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.
Everyone is familiar with the phrase “filing”for divorce. “ Some clients are surprised to learn that “filing for divorce” typically refers to starting a lawsuit against your spouse. The “traditional” divorce lawsuit is one in which one spouse brings a lawsuit for divorce against the other spouse — and a divorce litigation ensues. But did you know that a divorce lawsuit is not the only option? In this new blog series, I will walk you through the options for “Joint Divorce” in Michigan and help to provide insights on which type of Joint Divorce process tends to work best in certain types of situations.
There is a better, more respectful way to approach divorce and family law. Divorce and many other family law matters can be handled without a “traditional” lawsuit. For more information on our exclusive Streamline Divorce process, visit: https://www.streamlinedivorce.com/
"I had absolutely no doubts when deciding to form a family law firm with Attorney Andrea Banfield in early 2020. I encourage everyone who has had the same privilege to vote for her in the 2023 "Best of Livingston County" awards." The link is at: https://livingstondaily.gannettcontests.com/2023-Best-of-Livingston-County-Communitys-Choice-Awards/gallery?group=466785
We are honored by the trust our community has placed in us! Once again the law firm of Banfield Couling Law & Mediation PLLC has been nominated as Livingston County’s best law firm. Click here to cast your vote for the 2023 People’s Choice Awards: https://livingstondaily.gannettcontests.com/2023-Best-of-Livingston-County-Communitys-Choice-Awards/gallery?group=466784
Yes: you can settle a divorce before It's even filed. Denise Couling’s book, Michigan Divorce: Fast-Tracked, guides you through the steps and considerations. Learn more about the new and better ways to navigate a more respectful and less costly divorce process. Available on Amazon in print or Kindle formats: https://www.amazon.com/Michigan-Divorce-Fast-Tracked-Denise-Couling-ebook/dp/B0933B92W4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19SQNF50JU4F1&keywords=denise+couling&qid=1692708132&sprefix=denise+couling%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-1
A client’s satisfaction with the work of our firm is the best testimonial of all. In an ongoing series to share our clients’ reviews of their experiences, this post shares a recent review of Attorney Andrea Banfield:
Andrea is very professional, knowledgeable, and takes the time to listen to the issues. She offers straightforward and helpful legal advice. She helped me understand some custody and parenting laws that I was not aware of and pointed me to helpful resources. I highly recommend her for family law issues.
Did you know that many of our firm’s helpful materials are available on our website? In fact, a number of our videos and handouts can be found at: https://coulinglaw.com/videosandhandouts Whether you may be considering scheduling an appointment or simply wishing to familiarize yourself with key considerations for a potential divorce or family law action, these materials are available at any time.
Collaborative Divorce (also referred to as Collaborative Practice) is an alternative to filing a traditional divorce lawsuit. Both attorneys Andrea Banfield and Denise Couling are trained in Collaborative Practice and are highly experienced in other pre-filing divorce options. Contact us to find out whether this option may be of benefit to you. https://coulinglaw.com/new-page-1
During a time most people describe as the most challenging time in their lives, Denise Couling has the reputation for empathetically informing her clients every step of the way during their divorce.
“Denise steered me through a clear path even though I was extremely distraught.... She kept me at ease and reassured me without trying to overpromise even though I know it would have been easy up front to do so. …. I highly recommend Denise and her firm; they're all great and sincerely kind." (Client, Google Review)
Can One Attorney Represent Two Spouses in A Divorce Action? No. Joint representation of both spouses by an attorney in Michigan is not permitted. Many callers ask our office for joint representation. While we cannot offer that service, we do offer our Streamline Divorce℠ process that is perfect for parties that have or are able to reach a Pre-filing Settlement Agreement.
Early stage mediation is an efficient and respectful way to address divorce issues. It also can help the parties avoid a divorce lawsuit altogether. Mediation can take place before any court action is started. Mediation also can take place at the early stage or the later stage of a divorce lawsuit.
Both attorneys Andrea Banfield and Denise Couling are experienced mediators and they also regularly advise clients going through the divorce mediation process. For more information, visit: https://coulinglaw.com/new-page-1
"My experience with Andrea Banfield was exceptional! She was on top of it every step of the way! I highly recommend Banfield Couling! " (Client, Google Review)
Congratulations to Jamie O'Brien, who will begin serving in her new position as an Attorney Referee for the Genesee County family law courts starting May 1st. Jamie has been instrumental to our office and we are sad to see her go. However, this is a wonderful honor and opportunity -- one for which Jamie is uniquely well-qualified to serve. Our firm's loss is a gain for the Genesee County family law community and the many individuals it serves. Congratulations, Jamie!
“Denise did a tremendous job in representing me throughout my divorce. She did everything she could to get me the fairest result in my situation. She answered all my questions, sometimes multiple times and always gave me the best advice. She is courteous, understanding and professional. I would highly recommend her and her office for your legal needs. Five Star all the way.” (Client, Google Review 3/21/23)
When considering divorce options, we are here to help. We wrote the book — in fact two books.
Contact us for our free e-book, Navigating Divorce In Michigan: Options to Know Before You File, through our website at: https://coulinglaw.com/new-page-1
Denise Couling’s book, Michigan Divorce: Fast Tracked, is available through Amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/Michigan-Divorce-Fast-Tracked-Denise-Couling-ebook/dp/B0933B92W4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YYAGWEP5KSGB&keywords=denise+couling&qid=1677948217&sprefix=denise+couling%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1
Attorney Jamie O’Brien never loses sight of what it is like to be in the clients' shoes -- from deciding which option may be best for their circumstances to analyzing challenging legal issues. Delivering advice and information with compassion is a core principle of Jamie's practice. We are proud of Jamie’s commitment to treat clients with professionalism and respect -- and to have her as a colleague at Banfield Couling Law & Mediation.
The law firm of Banfield Couling Law & Mediation is different for all the right reasons. And we have the accolades to prove it. As the winner of the Best Law firm in the “Best of Livingston” awards three years running, we work very hard for our clients and that hard work has been recognized repeatedly. The appreciation shown by our valued clients and the community means the world to us. Thank you again for the trust you have placed in our firm.
We are proud to announce that Attorney Andrea Banfield has been honored as the winner of both “Best Family Law Lawyer” and “Best Divorce Attorney” in the Best of Livingston Awards for 2022. Andrea Banfield exemplifies professionalism in the practice of law and in service to the Livingston County community. To learn more about Attorney Banfield’s bio and areas of practice, visit: https://coulinglaw.com/about-andrea
Do you know that you do not have to “file for divorce?” In other words, the traditional divorce lawsuit is not the only way to legally divorce in Michigan. In 2019, Michigan law changed to recognize Collaborative and Fast Track divorce actions — which can be completed without a lawsuit. To learn more, visit: https://www.streamlinedivorce.com/new-michigan-fast-track-process
As with many legal issues, the answer is: “it depends.” When determining the county in which your family law action must be filed, the first consideration is the type of action that you intend to file. Different rules can apply to cases involving divorce, paternity or real property. To learn more, visit today’s informative blog post by Attorney Denise Couling.
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.
Read More
