Home › Domestic Violence and Child Cu…

Domestic Violence and Child Custody Cases

November 3rd, 2022

Little boy covering ears while parents fight in background - domestic violence and child custody concept

Leaving an abusive relationship is hard. Managing ongoing contacts with an abusive former partner with whom you share a child can be even harder. Understanding the interplay between domestic violence and child custody cases can help, giving you and your Michigan family lawyer a framework in which to discuss custody and parenting time moving forward.

Child Custody in Domestic Violence Cases

In a divorce or child custody case, if the parents can’t agree on a child custody and parenting time arrangement, the Michigan family court will enter an order based on the best interests of the child. This involves an analysis of 12 “Best Interest Factors” covering everything from your emotional bond with your kids to their school records. One of those 12 best interest factors is:

“Domestic violence, regardless of whether the violence was directed against or witnessed by the child.”

This factor directs family court judges to look at the family dynamic and recognize the effect domestic violence can have on child custody cases. It includes:

Child abuse and violence against children
Spousal abuse during the parties’ relationship
Domestic violence against new partners or household members after the initial custody case or divorce is over
Violence toward step- or half-siblings

While domestic violence is one factor among many in the court’s child custody analysis, skilled family lawyers can show how an abuser’s patterns of power and control have affected many aspects of the child’s life.

What Counts as Domestic Violence in Child Custody Cases?

In criminal courts, domestic violence generally requires a physical assault. But domestic violence in a child custody case isn’t so limited. Michigan courts have long recognized the harmful effects of mental, emotional, and financial abuse (often called coercive control). More recently, in Brown v Brown, the Michigan Court of Appeals held that a father’s use of corporal punishment and abusive treatment of the family pets was enough to count as domestic violence.

If you or your children have been the targets of this kind of abuse, it may be helpful to work with a therapist after the relationship ends. In addition to the help a therapist can offer overcoming trauma, he or she can testify to the harm caused by the abuser’s coercive control, making it easier for the judge to connect the abuser’s behavior to the impact on the child’s best interests.

Can Someone with a Domestic Violence Conviction Get Custody?

There is no law directly prohibiting a person convicted of domestic violence from being awarded custody. However, if a child is conceived through sexual assault, the court is prohibited from awarding custody or parenting time to the offending parent unless the family continued to live together and established a mutual custodial environment for the child. In addition, family court judges take allegations of domestic violence very seriously. It is rare, but not impossible, for a person credibly accused of domestic violence to be awarded primary child custody.

There are also additional family court protections for children subjected to child abuse or neglect. These proceedings are initiated by Child Protective Services (CPS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). They can result in the termination of an abuser’s custody of their child, along with their parental rights.

What If There Were No Domestic Violence Charges Filed?

False reporting of domestic violence is very rare. However, sometimes isolated incidents or exaggerated reports from children can take on inappropriate importance in a child custody case. In other cases, a dominant partner may use their partner’s efforts to protect themselves, their children, or their dignity against them, claiming to be victims of domestic violence themselves. That is why judges often seek additional proof that domestic violence occurred beyond the parties’ testimony.

However, the Michigan Child Custody Act does not limit domestic violence to cases involving a criminal conviction, or even domestic violence charges. There are many reasons why a survivor may not have filed a police report. There are even more reasons why a report might not result in a conviction. Even if no charges were filed, you and your attorney can still present evidence the domestic violence occurred to guide the judge’s decision about your child’s best interests.

Parenting Time Protections for Domestic Violence Survivors

Shared custody of a child can give an abuser access to their former victim and the power to continue their pattern of abusive behavior. Sometimes, an abuser who has lost control of a former spouse will use joint legal custody or parenting time exchanges as a way to exert continued control over their former partner, putting everyone involved at risk.

Unfortunately, it is usually not an option to cut an abusive partner out of your life entirely if you share a child. However, in setting a child’s parenting time schedule, judges may consider the risk of abuse or neglect of a child during parenting time, or the abuse of that child’s parent during exchanges. The courts have options available to protect you and your children from ongoing abuse. For example, they can:

Align parenting time exchanges with the start or end of school to minimize contact
Use a third party to provide transportation
Schedule pick ups and drop offs in a public place or near a police station
Require supervised parenting time for the abusive spouse
Mandate drug or alcohol testing before the start of parenting time
Require counseling or parenting classes (this is usually mutual and not always recommended in high conflict domestic violence cases)
Use a parenting coordinator or guardian ad litem to resolve disputes
Limit communication to an online program that allows court supervision

However, your judge won’t put these protections in place unless you ask for them. You should work with your family law attorney ahead of time to develop a safety plan for you and your children. Then you can make specific, level-headed proposals that the court can adopt to keep domestic violence from continuing after your child custody case is over.

