Brendan Guilford | Portage Family Lawyer

Responding promptly to clients' telephone calls, e-mails, and other correspondence. People really appreciate being called back! Its also important to communicate clearly with clients and expect them to reciprocate. If my client and I understand what the client wants, what the law requires, and what I can provide - we're going to be more successful.

Everyone differs as to what is the most important aspect of a good lawyer-client dynamic. I think treating clients with respect is essential; no one wants to be treated like a burden or a commodity. Questions prospective clients might consider: Can I make contact with my lawyer in a reasonable amount of time? Do we have a good dynamic when we meet? Do I feel like my attorney will give me an honest appraisal of the legal realities involved in my case? Do I feel that my attorney does or will add value/strength to my case?

Knowledge of local procedural rules is very important to the success of any civil (or criminal) case. Court's don't focus solely on facts - civil procedure is a big part of litigation.

I am willing to give basic information about Michigan's custody, property division and alimony laws. I typically decline to make specific recommendations, make estimates about the chances of success, or the evaluation the merits of a case on the telephone. I offer in-person consultations for free where I may have more opportunity to provide specific advice, depending on the circumstances.

At minimum: the number of children, their ages and parentage, description of any criminal or juvenile proceedings that relate to the parties, and an understanding of the finances of the parties.

• Florida State Bar        
  Michigan State Bar
  Association of Interdisciplinary Family Law Professionals        

• Family | Successful | Represented client in two day trial with respects to all major family law issues, including legal and physical custody, child support, property division and alimony

• Family | Successful | Full dissolution of marriage bench trial. Issues litigated: parental responsibility, parenting time, child support, equitable distribution of marital property, spousal support

• Family | Successful | Contested legal and physical custody trial before magistrate. Issues involved include: legal and physical custody, child support, parental communication, civil contempt.

 By appointment only.

Brendan Noel Guilford has been a Premium Member since July 08, 2016.
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