JESSICA WOLL


With more than 25 years of family law experience, including her knowledge of crisis counseling, Jessica Woll is expertly qualified to guide her clients through the tumultuous experience of divorce and custody disputes. Her finesse at combining knowledge of the many facets of the law, with equal parts compassion, creativity and tenacity, has made her a formidable champion for her clients. Jessica is also a fierce advocate for the well-being of children and her mantra for divorcing parents to “remain child-centric at all times” has helped her clients to remember to keep the best interests of their children in the forefront.

In addition to her law degree from Wayne State University, Jessica holds a degree from the University of Michigan in International Relations and Economic Development, and has lived abroad in England, Japan and Thailand. Her love of travel and experiencing the many cultures of the world has given her a unique perspective both professionally and as an active member of the diverse community that makes up Metro Detroit. These skills have propelled Jessica to the forefront of her field.
April 3, 2020
Published by JESSICA WOLL on April 3, 2020
Categories

Divorce Wisdom: Helping Your Children Find Balance and Purpose During Shelter-In-Place

A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog about the importance of co-parenting effectively in high conflict divorce cases, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.  As always, remaining child-centric℠ regarding all decisions impacting your children, should be first and foremost on both parent’s minds. Remaining child-centric℠ does not only apply to high conflict parenting situations; it applies to all matters that affect our minor children.  The closing of schools was announced today, in Michigan.  In light of this development, remaining child-focused applies to all families as they work to navigate this strange time.  I, myself, have a very active 14-year-old […]
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March 17, 2020
Published by JESSICA WOLL on March 17, 2020
Categories

Divorce Wisdom: Co-Parenting During a Crisis: How Divorced Parents Should Work Together to Keep Their Children Safe, in Light of COVID-19

If ever a time exists when you need to present a unified front with your ex for the sake of the safety of your children, the time is now. However, divorced couples are often not on the same page when it comes to parenting their children. Now, more than ever, is the time to flip that script. So, how can you and your ex work together to keep your kids safe? Crisis Resolutions to Live By: Remain “child-centric” at all times. Child-centric means putting your child’s needs above your own, at all times. If possible, get a firm commitment from […]
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January 14, 2019
Published by JESSICA WOLL on January 14, 2019
Categories

Divorce Wisdom: Give 2019 Your Best Self

Happy 2019: I have written many times about resolutions for the New Year, that are designed to promote better co-parenting with your ex-spouse. It’s an important topic for you and your children, all the time, but for most of us, the start of a new year is the time when we give pause and reflect on how to be better versions of ourselves. Regardless of how you feel about your former husband or wife, the two of you can agree on the fact that you love the children, the two of you brought into the world together, more than anything. […]
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April 17, 2018
Published by JESSICA WOLL on April 17, 2018
Categories

Divorce Wisdom: The Choice

There are always times when you must make a choice in how you interact with your ex, when you share a child. In these times, you can choose restraint and take a higher road, when it comes to co-parenting, or you can let yourself be driven by your frustration with all of your ex’s traits that probably contributed to your split. The latter choice is never good for your children and it certainly isn’t good for you. Your ex is an ex most likely because he or she frustrated you and eventually made you angry to the point of no […]
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Read more
March 14, 2017
Published by JESSICA WOLL on March 14, 2017
Categories

Divorce Wisdom: Telling Your Tween or Teen About Your Divorce

I always tell my clients that a unified parental front is the best way to break the news of a divorce to a child of any age, if possible. If possible, telling your child about the impending divorce together is always best, so long as it can be done in a calm, civilized and cooperative manner. The word “we” should be used generously during the conversation, even if the decision to divorce was decided by only one of the parents. “We love you” and “this decision has nothing to do with you” are two phrases that cannot be stated enough […]
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Read more
March 14, 2017
Published by JESSICA WOLL on March 14, 2017
Categories

Divorce Wisdom: Take Care During a Divorce

Filing for divorce is one of the most confusing, painful decisions that can occur in your life. It is so important from the very beginning, after the filing of the action, to give yourself permission to really feel your feelings, whatever they may be, and to give yourself time and space to engage in behavior that will lead to a happier outcome for you down the road. So, when you feel like crying inconsolably, let yourself really belt out a good cry in a safe place, either alone, or with a supportive friend or therapist, and leave any judgmental people out […]
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Read more
January 30, 2017
Published by JESSICA WOLL on January 30, 2017
Categories

Divorce Wisdom: You’ve Decided to File for Divorce: 5 Tips to Help You Through the Process

So, you have decided to file for divorce. Here are some tips to make this difficult journey a little easier: Be an adult and tell your spouse that you are going to file for divorce: If you are flying solo with the decision to end your marriage, be up front with your spouse about the decision. Your partner should hear about your decision to file for divorce directly from you and not a third party.  How you handle the early rounds of the process may have a big impact on how smoothly your case will go, in general. If you […]
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December 8, 2016
Published by JESSICA WOLL on December 8, 2016
Categories

Divorce Wisdom: Parenting Time Schedules: A Child-centric Approach

When it comes to custody and parenting time, our judges are tasked with the responsibility to act in the best interest of the minor children whose well-being is often dependent on the outcome of their parents’ custody disputes. There has been a movement in our courts toward the presumption that, if a couple is getting divorced, they should share time with their children, equally.  Beginning a divorce action with an award of equal time to each parent gives little to no consideration for what is truly best for the child. What adds to the problem is the fact that, after […]
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May 16, 2016
Published by JESSICA WOLL on May 16, 2016
Categories

