Margaret J. Nichols

Designated as a “Super Lawyer”

AV rated by Martindale Hubbell for ethical standards and legal ability

Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and Michigan Chapter President, 2005–2006

Charter member, Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan

Past chair: Family Law Council of the State Bar of Michigan, the Washtenaw County Bar Association and the WCBA Friend of the Court Liaison Committee

“Good legal representation is based on trust and cooperation between client and attorney. My goal is to resolve family disputes conscientiously and, if possible, amicably, using whatever level of cooperation exists between the partners.”

Beginning with the first interview, Margaret (Margo) Nichols guides clients toward a better understanding of the legal system and selection of the best resolution process to meet their needs. As the matter proceeds, Margo explores with sensitivity all the details that relate to provisions for children, spousal support, and division of property. Her clients are integrally involved in the design and execution of a settlement strategy and take ownership in the outcome.

Margo is a skilled practitioner in all options for resolution, including mediation, collaboration, negotiation, and arbitration. Experienced in the analysis and litigation of complex domestic relations issues, she is committed to offering her clients the opportunity to preserve their autonomy and dignity though less adversarial, more collaborative processes.

Active in community and professional organizations, Margo is President of the Michigan State Bar Foundation and served as past president of the Alzheimer’s Association, South Central Michigan Chapter. Margo served two terms as American Bar Association Commissioner on Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA) and serves on the Board of the National Association of IOLTA Programs.

The Association for Conflict Resolution has granted Margo practitioner status. She is also a member of the International Association of Collaborative Practice, the Association for Conflict Resolution, and the Family Mediation Council.

To schedule a confidential consultation, call (734) 994-3000 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Testimonials

"The only time I was anxious about my divorce was before I met Margo. She set me at ease, gave me good advice, and always made sure I was comfortable with all the details and decisions. She made the mediation process much easier than I ever imagined." Mother of 1, Ann Arbor

"I couldn't have done better in the choice of a legal team or in the final results. I appreciated how respectful you were of my opinions and how quickly you acted when the ball was in your court." Single woman, Ann Arbor

"You took what was, to us, a complicated and scary process and made it clear and (almost) painless. Your kindness, humor and words of encouragement were more helpful than you probably know." Couple describing their prenuptial agreement process, Ann Arbor

“[My wife] and I remain friends and are in a much better position to take on the inevitable problems—like parenting our adult children—we will have to face.” Psychologist, Ann Arbor

“I want to thank you for all you have done for me. I have come out of this in much better shape than many women do. And I appreciate the way you have handled both yourself and me through it all.” Mother of 2, Ann Arbor

“I was particularly impressed with how Margo handled the meeting with the mediator, opposing counsel, and my husband and I. She knew exactly when to push forward and when to pull back. I was very pleased with the outcome and the process.” Mother of 1, Ann Arbor