Family Law

Bainfield Couling Logo_Circle Medium.png

We know family matters.

Our practice focuses on the following areas of family law:

  • Family Law Matters: Out-of-Court Divorce Options, Traditional Divorce (litigated), Custody, Parenting Time, Paternity, Child Support and Spousal Support Matters.

  • StreamlineDivorce℠: a form-based system to streamline the divorce or mediation process

  • Comprehensive Pre-Divorce Planning: Discussing options available and advice to help you decide your next steps.

  • Mediation: The process of using a neutral trained third party to assist in negotiations to settle family matters out-of-court. The proceeding is private and can be conducted with or without attorneys present and may be conducted online using the Zoom platform.

  • Collaborative Practice (also called "Collaborative Divorce" or "Collaborative Law"): An out-of-court process that utilizes specially trained Collaborative Professionals, including lawyers, mental health and financial professionals (depending on the situation), to educate, support and guide you in reaching balanced, respectful and lasting agreements. This typically begins prior to filing a case with the Court and continues until a resolution is reached.

  • Parenting Coordination: Specially trained professionals that focus on helping co-parents manage their parenting plan, improve communication, and resolve disputes regarding their child or children.

  • Prenuptial Agreements: An agreement made by a couple before they marry concerning the ownership of their respective assets should the marriage fail. We encourage prenuptial agreements whenever the parties are blending families or there exists a pronounced difference in their financial resources prior to the marriage. Prenuptial agreements also are strongly encouraged for individuals with business interests.

The Streamline Divorce℠ system, Mediation and Collaborative Law all represent progressive, out-of-court approaches to handling divorce and family law as compassionately and cost-effectively as possible.


OUR FREE BOOK:
"Navigating Divorce in Michigan: Options to Know Before You File”

WRITTEN BY:
DENISE COULING & JAMIE O'BRIEN

Updated to address the new MICHIGAN filing options, this guide to divorce and family law helps you make the best possible choices
AT THE OUTSET.