10 Best Family Law Attorneys in Ann Arbor, MI

This guide covers 10 law firms and attorneys that handle divorce, child custody, support, property division and related family law matters in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. Firms were evaluated on the credentials and background of their family law attorneys, the depth of their experience in contested and high-asset divorces as well as mediation and collaborative practice, whether family law is a dedicated focus or one of many practice areas, and whether they have an established office in Ann Arbor.

When comparing options, three questions matter most. Does the attorney regularly appear before the Washtenaw County Trial Court, Family Division, and understand how local judges and the Friend of the Court process work? Does the firm offer more than litigation, such as mediation, collaborative divorce or arbitration, so the process can match the conflict level of your case? And will the lawyer you meet at the consultation be the one who handles your file?

1. Nichols, Sacks, Slank, Sendelbach, Buiteweg & Solomon, P.C.

• Attorneys/Key Figures: Lori Buiteweg; Karen Sendelbach; Elizabeth Solomon
• Headquarters: 524 S. Main Street, Suite 210, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (additional office in Bloomfield Hills)
• Phone: (734) 994-3000
• Website: nsssb.com
• Practice Areas: Family law exclusively, including divorce (high-asset divorce), child custody, child support, paternity, mediation, collaborative practice, arbitration, international child custody and abduction, domestic violence
• Firm Size: Boutique family law firm founded in 1994; serves Washtenaw, Oakland, Wayne, Livingston and Lenawee Counties

About the Firm: Nichols Sacks has handled divorce and other family law matters in Ann Arbor since 1994 and is ranked Tier 1 in Family Law for Ann Arbor in the 2026 Best Law Firms rankings. The firm practices only family law and has long advocated for mediation and other non-adversarial ways of resolving family disputes, while remaining ready to litigate when a case requires it.

Attorney Lori Buiteweg is a member of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and combines collaborative law and mediation experience with courtroom work. Her listed practice includes cross-border matters such as Hague Convention child abduction cases, along with pension and retirement benefit division, relocation, enforcement and modification of existing orders. The firm’s international custody and abduction capability is unusual for a local practice and is backed by an attorney team that also includes collaborative attorneys and mediators.

2. Varnum LLP

• Attorneys/Key Figures: Julia Perkins (Leader, Family Law Practice Team); Shalini Nangia (Family Law, Ann Arbor office)
• Headquarters: 101 North Main Street, Suite 525, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (Ann Arbor office; firm has offices across Michigan)
• Phone: (734) 372-2900
• Website: varnumlaw.com
• Practice Areas: Family Law (including high-income and high-asset divorce, custody and parenting time, child support, paternity, property division, retirement benefits, post-judgment matters, mediation, collaborative divorce), plus corporate, litigation, real estate, health care, intellectual property and other practices
• Firm Size: Large, 190+ attorneys across Michigan; Ann Arbor is a downtown office near the courthouse

About the Firm: Varnum is ranked Tier 1 in Family Law for Ann Arbor by Best Law Firms and has a dedicated Family Law Practice Team led by Julia Perkins. Shalini Nangia is based in the Ann Arbor office and practices across southeast Michigan. She is a trained mediator and certified collaborative divorce practitioner, volunteers with the Washtenaw County Dispute Resolution Center, and has been recognized by Best Lawyers in Collaborative Law: Family Law, Family Law and Family Law Mediation since 2023. She also previously served as co-chair of the Washtenaw County Bar Association’s Family Law Section and spent years as a staff attorney with the Legal Aid and Defender Association in Detroit handling family law matters.

A large firm brings resources that matter in high-asset divorces, such as business owners and complex retirement and investment holdings, because corporate and tax attorneys sit in the same firm. The Ann Arbor office describes its particular strengths as business, corporate and real estate work, so family law is one of many practices there rather than the firm’s core identity.

3. Kitchen Sharkey, PLLC

• Attorney/Key Figure: Elizabeth Kitchen-Troop and Katherine M. Sharkey, Attorneys and Owners
• Headquarters: 3011 Miller Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
• Phone: (734) 263-2115
• Website: kitchensharkey.com
• Practice Areas: Divorce, custody and parenting time, spousal support, separate maintenance, prenuptial agreements, mediation, collaborative divorce, domestic violence and personal protection orders, parenting coordination, guardian ad litem appointments, limited scope engagements
• Firm Size: Boutique family law firm with three attorneys (two owners and one associate)

About the Firm: Kitchen Sharkey is a full-service family law firm serving Washtenaw, Livingston and Wayne Counties from the west side of Ann Arbor. Elizabeth Kitchen-Troop has practiced since 2004 and focuses on divorce and complex custody disputes. She reports having mediated more than a thousand family law cases and also works as an arbitrator, parenting coordinator and guardian ad litem. She was selected to Michigan Super Lawyers in family law from 2022 through 2026 after being named a Rising Star from 2011 through 2018. She is a past president of the Washtenaw County Bar Association and has served on the State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners since 2024.

