Amy M. Spilman
Contact Me:
Practice Areas:
- Contested Divorces
- Custody Cases
- Child Support Disputes
- Paternity
- Appeals
- Spousal Support
- Change of Domicile
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Probate Administration
- Guardianships
- Conservatorships
Biography
Amy M. Spilman specializes in complex litigation in all facets of family law, including divorce, custody, child and spousal support, change of domicile disputes, property division and enforcement, grandparents' rights, and paternity issues. Known for her depth of knowledge of the law, attention to detail and superior writing and advocacy skills, Amy also specializes in family law appeals.
Amy received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan in 1991 and earned her Juris Doctor from the prestigious University of Michigan Law School in 1994. She has been rated AV-Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell since 2012, has been recognized as a SuperLawyer since 2014, as a Leading Lawyer by her peers since 2014, and a Top Lawyer by DBusiness Magazine in 2017. Amy brings over 20 years of family law experience to aggressively and effectively represent her clients and achieve outstanding results. She provides a personalized level of service to each and every client, empowering them with the information and support each needs to make informed decisions every step of the way.
Amy is committed to the elevation and development of the practice of family law and complements her busy caseload with active service in state and local bar associations. Amy was elected to the Family Law Council of the State Bar of Michigan, a 21-member panel whose mission is to provide crucial input and recommendations regarding proposed legislation and court rules, and to promote the legal education of the Bar in family law. Amy serves on the Court Rules and Legislative Committees, and is the co-Editor of the Michigan Family Law Journal, which produces 10 informative issues each year.
Amy is an active member of the Oakland County Bar Association, holding the position of Chair of the Family Court Committee in 2015-2016 and Vice Chair in 2014-2015. She has also served as the Family Court Committee's liaison to the OCBA's Legislative Committee, recommending positions on pending family law related legislation. In 2016, Amy was elected to the board of the Michigan Inter Professional Association on Marriage, Divorce and the Family, a non-profit organization of judges, lawyers and mental health professionals who meet regularly to combine their special skills, knowledge and insights with a goal towards strengthening family life. Amy is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Amy has published several articles on family law matters in the Michigan Family Law Journal and Laches, the Oakland County Bar Association's monthly publication. She is a contributing author, Custody chapter, of the LexisNexis Practice Guide: Michigan Family Law (2016, LexisNexis), and, in addition to other speaking engagements, she most recently moderated the Family Law Update for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education in May 2017.
Education
- The University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- J.D. - 1994
- University of Michigan
- B.A. - 1991
- Honors: With High Distinction
- Major: Political Science
Honors
- Fellow of the Oakland County Bar Foundation
- Michigan SuperLawyer, Family Law, 2014-Present
- Leading Lawyer, Family Law, 2014-Present
- AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell, 2012-Present
- DBusiness Magazine Top Lawyer
- Certificate of Recognition - First Step Legal Clinic for Victims of Domestic Violence
- Certificate of Appreciation, Michigan Court of Appeals, for service to the Court of Appeals Settlement Program
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Fellow
Classes & Seminars
- Family Law Update, Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 2017
- Introduction to Practice - Family Law, Property Division and Economic Issues, Oakland County Bar Association, 2014 to 2016
- Presenter, Domestic Relations Mediator Training, Oakland Mediation Center, 2015
- Kinship Care and Grandparents' Rights, OLHSA Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Program, 2014
- Facilitator - Michigan Court of Appeals Domestic Relations Settlement Program
Pro-Bono Activities
- Oakland County Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Oakland County Probate Court Appointed Guardian Ad Litem
Published Works
- Custody chapter, LexisNexis Practice Guide: Michigan Family Law, LexisNexis, 2016
- Leverage in Litigation, Michigan Family Law Journal, 2016
- Post-Majority Child Support in Michigan: Resurrecting and Redefining the 'Exceptional Circumstances' Clause, Michigan Family Law Journal, 2015
- Post-Judgment Discovery in Domestic Relations Matters, Laches, 2012
Professional Associations
- State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Section
- Oakland County Bar Association, Family Court Committee, Member
- Michigan Inter-Professional Association on Marriage, Divorce and the Family, Member and Trustee
Current Employment Position
- Attorney