Michael Idema

Grand Rapids, MI Divorce Lawyer

30 Years Experience		  
About Michael Idema, Grand Rapids, MI Divorce Lawyer.  This is my Mission Statement.  It explains how I approach my cases, my client relationships, and my relationships with other persons involved in the divorce process. To obtain a free initial consultation, call (616) 647-2200. 

Michael L. Idema, Grand Rapids, MI Divorce Lawyer - Mission Statement

The home page has information about practice areas and free consultations.  This page explains my qualifications and my philosophy about the practice of divorce law.

Qualifications

I graduated from Wayne State University Law School in 1976, magna cum laude. I then worked as a judicial law clerk for the Michigan Court of Appeals. I have been a private practice attorney since 1979. My practice was initially a general litigation practice, in which I represented clients in family law, personal injury, consumer, bankruptcy, criminal and probate areas. Over time I specialized in the area of divorce and family law and stopped taking cases in the other areas. For the last 15 years almost of my cases are within the family law area.  This includes mostly divorce cases, but also other cases similar to and involving the same issues as divorce:  custody, separation (separate maintenance), paternity, and support cases, as well as petitions to modify custody, parenting time and support.

Philosophy - How I Approach My Cases

  • A successful case is one in which a fair result is obtained at least financial and emotional cost to the client. A case ending in a bitter trial with hard feelings can rarely be called a success even if the client “wins”. Litigation should not be used to oppress or abuse the other party. My job is to be a problem solver, not a problem creator.
  • My emphasis is on advising clients
    • knowledge is power
    • explain alternatives to litigation to resolve disputes
    • counsel clients on rights and responsibilities
    • present clients with options and choices
    • explain probabilities of success or failure
    • explain costs of pursuing different courses of action
    • keep clients informed of progress of case
    • be accessible to clients for advice throughout case
    • help clients make informed decisions regarding settlement
  • I focus upon early settlement
    • most cases are settled, instead of going to trial
    • the earlier a case settles, the fewer steps, the less cost, and the less emotional expense for the client
    • settlements are more likely to be satisfactory to parties than a Judge’s rulings, and more likely to be honored long term
    • settlement takes issues out of the hands of Judges, who can and do make mistakes
    • however, settlement requires that the other party and attorney negotiate in good faith. Sometimes Judges must decide as a last resort to achieve a fair result
  • Efficient processing of cases
    • maintain procedures to quickly process paperwork
    • explore options with client to reduce number of steps
    • seek settlements instead of waiting for court hearings
  • Effective advocacy
    • Be well prepared for negotiations and court hearings
    • Whether negotiating with the other party, attorney, or advocating a result to the Judge or an arbitrator, the object is to persuade, not to offend
    • treating client, other party, attorneys and Judge with courtesy is more persuasive and effective than engaging in contentious conduct
    • maintain reputation with court and other attorneys for honesty, accuracy, and fair dealing, which will cause them to presume that whatever I advocate must be fair

Some attorneys’ view of the attorney-client relationship seems to be: “I’m the expert and you (the client) have to do what I tell you”. I take a less authoritarian view of my role. I see a case as belonging to the client, and the client’s values and goals as directing my actions in a case. Since the client is the one who will have to live with the decisions made in the case, I feel that decisions regarding what to settle and what to litigate must be made by the client. I will provide the advice necessary for the client to understand the issue and make an intelligent decision, including the likelihood of success if litigated and the relative cost of attorney fees for different courses of action. I will not "stir up litigation" by urging a client to fight over what should be settled; I will not avoid litigation which is necessary to secure a fair result.

There are some limits to the choices I will allow my clients to make. I expect my clients to treat other persons, including their spouses, the court, and myself, in a fair manner. I will not assist my clients in taking immoral, unethical, or illegal actions; on the contrary, I will insist that my clients behave in an appropriate manner. There are many issues in a divorce upon which there may be legitimate differences of opinion which may need to be settled, mediated, arbitrated or litigated, and it is in the resolution of those issues that my time is appropriately devoted. My clients should not expect me to use the legal process for the purpose of oppressing or harassing their spouses, instead of using those processes to resolve legitimate disputes.

The advice I provide clients is the most important part of what I do. I make myself readily available, by telephone or appointment, to provide that advice. I keep my clients well informed of the progress of their cases. Where my clients have options as to how to proceed, I explain those options and solicit my client’s choice. I attempt to treat everyone involved in the case with courtesy, including the other party. Getting a divorce can be emotionally difficult, and people are unfortunately not always on their best behavior during the divorce process. It is easy to lose patience and get angry at a spouse, their attorney or the Judge. I try hard to keep that in mind when dealing with everyone involved in a case, and attempt not to aggravate an already bad situation. Disputes are resolved either by negotiation or litigation. Success in either negotiation or litigation comes from persuasion. Rarely is anyone persuaded to do the right thing by being yelled at or insulted. Persuasion comes from logic and appeals to self-interest. If we cannot persuade the other party of the logic of our position in settlement negotiation, then we attempt to persuade an arbitrator or the Judge through litigation.

This does not mean that every issue can or must be settled. If the other party acts in an unreasonable or inappropriate manner, it may be necessary to be very firm in negotiation or aggressive in litigation, in order to persuade that party that unreasonable conduct will not be rewarded. Being polite in dealing with others is not the same thing as being a pushover. You may insist upon tough terms or advocate to a Judge that someone should be held in contempt of court without raising your voice or engaging in name calling.

Free Initial Office Consultation

You may obtain a free initial office consultation to discuss your divorce or other family law issues with Michael Idema by calling (616) 647-2200.

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  

Michael Idema

Divorce Lawyer

6410-A Alpine Ave NW

Comstock Park, MI 49321

(Between 7 & 8 Mile Roads)

mike@michaelidema.com

(616) 647-2200

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©Michael Idema 2006 - 2008

This web site provides information for general knowledge only, and is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer.  For advice about what to do in your specific case please call for a free initial consultation.