I realize that every family and every case is unique, and I tailor my approach accordingly. My overarching belief is that busy family court judges do not have time to fully understand and creatively solve complex problems, making public courtroom litigation often a poor choice for resolving difficult issues. Since litigation also is acrimonious and expensive, it rarely leads to a lasting peace or a thorough, cost-effective result. For that reason, I frequently work with my clients (and often one or more other specialists from our team of carefully-selected professionals) to resolve their disputes privately and confidentially, outside of the courtroom. Sometimes, for example, I am able to work with an experienced counselor to put a couple on a path to reconciliation; other times, I use private negotiation or mediation to help resolve difficult issues. In those cases where courtroom litigation is unavoidable, I use my experience and expertise to advocate zealously on behalf of my clients. I have tried cases to judges and juries in federal and state courts throughout Michigan, and I successfully have represented clients in proceedings in Michigan, Illinois, California, and Colorado.

My approach has won the trust and confidence of my clients as well as my peers. I am a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and for each of the last 10 years, I have received the highest possible rating of legal ability and ethical standards, the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating AV PreeminentTM 5.0 out of 5. I also have been recognized as one of the premier family law attorneys in Michigan: I again was named to Best Lawyers in America for 2016, as a Top Lawyer by Crain’s Detroit Business and dBusiness Magazine, and as a Michigan Super Lawyer.

I graduated with Distinction from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and as a member of the Honors College. After attending the University of Michigan Medical School for a year, I went on to the University of Michigan Law School, where I won the Henry M. Campbell Moot Court Competition and taught legal research and writing. I am also an adjunct professor of law at Michigan State University College of Law, and I previously taught at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.

My additional credentials are available at www.bankrifkinlaw.com.