Proving domestic violence in child custody cases can be emotionally traumatic and factually difficult. But it is very important for survivors to tell their stories to judges deciding child custody in the best interests of the children. At NSSSB, our Ann Arbor family law attorneys help parents defend themselves and their children against domestic violence. Click here to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

Categories: Bad Behavior by Either Spouse, Child Custody, Parenting

Testimonials

Thank you for your excellent guidance and generous help during the process of my divorce. Karen was kind and compassionate as well as savvy about the entire process. I appreciate her!”

– Anonymous

Karen did so much to help me with my case. She’s the best! Don’t know if she hears that enough. Cheers!”

– Anonymous

“It’s been almost a year now. I want to thank you for helping guide me through a very difficult time in my personal life. The words you wrote in your final letter have proven to be a touchstone. You reminded me that even though my ex-wife was bei…”

– Father of 2

I’m sure you hear words of thanks often, but please know how appreciative I am of your knowledge, prowess, skills and insight. I’m in awe of your capabilities and feel blessed to have you on my side.”

– Mother of 2, Ann Arbor

I liked that you established reasonable expectations and updated them when our circumstances changed.”

– Husband, Rhode Island

At the beginning of my case, I had no idea what was ahead of me. For all the stress we went through, your fees were more than reasonable.”

– Wife, Ann Arbor

I would recommend anyone contemplating a divorce to consult with this firm in a heartbeat.”

– Physician and mother of 2, Lenawee County

My experience with my attorney exceeded her reputation, which is stellar.”

– Single woman, Ypsilanti

Thanks to your skill and caring, my daughter finally has a shot at a stable life. Our settlement allows her to maintain a relationship with her mother while having a secure place to call home.”

– Father, divorce/custody

To be an over-60 mother of two coping with divorce after almost 40 years of marriage has been incredibly challenging. Thank you for transforming this time into a meaningful learning and growing experience.”

– Single woman, Ann Arbor

The settlement had everything I was fighting for—joint custody of our children and fair alimony payments.”

– Father, Livingston County

Divorce has a way of making you feel like a failure. I was completely overwhelmed and in desperate need of someone to guide me. You helped in so many ways that will be long be valuable.”

– Mother, Chelsea

Thank you very much for making a new (and good) chapter of my life possible. I understand now why you came with such superb recommendations.”

– Single woman, Ann Arbor

What won me over was the fact that you knew when to take off your legal hat and be a compassionate, caring friend.”

– Mother of 3, Ypsilanti

How this practice operates is a reflection of each and every employee’s help, no matter what their position—a belief that was confirmed throughout my experience.”

– Father of 2, Milan

Being an attorney is your true vocation. Your mental support, as much as your legal work, helped me accept what would happen.”

– Single man, Wixom

Divorce is not easy, and I was pregnant when I started this process. You made me feel at ease that everything would work out.”

– Mother, Washtenaw County

I’m hoping we are the poster children for the benefits and positive power of successful mediation. Both my husband I feel the process had immeasurable benefits to the well-being of our children.”

– Mother of 3, Ann Arbor

The firm’s use of technology created transparency for all collaborative team members. It literally kept us all on the same page and moving forward.”

– Collaborative Practice client, Ann Arbor

Thanks to you, my son is back in my life.”

– Physician and father, Livonia

You showed such understanding and concern for all my client’s emotional, economic and legal issues. Her future is on a much more solid path now.”

– Therapist of a domestic violence survivor

You turned something my husband and I had been dreading for months into a positive move forward for us both.”

– Mediation client, Ann Arbor

You couldn’t have been more of a perfect fit with me. You were tough when you needed to be and made my divorce as smooth and stress-free as possible.”

– Mother of 2, Canton

I had two law firms handling my case, and yours was light years ahead in terms of professionalism, availability and overall ability.”

– Father of 2, Ann Arbor

Many times, I wanted to cave in to my husband’s demands, but you helped keep me strong.”

– Single woman, Ypsilanti

The work you do can really make or break the lives of people who are going through a divorce. I honestly think that if I had worked with someone else, it could have been a disaster.”

