How much does it cost to hire Janice for a child custody case?

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

Does Janice offer a free consultation?

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

How long do child custody cases in Michigan typically take?

Simple child custody 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. Janice gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Janice take my case if I'm outside Marshall?

Janice 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 — Janice 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 Janice?

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. Janice will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Janice accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Janice Livesay Stern, Child Custody Attorney in Marshall, Michigan

Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Contracts · 4.5/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews

MemberatSims & Stern PC

Marshall, MI

Practicing child custody in Marshall since 1992.

34+: Years practicing
4.5 ★: 4 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Contracts Criminal Defense Divorce Estate Planning +7 more →

Are you Janice Livesay Stern?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Janice Livesay Stern is a member based in Marshall, MI. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Contracts. Janice has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sims & Stern PC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.

Based in: Marshall, MI
Experience: over 34 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Contracts

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Contracts matters from Marshall, MI.
Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Janice Livesay Stern

Janice concentrates on child custody, child support, contracts, criminal defense, and divorce. Each area below outlines the kind of case Janice handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Marshall, Michigan

Janice takes child custody matters in Marshall, 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 Janice agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Marshall, Michigan

Janice takes child support matters in Marshall, 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 Janice agrees to represent you.

Contracts cases in Marshall, Michigan

Janice takes contracts matters in Marshall, 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 Janice agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Marshall, Michigan

Janice takes criminal defense matters in Marshall, 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 Janice agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Marshall, Michigan

Janice takes divorce matters in Marshall, 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 Janice agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Janice Livesay Stern — Over 34 years of Michigan child custody experience

Janice Livesay Stern is a lawyer practicing family law, criminal law, contracts and 12 other areas of law. Janice received a B.A. degree from Nazareth College in 1987, and has been licensed for 34 years. Janice practices at Sims & Stern PC in Marshall, MI.

How Janice handles child custody matters

The kind of cases Janice takes

Janice reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and contracts matters in Marshall and the surrounding Michigan area.

Credentials

Janice Livesay Stern's legal education and bar admissions

Thomas M. Cooley Law School
J.D. · 1992
Nazareth College
B.A. · 1987

Jurisdictions

Janice's state bar admissions

Michigan
1992 · ACTIVE

Janice studied at J.D. in Thomas M. Cooley Law School and B.A. in Nazareth College.

Law school and academic background

Janice completed J.D. in Thomas M. Cooley Law School and B.A. in Nazareth College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Janice runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Janice Livesay Stern

Janice has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

Janice Livesay Stern's office in Marshall

Janice's primary office is at 13464 Preston Dr., Ste. 200, Marshall, MI, 49068-9683. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Sims & Stern PC

13464 Preston Dr., Ste. 200

Marshall, MI 49068-9683

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Janice Livesay Stern — 4.5/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Janice. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Marshall.

4.5

4 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Janice Livesay Stern claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Janice Livesay Stern — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Janice charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Janice'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; Janice will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Marshall, Michigan

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody 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 Janice

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody 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. Janice confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Janice Livesay Stern

How much does it cost to hire Janice for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Janice walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Janice offer a free consultation?
Janice charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Janice's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Janice's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple child custody 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. Janice gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Janice take my case if I'm outside Marshall?
Janice 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 — Janice 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 Janice?
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. Janice will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Janice accepting new child custody clients right now?
Janice's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Marshall, Detroit and Grand Rapids in Michigan

Janice handles child custody matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Janice's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Marshall handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.