Do I Need An Attorney for My Divorce, Custody, Parenting Time, or Support Case in Livingston, Oakland, and Washtenaw Counties, in Michigan?

Many times, when I am consulting with a potential client, they may ask me if they really need a lawyer to represent them in their case.  The short answer is, YES, absolutely.

There are websites out there such as LegalZoom, however, there is no substitute for the advice of an experienced attorney.  A website cannot tell you the best course of action, how to file an action, what steps to take, etc., as a substitute for an experienced attorney. Even if you try to file your divorce or other family law issue/action on your own, the legal process is very confusing and you may have to file additional documents and appear in court many more times than needed.  Also, many counties are constantly updating their policies and procedures, which a website cannot tell you.  Furthermore, court clerks cannot give you legal advice on how to proceed.

The advice of an attorney is invaluable.  There may be issues that you do not even know about and could not possibly know.  There may be suggestions from an experienced lawyer to make your situation better and the divorce or other family law issue to go more smoothly.

Another huge issue is the paperwork that needs to be done.  A summons, complaint, ex parte orders, motions, the final judgment- they all have specific requirements and the clerks will not accept incorrect paperwork.  I have seen countless people without attorneys arrive at court to find out that they were missing something and need to do a step over again.  They are very frustrated!

Finally, this is not a cost benefit analysis situation.  There is almost always a benefit, whether it be advice or time saved (such as time missed from work), to just simply having the process go smoothly, that makes the cost of an attorney worth it.