Family Law

• Divorce
  In divorce law, many decisions must be made that will impact your entire family, and those issues are often contentious and complex. It is critical to have an experienced divorce attorney on your side to assist you in making informed decisions. Our team of divorce lawyers in Livingston County can counsel you about your options and aggressively protect your interests and those of your children.
• Child Support
  Child support is an important element of any parenting plan, making sure that financial responsibilities are clearly defined and understood. It's not just about monthly payments but also about covering additional expenses related to your children's upbringing, such as education, healthcare, and after-school activities. An in-depth discussion about child support, overseen by a knowledgeable family law attorney, can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts down the line.
• Child Custody and Visitation
  When couples end their marriage or relationship, their parenting time is often divided. How much time they have to spend with their children is outlined in a child custody agreement. In Michigan, the court can give two types of child custody, these include sole custody and joint custody.
• Adoption
• Paternity
  Establishing paternity is an important first step for unwed fathers in Michigan who are looking to assert their parental rights and forge a bond with their children. This process not only allows fathers to be a part of their children's lives legally, but also allows children to benefit from the support of both parents. In a world where family dynamics are diverse, understanding the nuances of paternity law is more important than ever.
• Premarital Agreement
  Prenuptial agreements may not be the most romantic topic, but they can provide peace of mind for both partners. Harris & Literski, our family law attorneys help clients create prenuptial agreements to protect their assets and set clear expectations for their future together. Here’s why a prenup can be a wise choice.
• Guardianship
• Spousal Support
  Think about what matters most. Are you focused on custody arrangements, spousal support, or keeping certain assets? A divorce attorney can help you prioritize, set realistic expectations, and understand potential compromises.
• Child Abuse

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  The Law Offices of Harris & Literski for up-to-date and relevant content that matters to you. We regularly update you with the latest information, useful tips, and expert perspectives. Explore a variety of topics, from legal trends to practical advice, crafted to keep you informed. Whether you're seeking guidance on family law, criminal defense, or more, our articles aim to provide valuable insights.
• DUI/DWI
  If you've ever found yourself on the wrong side of a DUI or DWI charge, you know it's no walk in the park. Here in Michigan, impaired driving laws are strict, and the penalties can be life-altering. Understanding these penalties is crucial, whether you're facing a first offense or grappling with the repercussions of a third strike.
• Wrongful Death
  The attorneys at the Law Offices of Harris & Literski provide advice and representation to a range of clients, from individuals and couples to businesses and municipalities. We routinely work with individuals who are seeking assistance and advice for divorce and custody matters, and we are experienced criminal defense lawyers who represent both adults and juveniles charged with misdemeanor or felony crimes. Our lawyers have also recovered millions of dollars in compensation in personal injury and wrongful death litigation. Our practice also encompasses estate law and civil litigation.
• Traffic Violations
  Why consider someone from Harris and Literski for a traffic stop issue? Because traffic violations can escalate, and having someone who knows the ins and outs can be invaluable. They're not just there for the heavy stuff; even minor infractions can have major implications on your record and your wallet.
• Sex Crimes
  A felony is considered a serious crime. These offenses typically result in severe consequences, including long-term imprisonment. Examples of felonies include murder, assault and battery, rape and other degrees of criminal sexual conduct, burglary, and other high-level illegal drug-related offenses.
• Burglary
• White Collar Crimes
• Theft
• Misdemeanors
  Understanding the legal terms that apply to your situation is crucial, especially when facing criminal charges. At Harris and Literski, we're committed to providing you with the information you need to navigate these complex situations. In this blog, we’ll discuss the differences between felonies and misdemeanors—two classifications that can significantly impact your future.
• Drug Crimes
  We routinely handle drunk driving and drug charges. We also defend domestic violence cases as part of our family law and divorce practices, countering criminal charges of domestic battery and fighting personal protection orders.
• Assault
  Misdemeanors are less severe crimes compared to felonies. They usually involve shorter jail sentences and smaller fines. Examples of misdemeanors include petty theft, simple assault, public intoxication, and a first or second DUI offense.
• Murder
  Criminal courts in Michigan handle cases where someone is accused of committing a crime. Crimes are considered offenses against the state or society as a whole, which is why the government, not the victim, brings charges against the defendant. These cases can range from minor offenses like shoplifting to more serious crimes such as assault or even murder.
• Shoplifting

