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- Natalie Alane
About Natalie
I do family law, so I know that if you're here, you may be facing one of the most difficult times of your life. The range of emotions can be overwhelming. You're scared and angry. You're feeling betrayed and alone. Naturally, you want answers to difficult questions and assurance that everything is going to be okay. Shame and embarrassment may be keeping you from confiding in even your closest friends or family.
I've been where you are. I have felt the sting of betrayal, the grief of loss, the anger of wrongdoing, the anxiety of an uncertain future. And I understand that every situation is unique and every person going through this process has different needs and expectations.
That is why I listen. I listen to your story, to your fears, to your hopes for yourself, your children, and your future. I'm here to tell you that it will be okay. It will be different, but okay. You can have a bright and fulfilling future. Your children can adjust and feel loved and secure.
Let me walk through this process with you. Come meet with me and tell me your story, and let's figure out together how to navigate your life transition.
Practice areas
- Divorce and separation: 60%
Natalie devotes the majority of her trial practice to family law, handling matters such as divorce, custody, paternity, child support, alimony, and domicile issues. Her dedication and passion are unmatched.
12 years
- Child custody: 30%
Natalie devotes the majority of her trial practice to family law, handling matters such as divorce, custody, paternity, child support, alimony, and domicile issues. Her dedication and passion are unmatched.
12 years
- Appeals: 10%
Natalie handles family law appeals to the Michigan Court of Appeals and Michigan Supreme Court. Her background as a staff attorney for both courts gives her the edge clients seek!
12 years
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| MI | Active And In Good Standing | 2003 | 10/31/2019 |
| Legal answers | 5 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Pro Bono Circle of Excellence | State Bar of Michigan | 2016 |
| Pro Bono Circle of Excellence | State Bar of Michigan | 2015 |
| Pro Bono Circle of Excellence | State Bar of Michigan | 2014 |
| Pro Bono Circle of Excellence | State Bar of Michigan | 2013 |
| Pro Bono Circle of Excellence | State Bar of Michigan | 2012 |
| 2012 Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Client Distinction Award | Martindale-Hubbell | 2012 |
| Top Women Lawyers | Lawyers Weekly | 2011 |
| Pro Bono Circle of Excellence | State Bar of Michigan | 2011 |
| Pro Bono Circle of Excellence | State Bar of Michigan | 2010 |
| Distinguished Student | Thomas M. Cooley Law School | 2002 |
| Outstanding Woman Law Student | Women Lawyers Association of Michigan | 2002 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Co-Owner & Partner | Alane & Chartier, PLC | 2007 - 2017 |
| Senior Staff Attorney | Michigan Supreme Court | 2004 - 2007 |
| Staff Attorney | Michigan Court of Appeals | 2003 - 2004 |
| Prehearing Staff Attorney | Michigan Court Of Appeals | 2002 - 2003 |
| Adjunct Professor | Thomas M. Cooley Law School | 2002 - 2014 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Institute of Continuing Legal Education | Board Member -- Family Law Advisory | 2010 - Present |
| International Academy of Collaborative Professionals | Member | 2007 - Present |
| Ingham County Bar Association | Member | 2007 - Present |
| State Bar of Michigan | Member | 2002 - Present |
| Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan | Immediate Past President | 2013 - 2013 |
| Resolution Services Center | Board Member | 2013 - 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan | President | 2012 - 2012 |
| Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan | President-Elect | 2011 - 2011 |
| Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan | Treasurer | 2010 - 2010 |
| Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan | Secretary | 2009 - 2009 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Family Law Journal | Litigating Medical Marijuana Cases: The Medical Marijuana Act and Domestic Relations in Michigan | 2016 |
| ICLE -- Top Tips Video Series | Defending a Motion to Change Domicile | 2010 |
| ICLE -- Top Tips Video Series | Winning a Motion to Change Domicile | 2010 |
| Ingham County Bar Association BRIEFS | Attorney Advertising | 2008 |
| Ingham County Bar Association BRIEFS | Family Collaborative Practice – Resolving Domestic Disputes Respectfully and Without Court | 2008 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas M. Cooley Law School | JD - Juris Doctor | 2002 |
| Central Michigan University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1993 |
| University of Kentucky | MA - Masters | N/A |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fourth Annual Michigan Marijuana Law Conference | What Every Lawyer Must Know about Child Custody and Marijuana | 2019 |
| NORML Legal Committee -- Key West | Child Custody & Weed: National Trends and Judicial Attitudes | 2018 |
