Whenever you are facing a difficult legal issue, our experienced attorneys are knowledgeable about the substantive and procedural aspects of your legal concerns.  Great Lakes Legal (GLL) staff can help you eliminate your fears.

We provide assistance in the following areas:

• Social Security Appeals
• Veterans Appeals
• Expungement of Criminal Record
• Bankruptcy (Chapter 7 & 13)
• Divorce and Child Support
• Adoption Assistance
• Juvenile Justice
• Driving While Under the Influence (1st & 2nd Offense)
• Wills & Trusts

For our prospective client population, GLL has provided a snap shot of the legal services offered by this agency.  Thes services are noted as follows:

Social Security Appeals:  Administrative advocacy for individuals who are in need of representation to secure their Social Security benefits.

Veterans appeals:  Assist veterans in developing evidence to establish their injury sustained was service connected, to enable them to secure their benefits.

Expungement of Criminal Record:  Most criminal records qualify for expungement review; eligibility for expungement varies.  If you have one offense, we can assist you with the process by filing the appropriate documents with the sentencing court.

Bankruptcy:  It’s the elimination of debts and providing a means for debt-oppressed individuals to obtain a fresh start.  There are two primary forms of consumer bankruptcy:  Chapter 7 & Chapter 13.

Divorce:  Michigan is a no-fault state which essentially means that neither party is legally at fault regarding the dissolution of the marriage.  One must establish that there has been a breakdown of the marriage and there is no reasonable likelihood that the relationship can be preserved.  You must reside in Michigan for 180 days and live in the county of filing at least 10 days, prior to filing.

Child Support:  Support awards in Michigan are made to the Friend of the Court.  Awards are based on the noncustodial parent’s ability to pay and allow the parent to remain self-supporting.  We assist in motions for increase or decrease of support and payment plans for prearranges.

Adoption Assistance:  Assist families in the adoption procedures and living arrangements.

Juvenile Justice:  Represent juveniles charged with crimes before the Court.

License Restoration:  Assist individuals when their driving privileges have been suspended or revoked.

Driving While Under the Influence (1st and/or 2nd offense):  In Michigan, DUI is the act of driving a motor vehicle with a blood level of alcohol (BAC) of 0.08 or higher.  We assist those who have been charged with their 1st or 2nd offense at the District Court and/or Circuit Court level.

Wills & Trusts:  Assist individuals with basic estate planning including wills (how your property is distributed after death) and trusts (property held for benefit of another).