Lodato, Joseph

I began my legal career practicing employment discrimination and personal injury law in Saginaw, Michigan.  I then moved to Grand Rapids with my husband and began practicing family law with DAWN.  Although I initially did not begin my career focusing on this area of practice, I have found it truly rewarding.

In many cases, a divorce or a custody dispute can be a difficult and an emotionally-trying time for all of the parties involved.  I have found that it can be especially difficult for women, who have devoted their lives to their family and, at first, view the divorce as something that will turn their world upside down.  While my job is to achieve the best results possible in a client's case, another aspect of my job is to help my clients realize that, although the divorce is ending one chapter of their lives, a new beginning is in the near future.  I strive to help my clients to move forward with their lives and, in fact, the most rewarding part of my job is watching the transformation that occurs in my clients as their self-esteem, confidence and independence grow.  It is truly amazing to witness these women realize their full potential and become content, if not excited, with their new place in life.