– Business owner and father of 2, Ann Arbor

I was impressed by your professionalism and the credentials, contacts, and community resources of the entire legal team.”

– Mother, Ann Arbor

I appreciated your frankness about my case and your wisdom in reaching an outcome, which turned out to be very favorable.”

– Single woman, Ypsilanti

You don’t know what it means to have someone of your integrity stand up for me after all I’ve been through.”

– Physician and mother of 3, Maine

How can I ever thank you enough for getting my daughter back to me? Such a priceless gift.”

– Mother of 2, Connecticut

You helped me get the fair treatment I deserved and didn’t let anyone take advantage of me.”

– Mother, Chelsea

Thank you for fighting hard for me today and explaining how the court will decide the amount of alimony & child support.”

– Father of 2 Ann Arbor

I can’t thank you enough for your tenacity, diligence, support and guidance. The conditions under which you worked would have tested the most patient person.”

– Mother of 2, Livingston County

You handled more than the legal aspects of my case: you helped me think through my plans for my children and my future.”

– Mother of 2, Novi

From the first phone call to the end, you answered questions and explained issues I hadn’t even thought about.”

– Single woman, Oakland County

All my experiences with this law firm were superb. Everyone acted like a genuine, caring person, way beyond the typical attorney/client relationship.”

– Single woman, Ann Arbor

You have been such an incredible influence on me as a strong, independent woman. I appreciated all you did to help me find myself and decide where I’m going with my life.”

– Graduate student, Ann Arbor

Unlike the opposing attorney, you acted fairly toward everyone (which is a good thing), while I know you worked hardest to help me.”

– Father of 2, Ann Arbor

I will never forget how you flawlessly seemed to preempt opposing counsel’s efforts to divert attention from the critical issues. People remark over and over how lucky I was to have you as my attorney.”

– Father of 1, Ann Arbor

Considering our unusual circumstances, there were no surprises. You helped us understand the legalities of our situation very well.”

– Mother of 1, Ypsilanti

From the first phone call to the end, you answered questions and explained issues I hadn’t even thought about.”

– Single woman, Oakland County

Hiring a divorce attorney—even walking into the office for the first time—is intimidating. As soon as I was greeted, my nerves were put at ease. Everyone I worked with was friendly, knowledgeable, and approachable.”

– Single woman, New York City

Divorce has a way of making you feel like a failure. I was completely overwhelmed and in desperate need of someone to guide me. Liz helped in so many ways that will be long be valuable to me.”

– Mother, Chelsea

Liz’s organization, attention to detail, and presence in Court were “wow”–very impressive.”

– Mother, Ann Arbor

Liz helped me get the fair treatment I deserved and didn’t let anyone take advantage of me. My case was difficult, but I felt confident and encouraged. I always know what was being advocated on my behalf.”

– Mother, Chelsea

Elizabeth was one of the best attorneys I’ve ever worked with. If I need future legal advice she’ll be the one I’ll call.”

– Father, Ypsilanti

From the first phone call to the end, Liz was friendly, caring and kind. She answered questions and explained issues I hadn’t even thought about.”

– single woman, Oakland County

The divorce process was so much easier and less stressful than I imagined. Liz was upfront about fees and I was comfortable with them.”

– mother, Dearborn

Liz’s guidance during this difficult time reduced my stress significantly.”

– single woman, Ann Arbor

Liz could not have been more of a perfect fit with me. She was firm when she needed to be and made my divorce as smooth and stress-free as possible.”

– Mother of 2, Canton

Unlike my previous divorce attorney, Liz was the only one who understood my situation. Her mental support, as much as her legal work, helped me accept what would happen. Her diligence, strong sense of responsibility, and kindness convinced me that be…”

– Single man, Wixom

Working with Liz helped take the sting out of the divorce process.”

– Wife, Ann Arbor

Liz was clear, compassionate and kind. I appreciated her honesty in letting me know up front that she might not be able to help me. In the end, she did help, and I’m very grateful to her.”

– Wife, Ypsilanti

Divorce is not easy, and I was pregnant when I started this process. Liz made me feel at ease that everything would work out. I felt I could ask any question and receive an answer promptly and efficiently.”

– Mother, Washtenaw County, MI

I felt like Liz had my best interest in mind. She made me feel very comfortable throughout the process.”

