Many people have no idea that there is an alternative to “filing for divorce” — which is filing a lawsuit against their spouse. The Michigan “divorce petition” is an excellent tool for couples who seek to divorce with respect, without the need for costly trial preparations, and without the expense, stress and uncertainty of a traditional divorce lawsuit. To learn more: https://coulinglaw.com/videosandhandouts
Attorney Andrea Banfield is running for public office. Please be assured that throughout this campaign, our firm remains fully committed to meeting all client needs with the same unwavering service and dedication that you expect. For more information, visit: https://coulinglaw.com/blog
When your lawyer refers to your “pro con” hearing, he or she is referring to the court date at which your final divorce testimony will be placed on the record, and your Judgment of Divorce typically will be granted. To learn more, visit: https://coulinglaw.com/blog
Moving Through the Divorce Process Can Be Challenging. The divorce process involves more than just the end of a relationship. EMDR therapy can help clients process distress connected to the divorce process. This can help bring clarity about the best path forward.
To learn more about EMDR, click here: https://www.aaemdr.com/home
To request a complimentary 30 minute consultation with guest blogger, Chris Couling LLMSW, click here: https://www.aaemdr.com/contact
For the full article on EMDR for Divorce, visit: https://coulinglaw.com/blog
Congratulations are in order for TWO amazing people!
Andrea Banfield (on the right) has just been nominated to the Livingston County United Way's Board of Directors! The Board's service projects include the "Power of the Purse" event, which raised over $21,000 for Great Start Livingston! Congratulations also go out to our firm's long-time assistant, Kristine Masters (on the left), who is now United Way's Community Impact Coordinator! They are beyond lucky to have her. Congratulations on your new role, Kristine! For more information, visit https://coulinglaw.com/blog
Take it from her clients’ unsolicited five-star (and even “10 star”) reviews, Attorney Andrea M. Banfield is known for her knowledge, professionalism and caring approach. For more information about Andrea M. Banfield and her accomplishments in the legal field, her leadership and her community involvement, please visit: https://coulinglaw.com/about-andrea
It’s Divorce With Respect Week, and, as collaborative divorce professionals, Banfield Couling Law and Mediation, are offering free 30-minute video or phone consultations for individuals who are considering or going through divorce.
If this would be helpful to you, you can schedule your complimentary consultation with Andrea Banfield or Denise Couling, by contacting our assistant at assistant@banfieldcouling.com or calling 810-225-7440.
It’s Divorce With Respect Week, as collaborative divorce professionals, Banfield Couling Law and Mediation, are offering free 30-minute video or phone consultations for individuals who are considering or going through divorce.
If this would be helpful to you, you can schedule your complimentary consultation with Andrea Banfield or Denise Couling, by contacting our assistant at assistant@banfieldcouling.com or calling 810-225-7440.
A grateful client recently wrote:
“Thank you so much for everything you did for me, Andrea. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer. Hopefully going forward I won’t need any more legal services, but if I ever have a friend who’s in need, I’ll know to whom to refer them. “
Andrea M. Banfield has a well-earned reputation for delivering legal services in a manner that produces unsolicited compliments such as this.
Many people are not aware that Michigan law offers an alternative to “filing” a lawsuit for divorce. It is now possible to divorce respectfully and without a lawsuit. The process can be faster, fair, flexible and can involve flat fees. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21EMvO5KX4Q
As we welcome the New Year, we are grateful for the trust our clients and community placed in us throughout the past year. We look forward to continuing to serve you with dedication, integrity, and care in the year ahead. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and successful New Year!
As the year comes to a close, we extend our warmest holiday wishes to our clients and community. This holiday season, we are thankful for the relationships we’ve built and the trust placed in our firm. Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
At Banfield Couling Law & Mediation PLLC, we are making a positive impact on young lawyers by offering opportunities for aspiring lawyers to work hands-on at our law firm. We are pleased to announce our summer intern, Morgan Passini, has left us to start her legal studies at Cooley Law School. Congratulations, Morgan — we’re proud of you and can’t wait to see all that you will accomplish!
We are proud to announce that on August 26, 2025 Andrea Banfield had the honor of presenting at the State Bar of Michigan ADR Annual Seminar on Incorporating Mediation into the Filing of Joint Petitions for Divorce.
She was recently elected to the Family Law Council and serves as Co-Chair of the ADR Section. This seminar was also her first official function as Chair of the ADR Section.
Andrea is passionate about informing both fellow attorneys and the public that there are many ways to navigate sensitive family matters. After all, family law is not a one-size-fits-all model.
