Can my case be settled without going to trial?

Yes. In fact, most family law cases in Michigan are resolved by agreement rather than trial. Settlement can be reached through negotiation between attorneys, mediation, or other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Trial is usually the last resort. At Alane Family Law, we prepare every case thoroughly—so if settlement isn’t possible, we are ready to advocate for you in court.

Do I need a lawyer if my case is simple?

Even in cases that seem “simple,” family law has long-term consequences. What you agree to today—about property, custody, parenting time, or support—may be very difficult or even impossible to change later. Many people who try to handle matters themselves end up needing legal help down the road to fix mistakes. A consultation with an attorney can help you understand whether your case truly is simple, and what’s at stake if you go it alone.

How does Alane Family Law bill for services?

We bill on an hourly basis, meaning you are charged for the actual time we spend working on your case. This includes things like communications, meeting with you, reviewing documents, drafting pleadings, negotiating with opposing counsel, and appearing in court.

At the beginning of your case, you’ll pay a retainer—an upfront deposit that is placed in a client trust account. As we work on your case, we bill our time against that retainer. When the balance runs low, we’ll ask you to replenish it so we can continue representing you.

This structure ensures transparency: you only pay for the work that is actually done. It also allows us to scale our efforts to the complexity of your case—whether it’s relatively straightforward or requires extensive litigation.

Costs & Decision-Making: You Stay in Control

At Alane Family Law, we believe your case and your money should always remain under your control. That means we never make strategic moves, file motions, or incur significant costs without discussing them with you first.

 

Every major decision in your case is vetted through you so you understand your options, the likely outcomes, and the associated costs before moving forward. This ensures two things:

  • Transparency: you know exactly how your resources are being used.
  • Control: you decide how to invest in your case, based on what matters most to you and your family.

Our role is to give you the information, advice, and advocacy you need to make confident decisions—not to spend your money without your knowledge or consent.

Do you offer payment plans?

No. At Alane Family Law, we do not offer payment plans. Family law cases are often unpredictable, and the costs can change depending on whether a matter settles quickly or requires extended litigation. Offering payment plans shifts the focus away from your case and toward collections, which doesn’t serve you well and can compromise the attorney-client relationship.

 

Instead, we use a retainer and hourly billing model. This ensures that your case always has the financial resources it needs as it moves forward. It also allows us to stay focused on your legal goals rather than tracking down payments. This structure provides transparency—you see exactly what work is being done—and flexibility, since it scales to the needs of your particular case.

How can I pay for legal fees?

It’s common to wonder how you’ll cover the cost of legal representation. Every family’s financial circumstances are different, but here are some of the most common ways clients pay their retainers and ongoing fees:

  • Joint or marital funds. Many clients use joint accounts or marital funds to pay their initial retainer and fees. However, if an asset-restraining order is in place, there may be limits on moving or spending joint funds. Check with your attorney first.
  • Personal savings or income. Many clients use their own accounts or income streams to cover fees as the case progresses (so long as an asset-restraining order does not prevent this—check with your attorney).
  • Credit cards or personal loans. Some clients prefer to spread the cost over time by using credit or borrowing.
  • Family or friends. In some situations, clients borrow from trusted relatives or friends who want to help them get the legal support they need.

What matters most is that your attorney-client relationship has the resources it needs to move forward. We’ll discuss your retainer up front so you understand exactly what’s required, and we’ll keep you informed about costs as your case develops so there are no surprises.

How much will my case cost?

The cost of a divorce or custody action in Michigan can vary widely depending on the complexity of your case. Factors that affect cost include how many issues you and your spouse or co-parent can agree on, whether you have children, and how willing both sides are to work toward resolution. Cases that involve disputes over custody, allegations of domestic violence, CPS involvement, substance use, or significant financial or mental health concerns tend to require more time and resources.

We always focus on resolving cases as efficiently as possible while protecting what matters most to you. During your consultation, we’ll give you a clearer sense of what your case is likely to involve so you can plan with confidence. And during your case, we’ll discuss scope and strategy with you before major steps so you can weigh cost vs. benefit. 

What if my spouse refuses to participate in the divorce?

You can still move forward. In Michigan, if your spouse fails to respond after being served with divorce papers, the court can enter a “default judgment.” That means the divorce can be finalized without their participation, as long as you follow the proper legal steps. Having an attorney ensures the process is handled correctly and that your rights are protected even if your spouse doesn’t cooperate.

What’s the difference between mediation and litigation?

Mediation is a cooperative process where a neutral mediator helps you and your spouse reach agreement outside of court. It gives you more control, tends to be faster and less expensive, and often reduces conflict. Litigation, by contrast, means asking a judge to make decisions when you can’t reach agreement. Both have their place, and your attorney will advise which path is best for your situation.