Katherine Sharkey began her career as a family law staff attorney at Cabrini Green Legal Aid in Chicago and later represented domestic violence survivors with Legal Services of South Central Michigan. She litigates and mediates, and she serves as a guardian ad litem and parenting coordinator in contentious custody cases, drawing on her earlier social work training. The firm’s public materials emphasize custody, parenting and mediated resolution more than complex high-asset property work, so clients with large business or investment estates should ask about its experience with financial experts and comparable cases.

4. Law & Mediation Office of Veronique Liem

• Attorneys/Key Figures: Veronique Liem (Principal)
• Headquarters: 4420 Jackson Road, Suite 102, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
• Phone: (734) 369-3394
• Website: liemlaw.com
• Practice Areas: Divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, property division including complex property issues, collaborative family law, mediation, arbitration, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, post-divorce modification and enforcement
• Firm Size: Solo practice with more than 35 years of experience

About the Firm: Veronique Liem has practiced family law since 1986 and is ranked Tier 2 in both Family Law and Family Law Mediation for Ann Arbor by Best Law Firms. She serves on the Board of Managers of the Michigan chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and has presented at its seminars. She authored the ICLE publication on collaborative family law and has written on proving cohabitation and on collaborative practice.

Her practice covers settlement, mediation, arbitration and collaborative divorce along with litigation where needed, and she handles issues such as valuation of practices and businesses, premarital and inherited assets, and separate property. Attorneys who have opposed her describe a professional, cooperative and zealous advocate. As a solo practitioner, she personally handles the matter, with the trade-off that she has no bench of partners to cover overlapping deadlines or a multi-lawyer trial.

5. Reed Law Group, P.C.

• Attorneys/Key Figures: Steven A. Reed (Founding Attorney)
• Headquarters: 107 Aprill Drive, Suite 1, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
• Phone: (734) 430-8001
• Website: reedlawgrouppc.com
• Practice Areas: Divorce, child custody and parenting time, child and spousal support, domestic violence issues, post-divorce matters, paternity, guardianship
• Firm Size: Boutique; serves Washtenaw, Jackson, Livingston, Oakland, Wayne, Lenawee and Monroe Counties

About the Firm: Reed Law Group describes itself as a full-service family law firm and is ranked Tier 3 in Family Law for Ann Arbor by Best Law Firms. Founding attorney Steven Reed has more than 30 years of experience and has been recognized by Super Lawyers. The firm’s attorneys are trained mediators, and it reports that litigation makes up the large majority of its work, which suits cases where a trial or hearing is a realistic possibility.

The firm covers a seven-county area, which helps when a case spans residences in different counties or a custody dispute involves a move. It offers free consultations and accepts credit cards. As a small firm centered on one founding attorney, it has less depth than the large firms on this list when a case needs corporate or tax specialists.

6. Cordell & Cordell

• Attorneys/Key Figures: Daniel Lipsitz (Litigation Partner); Laura Langenburg (Litigation Partner); Larissa Zubac (Senior Litigation Attorney)
• Headquarters: 315 E. Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 305, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 (additional Michigan office in Grand Rapids)
• Phone: (734) 655-0000
• Website: cordellcordell.com
• Practice Areas: Divorce, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, property division, collaborative divorce and mediation, paternity, modification, contempt, protection orders, prenuptial agreements, military divorce, family law appeals, estate planning
• Firm Size: Large national family law firm with 200+ attorneys and 100+ offices in 35+ states

About the Firm: Cordell & Cordell is a family-law-only firm with more than 35 years in business and a history of representing fathers and men in divorce and custody disputes, while serving all individuals and parents today. Its Ann Arbor office is staffed by litigation attorneys including partners Daniel Lipsitz and Laura Langenburg and offers consultations through an online booking system.

The firm’s size means it supports a dedicated client care division, a standardized attorney review process and a national network that can help when a case involves another state, such as an interstate custody dispute or a military divorce. Because it is a national firm, clients should expect a structured intake process rather than the single-attorney relationship of a solo practice.

