Business Details
Your Trusted Family Law Attorney in Grand Rapids
Schmitt Law is a family law practice dedicated to guiding clients through divorce, child custody, and other family law matters with compassion and expertise. With over two decades of experience in the court system, including roles as a paralegal and trained mediator, Laurie Schmitt prioritizes resolving cases outside of court through collaborative divorce and mediation while maintaining a strong record of courtroom representation when necessary. The firm emphasizes personalized service, transparent communication, and empowering clients to make informed decisions. Specializing in family law since establishing her practice, Laurie combines deep legal knowledge with a commitment to reducing conflict and protecting clients' rights.Services include child custody, paternity, spousal support, and post-judgment modifications, with a focus on achieving fair outcomes for families. The firm's approach integrates advanced training in collaborative law, civil mediation, and domestic relations, ensuring clients receive strategic, cost-effective solutions. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Schmitt Law serves Kent, Ottawa, and Allegan counties, offering a free initial consultation for all family law matters.
Services
Divorce
Child Custody
Mediation
Collaborative Divorce
Spousal Support
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of experience in family law and court systems
- Trained civil and domestic relations mediator
- Specializes in collaborative divorce to reduce conflict
- Proven success in complex courtroom representation
- Personalized, affordable legal strategies for families
Associations and certifications
- Collaborative Divorce Professional of West Michigan
- International Association of Collaborative Professionals
- Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan
What people say
Compassionate guidance
Timely communication
Stress manageable
Highly respected in legal arena
Aggressive representation
Services
Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative divorce focuses on resolving family law disputes through cooperative negotiations rather than litigation. This process involves joint meetings with attorneys, mediators, and financial professionals to create customized solutions. It reduces conflict, preserves relationships, and gives clients full control over outcomes while maintaining dignity during transitions.
Child Custody
Child custody services address legal and physical custody arrangements, parenting time schedules, and modification of existing orders. The firm prioritizes children's well-being by creating structured plans that adapt to changing family dynamics. Services include court representation, mediation, and enforcement of custody agreements to protect parental rights.
Mediation Services
Mediation services provide a neutral platform for resolving family law conflicts through facilitated discussions. Trained mediators help parties reach binding agreements on issues like property division, spousal support, and parenting plans. This cost-effective process maintains confidentiality and reduces emotional strain compared to traditional litigation.
Spousal Support
Spousal support services involve determining fair financial arrangements during divorce proceedings. The firm assists with calculating payments based on factors like marriage duration, income disparities, and living standards. Services include modification requests due to income changes and court representation for contested support matters.
Uncontested Divorce
Uncontested divorce services streamline the legal process for couples who agree on all major issues. The firm handles document preparation, court filings, and final hearings at a flat rate. This option minimizes costs and stress while ensuring proper legal procedures are followed for asset division, child custody, and support agreements.
People
Laurie Schmitt
Attorney at Law
Laurie Schmitt is a Michigan-licensed family law attorney with over 20 years of experience in court systems and collaborative law. She specializes in divorce, child custody, and mediation, focusing on reducing client stress through personalized legal strategies.
Questions
What is collaborative divorce?
Collaborative divorce is a structured negotiation process where couples work with trained attorneys and professionals to resolve disputes without court intervention, focusing on mutual respect and customized solutions.
How does mediation work for family law cases?
Mediation involves a neutral third party facilitating discussions between parties to reach binding agreements on issues like custody, support, and property division, often reducing costs and emotional conflict compared to litigation.
What factors determine child custody arrangements?
Courts consider children's best interests, parental capabilities, living environments, and existing relationships when establishing custody, prioritizing stability and both parents' involvement unless safety concerns exist.
Can spousal support be modified after divorce?
Yes, spousal support orders can be modified due to significant income changes, job loss, or other circumstances affecting financial capacity, requiring formal court requests with supporting documentation.
What are the benefits of uncontested divorce?
Uncontested divorce offers faster resolution, lower costs, and reduced emotional strain by allowing couples to finalize agreements on asset division, custody, and support without courtroom battles.
How do I prepare for a divorce consultation?
Bring financial records, existing custody/property documents, and a list of questions or concerns to your consultation to help the attorney assess your case and recommend appropriate legal strategies.
