Michigan Divorce Archives | DAWN - Michigan's Original Divorce Attorneys for Women

D.A.W.N.: A Women-Led Family Law Firm

Leading with Strength: DAWN as a Women-Led Family Law Firm in Metro Detroit

At D.A.W.N. (Divorce Attorneys for Women’s Needs), we are proudly women-led.  We believe the best legal representation is grounded in strength, compassion, and leadership. From the attorneys in the courtroom to the team behind the scenes managing operations, D.A.W.N. is guided by women who understand the unique challenges our clients face—legally, emotionally, and personally.


💼 What It Means to Be Women-Led

Being a women-led law firm means that the voices shaping strategy, client experience, and case outcomes are overwhelmingly female. That leadership shows up in every layer of our work. Our team of attorneys is predominantly female, bringing empathy, legal expertise, and fierce advocacy to every case they handle.

This alignment of women in leadership roles has created a supportive, transparent, and client-focused culture at D.A.W.N., with a particular understanding of what women go through during divorce, custody disputes, and other family law challenges.


💬 Representation Matters—Especially in Family Law

The work we do is deeply personal. Divorce and custody cases aren’t just about paperwork and courtrooms—they’re about homes, children, safety, and a woman’s ability to build a new future. That’s why it matters who’s representing you.

At D.A.W.N., our attorneys don’t just practice family law—they live it with our clients, walking beside them through every stage of the process. Our leadership understands the emotional and financial pressure many women face, and we strive to be not just legal advocates but a source of clarity and confidence.


📢 A Voice for Women in the Legal System

Managing Partner Kelsey Minor was featured on a podcast offering practical advice on how to choose the right divorce attorney. 👉 Listen Now: Choosing the Right Divorce Attorney – with Kelsey Minor

Our Divorce 101 Webinar is now live and available for free viewing. It was created to educate and support women as they navigate Michigan’s legal system. 👉Watch the Webinar Now!


🏙️ Proudly Serving Women in Metro Detroit

As a women-led firm based in Metro Detroit, we take pride in serving the local community with excellence. Whether you’re in the early stages of considering divorce or deep in the process, you deserve a team that understands your perspective and fights for your future.

If you’re looking for representation that prioritizes your needs, start with D.A.W.N.. We’re here to help you move forward with strength. 👉 Schedule a free consultation today!

Divorce 101 Webinar Available Now

Thinking About Divorce? Start Here with Expert Guidance

If you’re facing divorce—or just starting to consider your options—the process can feel overwhelming. That’s why our recent Divorce 101 Webinar, led by attorney Kelsey Minor, breaks it all down clearly and confidently.

We’re offering the complete Divorce 101 Webinar recording free—just register below, and we’ll email it directly to you. You’ll also get updates on upcoming webinars, where we’ll dive deeper into topics.

Read More

Kelsey Minor on Divorce Rich Podcast with Jacki Roessler, CDFA

How to Choose the Right Divorce Attorney:

When you’re facing divorce, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right attorney. This isn’t just a legal process—it’s a deeply personal journey that requires both expertise and support. In a recent podcast appearance, Kelsey Minor, Managing Partner at D.A.W.N., shared her guidance on what to look for when selecting divorce representation that meets both your legal and emotional needs.

Read More
Divorce Mediation

Divorce Mediation

Very few divorce cases actually go to trial.  Trial imposes great emotional cost (airing dirty laundry in public; giving your life decisions to someone else) as well as financial cost (attorney preparation and trial presentation, subpoena costs, expert witness fees, etc.).  Most cases are settled and of those, most settlements occur as a result of mediation, a method of alternative dispute resolution.  Mediation in divorce cases is provided for under the court rules and is a cost-effective way to resolve a case.  However, each side must be prepared to compromise.

Read More
Can I Make My Husband Pay for My Divorce?

Can I Make My Husband Pay for My Divorce?

In a manner of speaking, yes, but it is rare to find an attorney who will accept the responsibility of a case without any retainer unless there is a large marital estate and/or substantial income earned by the other spouse.  Whether or not ones entire fee will be paid is unknown until the end of the case.

Read More
What Will the Court Consider When A Party Seeks Modifications to Parenting Time and/or Child Custody Arrangements?

What Will the Court Consider When A Party Seeks Modifications to Parenting Time and/or Child Custody Arrangements?

In family law matters, the past behavior and practices of the parties will always be examined whenever change is sought. Michigan law in this area is well established and courts are continually bombarded with parents asking for modifications to child custody or parenting time arrangements. One common mistake that many parents make, is that they assume past indiscretions or old issues can be brought up when seeking modification of prior orders. When asking the court to change an existing custody and/or parenting time arrangement, a court will only consider occurrences in the time period after the last court order was made.

Read More
Should I get a Legal Separation?

Should I get a Legal Separation?

In Michigan, legal separation is referred to as “Separate Maintenance”. A separate maintenance agreement is not appropriate for every situation. You can physically separate on your own without any legal intervention. However, if you want to ensure that certain protections such as bills getting paid or that you receive support for you and your children, you will need to have the involvement of the Family Court.

Read More