Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C.
- Nilufa Yeasmin
- Aug 7
- 6 min read
Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C., also known as SMDA, is a Michigan law firm that helps everyday people with real-life legal problems. They have a team of lawyers who are not just experienced, but also kind, honest, and down-to-earth.
The firm is based in Michigan and has been serving clients for many years. Whether you’re dealing with something stressful like a divorce, or just need help planning for the future with a will, they’re ready to help. And they don’t use confusing legal talk. They explain things in a way that makes sense.
A Law Firm That Feels Like Family
Working with SMDA doesn’t feel like you’re walking into a cold law office. People say they feel welcomed from the very first call. The staff is friendly, respectful, and easy to talk to. They care about their clients and take time to listen.
Instead of rushing you through a meeting, they slow down and explain your choices clearly. You always know what’s happening with your case, and you’ll never be left in the dark. That kind of personal care is why so many people return to them for other legal needs over the years.
Legal Services They Offer
Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C. offers help with many different types of legal problems. Below are the areas they focus on.
Family Legal Support and Divorce Help
Family law is one of the most personal types of legal work. It deals with major life changes—divorce, custody, parenting time, and support. SMDA knows these topics can be painful, so they handle them with care and compassion.
Their lawyers help people through:
Divorce agreements
Child custody issues
Visitation schedules
Parenting plans
Child and spousal support
They focus on solutions that protect your children and help you move forward. And if you’re going through a tough breakup, they make sure your rights are protected.
Legal Planning for Seniors and Medicaid Assistance
When you have aging parents or are getting older yourself, planning for the future becomes important. SMDA works with families to make sure long-term care needs are met—without draining savings or losing homes.
They handle:
Medicaid planning
Nursing home care questions
Power of attorney documents
Legal guardianship
Estate transfers and asset protection
Their team walks you through every option, and helps your family stay prepared.
Debt Relief and Bankruptcy Services
Financial stress is something many people face. SMDA doesn’t judge anyone. Instead, they help people wipe the slate clean. Whether it’s a medical bill, credit card debt, or something else, they’ll explain your options in plain English.
They help with:
Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Chapter 13 repayment plans
Credit counseling
Negotiating with creditors
Foreclosure prevention
Bankruptcy is a fresh start, and SMDA makes the process as smooth as possible. They’re here to lift some of the weight off your shoulders.
Injury Cases and Accident Compensation
When you’ve been hurt in an accident, it’s not just about pain—it’s also about money, lost work, and medical bills. SMDA helps people who’ve been injured get compensation to cover the costs.
They handle injury cases such as:
Car crashes
Motorcycle accidents
Slip and falls
Dog bites
Workplace injuries
They deal with the insurance companies, so you can focus on healing. And they only get paid if you win.
Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning Services
Thinking ahead is one of the best gifts you can give your family. SMDA helps people set up legal plans for the future, so their wishes are clear and their families are protected.
They help you prepare:
Wills
Living trusts
Healthcare directives
Durable power of attorney
Special needs trusts
You don’t have to be wealthy to need an estate plan. It’s about giving your loved ones peace of mind, and SMDA can help you get everything in order.
Support for Veterans and Military Families
Veterans and military families face unique legal challenges, especially when it comes to healthcare, benefits, and long-term planning. SMDA is proud to serve those who have served.
They help veterans and their families with:
VA benefits
Long-term care planning
Guardianships for disabled vets
Discharge upgrades
Legal documents for surviving spouses
Their team understands these matters deeply and treats every veteran with honor and care.
Flexible Legal Services Online and In-Person
SMDA knows not everyone can take off work to drive to an office. That’s why they offer legal help in multiple ways. You can meet with a lawyer in person, talk by phone, or even use Zoom for a virtual meeting.
Whether you live near their office or not, they make it easy to get legal help.
Offices in Several Locations Across Michigan
SMDA has multiple offices throughout Michigan. This makes it easier for people across the state to meet with them in person. Their offices are located in:
Sterling Heights
Clinton Township
Livonia
Troy
Each location has staff ready to answer questions and set up appointments that fit your schedule.
Fair Fees and Clear Pricing
Legal help doesn’t have to cost a fortune. One thing clients appreciate is that SMDA is upfront about costs. They explain their fees clearly, and many times offer payment plans to make services more affordable.
You’ll never be hit with surprise bills. They go over everything with you in advance so you feel confident moving forward.
Real Testimonials From Clients
Hearing what others say can make all the difference when choosing a law firm. Here are more real stories from people who worked with SMDA:
“My husband and I were completely overwhelmed with bills after he lost his job. SMDA helped us file Chapter 13. It was scary at first, but they explained everything and made it doable. We got to keep our house!”
“I didn’t know where to start with estate planning. But the lawyer at SMDA explained every option and helped us set up wills and a trust. Now I feel like my family is protected no matter what happens.”
“After my car accident, I was stuck in bed and dealing with insurance calls every day. SMDA took over my case, and I finally got the money I needed to pay my bills. I’m so thankful they were in my corner.”
A Team That Builds Trust
It’s clear that SMDA puts people first. Many clients say they’ve worked with the same lawyer at SMDA for years. Others say they were referred by a friend or family member. That kind of trust isn’t earned overnight—it comes from years of showing up, helping, and doing good work.
When you work with SMDA, you’re not just getting legal help. You’re building a relationship with someone who truly wants what’s best for you.
A Long-Term Legal Partner
Life changes. One day you’re getting married. Years later, you may be helping a parent move into a care home. Then maybe you need a will, or you face a financial hardship. SMDA is the kind of law firm that can walk with you through all of that.
They aren’t just there for one case. They’re the kind of firm you can turn to anytime life throws something unexpected your way.
Education and Empowerment
SMDA doesn’t just handle cases. They believe in educating their clients. Whether you’re reading a brochure, watching one of their videos, or sitting in their office, they take the time to help you understand your legal rights.
They believe that the more you know, the better choices you can make. And that’s something that really sets them apart.
What to Expect at Your First Meeting
If you’ve never worked with a lawyer before, it’s normal to feel nervous. But SMDA makes that first visit easy. Here’s what usually happens:
You tell your story.
They ask a few questions to understand the situation.
They explain your legal options.
You get time to think things over—no pressure.
Everything is private and respectful. And there’s no obligation to move forward if you’re not ready.
Helping People, Not Just Cases
It’s worth saying again—SMDA cares about people. Whether you’re dealing with the stress of debt, a major injury, or a big family change, they understand what you’re going through.
You’ll never feel like “just a number.” They treat everyone with kindness, patience, and respect.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C. is more than a law firm—they’re a trusted partner for life’s biggest moments. With offices across Michigan and a team that truly cares, they’ve built a strong reputation for helping people with compassion and honesty.
Whether you’re dealing with divorce, an injury, elder care, or money troubles, they’re ready to help—and they’ll treat you like family while doing it. SMDA makes legal help feel possible, even when life feels hard.
If you’re looking for a law firm that listens, explains, and truly shows up for you, Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates is a name worth remembering.
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