Divorce Attorney Linden Michigan

The law firm of Banfield Couling Law & Mediation PLLC is pleased to announce that Attorney Andrea Banfield was elected by a panel of recognized leaders in Michigan family law to the Michigan Family Law Council for the 2024-2025 term. Attorney Banfield will serve on the Council as a Co-Chair of the Council's ADR/Collaborative Committee. Congratulations to Andrea! The Council made a phenomenal choice in electing Andrea to their ranks ... and her co-workers at Banfield Couling could not be more proud to work with her!

The Community Choice Awards voting has begun. Once again, Banfield Couling Law and Mediation PLLC has been nominated as the Best Law Firm in Livingston County and Attorney Andrea Banfield has been nominated once again for the best attorney category. Cast your votes at:

2024 Best of Livingston County Community's Choice Awards Voting Ballot Vote for the top nominees in each category and be entered to win a gift card!

We sometimes hear that clients are told that the Streamline Divorce℠ process is "not legal." Our Streamline Divorce℠ process is one of a number of (absolutely legal) ways to have a cooperative divorce in Michigan without a lawsuit. To learn more, visit today’s blog at: https://coulinglaw.com/blog/2024/7/15/that-type-of-divorce-is-not-legal-yes-it-is

"My family had the privilege of retaining Ms. Banfield. We were initially drawn to her by her esteemed reputation as one of Livingston County's "Best Lawyers". Throughout our interactions, she has consistently demonstrated promptness, through preparation, and an unwavering dedication to the advisory role. One of Ms. Banfield's admirable qualities is her commitment to understanding all aspects of a case before forming an opinion. She possesses a remarkable ability to listen thoughtfully and consider various perspectives, ensuring that her conclusions are well-rounded and equitable. This trait is a testament to her integrity as an attorney." (Client Testimonial, April 2024)
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“I could not imagine better support and representation than I received from Denise. She is very knowledgeable, providing information and guidance in ways that are both detailed and easy to comprehend. Denise also has a great feel and understanding for the personal and emotional aspects of divorce, and the patience and awareness to provide the type of support that is most needed through the ups and downs of the process. I highly recommend Denise without reservation.” (Client, Google Review) https://coulinglaw.com/blog/2024/4/8/he

I was honored to be interviewed about the Streamline Divorce process. on the Divorce Planning Podcast by Carri Goldring, a certified divorce financial/mortgage professional based in Oakland County.

Listen to the Divorce Planning Podcast on Apple Podcasts or on the web at: https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/streamline-divorce-with-denise-couling/id1702246751?i=1000641193795

Thank you again to Carri Goldring and the Divorce Planning Podcast for providing an excellent opportunity to assist individuals contemplating divorce with the resources to do their homework and become informed!

Congratulations to our very own Andrea Banfield — once again voted Best Divorce Lawyer in Livingston County in the 2023 Best of Livingston Community’s Choice Awards.

For year after year, Livingston County community members have relied on Andrea Banfield to handle the issues they hold closest to their hearts with the perfect blend of compassion, vigorous legal representation and adherence to the highest ethical and legal principles.

It is a well-deserved honor and adds to Andrea’s long string of such awards. Our warmest congratulations to our friend and colleague, Andrea Banfield, for this well-deserved distinction!

For more information visit: https://coulinglaw.com/blog/2023/12/18/andrea-banfield-voted-best-divorce-lawyer-in-livingston-2023

Joint Divorce is now an option in Michigan. There are multiple ways to start the Joint Divorce Process. Streamline Divorce is an efficient, lower-cost option for a respectful divorce without a traditional divorce lawsuit. Attorney Denise Couling discussed the options of Streamline Divorce and “Streamline Plus” in today’s blog article. For more information visit: https://coulinglaw.com/blog/2023/11/14/joint-divorce-options-in-michigan-the-streamlined-option

Everyone is familiar with the phrase “filing”for divorce. “ Some clients are surprised to learn that “filing for divorce” typically refers to starting a lawsuit against your spouse. But did you know that a divorce lawsuit is not the only option? In this new blog series, I will walk you through the options for “Joint Divorce” in Michigan and help to provide insights on which type of Joint Divorce process tends to work best in certain types of situations. To view today's blog article, visit: https://coulinglaw.com/blog/2023/10/28/joint-divorce-options-in-michigan-intro

There is a better way, more respectful way to approach divorce and family law. Divorce and many other family law matters can be handled without a “traditional” lawsuit. For more information on our exclusive Streamline Divorce process, visit: There is a better, more respectful way to approach divorce and family law. Divorce and many other family law matters can be handled without a “traditional” lawsuit. For more information on our exclusive Streamline Divorce process, visit: https://www.streamlinedivorce.com/

We are honored by the trust our community has placed in us! Once again the law firm of Banfield Couling Law & Mediation PLLC has been nominated as Livingston County’s best law firm. Click here to cast your vote for the 2023 People’s Choice Awards: https://livingstondaily.gannettcontests.com/2023-Best-of-Livingston-County-Communitys-Choice-Awards/gallery/?group=466785

Yes: you can settle a divorce before it's even filed. Denise Couling’s book, Michigan Divorce: Fast-Tracked, guides you through the steps and considerations. Learn more about the new and better ways to navigate a more respectful and less costly divorce process.

