Family Law Attorney — Birmingham, MI | Serving Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Livingston, Monroe & surrounding counties
Family Law Attorney — Birmingham, MI | Serving Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Livingston, Monroe & surrounding counties
Family Law Attorney
Navigating family law is one of life's most challenging journeys. Logan Mackensen provides dedicated, one-on-one representation — with personality, grit, and always with reason — to guide you toward the outcome you deserve.
4.6
Google Reviews (23)
Family Law Attorney & Certified Mediator
General Civil & Domestic Relations
Areas of Practice
Logan Mackensen focuses her practice on four core areas of family law, bringing 20+ years of diverse legal experience to every case. Whether you need a skilled litigator or a certified mediator, Mackensen Law has the expertise to guide you forward.
Collaborative & Traditional
Whether you are facing a traditional contested divorce or prefer a collaborative out-of-court resolution, Logan provides strategic, compassionate representation, tailored to your unique situation. She understands Michigan's divorce laws inside and out and will advocate relentlessly for your best interests.
What's Included
Including Parenting Plans
Protecting your children's well-being is Logan's top priority. As a Birmingham, MI child custody attorney, she works with you to arrive at a custody arrangement that affirms your parental rights and supports your family for the long term. She also serves as a court-appointed Parenting Time Coordinator.
What's Included
Protecting Your Future
A well-drafted prenuptial agreement is one of the smartest steps you can take before marriage. Logan creates clear, fair, and enforceable prenuptial and postnuptial agreements under Michigan law, giving you peace of mind as you begin a new chapter of your life.
What's Included
Certified Mediator
As a certified mediator in both General Civil and Domestic Relations matters, Logan offers a constructive alternative to courtroom litigation. Mediation is often less costly, less adversarial, and results in solutions both parties can live with. Logan is on the Circuit Court roster of approved mediators in five Michigan counties.
What's Included
Additional Services
Mackensen Law offers a comprehensive range of family law services tailored to your unique circumstances.
Alimony & Spousal Support
Domestic Violence
Red Flag Laws
Restraining Orders / PPOs
Guardianship
Separation (Separate Maintenance)
Annulment
Child Support
Why Mackensen Law
At Mackensen Law, our approach is built on a simple belief: you deserve an attorney who is truly in your corner — not just processing your case.
Unlike large law firms where your case gets passed to associates, Logan personally handles every aspect of your matter. You will always speak directly with your attorney — not a paralegal or assistant.
Legal jargon can be overwhelming. Logan translates the complexities of Michigan family law into plain language, ensuring you fully understand every step of the process and every decision you face.
With 20+ years spanning trial law, real estate, and family law — and licenses in three states — Logan brings a uniquely broad perspective to your case. She knows what separates winning cases from losing ones.
"With personality, grit, but always with reason — Logan will creatively, skillfully and relentlessly strive to achieve your goals."
Logan Mackensen
Family Law Attorney & Certified Mediator
Professional Affiliations
Your Attorney
Logan Jacobson Mackensen grew up in Metro Detroit and always knew she wanted to be a lawyer, eventually finding her calling in family law. She attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and subsequently graduated from Wayne State University in 2003 with Honors, Magna Cum Laude. She then earned her Juris Doctorate from the Caruso School of Law at Pepperdine University in 2005.
After law school, Logan's desire to help those in need led her to the Los Angeles County Public Defender's Office, where she became a full-time trial attorney after passing the California Bar Exam. She spent years advising clients on possible outcomes, reaching successful settlements and trying cases through to jury verdict.
In 2010, Logan returned to Metro Detroit, where she also gained an entirely new perspective by managing nearly 10,000 residential units — experiencing litigation from the client's point of view. This unique vantage point, combined with her 20+ years of diverse legal experience, gives her an unmatched understanding of what separates a winning case from a losing one.
