Divorce & Family Law

Family Divorce Law Firm in Detroit & Bloomfield Hills

By nature, family law matters are extremely stressful. At Hertz Schram, our goal is to do everything within our power to reduce that stress for you. When you choose us to handle your family law case, we will take the time to get to know you. By devoting our attention to your unique situation, we will be prepared to meet your needs and expectations.

Email or call us at (248) 694-8697 to schedule a consultation with a dedicated family law attorney.

Providing Personal Service To Our Family Law Clients

Our years of experience have taught us the value of personal attention. We have become one of the top-rated divorce law firms in Michigan. To us, that means we are able to focus on our clients in a manner that is not always available at large, impersonal law firms. Our firm provides each client with the personal attention he or she deserves when going through a challenging family law matter.

Family Law Practice Areas

We are available to handle all family law matters. Every family law matter is different. For that reason, we refuse to provide one-size-fits-all advice in these cases. Instead, we use our experience, knowledge and creativity to customize a legal strategy that is designed specifically to meet your needs. We believe that is the type of representation you deserve.

Handling all Aspects of Divorce in the Detroit, MI Area

Facing divorce can be overwhelming. Uncertainty about the future and about important matters such as child custody and property division only adds to the strain individuals endure when confronting divorce. The entire process can be even more emotionally challenging for children.

Our family law attorneys at Hertz Schram work hard to minimize the emotional strain that clients and their families face by focusing on developing solutions outside of the courtroom whenever possible. We are dedicated to preserving our clients’ interests, however, whether through a negotiated divorce settlement agreement or through divorce litigation.

In addition to handling all aspects of divorce, our family law attorneys are equipped to address related issues that arise in connection with divorce, such as revising wills, trusts and other estate planning instruments, and to pursue marital tort litigation in cases of assault, abuse, fraud, emotional distress or transmission of STDs.

Michigan Family Law Firm & Detroit Divorce Attorneys

Post-Judgment Divorce Modifications

The months and years following divorce are a time of change. Many individuals and families struggle to meet the demands of divorce decrees (such as child custody, child support or alimony) after time has passed and life circumstances have changed. Our firm represents clients in post-judgment divorce modifications, helping to make changes that accommodate personal, financial, legal and emotional changes.

Determining Child Custody

Michigan courts consider many factors when determining child custody arrangements. But at all times, the focus is on meeting the best interests of the child. Our firm can explain various types of custody that may fit your family’s needs, including sole custody, joint custody, primary custody, physical custody and legal custody.

Mediation or negotiation may be viable options for parents facing child custody determinations. This is often a less contentious way of settling legal matters, if parents are at least somewhat prepared to work cooperatively.

Post-Judgment Divorce Modifications

Determining Child Custody

Child Custody Modifications

After a divorce judgment has been entered, the mother and father have no choice but to live with that judgment and to try to make it work. After time has passed, many discover that an existing child custody arrangement is unworkable, doesn’t fit the parents’ schedules or does not benefit the child.

Through the process of a child custody modification, our firm assists clients in altering existing child custody arrangements. The courts require there to be a material change in circumstances to alter an existing divorce decree. Our firm will help to articulate that change in circumstances to seek an arrangement that fits your lifestyle and benefits your child.

Divorce & Family Law Services

Other Divorce & Family Law Topics

Divorce
Spousal support/alimony
Division of separate property
Division of closely held business entities
Child custody and parenting time
Child Support
Friend of the Court matters/hearings
Post-judgment modifications of child support, spousal support, and alimony
Post-judgment custody and parenting time
Prenuptial and post-marital agreements
LGBTQ divorce
LGBTQ adoption
Violations of orders
Interference with visitation

Parental relocation
Changing schools and school districts
Fathers’ rights
Mothers’ rights
Grandparents’ rights
Paternity
Stepparent adoptions
Marital tort claims (assault, abuse, fraud, emotional distress and transmission of STDs)
Domestic Violence
Personal protection orders (PPOs)
Parental Alienation
Child Abduction
International family law disputes/Hague Convention cases

Our firm was founded on the belief that our clients deserve the best possible representation in disputes, litigation and transactions.
Everyday, our attorneys strive to provide it.

Detroit Family Law Attorneys – Divorce & Family Law Firm Serving The Areas Of Bloomfield Hills, MI & Detroit, MI

Steven P. Jenkins

Partner

“Never underestimate the positive impact an attorney can have on their clients’ lives.”

Cristina Crescentini

Partner

“PROTECT THE THINGS THAT MATTER MOST”

Donna Virkus

Attorney

“Be real, keep things in perspective, and keep going. The best is yet to come!”

Gerald Cavellier

Shareholder

“I advise my clients to take the high road by reminding all parties that if they have children together they will continue to be part of each other’s lives post-judgment.”

Lisa D. Stern

Shareholder

“Provides her clients with clear advice, smart strategies, honest representation and a small dose of humor to help then get through an otherwise difficult time.”

Testimonials

Attorney Gerald Cavellier: Throughout all of that your professionalism stood out, now I know why you get the acclaim you do from a variety of sources and I consider myself proud to be one your clients.

Ted A.

When my deceased father's former spouse sued me, I called attorney Jerry Cavellier, who handled my father's divorce. In what looked to be a long, difficult legal battle, Jerry quickly devised a strategy that wore down the opposition and settled the case. His legal maneuvering saved me tens of thousands of dollars!

Peter Leonard, National Best-Selling Author

Attorney Jerry Cavellier was and continues to be a great help and support throughout my divorce and years afterwards. Whenever I’ve needed to speak with him, he is available. Whenever I’ve needed advice or direction throughout the process, he would make time for me to explain and feel confident I understood to make good decisions. Above all, I felt he was truly concerned with what I was dealing with and was looking out for me in my best interest. Jerry is a kind, empathic human being. He continues to be accessible whenever I reach out for help. Thank you Jerry.

Steve

Attorney Lisa Stern was compassionate and understanding in a time of great fear for me. She gave me confidence to move past fear and find my strength to finally end an abusive marriage. She was both tough and kind in the process. While my divorce wasn't the end of the craziness and my children and I still struggle to be healthy, my divorce freed me from the daily intimidation and worse... Likely saved my life. I am grateful for Lisa's strength when I didn't have much of my own.

Denise

I was fortunate to have found attorney Jerry Cavellier to represent me when I went through my divorce. He did an outstanding job representing me and advocating for my interests (both custodial and financial). He took the time to understand my case and the issues at hand. He was always very responsive to all of my inquiries. In addition to his legal expertise and negotiating skill, Jerry provided some needed compassion and perspective during that difficult anxious laden time. I would recommend Jerry to anyone going through a divorce and looking for a highly skilled and loyal advocate.

Shaun

Attorney Lisa Stern successfully defended my custodial rights where two other lawyers had fallen short. She understood the nuances of my case right away, maintaining objectivity in order to prioritize my issues. Lisa has been level-headed and measured while being very sympathetic, and is highly respected amongst her peers. Lisa has managed my expectations while encouraging me with her demeanor and actions. In the end, I got more than a great lawyer; I got a good friend who is invested in what's best for me and my child.