I cannot say enough about Jodi Switalski and her team at Switalski Law. From the very first phone…read morecall--on a Saturday morning--I felt heard, understood, and supported in a way I didn't think was possible in a legal setting. As a permanently disabled parent navigating a high-conflict divorce from a covert narcissist while raising my autistic son, I came into this feeling completely overwhelmed. But Jodi's unique background in law, psychology, and addiction made all the difference. She didn't just represent me--she got me. Jodi, along with Claire (who was a phenomenal law clerk at the time and is now an attorney) and Judy (her kind, organized assistant), stood by me through every mediation and legal battle. Even when I wanted to give up, they reminded me to breathe, to keep going, and to stay grounded in what mattered: protecting my son and staying true to myself. Even now, post-divorce, I know my fight isn't over--and I won't face it without them. Jodi is more than just an attorney. She's a warrior, a fierce advocate, and truly one of the most compassionate professionals I've ever met. If you're navigating a high-conflict case, especially involving children or hidden abuse, call Switalski Law. You won't just get a lawyer--you'll get a team who fights with heart.

Worst experience I've ever had with an attorney. Jodi was extremely unprofessional, under prepared…read moreand we were humiliated in court. The judge did not show Jodi any respect in the one court date we had which she charged me over $4k. Diana was amazing unfortunately Jodi put me in terrible spot. She then threatened to sue me for a honest Google review that I left about my experience. Strongly do not recommend

I had a very difficult case to say the least. Ms. Ferrara handled it like a genius. She is…read moreexceptionally intelligent, very experienced, loyal and dedicated to her clients. This lawyer will fight for you! Always responsive and willing to answer questions, a different kind of lawyer I tell you! I was particularly touched how everyone at the office made me feel like family as soon as I walked in. I will definitely recommend Ms. Ferrara to friends and family. She is true gold!

Lori Henderson was proactive, attentive and a highly qualified premier mediator in Oakland County…read moreand surrounding counties. Her knowledge of the law, negotiating, and also her knowledge of human psychology of people at their lowest, she is an expert. Her elite network is definitely plus ! Lori' s interaction with attorneys is very professional and very down to earth. If you need a mediator , this is the person you want and her service & value is definitely worth it !

Erica is great, she helps explain the process and truly listens to your needs. I am very thankful…read morefor all of the work she did for me and my son

Erica Cicchelli, is very unprofessional. I contacted her to handle a case for me through GM UAW Law…read moreServices.She immediately sent me a form via email to pay her 1,500. I paid the amount immediately. The next communication she requested the paperwork to proceed with the complaint, this was on Friday. I dropped off paperwork needed to proceed with my case on the following Monday In her office door drop box. I never got any call, text or email stating she had received it, l then texted her about it and she replied," I will be out of the office until the 20th of January. I paid her in full on the 6th of January. The 20th of January came and went and she never was able to be contacted again by text, phone or email. She ghosted me deliberately. I had to contact the GM UAW to complain about her conduct after leaving a voice message in anger about my not being able to contact her. After I fired her, through email and voice mail, because she proved to me to be untrustworthy she started emailing, calling and texting. Be aware of this one. I am still waiting for a return of my money.

Irika Mellin was - in a word, excellent. She promptly answered questions and returned calls &…read moreemails. Through a very difficult divorce from a very difficult spouse, she handled every situation like a pro and coached me through the chaos. No doubt my post-divorce situation is better for me and my kids because I hired her.

Kristen Robinson was biased and choose to use undocumented statements instead of signed notarized…read moredocuments and other evidence to make a final award that was overturned in appeal. Very expensive arbitration and appeal because of her lack of knowledge of the law and inability to provide unbiased arbitration.