Logan is a licensed attorney in Michigan, Ohio, and California, and is certified in both General Civil and Domestic Relations mediation. She is a volunteer mediator at the Oakland Mediation Center and is on the Circuit Court roster of approved mediators in Oakland, Macomb, Ingham, Washtenaw, Genesee, Livingston, and Monroe Counties.
Education & Credentials
Mediation Services
Logan Mackensen is certified in both General Civil and Domestic Relations mediation — a distinction that sets her apart. She believes that when families can reach agreements through thoughtful dialogue rather than courtroom battles, everyone benefits — especially children.
As a court-approved mediator in Oakland, Macomb, Ingham, Washtenaw, and Genesee Counties, and a volunteer mediator at the Oakland Mediation Center, Logan brings both the credentials and the compassion to guide families toward fair, lasting resolutions.
Benefits of Mediation
The Mediation Process
01
We discuss your situation, goals, and whether mediation is the right path for your family.
02
Logan facilitates structured conversations, helping both parties communicate and negotiate effectively.
03
Once an agreement is reached, Logan drafts a clear, enforceable document reflecting the terms.
04
The mediated agreement is submitted to the court for approval, finalizing your resolution.
Court-Approved Mediator: Logan is on the Circuit Court roster of approved mediators for both domestic and general civil disputes in Oakland, Macomb, Ingham, Washtenaw, Genesee, Livingston, and Monroe Counties.
Client Reviews
Every client deserves an attorney who truly listens. These words from real Google reviews reflect the dedication and empathy Logan brings to every case.
4.6
Google Reviews (23)
Lacey Foon
Google Local Guide · 2 months ago
"I cannot recommend Logan at Mackensen Law enough. She is intelligent, dedicated, and diligent, and you truly feel that she cares about both the details of your case and the people involved. Logan brings a rare level of empathy to her work, taking the time to listen, explain, and guide you through every step with clarity and patience. She is responsive, thoughtful, and thorough, and I always felt confident knowing she was handling things on my behalf. If you are looking for an attorney who is not only highly capable but also genuinely compassionate, Logan is exceptional."
Tanya V
Google Review · 11 months ago
"Logan stepped in when I was in dire straits and took over for another attorney who dropped me at the last minute before my trial. She is compassionate, kind, fair, and extremely organized. I will forever be grateful that I found her. If you want to be represented by the best, don't bother looking elsewhere."
Todd Davis
Google Review · 9 months ago
"Absolutely amazing to work with despite a divorce. Calmed me down when I wanted to go hard, smart advice, fierce negotiator, and in the end got what I wanted. Did not allow others to try and play games. Held the other party to a higher standard and we won in the end, if anyone actually wins in a divorce. Highly recommend."
Sara Santora
Google Review · 10 months ago
"I cannot recommend Logan highly enough! Her experience in family law and mediation made a challenging process much smoother. She was professional, compassionate, and incredibly knowledgeable, ensuring that all parties felt heard and respected. If you are looking for a skilled mediator who genuinely cares about their clients, Logan is the best choice."
Benjamin Anderson
Google Review · 2 months ago
"Logan Mackensen was very professional, well versed in family law, and extremely helpful. She did all this in a respectful tone while obtaining all my requests and more. I highly recommend Logan Mackensen if you are going through a divorce or have any other family law issue. There are no winners in a divorce, but being able to have a voice in the court room provided so much relief. I cannot say enough good things about this firm."
Caitlin Pierman
Google Review · a year ago
"I cannot recommend Mackensen Law highly enough. If you're navigating a custody issue, divorce, or any family law matter, you want someone with not only legal acumen but also heart. That's exactly what you'll get with them."
Frequently Asked Questions
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Divorce & Separation
In Michigan, there is a mandatory waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. If there are no minor children, the minimum waiting period is 60 days from the date the complaint is filed. If there are minor children involved, the minimum is 180 days (approximately six months). However, the actual timeline depends on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms can be finalized relatively quickly after the waiting period. A contested divorce — where parties disagree on property division, custody, or support — can take a year or more.
