Schmeltzer Law PLLC

Thank you Jordan for your great review and Trust.

Ms. Jenkins,Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. While I have never worked with you, spoken with you and have not had the opportunity to meet you, I can understand how a limited observation could be misunderstood. I do always invite potential clients to fully vet the attorney they wish to work with, as we are people too, and sometimes styles or personalities are not always a fit. Each person should work with an attorney whom they feel comfortable with. I equally would be happy to meet with you and discuss generally how court proceedings work if you ever have questions or would like clarifications, as I know Court can often be a confusing system to navigate. What you may have observed was what we in the legal industry call "making a record". In Court proceedings, in general, what is said is recorded and can be transcribed into writing for higher level Judge's and Courts to review for error on the part of the Court. In family law, there could be up to 3 layers of higher level reviews if the a party believes the Court made an error: Referee > Elected Official / Judge > 3 panel Court of Appeals Judges > 7 Justices on the Michigan Supreme Court. If a party believes he or she received a wrong result from the trial court (which you do not know what the outcome will be until after the trial is concluded), they can ask the higher up court to review it, and go up the chain of review. The Court hierarchy is an integral part of our judicial system, aimed at ensuring fair results for all, and an opportunity for review. When that higher up court reviews the decision of the lower court, they look at the written transcription of what occurred during the trial. Thus, every argument or fact needs to be stated while the trial is being recorded, to preserve the information for the higher up Court if it is needed. If an attorney believes during a live trial the Court is letting in evidence they should not, or not allowing evidence they should, the can do a number of things to preserve the question for a higher up Court to consider if the trial court made the correct decision. That is what is called "making a record". For example it could be objecting, making an argument on why evidence should or should not be permitted, making an offer of proof of what we want to have admitted, etc. As a lawyer, it is my job to present all of the facts and evidence to the Court. Should the Court wish to deny hearing or receiving evidence, I believe the proper thing for an attorney to do would be to "object" and make an argument "on the record". This is for the specific purpose of ensuring the higher level court has something to go on when they review to determine if an error occurred or not. Therefore, there is actually a rhyme and reason for how court proceedings work, and I fully understand that from someone observing it may appear odd, confusing or even a waste of time.I will always err on the side of advocating for my client, leaving no stone unturned, and providing my client with their fair and full day in Court.

Jeanette,I am very sorry to hear this as you never discussed any concerns during our representation, and I always invite clients to call and discuss their concerns and offer relevant and important feedback on how we can better serve our clients. Unfortunately, when other professionals are consulted and provide incorrect information in the course of a matter, and I have to step in to advocate for my client, my client's rights and best interests, that can sometimes not sit well with the other professional who is providing incorrect advice that is not grounded in law. I do understand that can be upsetting to someone, but I will always err on the side of ensuring the best outcome for my client and advocating for my client's rights first and foremost. I welcome this professional that you believed was offended by my advocacy of my client to call my office and discuss his or her concerns with me.