– Wife, Oakland County, MI

Thank you Elizabeth for everything. I do not think the results could have been better.”

– Father, Ann Arbor, MI

Elizabeth and her staff treated me as a person with unique problems and found the right answers. I’m very satisfied with the outcome.”

– Husband, Ann Arbor

I appreciated working with an office of strong, confident women who treated me with equal respect. I felt confident knowing Lori was representing me in Court.”

– Single woman, Saline

Lori and Becky, her paralegal, are a dynamic, hardworking and compassionate team. I definitely would refer others to them.”

– mother, Ann Arbor

I always felt respected and heard, and the information I received was empowering. The firm’s use of technology created transparency for all collaborative team members. It literally kept us all on the same page and moving forward.”

– Collaborative practice client, single woman, Ann Arbor

Lori did an excellent job of listening to what I wanted to accomplish and helped me achieve it in an efficient way. She explained everything to my satisfaction.”

– single man, Ann Arbor

To be an over-60 mother of two coping with divorce after almost 40 years of marriage has been incredibly challenging. Lori’s exceptional legal and people skills were so important in resolving impasses and turning a seemingly endless conflict in…”

– Single woman, Ann Arbor

Lori and the staff were great, and I felt I received sound legal representation. I think so highly of the firm and Lori that I’ve referred several other people to them.”

– Father of 3, Ann Arbor

All my experiences with this law firm were superb. Everyone acted like a genuine, caring person, way beyond the typical attorney/client relationship. Lori’s counsel prevented me from making a decision on the timing of my family that could have…”

– Single woman, Ann Arbor

Lori was very professional and helpful, never intimidating. I always felt I was in good hands.”

– Mother of 1, Ann Arbor

Lori did a great job in mediating my case. I felt the charges were reasonable and fully explained to me.”

– Single woman, West Bloomfield

Lori is fantastic. I felt she spent about the right amount of time on my case, and provided me with sound legal representation.”

– Single man, Milan

From the first meeting through the last detail, I received personal service. You knew who I was and cared.”

– Father of 1, Saline

Lori was very upfront and open, and the consistent honesty, courtesy and professionalism of each member of the firm impressed us. Considering our unusual circumstances, there were no surprises. You helped us understand the legalities of our situation…”

– Mother of 1, Ypsilanti

As a therapist, let me add my thanks for the fabulous job you did for my client. You showed such understanding and concern for all the emotional, economic and legal factors. Her future is on a much more solid path now.”

– Therapist of a domestic violence survivor

You worked for and achieved a win-win solution.”

– Father of 1, Connecticut

Lori showed compassion for my situation and acted quickly when she needed to, always looking out for my best interests.”

– Husband, South Lyon

How can I ever thank you enough for getting my daughter back to me? Such a priceless gift. You’ll never know how much your attentiveness, skill and knowledge of the law gave me security with the outcome. Thank your staff as well. They were always p…”

– Mother of 2, Connecticut

Bravo to you Karen. I am not at all exaggerating when I say to you that you are one of the top 2 mediators, among the many with whom I have dealt in my 42 years of family law work. Thanks for your thoroughness, well preparedness and attention to deta…”

– Attorney - Grosse Pointe

From the minute I stepped into your lobby, everyone was courteous and professional. I was confident that Lori was dedicated to my case, and I knew I could call her anytime. It was so nice to have her in my corner.”

– Mother of 3, Ann Arbor

Lori was so professional. She relieved a lot of my stress in managing the divorce process, which I was trying to do on my own. Her fee was fair and appropriate to my case. I’m exceedingly happy with the entire experience.”

– Wife, Ann Arbor

I felt Lori’s real concern and caring for my kids, and depended on her support of me. Everything Lori did for us was excellent.”

– Mother, Ann Arbor

Karen helped me get through the hurt, chaos and confusion that comes with being blindsided by a divorce. She was ‘real’ and sympathetic at the same time.”

– Mother, Saline

Karen kept my interests at the forefront and didn’t push me toward decisions I wasn’t ready to make. She respected my choices, even when they didn’t agree with her advice.”

– Mother, Ann Arbor

I feel genuinely honored to have had Karen’s passion and intellect on hand to resolve an incredibly complex matter. I appreciate how ingenious her resolution was and the magnitude of the protections it provides for our client and her children.”

– Attorney for Mediation, Wayne County

I love working with attorneys like Karen. She is a fair, patient mediator who helped out client reach a settlement despite some unique circumstances.”