Divorce Wisdom: Taking the First Steps Down the Right Path

Everyone knows that divorce is one of the most traumatic life experiences a person can go through.  In my last blog, I wrote about six practices to follow on a daily basis, in order to find peace during a divorce.  I think these same practices should be followed by anyone even contemplating divorce, as well.  I would like to include a few additional thoughts to help you to mentally prepare and arm yourself for the arduous process of divorce, or for the difficult task of healing a bruised marriage, so that you may come out on the other side with […]
Do you like it?
Read more
April 3, 2020
Published by JESSICA WOLL on April 3, 2020
Categories

Divorce Wisdom: Helping Your Children Find Balance and Purpose During Shelter-In-Place

A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog about the importance of co-parenting effectively in high conflict divorce cases, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.  As always, remaining child-centric℠ regarding all decisions impacting your children, should be first and foremost on both parent’s minds. Remaining child-centric℠ does not only apply to high conflict parenting situations; it applies to all matters that affect our minor children.  The closing of schools was announced today, in Michigan.  In light of this development, remaining child-focused applies to all families as they work to navigate this strange time.  I, myself, have a very active 14-year-old […]
Do you like it?
Read more
March 17, 2020
Published by JESSICA WOLL on March 17, 2020
Categories

Divorce Wisdom: Co-Parenting During a Crisis: How Divorced Parents Should Work Together to Keep Their Children Safe, in Light of COVID-19

If ever a time exists when you need to present a unified front with your ex for the sake of the safety of your children, the time is now. However, divorced couples are often not on the same page when it comes to parenting their children. Now, more than ever, is the time to flip that script. So, how can you and your ex work together to keep your kids safe? Crisis Resolutions to Live By: Remain “child-centric” at all times. Child-centric means putting your child’s needs above your own, at all times. If possible, get a firm commitment from […]
Do you like it?
Read more
January 14, 2019
Published by JESSICA WOLL on January 14, 2019
Categories

Divorce Wisdom: Give 2019 Your Best Self

Happy 2019: I have written many times about resolutions for the New Year, that are designed to promote better co-parenting with your ex-spouse. It’s an important topic for you and your children, all the time, but for most of us, the start of a new year is the time when we give pause and reflect on how to be better versions of ourselves. Regardless of how you feel about your former husband or wife, the two of you can agree on the fact that you love the children, the two of you brought into the world together, more than anything. […]
Do you like it?
Read more
April 17, 2018
Published by JESSICA WOLL on April 17, 2018
Categories

Divorce Wisdom: The Choice

There are always times when you must make a choice in how you interact with your ex, when you share a child. In these times, you can choose restraint and take a higher road, when it comes to co-parenting, or you can let yourself be driven by your frustration with all of your ex’s traits that probably contributed to your split. The latter choice is never good for your children and it certainly isn’t good for you. Your ex is an ex most likely because he or she frustrated you and eventually made you angry to the point of no […]
Do you like it?
Read more
March 14, 2017
Published by JESSICA WOLL on March 14, 2017
Categories

Divorce Wisdom: Telling Your Tween or Teen About Your Divorce

I always tell my clients that a unified parental front is the best way to break the news of a divorce to a child of any age, if possible. If possible, telling your child about the impending divorce together is always best, so long as it can be done in a calm, civilized and cooperative manner. The word “we” should be used generously during the conversation, even if the decision to divorce was decided by only one of the parents. “We love you” and “this decision has nothing to do with you” are two phrases that cannot be stated enough […]
Do you like it?
Read more
March 14, 2017
Published by JESSICA WOLL on March 14, 2017
Categories

Divorce Wisdom: Take Care During a Divorce

Filing for divorce is one of the most confusing, painful decisions that can occur in your life. It is so important from the very beginning, after the filing of the action, to give yourself permission to really feel your feelings, whatever they may be, and to give yourself time and space to engage in behavior that will lead to a happier outcome for you down the road. So, when you feel like crying inconsolably, let yourself really belt out a good cry in a safe place, either alone, or with a supportive friend or therapist, and leave any judgmental people out […]
Do you like it?
Read more
January 30, 2017
Published by JESSICA WOLL on January 30, 2017
Categories

Divorce Wisdom: You’ve Decided to File for Divorce: 5 Tips to Help You Through the Process

So, you have decided to file for divorce. Here are some tips to make this difficult journey a little easier: Be an adult and tell your spouse that you are going to file for divorce: If you are flying solo with the decision to end your marriage, be up front with your spouse about the decision. Your partner should hear about your decision to file for divorce directly from you and not a third party.  How you handle the early rounds of the process may have a big impact on how smoothly your case will go, in general. If you […]
Do you like it?
Read more
December 8, 2016
Published by JESSICA WOLL on December 8, 2016
Categories

Divorce Wisdom: Parenting Time Schedules: A Child-centric Approach

When it comes to custody and parenting time, our judges are tasked with the responsibility to act in the best interest of the minor children whose well-being is often dependent on the outcome of their parents’ custody disputes. There has been a movement in our courts toward the presumption that, if a couple is getting divorced, they should share time with their children, equally.  Beginning a divorce action with an award of equal time to each parent gives little to no consideration for what is truly best for the child. What adds to the problem is the fact that, after […]
Do you like it?
Read more
May 16, 2016
Published by JESSICA WOLL on May 16, 2016
Categories

Divorce Wisdom: Taking the First Steps Down the Right Path

Everyone knows that divorce is one of the most traumatic life experiences a person can go through.  In my last blog, I wrote about six practices to follow on a daily basis, in order to find peace during a divorce.  I think these same practices should be followed by anyone even contemplating divorce, as well.  I would like to include a few additional thoughts to help you to mentally prepare and arm yourself for the arduous process of divorce, or for the difficult task of healing a bruised marriage, so that you may come out on the other side with […]
Do you like it?
Read more
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