Sam J. Vitale

Litigation and Family Law Attorney

Sam is a member of the Litigation and Family Law practice teams and handles a wide range of commercial and domestic relations matters.

Sam represents individuals and entities in complex commercial litigation, including shareholder oppression claims, breach of contract actions, property disputes, trade secret claims, construction litigation, collection, and landlord/tenant matters. Sam’s expertise in handling intricate legal issues allows him to efficiently and effectively guide clients through the litigation process while protecting their interests and achieving their goals.

In his Family Law practice, Sam helps clients dealing with emotionally charged custody and parenting time issues, as well as complex marital and separate property matters. Sam works to place his clients in a position to succeed at trial, while remaining committed to finding efficient, cost-effective solutions without the need for expensive litigation. He has experience in all matters involving divorce, custody, parenting time, paternity, child support, property settlement, same-sex parenting time agreements, and personal protection orders.

Sam was recently named by Best Lawyers^® as one of the 2021 "Ones to Watch," a designation given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers in recognition of their outstanding professional excellence in private practice.

For more information, please contact Sam Vitale at 248/567-7426 or sjvitale@varnumlaw.com

Family Law

Negotiated settlements of numerous high-conflict divorces, addressing issues of parenting time, custody, child support, property division, retirement benefits, protection of client-owned businesses.

Experience with dealing with child support and spousal support issues arising out of an individual’s cash income and income derived from a sole proprietorship.

Tried cases in Wayne and Oakland County regarding custody, support, parenting time, and asset division.

Handled matters with unique and challenging circumstances, including jurisdictional issues related to changes in a child’s residence, issues of domestic violence and emotional abuse.

Business and Commercial Litigation

Represented owners, contractors, and subcontractors in connection with commercial construction disputes.

Successfully obtained dismissal of former employer’s claim of violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

Successfully defended and/or pursued numerous shareholder and partnership disputes relating to minority interests and shareholder oppression claims, and contract and business tort cases.

Successfully obtained judgment for full balance owed on claim for account stated and an award of attorney’s fees.

Best Lawyers in America^®, Ones to Watch, Family Law, 2021

Michigan Super Lawyers^®, Rising Star since 2013

Oakland County Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

Wayne County Bar Association

Birmingham Community House, Presidential Advisory Committee

Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE), "Divorce Cases with International Issues," program, presented December 12, 2017