| Handling Property Division and Spousal Support Issues | Valuation of Marital Assets | 2018 |
| NORML Legal Committee -- Aspen, CO | Litigating through the Haze of Marijuana Law - The Impact of Marijuana Use and Marijuana Businesses on Child Custody and Child Welfare Cases | 2016 |
| 15th Annual Family Law Institute | Parental Alienation: Identification, Causes, and Remedies | 2016 |
| Referee Association of Michigan Annual Conference -- Mackinac Island | “Up in Smoke”: The Impact of Marijuana Use on Child Custody and Child Welfare Cases | 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Handling Property Division & Spousal Support Issues | Valuation of Marital Assets | 2015 |
| Upper Michigan Legal Institute | Handling Evidentiary Issues in Divorce | 2013 |
| NORML Legal Committee -- Key West | “Up in Smoke”: The Impact of Marijuana Use on Child Custody and Child Welfare Cases | 2013 |
| Handling Property Division & Spousal Support Issues | Valuation of Assets in Divorce | 2013 |
| Family Law Section Annual Winter Seminar -- Virgin Gorda, BVI | “Up in Smoke”: The Legal Landscape After the Enactment of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act | 2013 |
| Custody, Support, and Parenting Time Update | Recent Legal Developments | 2013 |
| Michigan Judge's Association Conference | Medical Marijuana and Family Law | 2012 |
| Eleventh Annual Family Law Institute | Navigating Privilege Issues in Discovery and Trial | 2012 |
| Tenth Annual Family Law Institute | Up in Smoke: The Intersection of Medical Marijuana and Custody | 2011 |
| Intersection of Family Law and Bankruptcy | To Jointly File or Not: How to Advise Your Family Law Divorce Client | 2011 |
| Ninth Annual Family Law Institute | Advanced Strategies in Child Support Calculation | 2010 |
| International Academy of Collaborative Practitioners Annual Forum -- Washington, D.C. | Collaborative Draftsmanship: Finessing the Successful Preparation of Minutes and Agreements | 2010 |
| Handling Property Division & Spousal Support Issues | Property Valuation in Divorce | 2010 |
| Fundamentals of Divorce Practice & Procedure Series | Custody, Parenting Time, & Support | 2009 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Santoro v Santoro | Victory for Natalie's client |
| Freeman v Baum | Victory for Natalie's client |
| Herrmann v Herrmann (2) | Victory for Natalie's client |
| Atkinson v Atkinson | Victory for Natalie's Client |
| Herrmann v Herrmann | Victory for Natalie's client |
| Haskell v Fifth Third Bank | Victory for Natalie's client |
|---|---|
| Urban v Briggs | Victory for Natalie's client |
| Golowic v Golowic | Victory for Natalie's client |
| McKimmy v Melling | Victory for Natalie's client |
| Bergholtz v Jahnke | Victory for Natalie's client |
| Moore v Myers | Victory for Natalie's client |
| Najt v Najt | Victory for Natalie's client |
Best Family Law Attorney in Michigan
Posted by Joe. P
Thu Jun 07 2018
Kind, Compassionate, and Capable
Posted by Beth
Thu Apr 19 2018
Attorney endorsements
(7)Dustyn Coontz, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 12, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
When I have a client experiencing a divorce or custody issue, my first thought is to send them to Natalie. She is a stellar advocate whose peerless reputation in mid-Michigan is well earned.
Kevin McLaughlin, Trademark application Attorney on Mar 8, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Natalie is a an excellent attorney who is deeply committed to her clients. She is highly respected in the community and has the knowledge and experience to navigate through the complex problems that often arise in family law matters.
Scott Limmer, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 14, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Natalie is a trustworthy, caring, hard-working attorney in the area of family law and divorce who I would highly recommend. Not only is she an excellent advocate but she truly understands the emotions her clients are experiencing. Natalie always gives her full, undivided attention to every case she works on. You can be sure that your case is in good hands if she's working on it.
Ryan McKeen, Car accident Attorney on Oct 24, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Natalie is a nationally known family lawyer. Lawyers across the country listen to her advice on how best to provide family legal services to clients. I endorse her for her commitment to her craft.
Anne Schulte, Family Attorney on Jan 13, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. She is so hardworking and conscientious but most of all willing to share her expertise even outside the seminar confines.
H. White, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Dewitt, Family Attorney on Aug 19, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I recently had the opportunity to work with Ms. Alane on complex inter-state family law matter. I found her to be very helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. We shared a common client who really valued Ms. Alane's help from Michigan.
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