Business and Corporate Law

• Business Disputes
  Contract disputes can disrupt businesses and personal relationships, so it is crucial to address them promptly and effectively. An experienced civil litigation attorney can help navigate these disputes and seek a fair resolution.
• Business Transactions
  John K. Harris is the founding member of the Law Offices of Harris & Literski. He has been practicing law in Livingston County for over 45 years and enjoys the practice of law as much today as when first sworn in in 1978. As a general practitioner in a relatively small but growing community, John provides excellent service to clients on a wide range of legal issues. His primary focus is on wills, estate planning, trusts and probate litigation, with a special emphasis on family law, business transactions, and civil litigation.

Employment Law

• Wrongful Termination
  Employment disputes arise from conflicts between employers and employees, including issues like wrongful termination, discrimination, and wage disputes.
• Employment Litigation
  Employment disputes can significantly impact your career and financial stability. Whether you are an employee seeking justice or an employer defending against claims, a skilled civil litigation attorney can help you navigate the complexities of employment law.

Property Law

• Real Estate Litigation
  At the Law Offices of Harris & Literski, we represent both plaintiffs and defendants involved in a wide range of civil and commercial litigation matters. Our litigation experience includes representing clients with real estate disputes, breach of contract actions, construction litigation, and municipal litigation.
• Construction Litigation
• Land Use and Zoning
• Landlord-Tenant Disputes
• Property Damage
  Moving swiftly on the offensive front, your assigned personal injury attorney will present your case aggressively to the insurance company. When facing combat from their end, we are not afraid to escalate if it means that our clients receive the best possible deal, and our trial lawyers are ready to go to court if necessary. Throughout this process, we strive for a high level of personal service and compassion, assisting clients with property damage claims, first-party medical benefits, and other pressing issues.

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  Finding the right lawyer can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with a legal issue that could significantly impact your life. Whether you’re facing a criminal charge, a family law dispute, or need help with a personal injury case, choosing the right legal representation is crucial.
• Medical Malpractice
  This is where the expertise of a Michigan personal injury lawyer comes in handy. The lawyers of the Law Offices of Harris & Literski can determine what your case is worth and maximize your settlement for damages. Unlike other personal injury law firms, we have decades of experience dealing with legal matters relating to personal injury cases. This can include medical malpractice, adjusting insurance claims, and more. Since 1985, we have recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of clients in Livingston County and surrounding areas of Michigan.
• Auto Accidents
• Dog Bites
• Slip and Fall Injury

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  Estate planning isn't just for the ultra-wealthy or those thinking about retirement. It's a crucial step for anyone wanting to ensure their wishes are honored and their loved ones are taken care of. We have seen firsthand in our practice how a well-crafted estate plan can ease the burden on families during difficult times. Let's dive into what you should be discussing with your estate planning attorney to make sure you're covered.
• Wills
  One of the biggest differences between wills and trusts is how they handle probate. Wills must go through probate, which can be lengthy and costly. Trusts, on the other hand, avoid probate, allowing for a faster, more private distribution of assets.
• Trusts
  We once had clients, a lovely couple, who thought they had everything sorted with a simple will they found online. But when we dug deeper, we uncovered complexities with their family business and a special needs trust needed for their son. Their "simple" will was a leaky life raft at best.
• Power of Attorney
  In addition to planning for your eventual passing, estate planning also involves preparing for the possibility of incapacity. By creating documents such as a durable power of attorney and healthcare directive, you can designate someone to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself. This ensures that your affairs are handled according to your wishes, even if you are unable to communicate them.
• Probate

Finance Law

• Tax Law
  Trusts can provide advantages in tax planning and asset protection. They can help minimize estate taxes and protect assets from creditors.