Available on Amazon in print or Kindle formats: https://www.amazon.com/Michigan-Divorce-Fast-Tracked-Denise-Couling-ebook/dp/B0933B92W4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19SQNF50JU4F1&keywords=denise+couling&qid=1692708132&sprefix=denise+couling%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-1

A client’s satisfaction with the work of our firm is the best testimonial of all. In an ongoing series to share our clients’ reviews of their experiences, this post shares a recent review of Attorney Andrea Banfield:

"Andrea is very professional, knowledgeable, and takes the time to listen to the issues. She offers straightforward and helpful legal advice. She helped me understand some custody and parenting laws that I was not aware of and pointed me to helpful resources. I highly recommend her for family law issues." (Client review)

For more information visit: https://coulinglaw.com/blog/2023/8/5/more-of-what-our-clients-have-to-say-about-attorney-andrea-banfield

Did you know that many of our firm’s helpful materials are available on our website? In fact, a number of our videos and handouts can be found at: https://coulinglaw.com/videosandhandouts

Whether you may be considering scheduling an appointment or simply wishing to familiarize yourself with key considerations for a potential divorce or family law action, these materials are available at any time.

Collaborative Divorce (also referred to as Collaborative Practice) is an alternative to filing a traditional divorce lawsuit. Spouses who wish to stay out of court, maintain their privacy, and navigate their own futures will benefit from understanding this option at the outset.

Both attorneys Andrea Banfield and Denise Couling are trained in Collaborative Practice and are highly experienced in other pre-filing divorce options. Contact us to find out whether this option may be of benefit to you. For more information visit: https://coulinglaw.com/new-page-1

During a time most people describe as the most challenging time in their lives, Denise Couling has the reputation for empathetically informing her clients every step of the way during their divorce.

“Denise steered me through a clear path even though I was extremely distraught.... She kept me at ease and reassured me without trying to overpromise even though I know it would have been easy up front to do so. …. I highly recommend Denise and her firm; they're all great and sincerely kind." (Client, Google Review) For more information visit: https://coulinglaw.com/blog/2023/5/19/testimonials-this-is-what-our-clients-have-to-say-about-attorney-denise-couling

Can One Attorney Represent Two Spouses in A Divorce Action? No. Joint representation of both spouses by an attorney in Michigan is not permitted. Many clients ask about joint representation. While an attorney cannot represent both spouses, we do offer our Streamline Divorce℠ process that is perfect for parties that have or are able to reach a Pre-filing Settlement Agreement. To learn more visit: https://coulinglaw.com/blog/2023/5/19/faq-can-one-attorney-represent-two-spouses-in-a-divorce-action

Early stage mediation is an efficient and respectful way to address divorce issues. It also can help the parties avoid a divorce lawsuit altogether.

Mediation can take place before any court action is started. Mediation also can take place at the early stage or the later stage of a divorce lawsuit.

Both attorneys Andrea Banfield and Denise Couling are experienced mediators and they also regularly advise clients going through the divorce mediation process. For more information, visit: https://coulinglaw.com/blog/2023/5/15/yes-you-can-mediate-before-filing

We strive to render excellence in legal services, and our clients' reviews help us gauge how we are doing. Here is what clients have to say about Attorney Andrea Banfield:
"My experience with Andrea Banfield was exceptional! She was on top of it every step of the way! I highly recommend Banfield Couling!" (Client, Google Review) For more information visit: https://coulinglaw.com/blog/2023/3/24/this-is-what-our-clients-have-to-say-about-attorney-andrea-banfield

Congratulations to Jamie O'Brien, who will begin serving in her new position as an Attorney Referee for the Genesee County family law courts starting May 1st. Jamie has been instrumental to our office and we are sad to see her go. However, this is a wonderful honor and opportunity -- one for which Jamie is uniquely well-qualified to serve.

Our firm's loss is a gain for the Genesee County family law community and the many individuals it serves. Congratulations, Jamie!

For more information, visit: https://coulinglaw.com/blog

When considering divorce options, we are here to help. We wrote the book — in fact two books.

Contact us for our free e-book, Navigating Divorce In Michigan: Options to Know Before You File, through our website at: https://coulinglaw.com/new-page-1

Denise Couling’s book, Michigan Divorce: Fast Tracked, is available through Amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/Michigan-Divorce-Fast-Tracked-Denise-Couling-ebook/dp/B0933B92W4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YYAGWEP5KSGB&keywords=denise+couling&qid=1677948217&sprefix=denise+couling%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-1

Attorney Jamie O’Brien never loses sight of what it is like to be in the clients' shoes -- from deciding which option may be best for their circumstances to analyzing challenging legal issues. Delivering advice and information with compassion is a core principle of Jamie's practice. We are proud of Jamie’s commitment to treat clients with professionalism and respect -- and to have her as a colleague at Banfield Couling Law & Mediation. To learn more, visit: https://coulinglaw.com/blog/2023/2/7/attorney-jamie-obrien-focused-on-clients-needs

The law firm of Banfield Couling Law & Mediation is different for all the right reasons. And we have the accolades to prove it. As the winner of the Best Law firm in the “Best of Livingston” awards three years running, we work very hard for our clients and that hard work has been recognized repeatedly. Thank you again for the trust you have placed in our firm. For more information visit: https://coulinglaw.com/blog

We are proud to announce that Attorney Andrea Banfield has been honored as the winner of both “Best Family Law Lawyer” and “Best Divorce Attorney” in the Best of Livingston Awards for 2022. Andrea Banfield exemplifies professionalism in the practice of law and in service to the Livingston County community. To learn more, visit: https://coulinglaw.com/blog/2023/1/10/leading-the-way-in-family-law