– Attorney, Plymouth

Karen, words cannot express how appreciative I am to you for settling the case. You are a family law pro bono superstar.”

– Attorney, Legal Services of South Central Michigan

I can hardly believe that, thanks to you Karen, my divorce was resolved in just two months. I’m feeling an overwhelming sense of relief–and am really in awe of how you work.”

– Father, Ann Arbor

Karen and her team are excellent, and the entire firm is full of people who care.”

– Father, Ann Arbor

Karen, you gave me so much knowledge and truly had an impact on my life and my children’s lives.”

– father, Ann Arbor

You have been such an incredible influence on me as a strong, independent woman. I learned so much from you and your confidence in me. I appreciate and respect you for all you did to help me find myself and decide where I’m going with my life.”

– Graduate student, Ann Arbor

Thanks to you, I’m living a very joyful life. Your expert counsel and skills as an attorney have allowed me to carry on in a way that has been truly wonderful. My son is back in my life and we are even playing hockey together.”

– Physician and father, Livonia

We so appreciated your willingness to listen and help us implement the unique desires of our family. We’re moving forward in a kind and respectful way, although we are all facing a blank page we never anticipated. With your leadership, we are able…”

– mediation clients, Ann Arbor

Karen, you are my hero. I’ll never forget everything you’ve done to help me start my brand new life.”

– single woman, Ann Arbor

Many thanks for your thoughtful, thorough approach during mediation. You turned something my husband and I had been dreading for months into a positive move forward for us both.”

– mediation client, Ann Arbor

It was a real pleasure to work with you, even if the purpose was our separation agreement. We will move ahead and be in touch if anything unexpected arises.”

– mediation clients, Ann Arbor

I immediately felt comfortable with Karen. The high level of communication was greatly appreciated given the tight timelines required.”

– mother, Ann Arbor

The work you do can really make or break the lives of people who are going through a divorce. I honestly think that if I had worked with someone else, it could have been a disaster.”

– Business owner and father of 2, Ann Arbor

From the moment I entered, everyone was personable, caring, and professional. For many businesses, that’s hard to do consistently—and you did. I was amazed how fast Karen communicated with me. My husband would have dragged out the divorce forever…”

– Mother of 1, Gregory

Thank you for all your help with my divorce. I really feel you may have been the most objective, level-headed and fair person among everyone involved.”

– Physician, Ann Arbor

Karen has a knack for helping people relax under pressure. She listens intently and explains the law in simple terms. Her firm has a positive and uplifting environment despite the serious nature of the work they do.”

– Wife, Ann Arbor

I was very pleased with all of the staff and I felt I was treated with compassion and respect. They handled the tactics of my wife’s attorney well and represented me with professionalism.”

– Husband, Lansing

I’m hoping we are the poster children for the benefits and positive power of successful mediation. Both my husband I feel we had an excellent team guiding us, and the process had immeasurable benefits to the well-being of our children. Our unif…”

– Mother of 3, Ann Arbor

I felt a lot better walking out of your office after our mediation session than I did walking in. I appreciate all you did to ensure we came to an agreement today.”

– Single woman, Ann Arbor

Thank you very much for making a new (and good) chapter of my life possible. I appreciate that you did a lot of extra things for me, and understand now why you came with such superb recommendations.”

– Single woman, Ann Arbor

Karen was as much a part of the solution as any counsel I have ever seen in any case. To get as much agreement as we got is a real testament to your ability to remain patient and forward-moving.”

– Attorney/Mediator, Ann Arbor

That was some pretty breathtaking lawyering. I can’t think of too many others who could have negotiated a win/win situation under these circumstances, especially in that short amount of time.”

– Mother of 3, Ann Arbor

I appreciated Karen’s professionalism, knowledge, and friendly approach.”

– Mother of 1, Ann Arbor

I can’t tell you how much my life has improved due to our interaction. Thank you so much for your intensely professional service.”

– Single man, Ann Arbor

You’re my all-time hero…you don’t know what it means to have someone of your integrity stand up for me after all I’ve been through. Thank you more than I can express.”

– Physician and mother of 3, Maine

I came to you for expertise and guidance, and in addition, you made me feel cared about and supported, which made all the difference in getting through the legalities of the divorce process.”

– Mother of 1, Ann Arbor

I will never forget how you flawlessly seemed to pre-empt opposing counsel’s efforts to divert attention from the critical issues. People remark over and over how lucky I was to have you as my attorney.”

