Practice Areas
Family Law
Family law issues are challenging and emotional. We bring decades of experience — and a steady hand — to divorce, custody, and support disputes across Michigan.
How We Help Families
Steady guidance through difficult moments.
Family law can encompass many areas of law depending on the issues that arise. Whatever your situation, we have the knowledge and understanding to support you throughout this difficult time.
Divorce
Child Custody
Child Support
Separate Maintenance
Spousal Support
Pre/Postnuptial Agreements
Paternity
Adoption
Divorce & The Court
Two systems. One steady guide.
In a divorce with children, you'll deal with the Circuit Court and the Friend of the Court system. We understand the complexities, deadlines, and process — and explain every step so a difficult time becomes a little easier.
Circuit Court — judges decide contested issues and enter the final judgment of divorce.
Friend of the Court — referees assigned to your judge handle custody, parenting time, and support recommendations.
Best interest of the child — the standard the court must apply when custody is in dispute.
Custody & Support
Decisions that shape your future.
Michigan courts apply formulas and standards — but the outcome depends on how your case is presented. Our attorneys know what matters to judges and referees.
01
Child Custody
Custody can be one of the most challenging parts of a divorce. We know how — and what — to present so the court makes the right decision under the best-interest standard.
02
Child Support
Michigan uses a formula, but it is not a cookie-cutter calculation. Many variables affect the final number. We make sure your child receives the amount they deserve.
03
Spousal Support
Spousal support is not automatic — judges have wide discretion. We present the strongest possible case for the support you need and deserve.
Don't Wait
Make sure the firm you choose is the right one.
Decades of family law experience. The right firm with the right experience to get the right result. Call us today.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
In a Michigan divorce involving children, you'll deal with both the Circuit Court and the Friend of the Court system. Every Circuit Court Judge has Friend of the Court Referees assigned to their cases. We help you understand how both systems work together.
Confidential Consultation
Talk to a Michigan family law attorney.
Tell us what you're facing. We'll listen, explain your options, and follow up within one business day.
- Decades of family law experience
- Discreet, compassionate counsel
- Strategy built around your family
Client Reviews
What our clients say
"Dear Amy, Jeff, Tim and team — thank you for all your time and effort in the process of getting my mom's affairs settled and making the transfer of her condo to me so smooth. Have a blessed day!"
"I needed results against a powerful insurance company. I felt alone and quite frankly, overwhelmed. I contacted SMD Law and spoke with attorney Patrick Derkacz. Immediately I felt relief; this person really wanted to help my family and I. Pat promised me results, and he got me ju…"
"Dear Pat, (AKA my favorite attorney) — you pitched a perfect game and hit a grand slam! Thank you so much for working hard to make sense of my case with Lincoln and advocating for me. I am thankful for your kindness and compassion throughout the process. I'm glad to have a Hall-o…"
"Dearest Patrick and Jeffrey, I personally, and on behalf of my siblings, thank Patrick, Jeffrey and Amy Klimas, for providing exceptional legal services to my loving parents, Joseph P. (Retired USAF) and Joyce (Honorary Retired USAF) for so many years and at an extremely discount…"
"When I first contacted Patrick, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic. I had no idea of what to expect, but Pat was wonderful to work with. He listened to my predicament, and explained to me the process he was planning to follow. He was upfront and I understood everything I had to…"
"Patrick and his staff has handled my case efficiently and professionally to a positive outcome. He has always promptly returned my phone calls and emails like no attorney before. I can easily say he has made a positive difference in our lives. Glad he continues to have our backs."
"Phil Serafini and the other attorneys in this office are great. I have worked with them over the years and they treat everyone with the utmost respect and are tireless advocates on behalf of their clients."
"Dear Phil, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your hard work. You will never know how tremendously you have changed my life. Six years ago, when no one else would listen to me or take my case, you did. I was living in the worst time of my life, I had lost my…"
"Pat was very professional, kind and always paid attention to detail. He was also very patient with me, and that made me feel at ease and that I was in good hands. He always responded to every inquiry, and always kept us updated. I would highly recommend his services."
"Thanks so much for all your help these past five years in helping me with all the legal aspects of my folks, L & E.M.'s, trust. Thanks for answering all my questions. It's been a difficult last 5 years on making decisions for my father, but I'm so grateful that God blessed me wit…"
"I want to thank you both for all your help and hard work on my case. This certainly was good news! You both did tremendous jobs dealing with Cigna and answering my questions. Thank you and have a wonderful Christmas season!"
"Thank you so much for all of your help getting me thru this mess. You have no idea how much you have helped. I couldn't have done this without you! Only one more hurdle, yay!!"
"I really wanted to thank you, the way you talked with me and worked with me, it was amazing. I was dreading the experience and the deposition and you really made it very easy for me. So, thank you very much for a job well done."
"Dear Amy, Jeff, Tim and team — thank you for all your time and effort in the process of getting my mom's affairs settled and making the transfer of her condo to me so smooth. Have a blessed day!"
"I needed results against a powerful insurance company. I felt alone and quite frankly, overwhelmed. I contacted SMD Law and spoke with attorney Patrick Derkacz. Immediately I felt relief; this person really wanted to help my family and I. Pat promised me results, and he got me ju…"
"Dear Pat, (AKA my favorite attorney) — you pitched a perfect game and hit a grand slam! Thank you so much for working hard to make sense of my case with Lincoln and advocating for me. I am thankful for your kindness and compassion throughout the process. I'm glad to have a Hall-o…"
"Dearest Patrick and Jeffrey, I personally, and on behalf of my siblings, thank Patrick, Jeffrey and Amy Klimas, for providing exceptional legal services to my loving parents, Joseph P. (Retired USAF) and Joyce (Honorary Retired USAF) for so many years and at an extremely discount…"
"When I first contacted Patrick, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic. I had no idea of what to expect, but Pat was wonderful to work with. He listened to my predicament, and explained to me the process he was planning to follow. He was upfront and I understood everything I had to…"
"Patrick and his staff has handled my case efficiently and professionally to a positive outcome. He has always promptly returned my phone calls and emails like no attorney before. I can easily say he has made a positive difference in our lives. Glad he continues to have our backs."
"Phil Serafini and the other attorneys in this office are great. I have worked with them over the years and they treat everyone with the utmost respect and are tireless advocates on behalf of their clients."
"Dear Phil, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your hard work. You will never know how tremendously you have changed my life. Six years ago, when no one else would listen to me or take my case, you did. I was living in the worst time of my life, I had lost my…"
"Pat was very professional, kind and always paid attention to detail. He was also very patient with me, and that made me feel at ease and that I was in good hands. He always responded to every inquiry, and always kept us updated. I would highly recommend his services."
"Thanks so much for all your help these past five years in helping me with all the legal aspects of my folks, L & E.M.'s, trust. Thanks for answering all my questions. It's been a difficult last 5 years on making decisions for my father, but I'm so grateful that God blessed me wit…"
"I want to thank you both for all your help and hard work on my case. This certainly was good news! You both did tremendous jobs dealing with Cigna and answering my questions. Thank you and have a wonderful Christmas season!"
"Thank you so much for all of your help getting me thru this mess. You have no idea how much you have helped. I couldn't have done this without you! Only one more hurdle, yay!!"
"I really wanted to thank you, the way you talked with me and worked with me, it was amazing. I was dreading the experience and the deposition and you really made it very easy for me. So, thank you very much for a job well done."