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Michigan Child Custody Act

Who your children will live with, and who will make decisions about their care—are the most emotional and traumatic part of most divorce cases. The Court considers two forms of custody: legal and physical. Who your children will live with, and who will make decisions about their care—are the most emotional and traumatic part of most divorce cases. The Court considers two forms of custody: legal and physical.

If the parties agree upon the issues of legal and physical custody, the Court generally adopts that agreement in the form of a stipulation (agreement of the parties) and order (official adoption by the Court of the agreement). If the parties can’t reach an agreement, Michigan law requires the judge to decide what is in the best interest of the child. After taking testimony and receiving evidence, the judge must make findings of fact on the record as to each of the 12 factors listed in the Child Custody Act.

12 factors the judge considers

Love, affection and other emotional ties between the parties and the child.
Capacity and disposition of the parties to give the child love, affection, and guidance and to continue the education and upbringing of the child in their religion or creed, if any.
Ability and willingness to provide the child with food, clothing, medical care or other remedial care recognized and permitted under Michigan law in place of medical care, and other material needs.
Length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment, and the desirability of maintaining continuity.
Permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or proposed custodial home or homes.
Moral fitness of the parties.
Mental and physical health of the parties.
Home, school and community record of the children.
Reasonable preference of the child, if the Court considers the child to be of sufficient age to express a preference.
Willingness and ability of each of the parents to encourage a close, continuing parent child relationship between the child and the other parent.
Domestic violence, regardless of whether the violence was directed against or witnessed by the child.
Any other factor the Court feels relevant to this child custody dispute.

Custody dispute process

The process begins with conciliation at the Friend of the Court. This meeting takes place within 3–8 weeks of the filing of the complaint for divorce. The objective of conciliation is to have the parties reach a temporary agreement about custody, parenting time and child support. If the parties can’t reach an agreement, the conciliator makes a recommendation to the judge, which the Judge will adopt as an interim order.

The Court considers the testimony and evidence presented to reach a conclusion about whether each factor favors the mother, the father, or neither parent. For this reason, it’s important that you evaluate yourself and your spouse as impartially as possible to prepare yourself for the process that lies ahead. The worksheet below helps you do that.

MICHIGAN CHILD CUSTODY ACT

These are some of the factors the Court may use to determine who would prevail with custody of the minor child. For each question, write “father”, “mother” or “equal.” For each statement, write a short explanation, including examples, witnesses or other tangible evidence and documents.

1. Love, affection and other emotional ties between the parties and the child.

_________ Who gets the child's breakfast/lunch/dinner?

_________ Who is the child most bonded to?

_________ Who does the child tell about their accomplishments?

_________ Who does the child turn to with a problem?

_________ Who can separate the children's needs from their own?

How would you describe your relationship with your children?

How would you describe your spouses' relationship with your children?

What is the average number of hours each of you speaks with the children?

What are the child’s favorite foods, TV programs, stories, friends, etc.?

How has the child been affected by separation, and what do you do to try to fix the problem?

WHICH PARTY DO YOU THINK THIS FACTOR FAVORS? ___________

2. Capacity and disposition of the parties to give the children love, affection, and guidance and to continue the education and upbringing of the children in their religion or creed, if any.

_________ Who feeds the child?

_________ Who bathes and dresses the children, puts them to bed, etc.?

_________ Who stays home from work when the children are sick?

_________ Who takes responsibility for involvement in academic affairs, enrollment in programs, homework, conferences?

_________ Who arranges for nursery school enrollment/religious education?

_________How do you discipline the children?

_________ How does the other parent discipline the children?

_________ Does either parent have problems with verbal or physical abuse, substance abuse, or an arrest record?

_________ Who can provide the children with access to extended family?

What activities do you do with the children, and how many times a week or hours? Describe a typical day.

How do you show your children love and affection?

How would you describe yourself and your spouse as a parent?

Do you know the names of children or friends your children plays with now and in the past year?

WHICH PARTY DO YOU THINK THIS FACTOR FAVORS? ___________

3. Capacity and disposition of the parties to provide the children with food, clothing, medical care or other remedial care permitted under Michigan law in place of medical care, and other material needs.

_________ Who buys the children’s clothes, toys, equipment?

_________ Who takes the children to the doctor/dentist?

_________ Who arranges for daycare or babysitters?

_________ Does the child have any special physical or emotional special needs, and if so, who takes care of them?

_________ Who has more certainty of future earnings?

_________ Who has health insurance?

_________ Who attends classes for professional improvement?

WHICH PARTY DO YOU THINK THIS FACTOR FAVORS? ___________

4. Length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment, and the desirability of maintaining continuity.

Describe the child’s current home situation, including how many rooms, how many people, how long has the child has lived there. Is the home clean and safe?

Describe the proposed home. Is it in the same geographical location? How will the move affect the children? Is it safe?

Which home will provide the children with the most love, affection, guidance, moral and spiritual training, and educational opportunities?

Do the children have friends and relatives who live nearby in either proposed location?