– Father of 1, Ann Arbor

Thanks again, Karen, for your support, calming influence, professionalism, humor, and all-around good care. I’m sleeping better and enjoying the newness of spring; life is good.”

– Wife, Ann Arbor

Thanks to your skill and caring, my daughter finally has a shot at a stable life. Our settlement allows her to maintain a relationship with her mother while having a secure place to call home. Outcomes like this may be commonplace for you, but it wil…”

– Father, divorce/custody

I wanted you to know how much respect—profound respect, in fact —I have for you as an attorney. You are ethical, hard working, personable, and wise. I have seen you in the role of advocate, mediator, and arbitrator. You have an uncompromising com…”

– Attorney, Ann Arbor

I loved Karen’s style of engagement and advice, and she worked hard to keep my charges reasonable.”

– Husband, California

Thank you for fighting hard for me today and explaining how the court will decide the amount of alimony & child support.”

– Father of 2 Ann Arbor

My thanks for your wonderful representation and personal kindness. I am better off for having had both.”

– Wife, Washtenaw County

I recognize all the hard work you are doing and how effective you are in court.”

– Father, Washtenaw County

Karen, you are great to work with—a class act.”

– Family law attorney representing the opposing spouse in a divorce settlement.

I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your understanding and efforts during my custody case. It’s the first time in a long time that I will sleep peacefully, and my daughter is very happy, too.”

– Father who obtained sole custody of his daughter, Ann Arbor

Karen is a whip-smart attorney who kept my head on straight during my own painful divorce. Her unquestionable expertise and gentle sense of humor kept the process as classy as possible. She manages to negotiate a difficult situation with much grace a…”

– Divorced woman, Ann Arbor

Thanks to you for all you’ve done and are doing. My kids are adjusting very well to the divorce, and it’s great for me to be part of their lives again. Picking them up directly from school, which you arranged, is a joy.”

– Father of 3, Ann Arbor

Karen, I am so happy that you are on my team. I love how you phrase things to get the desired result. When my partner kept raising old issues, you intervened to advocate for the best interests of our son.”

– Mother, Ann Arbor

Thank you for the most efficient, smart, pleasant and well run mediation I have ever attended. Way more than two thumbs up!”

– Attorney – Ann Arbor

I absolutely love Eileen. She is very kind, patient, and explained everything to me. I never felt rushed or that I was bothering her. Everyone seemed genuinely eager and happy to assist, not stuffy at all. I am a very pleased client!”

– single woman, Jackson

The process was overwhelming to me, but I felt if I needed more attention, I could always turn to Eileen for help.”

– mother, Ann Arbor

Eileen’s compassion and support carried me through this difficult time. How her practice operates is a reflection of each and every employee’s help, no matter what their position—a belief that was confirmed throughout my experience.”

– Father of 2, Milan

Eileen made me comfortable with her, both professionally and personally.”

– Husband, Ann Arbor

Eileen helped me survive a terrible ordeal. At the beginning of my case, I had no idea what was ahead of me. For all the stress we went through, your fees were more than reasonable.”

– Wife, Ann Arbor, MI

I was impressed by the firm’s experiences lawyers and Eileen’s timely responses and knowledgeable advice.”

– Mother, Dexter, MI

Eileen is always professional and an expert at what she does. I appreciated getting all the documents in a timely way, and I always knew what was going on. Your firm is THE BEST family law practice in the area.”

– Single woman, Saline

Eileen was so professional and knowledgeable. She took control of the case and was considerate and fair to the other side, which was the way I wanted it from the beginning. I had two law firms handling my case, and yours was light years ahead in term…”

– Father of 2, Ann Arbor

I can’t thank you enough for your tenacity, diligence, support and guidance. The conditions under which you worked would have tested the most patient person…I’m certain that my case has earned you sainthood status!”

– Mother of 2, Livingston County

My case was complicated, and I felt as if I was in an emotional fog. Eileen helped me sort things out.”

– Wife, Ann Arbor

Unlike the opposing attorney, you acted fairly toward everyone (which is a good thing), while I know you worked hardest to help me.”

– Father of 2, Ann Arbor

I would recommend Eileen and your firm to anyone.”

– Mother, South Lyon

I always felt that I could call or e-mail Eileen at any time, and she always kept me informed. I also really appreciated her sitting beside me when we went to court.”