Congratulations to Andrea on behalf of our firm! Your leadership in Michigan Family Law is being recognized and you are contributing to a better practice for clients and counsel alike.
Co-parents who communicate respectfully and effectively after divorce probably will not wind up back in court very often – if at all. And their children are much more likely to thrive. Here’s how to “win” by setting the stage for everyone to thrive.
The best advice I ever received about helping divorced parents learn how to communicate was this: Talk in the same way you would to your boss or to a person at church. In this three-part series, learn about how you can communicate with your ex in a manner that not only serves your children’s best interests but can set you up for success in court if necessary.
The Streamline Divorce process is a fast, less stressful and less costly way to have a respectful divorce without a lawsuit. You don’t have to “go to court” just because you hit a speedbump along the way. A new video helps illustrate how we can help if you do hit a speedbump in the process of working through a Streamline Divorce settlement. To view, click: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTm1nU1ACsc
The Livingston County Educational Service Agency has announced a free workshop on Saturday, April 5th. The First Livingston County Parent Summit will offer Ted Talk speakers on navigating parenthood in the new era of technology. For more information visit: https://www.livingstonesa.org/community-resources/livingston-county-parent-summit
“Andrea is amazing! She goes out of her way to answer any questions I have and has never judged my situation. She's always been truthful with me and tells me how things will be. She almost always answers my emails right away and just truly cares about her clients. Thank you Andrea! I would not trust your divorce with anyone else! She is professional, caring goes above and beyond!”
“Mrs. Couling was excellent for me when I was going through my divorce this last year. My ex-wife had a lawyer that did not know Livingston county very well and Denise was on top of everything. It seemed she took care of all the emails the paperwork and everything. When I first walked into her office I knew she was going to be good because the whole wall was filled with awards. I would recommend her 10 times out of 10 to anybody that is going through a divorce.”
Congratulations to my law partner, Andrea Banfield, for yet another year of recognition by the public as one of the best family law and divorce attorneys in Livingston County. Once again, Andrea was recently named a finalist as Best Family Law Attorney and as Best Divorce Lawyer in the 2024 Official Community Choice Awards for Livingston County. Well done!
Happy Thanksgiving from Banfield Couling Law & Mediation. We are grateful for our clients, colleagues and community!
We are informed that our clients (and their spouses) encounter these types of comments all too frequently. This is to make it crystal clear that our Streamline Divorce℠ process is absolutely "legal." Our Streamline Divorce℠ process is one of a number of ways to have a cooperative divorce without a lawsuit in Michigan. Visit today’s blog to learn more.
“My family had the privilege of retaining Ms. Banfield. We were initially drawn to her by her esteemed reputation as one of Livingston County's "Best Lawyers". Throughout our interactions, she has consistently demonstrated promptness, through preparation, and an unwavering dedication to the advisory role.” (Client Testimonial, April 2024)
“I could not imagine better support and representation than I received from Denise. She is very knowledgeable, providing information and guidance in ways that are both detailed and easy to comprehend. Denise also has a great feel and understanding for the personal and emotional aspects of divorce, and the patience and awareness to provide the type of support that is most needed through the ups and downs of the process. I highly recommend Denise without reservation.” (Client, Google Review)
This podcast is the closest thing to sitting down for a personal consultation. In this Divorce Planning podcast, we address many of the most common topics which are discussed in an initial divorce consultation. We hope you find it valuable! Listen at: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/streamline-divorce-with-denise-couling/id1702246751?i=1000641193795
Congratulations to our very own Andrea Banfield — once again voted Best Divorce Lawyer in Livingston County in the 2023 Best of Livingston Community’s Choice Awards!
For year after year, Livingston County community members have relied on Andrea Banfield to handle the issues they hold closest to their hearts with the perfect blend of compassion, vigorous legal representation and adherence to the highest ethical and legal principles.
Joint Divorce is now an option in Michigan. There are multiple ways to start the Joint Divorce Process. Streamline Divorce is an efficient, lower-cost option for a respectful divorce without a traditional divorce lawsuit. Attorney Denise Couling discussed the options of Streamline Divorce and “Streamline Plus” in today’s blog article.
Many people have no idea that there is an alternative to “filing for divorce” — which is filing a lawsuit against their spouse. The Michigan “divorce petition” is an excellent tool for couples who seek to divorce with respect, without the need for costly trial preparations, and without the expense, stress and uncertainty of a traditional divorce lawsuit. To learn more: https://coulinglaw.com/videosandhandouts
