About Laurie Schmitt Attorney

I am a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a Michigan State Bar and U.S. Western District Court licensed attorney specializing in family law. Since establishing my own practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I have represented clients with their family law-related cases including divorce, collaborative divorce, child custody, visitation, paternity, and support issues. I focused my practice on family law after spending over two decades immersed in the court system as a paralegal. I assisted attorneys and their clients in navigating the difficult, and often painful process that came with changes in family structure and responsibilities.

Because I understand how difficult family law issues can be, I am committed to educating my clients on all of their options available to them and their families, as well as on the process. I always begin each case with the intent and hope that we can settle your case without the need for delayed and expensive litigation. I am a trained civil mediator, domestic relations mediator, and collaborative divorce attorney. Collaborative divorce can provide fair and reasonable outcomes for everyone involved in the divorce, including the children, and reduce unnecessary conflict in the process. However, I have a track record of providing aggressive representation in Michigan’s family court system if a settlement cannot be reached. Regardless of the road your case takes, I will always provide you with personalized, quality, and affordable representation.

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Certifications and Training

Law School: Thomas M. Cooley Law School – Cum Laude
Licensed: Michigan State Bar and U.S. District Court for Western District of MI
Undergrad: University of Southern Colorado – Magna Cum Laude
Completion of the Family Law Certificate Program
Completion of the General Civil Mediator Training
Completion of the Domestic Relations Mediator Training
Completion of the Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice Training
Completion of the Domestic Violence Screening Protocol Training

Court Admissions

State Bar of Michigan – 2012
U. S. District Court, Western District of Michigan – 2012

Memberships

State Bar of Michigan
Grand Rapids Bar Association
The Elks Club
Collaborative Divorce Professional of West Michigan
International Association of Collaborative Professionals
Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan

What Our Clients Are Saying

Laurie has represented me for over 2 years in an on going high-conflict custody case. I have continued and will continue to go back to her every time I need legal representation. She is honest and doesn’t waste anyone’s time or money. She has always been respectful to mediators, opposing counsel and the judge, and is clearly highly respected in the legal arena. Laurie fights hard and genuinely cares about the outcome, because she cares about me and my family, and most importantly about helping my daughter. H. J.

401 Hall Street SW
Suite 112D
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

My Spouse Says… Common Misconceptions of Divorce

In the initial interview, it’s common for clients to share with Schmitt Law, PLLC statements made by their spouse that the client considers truthful. The following are just a few statements that Schmitt Law, PLLC has heard over the years, and the truth behind those statements. Statement: I will not be awarded one half of […]

The Biggest Concern When Divorcing Without Minor Children: It’s About The Money

Divorcing when there are no minor children certainly should be easier than couples who must address custody, parenting time, and child support. However, even when there are no issues regarding children to discuss, couples still must address the touchy subject of money. And discussions surrounding money are never easy. The three biggest concerns that couples […]