Legal Service dedicated to getting YOU the justice you deserve!
Legal Services Provided
Family Law
- Divorce
- Child custody
- Parenting Time
- Child Support
- Spousal Support
- Paternity
Adoptions
- Direct Placement Adoptions for a newborn
- Family Adoption
- Stepparent Adoption
Criminal Law Defense
- Felonies
- Misdemeanors
- Personal Protection Orders
- Cannabis Law
- Drunk Driving
- Driver's License Restoration
- Abuse and Neglect
- Juvenile Law
- Criminal Appeals
We have conducted jury trials in juvenile, district and circuit courts . We also do criminal appeals.
Estate Planning/Deceased Estates
Estate Planning and Deceased Estate involve the emotional and difficult times in one's life when trying to provide protection for your loved ones should an unforeseen event happen and how you would like your love ones to proceed if ever you were not here with them.
Estate Planning includes the Following:
- Last Will and Testament
- Durable Power of Attorney
- Medical Power of Attorney
- Trust
- Special Needs Trust
- Lady Bird Deeds
- Guardianships
- Conservatorships
Deceased Estates includes the following:
- Opening up a Probate Case
- Intestate Probate (individuals who pass without a will)
- Administering a Trust
- Probate litigation
Bankruptcy
- Consumer Bankruptcy
- Business Bankruptcy
- Farmer Bankruptcy
Additional Areas of Law
- Construction Law
- Collections
- Social Security Law
- Real Estate
- Business litigation
- Appeals
Mediation
Divorce Mediator
Our philosophy of mediation is to facilitate an atmosphere where the spouses are directly involved in the process of mediation and their attorneys are their advisors and consultants rather than participants. Too often, mediations are done with a goal toward settling a case at all cost, rather than a collaboration to a mutually understood and agreed upon resolution. Additionally, this philosophy has the utmost importance in divorces with children; as our approach to collaboration, mediation demonstrates to spouses with children how to work together in the future after the mediation and divorce are finalized.
We have two mediators; Dr. Donald J. Baranski, and Angela E. Baranski, MA, LMSW.
Dr. Baranski and Angela Baranski, MA, LMSW, mediate together in a unique fashion to make the process as comfortable as possible for the participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a free consultation with an attorney?
Yes, you can for up to 30 minutes. If it is more than that, you will be able to have an in-office consultation with an attorney for a minimum fee.
How much will a divorce cost?
The only way to know the cost of the divorce is to consult with an attorney who can give you an amount after assessing your unique situation.
How long does a divorce take?
The law requires a cooling-off period after filing for the divorce of 60 days in a case without children and 180 days if there are children. In all cases, the judge is required to have divorce cases resolved within one year.
My spouse wants to sign papers regarding property division, should I do it?
Do not sign any legal document without consulting with an attorney first.
My ex-husband has not seen our kids for years, is it possible for my husband to adopt my children?
The law states that if the father has not paid his support and maintained a relationship with them for the two years before the adoption petition is filed, then the father's parental rights will be terminated.
My daughter left my grandson with me 2 years ago, she hasn't returned. Would I be able to adopt him?
Yes, this is called a family adoption because you are blood related to your grandson.
My husband and I know a pregnant couple who would like us to adopt their child. Is this possible?
Yes, this is called a direct placement adoption which is designed for this type of situation and attorneys can handle the whole case. You would not need an agency.
What does it cost to retain an attorney for a felony?
There are felonies that have a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment, felonies with a maximum of life imprisonment, and many charges that lie somewhere in between. After discussing your case with an attorney, they can indicate strengths and weaknesses in your case and the expense is always up to the client.
The police want me to talk to them first, do I not need an attorney?
The police want to talk to suspects so that they can obtain more information for a conviction. Do not talk to the police without consulting with an attorney first.
What does it cost to write a Last Will?
Each case is unique. Time has to be spent with the client to determine their assets and liabilities as well as their family relationships. After speaking to an attorney on the phone, they will often be able to give you a reasonable estimate for your particular legal needs.
How long does it take to have my Last Will or Trust drafted?
The team at Okemos Legal Group, PLLC can usually have your documents prepared in less than 30 days. Faster if necessary; for example, upcoming trip, or surgery.