– Wife, Ann Arbor

You and Penny made the process easy and comfortable. I felt your sincere efforts in working on my behalf. I will definitely recommend you to others.”

– Mother of 1, Dexter

Thanks for all your support on my case. The process went very smoothly and the outcome was good. You honestly cared about me and my kids.”

– Mother of 2, Ann Arbor

Eileen was excellent to work with and handled a difficult, emotional and time-consuming situation very professionally.”

– Husband, Tennessee

Eileen, I appreciate your professional services, encouragement and support. All the best as we go forward.”

– Husband, Saline

I could tell by my attorney’s attitude and knowledge of the law that I was going to be OK. The settlement had everything I was fighting for—joint custody of our children and fair alimony payments.”

– Father, Livingston County

I felt very well cared for. Everyone in the office is professional and approachable.”

– Mother, Ann Arbor

I hope others will benefit from the woman you are and the expertise you possess in the field of law.”

– Attorney, Ann Arbor

Everyone was very caring and sensitive about our case.”

– Wife, Adrian

I felt I was heard and given good advice.”

– Husband, Whitmore Lake

I always felt I had a very powerful ally going to bat for me. And your evening hours are so convenient for those of us who work during the day.”

– Wife, Ann Arbor

Karen, thank you again for being so amazing. You are the best! If any of my friends ever need a divorce attorney in the future you will be highly recommended.”

– mother of 2 - Saline

Karen, first of all…whoa. I seriously can’t begin to EVER thank you enough. I am at least forever grateful to you. In all seriousness, if it wasn’t for all of the work you and your staff put in, I don’t know where I would be right now, but it…”

– mother of 1 - Ann Arbor

Karen, you are literally my favorite lawyer in this whole world and have convinced me that lawyers can care and often do care about those in need. thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

– young adult client

Thank you for your help this past year. As I have said to you, the single most important thing I accomplished all year, and I bought and sold a company, was getting more time with my children. Thank you for the help and support to make that happen. I…”

– Father of 2

Jackie Chan is credited for saying, “Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” The kindness of Lori Buiteweg has repeatedly helped me through the toughest times of my life. Her knowledge and…”

Karen, you did an amazing job today. Thank you so much for your hard work and your awesome settlement agreement. Top to bottom, from the comfortable environment and the almonds at the end of the day to the great chocolate when we closed, you kept it…”

– mediation clients

Had a wonderful experience with Lori and associates! Divorce is one of the hardest things to go through, but Lori was there as a friend as well as an amazing and brilliant attorney! I highly recommend”

Ms. Solomon was outstanding. She made a hard process as pain free as possible. Answered all my questions and concerns in a timely fashion. Provided great legal advice mixed with compassion. I would highly recommend her to anybody going through the pr…”

Well it’s official … I completed my Masters through MSU💚 Thank you for not only being my amazing lawyer but also my wonderful friend. Thank you for believing in me when I’m not sure I really believed in myself 😘 When I received the em…”

– Single Working Mom

“Lori Buiteweg was absolutely fantastic. She is incredible at her job and is well-informed, skilled and dedicated to her clients. More importantly, she is compassionate and deeply cares about her clients.””

– Satisfied Client

I engaged Karen Sendlebach after a strong recommendation from a friend who used her services. Going through a divorce is the worst thing you can go through as an adult, other than losing a loved one. One of Karen’s greatest strengths is that she is…”

– Past Client

I really appreciate you going above and beyond your job today. You showed patience, kindness and warmth to a stranger. It really meant a lot to me. It felt like light during my darkest hour.”

– Mediation Client

As a mother of three young toddlers and a business owner, I cannot say enough about Lori’s expertise, honest and blunt guidance, as well as prompt responding! Her staff has performed above my expectations for kindness and promptness. My case was no…”

– Mother of 3

Thank you for all your help today. You handled the other attorney extremely well.”

– anonymous

“That was a lot of time and effort to dedicate to helping this family. Thank you soo soo much for working with us and resolving this case!!” “I second that wholeheartedly. You had what felt like an impossible task and did an amazing…”

– from attorneys who mediated their case to settlement a week before trial.

I really appreciate all your efforts throughout the mediation. I truly felt that you had [my child’s] best interests in mind, which was incredibly reassuring. I still dont know how you kept going yesterday without eating all day! I know that I was…”

– Ann Arbor Mother and Business Owner

View More Testimonials