Brighton Divorce Lawyer

The Law Office of David G. Johnson located in Brighton, Michigan

Challenges of a Divorce

During his career, David Johnson has represented clients in highly contentious divorces involving business valuations and complex estates, child custody cases, and routinely handles matters referred by other clients, attorneys and those involved in the court process. Dave is also an experienced mediator selected by other attorneys to help reach an agreement for their divorce clients.

Reasons People Need an Attorney

Usually an attorney’s assistance is required for two main reasons. First, clients benefit from the legal experience and advice of an attorney because of the complexity and emotions involved and the importance of decisions made and the effects on the future of the entire family. The second reason is that there is often an opposing party with the same problem as the client but a very different perspective. In this case, the attorney must then persuade the opposing party or judge that the outcome their client seeks is the right one. This requires pragmatism, legal knowledge, and ability.

First, the complexity of divorce and family law matters requires the advice of an attorney with experience. The second reason to seek the assistance of an attorney is that usually there is an opposing party with the same problem as the client. But the opposing party has a vastly different idea of what an appropriate outcome should be. When this occurs, the attorney must then persuade the opposing party or a judge that the outcome my client seeks is the right decision. This requires a good sense of pragmatism, as well as legal knowledge and ability.

Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce

In an uncontested divorce, the spouses reach a decision as to the terms of the divorce without going to trial. Uncontested divorces move quickly through the court system saving time, money, and often stress since the court is not making decisions.

When the spouses are unable to come to an agreement, the divorce becomes contested. The divorce process becomes more technical and complicated. A judge or jury will now make the decisions usually resulting in a more stressful, costly, and time-consuming experience for the family.

What Tough and Aggressive Means

Many say that want an attorney that is “tough” or “aggressive”, and that will “fight” for them. They often do not think about what that means. To me,being tough means finding out what my client wants, and not settling for less.

This does not necessarily involve attacking or destroying the opposite party. Often, such an approach merely results in the parties hating each other, and lawyers making a lot of money. If I can get what my clients want by being nice, then I will be nice. If I must take a case to trial, I will be prepared and put on the best case possible – even if it involves presenting facts that are troubling to the opposing party – so long as they are relevant and have a bearing on the case.

Dave never loses sight of the fact that in custody cases, the parties will still be dealing with each other, and their children will still love BOTH of their parents, long after I have moved on to other cases.

“Mr. Johnson had worked with me on my divorce case involving myself and my 2 minor children. I always felt like he was on my side, and looking out for the best interest of myself as well as my children. He understands the importance of family and that is paramount in how he handles family cases.”

Family Law Client

DAVID G. JOHNSON, JD

An experienced attorney representing clients in Business Law, Family Law, and Estate Planning in Livingston County since 1982.