case. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to determine if the attorney is a good fit.
- Transparency. Ask as many questions as you need to about the attorney’s fees. Some divorce cases are relatively simple. Others can be long and drawn out. Discuss different scenarios with the attorney and make sure you understand how the fees would work.
If you are ready to discuss your family law case with a compassionate family law lawyer, please reach out to the legal team at Alward Fisher today. We will take the time to get to know your situation and discuss solutions that meet your needs. Our goal is to give you peace of mind that matters of your family are in caring and capable hands.
How to Prepare for Your First Appointment with a Family Law Attorney
- Gather any documents the attorney may need to review. This includes tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and any prior legal agreements such as prenuptial agreements or child custody agreements.
- Be ready to get personal. Divorce and other family law matters are always sensitive. The attorney will need to ask detailed questions to get a clear understanding of your case. Know that everything you tell the attorney is confidential.
- Come with a list of questions. Write down your questions ahead of time. As you talk with the attorney, take notes and ask follow-up questions. Your goal should be to leave that initial consultation feeling educated and empowered to take the next steps in your case.
Talk to a Family Lawyer in Traverse City, Michigan Now
At Alward Fisher, we are committed to helping you find the right solution to your family law matter. As a full-service law firm, we have the experience and the resources to handle your divorce, child custody arrangement, support agreements, prenuptial agreements, and any other related issues, such as addressing tax and estate planning questions. We take a comprehensive approach to ensure your best interests are protected now and down the line.
To speak with a knowledgeable Michigan family lawyer, please contact us now. With law offices in Traverse City and Elk Rapids, we serve families across Northern Michigan.
