Interested in interviewing an attorney? 

Done.  

​

What areas of law do you specialize in? 

     I specialize in Family Law, Probate and Estate Planning.  I am also a trained Domestic Relations Mediator.

​

How long have you been working in the legal field?  

     I began working in the legal field in 2001 as a law clerk for a medical malpractice firm.  During law school I worked as a student attorney at two (2) legal aid clinics representing indigent clients in Southeast Michigan.  Following law school I worked part-time for Lakeshore Legal Aid, spent several years as a recruiter for Wayne State Law School and then an associate attorney at a small firm.  I became a mediator in 2018 and opened Space Law in 2019. Wanting to create a Family Law and Mediation practice centered in client wellness, I obtained Certificates in Meditation, Stress Management and Mindfulness from Central Michigan University.  From there a new method for legal services - Mindful Mediation - was born.  

​

Are you an 'aggressive' attorney? 

     I always think this is an fascinating question!  I believe people are mislead into thinking they need an 'aggressive' attorney.  I would rather be an effective attorney.  Can I be aggressive?  Sure.  Do I think that is the best way to reach my client's goals?  Not usually.  When I hear the term 'aggressive' attorney I often think - waste of resources, both emotional and financial.  I prefer to stay goal centered, encourage my clients to behave in a reasonable way and only morph into an aggressive attorney when absolutely necessary to reach those goals.    

​

What do you like to do when you are not in the office?

     I keep busy parenting my two children (Brayden and Paytyn) and receive love and support from my amazing significant other (Nick).  We live on a hobby farm along with twenty-five (25) (and counting) rescued farm animals.  During the spring and summer I tend a sizable organic garden.  I do not have a lot of time for hobbies but I do play tennis (badly) and like to listen to audio books.  During the fall and winter I teach ballet and other dance classes to children at a local dance studio.  I have been teaching dance for over twenty (20) years!  The small handful of television shows I try to watch include: Schitt's Creek, The Good Place, Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, Alaskan Bush People and Homestead Rescue.  

​

What do you think the biggest misconception about being an attorney is?

       There are so many misconceptions.  That all attorneys make big bucks - untrue.  Most attorneys make a comfortable living but are not TV commercial multi-millionaires.  Practicing law is not at all what you see on television!  Often people forget that attorneys are just ordinary human beings navigating an ever changing profession in a complex and very imperfect system.  We have tough jobs requiring the management of high emotions.  My personal priority is to remain goal focused with each client.  I want my clients to resolve their legal matter in a holistic and forward thinking way.  

​

Do you represent mostly men or mostly women?  

     I represent both men and women.  The exact ratio of males to females is a good question.  I have honestly never kept track of gender statistics.  It is more important for me to have a client dedicated to having an authentic attorney-client relationship.  I make it clear to my clients that I can only represent them effectively if we have a relationship focused on realistic goals and honest communication.  

​

How do you do this?  (Usually whispered) You know, deal with divorce, every day?  

     Going through a divorce is certainly a challenging life experience.  I really feel for each individual situation - no two family law matters are the same because each family has a unique dynamic with specific needs.  Although going through a divorce/separation can be emotional for the parties (and certainly a big life change), I like to think my clients become stronger, more resilient parents, friends and family members.  I truly believe that most clients move forward from divorce/separation with gratitude and a better understanding of their own strengths and values.