WHICH PARTY DO YOU THINK THIS FACTOR FAVORS? ________

5. Permanence, as a family unit, of the existing or proposed custodial home or homes.

_________ In whose custody will the family unit not be split?

_________ What is the child’s relationship to other siblings?

_________ What is the child’s relationship with the parents?

_________ How do you think the child perceives the family unit?

_________ Which home is likely to be more permanent?

_________ Has either spouse expressed the intention of moving from the area or the state?

Do you have immediate prospects of remarriage or a continuing relationship with a person who will be significant in the life of the children? If so, describe that person’s relationship with the children and how it might affect the custody decision.

WHICH PARTY DO YOU THINK THIS FACTOR FAVORS? ___________

6. Moral fitness of the parties (this also applies to stepparents and significant others).

_________ Extramarital affair(s) the children know about

_________ Physical or sexual abuse of the children

_________ Illegal or offensive behaviors

_________ Poor driving record (excessive violations, DUIs, or reckless driving convictions)

_________ Alcohol or drug problems—how severe? Has treatment been sought? Is there is a police record?

Does anyone verbally abuse, ridicule or demean the children?

Have the children been exposed to moral issues, and what is their response?

What are each party’s strengths and weaknesses in discussing moral beliefs?

WHICH PARTY DO YOU THINK THIS FACTOR FAVORS? ___________

7. Mental and physical health of the parties.

_________ Physical or mental health that significantly interferes with the ability to safeguard the children's health and well-being

_________ Age of parents compared to the age of the children— would the energies of the children overwhelm the parent?

What is the mental health history, marriage counseling, or hospitalizations of all parties?

WHICH PARTY DO YOU THINK THIS FACTOR FAVORS? ___________

8. Home, school and community record of the children.

_________ Who can more adequately plan and supervise the child’s home responsibilities appropriate to their age and circumstance?

_________ Are juvenile or other agencies involved, and who can more adequately deal with them?

Where do the children attend school and what is its reputation?

How are the children doing academically and socially? What is their attitude toward school?

Has any of the above information changed since the divorce or separation became known to the children?

How do the parents participate in school and extracurricular activities, and with the child’s friends?

How is the daily routine organized at home: do the children have chores or responsibilities?

WHICH PARTY DO YOU THINK THIS FACTOR FAVORS? ___________

9. Reasonable preference of the child, if the Court considers the child to be of sufficient age to express a preference.

Do you feel the children have a preference for one parent over another?

How do you feel the children will react if a change of custody is granted?

Why does the other party want this change of custody?

Why do you oppose this change of custody?

WHICH PARTY DO YOU THINK THIS FACTOR FAVORS? ___________

10. Willingness and ability of each of the parents to encourage a close, continuing parent child relationship between the children and the other parent.

_________ Who can best cooperate with an appropriate visitation schedule with the other party?

_________ Who is least likely to disparage the other parent in the presence of the children?

What is your proposed visitation schedule?

When and how do you talk about the other parent with your children and what do you say?

List the five best things about your spouse’s parenting abilities and his/her relationship with the children.

List the five worst things about your spouse’s parenting abilities and his/her relationship with the children.

List five things about your spouse that you admire as a person.

List your and your spouse’s strengths and weaknesses.

WHICH PARTY DO YOU THINK THIS FACTOR FAVORS? ___________

11. Domestic violence, regardless of whether the violence was directed against the children or witnessed by the children.

_________ Has Child Protective Services ever been involved?

_________ Have there been any incidents of violence in the home by any party against any party? Has there been a pattern of violence, whether reported or not? Has there been a police record?

WHICH PARTY DO YOU THINK THIS FACTOR FAVORS? ___________

12. Any other factor the Court considers relevant to this child custody dispute.
_________ Threats of kidnapping

_________ Failure to exercise visitation, failure to notify of changes, or failure to return the children

_________ Excessive traveling

_________ Failure to complete court reports

_________ Occasional acts of adultery committed prior to separation

_________ Occasional acts of adultery committed after separation

_________ Ongoing affair that continues

_________ Living with a member of the opposite sex without getting married

_________ Occasional acts of homosexuality

_________ Practicing homosexual or bisexual

_________ Sexual promiscuity

_________ Engages in "kinky" sex

_________ Conviction of a serious crime

_________ Gambling—occasional, moderate stakes or frequent, high stakes

_________ Regular church attendance

_________ Spouse's moral values

_________ Objectionable business practices

_________ Objectionable social practices

_________ Marital misbehavior such as verbal abuse, belittling spouse in public

_________ Personality traits (volatile, stable, etc.)

_________ Mental disease such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia not controlled by medication/ counseling

_________ Spouse is neurotic

_________ Serious physical disease (heart condition, cancer, etc.)

_________ Physical disability (blind, crippled, etc.)

_________ Alcohol abuse

_________ Drug abuse (prescription drugs)

_________ Drug abuse (illegal drugs)

_________ Intelligence

_________ Educational attainment

_________ Status in community

Are any other children (whether a part of this litigation or not) whose custody is relevant to the children's best interest? (Half brother or sister, stepbrother or sister)

WHICH PARTY DO YOU THINK THIS FACTOR FAVORS? ___________

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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.”

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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.”

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

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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.”

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

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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.”

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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.”

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

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

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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.”

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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.”

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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…”

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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.”

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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.”

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

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

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

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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.”

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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.”

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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…”

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

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

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

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

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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…”

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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.”

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

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

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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…”

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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…”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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

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