How much does it cost to hire Katelyn for a dv defense case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Katelyn walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Katelyn offer a free consultation?

Katelyn charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Katelyn's office. Some dv defense attorneys offer free consults — check Katelyn's current terms during booking.

How long do dv defense cases in Michigan typically take?

Simple dv defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Katelyn gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Katelyn take my case if I'm outside Birmingham?

Katelyn is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Katelyn will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Katelyn?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Katelyn will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Katelyn accepting new dv defense clients right now?

Katelyn's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

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Katelyn Schaffer, DV Defense Attorney in Birmingham, Michigan

Over 9 years of legal practice · focused on DV Defense, Family Law, and Trusts

AssociateatBank | Rifkin Attorneys & Counselors at Law

Birmingham, MI

Practicing dv defense in Birmingham since 2017.

9+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Practices in

DV Defense Family Law Trusts

Are you Katelyn Schaffer?

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Quick answer

Katelyn Schaffer is an associate based in Birmingham, MI. The practice focuses on DV Defense, Family Law, and Trusts. Katelyn has over 9 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bank | Rifkin Attorneys & Counselors at Law.

Based in: Birmingham, MI
Experience: over 9 years
Known for: DV Defense · Family Law · Trusts

Handles DV Defense, Family Law, and Trusts matters from Birmingham, MI.
Over 9 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Katelyn's practice areas in Birmingham

Katelyn concentrates on dv defense, family law, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Katelyn handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

DV Defense cases in Birmingham, Michigan

Katelyn takes dv defense matters in Birmingham, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Katelyn agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Birmingham, Michigan

Katelyn takes family law matters in Birmingham, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Katelyn agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in Birmingham, Michigan

Katelyn takes trusts matters in Birmingham, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Katelyn agrees to represent you.

Biography

Katelyn Schaffer, dv defense attorney serving Birmingham

Katelyn Schaffer is very passionate about helping families through difficult situations. After double majoring with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Grand Valley State University, Ms. Schaffer began her legal education at Michigan State University College of Law. During her legal studies, Ms. Schaffer took an interest in the effectiveness of alternate dispute resolutions, and began pursuing this line of work by receiving both her civil and domestic mediation certifications. Ms. Schaffer utilized her mediation skills as a member of MSU’s advanced mediation team, representing the team during the semi-final round of the international mediation competition in London. Additionally, after receiving these certifications, Ms. Schaffer began mediating both civil and domestic cases through MSU’s conflict resolution clinic in courts throughout East Lansing, Charlotte, Mason, and Holland.

Finding a passion for helping people through mediation, Ms. Schaffer took a nontraditional path by accepting a full-time position at Ottawa County’s Friend of the Court, while still attending law school. As a Friend of the Court Investigator, Ms. Schaffer conducted dozens of coordination conferences weekly for newly filed divorce parties; drafted hundreds of interim and ex parte orders; and testified providing recommendations to the Court. Working as a Friend of the Court Investigator for over a year, Ms. Schaffer gained expertise into the areas of paternity, custody, parenting time, and child support. She brought this experience with her when she joined Bank Rifkin as a law clerk.

After graduating from Michigan State University College of Law and successful completion of the Michigan Bar exam, Ms. Schaffer began representing clients as an associate attorney at Bank Rifkin.

Currently, Ms. Schaffer serves as a board member of the Michigan Association of Court Mediators, where she works to facilitate more effective dispute resolution techniques in the courtroom.

Ms. Schaffer lives with her husband and two cats in Farmington Hills, Michigan. In her free time, she enjoys tennis, golf, yoga, and coaching a local high school tennis team.

How Katelyn handles dv defense matters

The kind of cases Katelyn takes

Katelyn reviews new inquiries case-by-case for dv defense, family law, and trusts matters in Birmingham and the surrounding Michigan area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Katelyn studied and practices

Michigan State University College of Law J.D.
—

Jurisdictions

Katelyn's state bar admissions

Michigan
2017 · ACTIVE

Katelyn studied at — in Michigan State University College of Law J.D..

Law school and academic background

Katelyn completed — in Michigan State University College of Law J.D.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Katelyn runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Katelyn Schaffer's office in Birmingham

Katelyn's primary office is at 401 South Old Woodward Avenue, Suite 410, Birmingham, MI, 48009. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Bank | Rifkin Attorneys & Counselors at Law

401 South Old Woodward Avenue, Suite 410

Birmingham, MI 48009

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Katelyn Schaffer

Katelyn has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Katelyn Schaffer — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new dv defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Katelyn usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Katelyn charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Katelyn's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Katelyn will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a dv defense attorney in Birmingham, Michigan

A short list to run through before you commit: How many dv defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Katelyn

Katelyn discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in dv defense practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every dv defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Katelyn confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Katelyn's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many dv defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Katelyn Schaffer

How much does it cost to hire Katelyn for a dv defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Katelyn walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Katelyn offer a free consultation?
Katelyn charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Katelyn's office. Some dv defense attorneys offer free consults — check Katelyn's current terms during booking.
How long do dv defense cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple dv defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Katelyn gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Katelyn take my case if I'm outside Birmingham?
Katelyn is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Katelyn will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Katelyn?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Katelyn will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Katelyn accepting new dv defense clients right now?
Katelyn's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

DV Defense attorneys serving Birmingham, Detroit and Grand Rapids in Michigan

Katelyn handles dv defense matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified dv defense attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Katelyn's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these dv defense attorneys in Birmingham handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.