An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on all major issues: property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. These cases are generally faster, less expensive, and less emotionally taxing. A contested divorce means the parties cannot agree on one or more issues, requiring negotiation, mediation, or ultimately a judge to decide. Logan is skilled in both — she can guide you through a collaborative uncontested process or advocate fiercely for you in a contested matter.
No. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. This means you do not need to prove that your spouse did anything wrong to obtain a divorce. The only legal ground required is that there has been a breakdown in the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved.
Michigan follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means marital property is divided fairly — but not necessarily 50/50. Courts consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's contributions (financial and non-financial), earning capacity, and the needs of each party. Separate property — assets owned before the marriage or received as gifts or inheritance — is generally not subject to division, though commingling can complicate this. Logan will work to ensure you receive a fair share of the marital estate.
The family home is often the most significant marital asset and one of the most emotionally charged issues in a divorce. Options include: one spouse buying out the other's interest and keeping the home; selling the home and dividing the proceeds; or, in cases involving minor children, allowing the custodial parent to remain in the home temporarily for stability. Logan will help you evaluate the financial and practical implications of each option for your specific situation.
Child Custody & Parenting
Legal custody refers to the right and responsibility to make major decisions about a child's life — including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Physical custody refers to where the child primarily lives. Michigan courts can award joint legal custody (both parents share decision-making), sole legal custody (one parent decides), joint physical custody (the child spends significant time with both parents), or primary physical custody with parenting time for the other parent. Most Michigan courts favor joint legal custody when both parents are fit and able to cooperate.
Michigan courts determine custody based on the 'best interests of the child' standard, evaluating 12 statutory factors including: the love and affection between the child and each parent; the capacity of each parent to provide guidance and love; the child's established living situation; the moral fitness of each parent; the mental and physical health of each parent; the child's preference (if the child is of sufficient age and maturity); and the willingness of each parent to facilitate a relationship between the child and the other parent. Logan will help you present the strongest possible case on each factor.
A parenting plan is a written agreement that outlines how parents will share time and responsibilities for their children after separation or divorce. It typically covers a regular parenting time schedule, holiday and vacation schedules, procedures for handling schedule changes, communication protocols between parents, and decision-making procedures. While not always legally required, a detailed parenting plan significantly reduces future conflict and provides children with stability and predictability. Logan can help you draft a comprehensive, child-centered parenting plan tailored to your family's needs.
Yes. Michigan courts can modify a custody order if there has been a 'change of circumstances' or 'proper cause' since the last order was entered. Examples include a parent relocating, a significant change in a child's needs, a parent's substance abuse issue, or a child's expressed preference as they grow older. The standard for modification is designed to provide children with stability while allowing the court to respond to genuinely changed circumstances. Logan can evaluate whether your situation meets the legal threshold and guide you through the modification process.
Mediation
Divorce mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral third party — the mediator — helps divorcing spouses reach mutually acceptable agreements on the issues in their case. Unlike a judge, the mediator does not make decisions; instead, they facilitate productive conversation and help both parties explore options and find common ground. Logan is a Certified General Civil and Domestic Relations Mediator, approved by the Oakland County Circuit Court. Sessions typically last two to four hours, and most cases can be resolved in one to three sessions.
Mediation works best when both parties are willing to communicate and negotiate in good faith. It is particularly effective for couples who want to minimize conflict for the sake of their children, control costs, maintain privacy, and preserve a co-parenting relationship. Mediation may not be appropriate in cases involving domestic violence, significant power imbalances, or a party who is unwilling to participate honestly. Logan will discuss your specific circumstances with you to determine whether mediation is a good fit.
Mediation is typically significantly less expensive than contested litigation. A litigated divorce can cost tens of thousands of dollars in attorney fees, expert fees, and court costs. Mediation fees are usually split between the parties and are a fraction of litigation costs. Beyond financial savings, mediation also reduces emotional costs — it is generally less adversarial and allows parties to maintain more control over the outcome. Logan offers competitive mediation rates and can discuss fee arrangements during your initial consultation.