Today was a decent day in divorce court. Imagine that. I was satisfied with the outcome, especially…read moreafter 5 months of ups & downs dealing with the opposing party. Hiring Ms. Starla Zehr was a wise investment. IN SHORT: From our first consult in the spring at her conveniently located office in Waterford, Michigan, Starla took her time with me, asked many relevant questions and recorded lots of details on my situation. She explained my best and worst case scenario options and potential related expenses. During the final settlement conference, she threw down hard when warranted and both parties ended up agreeing well enough. Divorce ain't perfect, but it can be reasonable in the end with the right level heads to direct you. IN LONG: When I was ready to roll and file, Starla continued with the same approach and ultimately left me to make informed decisions. Not knowing what to expect with the divorce process (being fortunate enough to have my first husband die), Starla & her office manager/paralegal, Polly, made it an easier experience to understand and go through overall. They also actively worked directly with the opposing attorney and their office personnel to keep the negotiation process on track. Starla also knew when to put me in check and take a breath when things 'got real' and the Bronx girl came out in me here and there. Ultimately, I was so glad to be hands off and let them do the legal dirty work. On a personal note, I found Starla to be very kind and understanding to my particular situation with 2 small children and being in all kinds of transition. She provided much insight to what-if's and what-will's down the road in addition to very helpful practical advice for the future. After the court proceedings were over today she gave me an unexpected hug and we had a really nice chat on the loose ends. On a general, random Oakland County MI Court side note, the assigned judge overseeing my divorce (Matis) was a really happy guy despite bringing down the final ax on love gone bad x100. Like, genuinely, internally, smiling-ly throughout happy. I half-expected to be invited back for coffee and donuts and mingle amongst all the new divorcees after it was over. Weird, but pleasant considering the collective situation of everyone in the room. Anyway, SOME BEGINNER BEST DIVORCE LAWYER TIPS FOR YOU: Okay, so I was not the most ideal financial position to hire an attorney, but I managed to come up with some cash for the retainer. Let me tell you, if you are in the same position and are set to divorce, it is WELL WORTH IT to hire someone to represent your best interests and cut through the crap...your ex's and Michigan law, in general. My ex said I had absolutely no need for an attorney *insert hearty laugh here*. Seriously, get a second job and hustle in the short term if you have to and make ongoing payments. I tried to do so even while the retainer was till in effect. That tidy bundle is not going to last forever if things go sideways. You will typically get a statement every month itemizing how your retainer has been used and, and once used up, what you owe to date. Make sure to not get overly involved in emotional exchanges with the soon-to-be-ex as best as possible to keep progress alive & always try to stick to the facts at hand (it will save you on attorney fees). I tried to keep verbal exchanges to a minimum and got as much in writing as possible (email/text). I used to be a medical biller and the mantra in my department was: "If you don't get it in writing, it didn't happen". Lastly, just because you may not be getting constant updates, it doesn't mean things aren't in the works in the background. Starla & Polly were really good about replying back in a timely manner to update / FYI emails I would send. Be concise with your emails. Respond quickly when needed. Get all your paperwork, photos, copies, supporting documentation together. Sign up for Google Voice. It saves texts in perpetuity and transcribes voicemail messages that may be necessary to your case. Keep copies of everything for yourself. Sometimes some clarification and re-clarification has to take place, but that is a good thing so that everyone is on the same page in the end. Obviously, you should do your research and see a few attorneys to explore their opinions on your particular situation (lots of assets/no assets/kids/no kids/craziness/no craziness). You should feel comfortable in the bones with who you pick. Credit goes to the ex's 1st wife for the Starla "referral". When Starla's name drew a little snarl periodically throughout the relationship, I knew I had put her on my short list of attorney consultations & book an appointment. Plus, I thought it would be kind of funny. Now that YOU may be ready to put the garbage in the garbage can where it belongs, it's time to give Starla or Polly a call & cut your divorce stress in half (at least). Now, off to find my 3rd husband! J/k :-D Much love and stay strong, Luna #68Seconds

Some "post divorce" issues came up in my divorce, after I moved out of state. I really did not want…read moreto have to come back to Michigan to take care of these legal matters. Starla is a life saver. She listens to what you need done and gets it handled right away and also affordably. I talked to a few other lawyers and Starla's prices were better than theirs. I can't speak highly enough of her family law services. She genuinely seemed to care and is a great negotiator. Everything got resolved and I did not have to return to Michigan. I highly recommend Starla as an excellent divorce attorney.

If you are a male you should run when this woman's name appears on your mediation sheet. She only…read morecares about the mother of the children and men that have went to school and have any career that doesn't have a set schedule she will tell you to give up custody of your child. Why should anyone be penalized for making something of themselves because the woman you thought you loved was really trying to create a meal ticket for her and her mother to stay home and not work? Deborah told me that I should quit playing victim when my estranged wife has called the ATF on her own father for supporting me, FAA numerous times on me and her uncle for supporting me and finally made many false claims to the police departments including faking an injury to get a DV case against me. She told me that my items I wanted back I should just replace them and move on...some of these items are very sentimental to me. This woman has issues with men and shouldn't ever be used as a mediator. There are many other items I could list she did but the list would go on and on.

Kindest, Strongest Attorney around 5.0 stars…read morePosted by Elizabeth June 27, 2018 Deborah O'Brien handled my recent divorce. She did an excellent job in preparation, mediation, and court. Deborah walked me through the toughest experience of my life with grace and kindness. She was tough when she needed to be and supportive when I needed her to be. She was wonderful to work with. Her staff was very helpful and responsive. She was there when I needed her, I highly recommend Deborah !

Lori Henderson was our mediator, selected through attorneys…read more Lori Henderson was proactive, attentive and a highly qualified premier mediator in Oakland County and surrounding counties. Her knowledge of the law, negotiating, and also her knowledge of human psychology of people at their lowest, she is an expert. Her elite network is definitely a plus ! Lori' s interaction with attorneys is very professional and very down to earth. Her firm is competitive in pricing and definitely worth the value for her professionalism. If you need a mediator , this is the person you want in your corner !!

Attorney Lori Henderson handled my divorce over 4 years ago. Let me tell you if you want an…read moreattorney who will fight for you, get you exactly what you deserve to get then call her. She's easy to talk to and "pulls no punches". I highly recommend her!! The girls in the office are really nice too.