7. Wendy Alton Family Law & Mediation PLC

• Attorneys/Key Figures: Wendy S. Alton (Attorney/Owner)
• Headquarters: 455 E. Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 300, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
• Phone: (734) 673-3567
• Website: wendyaltonlaw.com
• Practice Areas: Divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, guardianship and conservatorship, prenuptial and marital agreements, restraining orders, same-sex family law, mediation, family arbitration, collaborative divorce
• Firm Size: Solo practice

About the Firm: Wendy Alton is a trial attorney, certified collaborative divorce attorney and certified mediator who focuses solely on family law. She handles traditional litigation, negotiated settlements, mediation, arbitration and collaborative divorce, so clients can choose a process that fits their situation. Before opening her own practice she worked at the Fausone Bohn law firm and served as an assistant city attorney and prosecutor, which gives her courtroom experience outside of family law.

She writes a Michigan family law blog and has been interviewed by ABC News and the Detroit News on family law issues. She offers free consultations. As a solo practice, she personally handles each case, which means limited capacity for matters that need several lawyers at once.

8. Lana Panagoulia Law, PLLC

• Attorneys/Key Figures: Lana A. Panagoulia (Owner)
• Headquarters: 122 South Main Street, Suite 370, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
• Phone: (734) 769-5262
• Website: lanalegal.net
• Practice Areas: Divorce, child custody and parenting time, spousal and child support, property division, guardianship, same-gender family law, collaborative law, military divorce, mediation
• Firm Size: Solo practice; serves Washtenaw, Lenawee, Oakland, Monroe, Livingston, Jackson, Genesee, Ingham and Macomb Counties

About the Firm: Lana Panagoulia concentrates her practice on divorce and family law and describes working in both the courts and schools, drawing on experience in education law that can be useful in custody cases involving school decisions. She serves on the Washtenaw County Bar Association’s Family Law, Friend of the Court and Same Gender committees, and she has lectured on same-gender issues in family law and on the intersection of divorce and bankruptcy, including at a Michigan Association for Justice family law seminar.

Her practice covers contested and uncontested divorce, collaborative law, military divorce and spousal support, and she serves clients across nine counties. As a solo practitioner, she offers direct access to the attorney handling the case, but no partner depth if the case requires a team.

9. The Smith Law Offices, P.C.

• Attorneys/Key Figures: Samantha Smith Dickinson; Theresa Ouellette
• Headquarters: 5885 N. Wayne Road, Westland, MI 48185 (Ann Arbor office: 603 W. Huron Street, Suite 102, Ann Arbor, MI 48103)
• Phone: (734) 729-4465
• Website: smithlawmichigan.com
• Practice Areas: Divorce, high-asset divorce, child custody, child support, modification, property division, spousal support, stepparent adoption, paternity, military divorce, mediation
• Firm Size: Small firm with offices in Westland and Ann Arbor

About the Firm: The Smith Law Offices handles Michigan family law matters from divorce and custody through post-judgment modification and enforcement, and it offers a free initial consultation. The firm says it deliberately avoids passing clients among multiple attorneys and staff, so the lawyer a client meets handles the case from start to finish and meets face to face to discuss strategy.

It also runs a dedicated divorce mediation practice and handles high-asset divorces involving real estate, retirement accounts and business interests. The firm keeps its overhead low as a smaller practice, which it says allows competitive rates. The Ann Arbor office is a satellite of a Westland-based firm, so clients who want a lawyer whose practice is based entirely in Ann Arbor may want to ask where their attorney is typically located.

10. Biggs & Gunst, P.C.

• Attorneys/Key Figures: Brandon Biggs (Co-founder); Scott Gunst (Co-founder)
• Headquarters: 3830 Packard Road, Suite 240, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
• Phone: (734) 263-2320
• Website: biggsgunst.com
• Practice Areas: Family law (divorce, child support, custody, spousal maintenance), mediation, personal injury, car accidents, bicycle accidents, maritime law
• Firm Size: Boutique, two-partner firm founded in 2017

About the Firm: Brandon Biggs and Scott Gunst formed Biggs & Gunst in 2017 after gaining experience at personal injury firms in the Detroit area. Since founding the firm, Biggs has expanded into family law and mediation, and a colleague who worked with him describes him as well versed in the law. Gunst is also admitted to practice in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The firm handles sensitive family issues including divorce, child custody and support, and enforcement of divorce judgments, and it offers free consultations with weekday appointments. Because family law is one practice area alongside personal injury, it appeals most to clients who want a small team and are comfortable with a lawyer whose practice is not exclusively family law.

