A woman in a pink blazer squatting next to a black dog wearing a white collar and a pink and gray striped tie, outdoors near a gray wooden wall.

Hi, I’m lori!

But my cousins call me “LB” or sometimes “Martha”.

I came to the law the long way around — and honestly, I think that makes me a better attorney for it. I grew up as a child of divorced parents, I got married (and divorced) young myself, and started my career in the corporate world (and glad I got out). I went to law school at night - rushing from my 9-5 to my 5-9 (somedays 10) 4 days a week. Somewhere between the spreadsheets and the classrooms, I found exactly where I was supposed to be.

I earned my JD from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2011, interned in the Family Court in Wayne County, and for Justice Marilyn Kelly at the Michigan Supreme Court before briefly moving to Indiana for a few years to work at a small family law focused law firm, where I learned a lot of what to do (and some of what not to do in running a law firm). I made Traverse City my home in 2015 and opened Schmeltzer Law — TC’s Divorce Lawyer - because there is truly no place better (have you seen the Bay??).

My practice is built on a simple belief: family is at the core of everything, and it deserves to be protected. I bring that same conviction to estate planning and small business too — because how you plan for the future, and how you provide for your family matters.

I do not take a cookie-cutter approach, because I believe strongly that each person and family is unique. I listen, I ask questions, and I build a strategy around you — your goals, your budget, and your life. As Mark Twain said, "the secret to getting ahead is getting started" — and I am here to help you do exactly that.

When I am not in the office, you will find me on the water sailing, in the kitchen (hence the “Martha” nickname), or elbow deep in a home improvement project.

I look forward to getting to know you, and helping you write that next chapter.

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The

Team

A woman with long brown hair and tattoos on her arm sitting at a black desk in an office, smiling at the camera. There are two computer monitors, one showing a desktop background and the other displaying an email or document, and a laptop on the desk near a window.

DESTINEE eATON

Paralegal

Destinee is the first voice you will hear when you reach out, and she takes that responsibility to heart. She brings compassion, professionalism, and sharp attention to detail to every interaction — making sure every client feels heard and supported from the very first call.

Destinee joined us in 2023 as our Administrative Assistant and found such passion about the work we do, and the people we serve, she took it a step further by enrolling in and completing her paralegal program in 2025.

Outside of the office, you can find her on the roller derby track — which perhaps explains her ability to stay composed and ready for anything no matter what the day brings.

A black dog with brown eyes sitting on a white chair indoors, wearing a white collar and red striped tie, with potted plants in the background. 
Chief Morale Officer & Greeter

CHARLES P. SCHMELTZER (cHARLIE)

Charles has been an integral part of the the team since 2021 — and he takes his role very seriously. As the firm's Official Office Greeter, Charles is committed to ensuring that every client who walks through the door feels immediately welcomed, at ease, and appreciated. His approach is warm, his enthusiasm is unmatched, and his availability for a good scratch behind the ears is unparalleled.

Charles brings a level of comfort and calm to what can sometimes be a stressful environment — and he has never missed a day of work.