Logan Jacobson Mackensen is on the court-approved mediator roster in Oakland, Macomb, Ingham, Washtenaw, Genesee, Livingston, and Monroe Counties. She is also a member of the Oakland Mediation Center and volunteers as a mediator there. Her dual role as both a family law attorney and a certified mediator gives her a uniquely comprehensive perspective on dispute resolution.
Prenuptial Agreements
A Michigan prenuptial agreement (also called an antenuptial agreement) can address a wide range of financial matters, including: how property owned before the marriage will be treated; how property acquired during the marriage will be divided if the marriage ends; spousal support (alimony) provisions; protection of a business or professional practice; inheritance rights and estate planning coordination; and protection of children from a prior relationship. Prenuptial agreements cannot address child custody or child support, as those are determined at the time of divorce based on the best interests of the child.
Yes, if properly executed. Michigan courts will enforce a prenuptial agreement that: was entered into voluntarily by both parties; was not the product of fraud, duress, or misrepresentation; was accompanied by full financial disclosure by both parties; is not unconscionable (grossly unfair); and was executed in writing and signed by both parties. Having each party represented by independent legal counsel significantly strengthens enforceability. Logan drafts prenuptial agreements that are designed to withstand legal challenge.
It is best to begin the prenuptial agreement process at least three to six months before the wedding. This allows adequate time for both parties to review the agreement, consult with their own attorneys, negotiate any terms, and sign the document well in advance of the wedding date. Agreements signed under time pressure — particularly close to the wedding date — are more vulnerable to challenge on grounds of duress. Starting early also reduces stress during what should be a joyful time.
Working With Mackensen Law
The free initial consultation is a confidential, no-obligation conversation — typically 30 to 45 minutes — in which Logan will listen to your situation, answer your questions, explain your legal options, and give you an honest assessment of your case. You are under no obligation to hire Mackensen Law after the consultation. Logan believes that informed clients make better decisions, and she wants you to have the information you need regardless of whether you choose to work with her.
Mackensen Law typically charges on an hourly basis for litigation and advisory matters, with a retainer collected at the start of representation. Flat-fee arrangements may be available for certain services such as uncontested divorces, prenuptial agreements, and mediation. Logan will discuss fee structures transparently during your initial consultation so there are no surprises. She is mindful of clients' budgets and will always discuss the cost-benefit of any proposed legal action.
No — and that is by design. Mackensen Law is a boutique family law practice. When you hire Logan, you work directly with Logan — not a paralegal or associate. She personally handles every aspect of your case, from strategy to court appearances. This one-on-one approach means you receive individualized attention, consistent communication, and an attorney who truly knows your case inside and out.
Logan Jacobson Mackensen is licensed to practice law in Michigan, Ohio, and California. Her primary practice is in Michigan, where she focuses exclusively on family law matters. Her multi-state licensure gives her a broader perspective on family law issues and can be particularly valuable for clients with cross-state matters.
Logan is known for her responsiveness — it is one of the qualities clients most frequently mention in their reviews. She strives to return all calls and emails within one business day. For urgent matters, she makes herself available outside of normal office hours. You will never feel like just a case number at Mackensen Law.
Service Area
Mackensen Law is based in Birmingham, Michigan — in the heart of Oakland County. We practice family law across Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, Ingham, Genesee, and other counties throughout Michigan. Click any pin on the map to learn more.
Counties We Serve
Home Base
+ Additional counties throughout Michigan by arrangement
Get In Touch
Taking the first step is often the hardest. Reach out today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. Logan will listen to your situation and help you understand your options — with clarity, compassion, and candor.
(248) 600-7700
logan@mackensenlaw.com
600 S Adams, Suite 300
Birmingham, MI 48009
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Evenings & Weekends by appointment
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by contacting us through this website.
All consultations are confidential. Please share as much or as little as you are comfortable with at this stage.