Ann Arbor, MI Family Law Resources

• Washtenaw County Trial Court – Provides information about family court proceedings, divorce cases, child custody matters, and court services in Ann Arbor.
• Washtenaw County Clerk/Register of Deeds – Offers county records and related public services; contact the appropriate court office for family case filings and records.
• Michigan Legal Help – Provides self-help resources, forms, and guidance on divorce, child custody, parenting time, and child support.
• Michigan Legal Services – Helps eligible individuals find civil legal assistance and resources for family law matters.
• State Bar of Michigan – Offers lawyer referral resources and public information to help individuals find legal representation.
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) – Provides information about child support services, payments, and enforcement.
• Michigan Legislature – Provides access to Michigan statutes governing divorce, custody, parenting time, and other family law matters.

Understanding Ann Arbor, MI Family Law Court Procedures

• Filing a Case: Family law proceedings typically begin by filing the appropriate documents with the Washtenaw County Trial Court, which handles family matters in Ann Arbor.
• Service of Process: The other party must generally receive formal notice of the case and an opportunity to respond.
• Temporary Orders: The court may issue temporary orders addressing child custody, parenting time, child support, or financial matters while the case is pending.
• Mediation: Parents may be encouraged or required to participate in mediation to resolve disputes without a contested hearing.
• Court Hearings: If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the court may hold hearings to evaluate evidence and resolve issues involving divorce, property division, or child custody.
• Final Judgment: The judge issues a final order resolving the disputed matters. Parties must comply with the order unless it is modified or overturned through proper legal procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to live in Michigan before I can file for divorce in Ann Arbor?

At least one spouse must have lived in Michigan for 180 days and in Washtenaw County for 10 days immediately before filing. A spouse can file in Washtenaw County if either spouse lives there, even if the other has moved to a different county. Divorces are filed with the Washtenaw County Trial Court, Family Division, at 101 East Huron Street in downtown Ann Arbor. Cordell & Cordell’s Ann Arbor office lists these requirements on its site.

How long does a divorce take in Michigan?

Absent exceptional circumstances, Michigan imposes a mandatory waiting period of 60 days for a divorce without minor children and six months for a divorce with minor children, though some judges will waive the waiting period if all issues are settled. A typical divorce without children takes three months to a year from filing, and one with children takes six months to a year. Firms such as Smith Law Offices note that uncontested divorces can finish faster, while contested cases require more time and typically cost more.

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Washtenaw County?

According to Cordell & Cordell, the court filing fee is $175 for a divorce without minor children and $255 for a divorce with children, which includes an $80 judgment entry fee for custody and support that can be charged at the beginning or end of the case. These are court fees only and do not include attorney fees, which vary by firm and by how contested the case is.

What does “no-fault” and “equitable distribution” mean in Michigan?

Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, so you do not need to prove your spouse did something wrong. You only need to show the marriage has broken down and cannot be preserved. Property is divided under equitable distribution, meaning courts divide marital property fairly but not necessarily equally. Most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are marital property regardless of whose name is on the title, while assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance are typically separate. Attorneys such as Veronique Liem and Diana Raimi focus on complex property questions like these.

What is the difference between mediation, collaborative divorce and litigation?

Mediation uses a neutral third party to help spouses reach an agreement. Collaborative divorce is a process in which both spouses and their specially trained attorneys commit to settling without going to court. Litigation resolves disputes through a judge. Many Ann Arbor attorneys offer more than one: Nichols Sacks emphasizes mediation and collaborative practice, Wendy Alton offers litigation, mediation, arbitration and collaborative divorce, and Shalini Nangia of Varnum is a certified collaborative divorce practitioner and trained mediator.

Should I choose a small family law firm or a large one?

It depends on the complexity of the case and the kind of access you want. Small and solo practices such as Lana Panagoulia Law, Reed Law Group and Smith Law Offices typically offer direct access to the attorney handling the case. Larger firms such as Varnum (190+ attorneys) bring corporate, tax and real estate colleagues for high-asset divorces involving businesses, and a national firm such as Cordell & Cordell offers a standardized process and a network across states. Ask who will personally handle the file and how often that attorney has handled the same type of case in Washtenaw County.

Disclaimer: For informational use only-this content is not legal advice or an endorsement. Family law matters in Michigan are governed by specific state statutes and court rules. Attorney qualifications change over time; always independently verify credentials directly with the firm and the State Bar of Michigan and consult qualified counsel before retaining representation.