Robert B. Relph

Almost anyone who has been through it will tell you that divorce in Grand Rapids is one of the most painful and stressful experiences a family will ever go through, fraught with uncertainty and negative emotions that can (and usually do) spill over into other areas of life. As a Grand Rapids divorce attorney, I dedicate myself to guiding clients through this difficult process and help them move forward in a positive, healthy and supportive manner. When it seems difficult to make decisions in this time of crisis, my job is to present creative solutions and help clients make the right decisions.

During the process, there may be times when a more aggressive approach is necessary should I feel my client's rights are being infringed upon. When that need arises, my extensive experience and legal knowledge allows me to assert my client's rights as aggressively as necessary.

My philosophy for handling each case involves three components: common sense, honesty and efficiency.

Education

Robert B. Relph graduated from Earlham College in 1966 and completed his Juris Doctorate law degree in 1969 at Indiana University. He was admitted to the Michigan bar in 1970. He is an active member of the State Bar of Michigan (Family Law Section) and the Grand Rapids Bar Association (Founder and First Chair, Family Law Section, 1995; Chair, Domestic Relations Committee, 1993-1995).

Experience

With 44 years of experience resolving divorce and custody issues in the State of Michigan, Mr. Relph is highly regarded by his clients, peers, and court officials for his expertise and professionalism. He practices exclusively in domestic relations (family) law, which includes divorce, separate maintenance, annulment, child custody, child support, parenting time, property settlement, spousal support and appeals.

Mr. Relph has authored two booklets: "The Facts on Divorce" and "Choosing and Working with an Attorney."

Accreditations

Mr. Relph has been awarded an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards, and is based on a strenuous peer review process provided by other lawyers and judges. This is a rating given to only the top 11 percent of lawyers in the United States.

Cases Involving Small Business

In his number of years of practice, Mr. Relph has been involved in many divorce cases involving a small business owned by one of the parties. Mr. Relph has been successful in handling such cases whether representing the business owner or the business owners spouse. He believes it is critical to make a judgment about whether the business should be valued by a neutral business valuation expert or not. Some small businesses do not deserve to be valued, as they generate only modest earnings; while others generate more substantial earnings and must be valued by a business expert. Mr. Relph has successfully handled issues regarding child support, spousal supportand property settlement, all involving closely held corporations.