Laurel Stuart-Fink’s Family Law Philosophy

Divorce can be challenging, particularly when complex custody issues arise. We asked West Bloomfield family law attorney Laurel Stuart-Fink for her thoughts and advice on this subject.

“There are many options available for custody issues,” Stuart-Fink says. “Negotiation, mediation, parenting facilitators — all present opportunities for alternative dispute resolution, so that the parties have the opportunity to make mutual decisions and stay in control of the legal process.

“In some cases, however, all roads will lead to a trial — especially when the level of conflict is high, the issues are complex, and the parties cannot seem to reconcile their parenting differences,” she continues. “Once in trial, a client is best served by an aggressive advocate who is unafraid of the courtroom, and is knowledgeable not only about custody law, but also about the laws of evidence. The best interests of the children are paramount.”

Ms. Stuart-Fink is an experienced trial attorney, a published author on the practice of family law, and a frequent domestic relations seminar presenter. “We will always try every option available to us. However, if a case is very high-conflict, a client needs to feel confident that the attorney is not afraid to go to trial and will not compromise the best interests of either the client or the children just to settle or avoid a trial. In custody cases, experience counts.”