The Advocate & Solicitor
M. R. Usman (Roll No. 931/2011)

• Year of Admission to the High Court of Malaya - January 2011

• Year of Admission to the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak - October 2011

• Academic Qualifications - Bachelor of Laws, LL.B (Hons) International Islamic University Malaysia

• Trained Collaborative Practice Lawyer

• Certified Mediator - BICAM

• Member - International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

• Member - Sabah Law Society's Subcommittee on Human Rights

• Foundry Member- Acumen Academy (Malaysia Fellow - 2020 Cohort)
  

You Deserve a Different Kind of Divorce

You've built something meaningful — a career, a family, a reputation. Now you're facing one of life's most difficult transitions, and you're wondering: does it have to be a war?

It doesn't.

At Usman & Partners, we believe divorce doesn't have to destroy what matters most. Your children's wellbeing. Your financial security. Your dignity. Your future relationships with the person who will always be your children's other parent.

We practise mediation-first divorce — a process designed to protect not just your assets, but your peace of mind.

Why Mediation First?

Litigation is adversarial by design. It puts you and your spouse on opposite sides of a courtroom, fighting for wins and losses. It's slow, expensive, and often leaves everyone — especially children — with lasting wounds.

Mediation is different. It's a structured conversation, guided by a trained neutral, where you and your spouse make decisions together — about your children, your property, your future. You stay in control. You craft solutions that work for your family, not solutions imposed by a judge who met you an hour ago.

Mediation is faster. Most matters resolve in weeks, not years.

Mediation is private. No public court records except divorce terms. No airing grievances before strangers.

Mediation is cheaper. Significantly. Those savings go to your children's future, not legal fees.

Mediation works. Agreements reached through mediation have higher compliance rates because both parties helped create them.

Your Advocate for Resolution

Mich Usman has spent 15 years in Malaysian courtrooms — including appearances at the Court of Appeal — fighting for clients in complex, high-stakes disputes. She's seen what litigation does to families. She's seen the toll it takes on children caught in the crossfire.

That experience taught her something important: winning in court often means everyone loses something.

Now, as a BICAM-certified mediator and collaborative divorce practitioner, she helps families find another way. A way that protects what matters without the destruction of adversarial litigation.

Her background in human rights law shaped her belief that every person — including every person going through divorce — deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. That principle guides everything we do at Usman & Partners.

When mediation isn't possible, Mich has the litigation experience to protect your interests fiercely. But she'll always explore peaceful resolution first.

Who We Serve

We work with clients who have complex lives and complex assets — business owners, professionals, executives, and individuals with significant property holdings. People for whom divorce involves not just emotions, but intricate financial considerations.

Our clients typically share certain values: they want to protect their children from conflict. They understand that their spouse will remain part of their lives, especially if they share children. They want a resolution that's fair, not a victory that comes at too high a cost.

Complete Discretion

We understand that privacy matters. Your divorce is not public business. From your first consultation to final resolution, we maintain strict confidentiality. Our office is designed for private conversations. Our processes protect your information. Your story stays yours.

In mediation especially, what's discussed in the room stays in the room — it cannot be used in court if mediation doesn't succeed. This protection allows for honest conversation and real problem-solving.

Our Services

Divorce Mediation

A facilitated process where you and your spouse, with the help of a trained mediator, work through the terms of your separation — custody arrangements, asset division, support obligations — and reach agreements that work for your family.

Collaborative Divorce

A team-based approach where each spouse has their own lawyer, but everyone commits to reaching agreement without going to court. Financial specialists and family consultants join the team as needed. This process combines legal advocacy with the cooperative spirit of mediation.

High-Asset Divorce

Complex estates require careful handling — business valuations, property across jurisdictions, investment portfolios, trusts. We have the experience to navigate these complexities while keeping the focus on fair resolution.

Child-Focused Arrangements

Children's needs come first. We help parents create custody and co-parenting arrangements that provide stability, minimise conflict, and allow children to maintain strong relationships with both parents.

How We Work

Initial Consultation — We meet privately to understand your situation, your concerns, and your goals. This conversation is confidential and without obligation.

Assessment — We evaluate whether mediation or collaborative divorce is suitable for your circumstances, or whether litigation may be necessary to protect your interests.

Process — If mediation is right for you, we guide you through structured sessions focused on reaching agreement. If litigation becomes necessary, we represent you with the full force of our courtroom experience.

Resolution — We formalise your agreements into legally binding documents and help you begin the next chapter of your life.

Begin the Conversation

If you're considering divorce — or if you've already decided — and you want to explore a path that protects your family, your assets, and your dignity, we invite you to contact us for a confidential consultation.

The end of a marriage is hard enough. The process doesn't have to make it harder.

There is another way.