Am I the Right Divorce Lawyer For You?
- What I Do - I am a family
law attorney who specializes
in divorce, separation, custody, paternity and support cases.
I can help you plan for your divorce, do your paperwork, represent
you in court, and negotiate your settlement. Obtain efficient,
inexpensive assistance in a simple divorce case, and expert advice
and representation in court if your case is difficult.
- Where I Do It -
Mostly Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the Kent County
Circuit Court, Family Division. I am occasionally retained for
cases in Ottawa, Newaygo and Montcalm Counties. (You may file
your divorce case in whichever County either you or your spouse resided for
10 days before you file.)
- My Goal - To provide my clients with a fair
settlement at the least financial and emotional cost by emphasizing
early settlement by negotiation where possible, while retaining the
bargaining leverage of being able to force a fair result by taking
unfair opponents to Court. As President Teddy Roosevelt said,
"Speak softly, but carry a big stick".
Find out more about me
and my philosophy.
- Advice - I place a strong emphasis on explaining
things to my clients. I assume you are smart enough
to understand your own case and to make the choices that the law allows you. I give you the information you need to
make good decisions, present you with options, explain your alternatives, help you
weigh consequences and the likelihood of success, and keep you
informed every step of the way.
- Planning - Good planning before the case
is filed can help you avoid mistakes, position yourself to
advantage, avoid unnecessary arguments, figure out what would be a
fair settlement, and make financial plans for your future.
- Reasonable Fees - My emphasis on explaining things to
my clients includes attorney fees. My hourly rate is $200.
That might seem like a lot if you are just starting to look for a
lawyer. However, if you search enough you will discover that
my rate is about average for lawyers in this area, but lower than
average for lawyers who specialize in divorce with my years of
experience. This is a good value for my clients. It may
say something to you that I am so open about attorney fees when it
is so hard to find anything about attorney fees on other lawyer's
web sites. I don't think attorney fees or how they are
calculated should be a big secret. Learn all
about attorney
fees, including how they are calculated, retainer fees, billing,
refunds, and how to save on fees. Review a
sample retainer
agreement.
- Credit and Debit Cards - You can pay by
cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card.
MasterCard, VISA, or Discover are accepted.
- Free Initial Consultation:
- There is no charge until you agree to retain me.
Non-clients calling to inquire about my services are not charged.
-
If you are looking for a lawyer to represent
you in a divorce, separate maintenance, annulment, paternity,
custody or support case, you can receive a free
office consultation of up to one hour without charge or obligation.
- Office Hours Are By Appointment. Drop ins
are discouraged, because you may find me away from the office or in
conference and waste your trip. If you want to see me right away, please call to
see if I will be available. Unless I am in court or taking a day off, I am
usually available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. I am
usually in court on Fridays.
- Evening Appointments are available. If you get out of work around 5:00 p.m., I am
willing to set an appointment after 5:00 p.m.
so you can see me on your way home from work.
- Call (616) 647-2200 For An Appointment.
If I do not answer please leave a message for a call back.
(One reason I have a relatively low hourly rate is that I am not
paying a receptionist to sit around waiting for your call.
Please use my voice mail or feel free to email me about available
times.)
Home
Planning for Divorce
Domestic Violence
Divorce Procedures
Defending Divorce
Custody and Parenting
Time Child Support
Alimony
Property Division
Going to Court
Negotiation
Mediation Arbitration
Annulment
Separate
Maintenance Paternity
Attorney Fees
Forms
About Michael Idema |
Michael Idema
Grand Rapids Divorce Lawyer
6410 Alpine
Ave NW, Suite A
Comstock Park,
MI 49321
(Between 7 & 8
Mile Roads)
mike@michaelidema.com
(616)
647-2200 This is the Home Page
Divorce Basics
Settling Disputes
Annulment
Separate Maintenance
Paternity
Attorney Fees
Forms
Mission
Statement
|