Top Divorce Attorneys in Detroit, Michigan

Divorce lawyers in Detroit handle complex cases in one of Michigan's busiest family courts. The Wayne County Circuit Court processes thousands of divorce filings each year. Michigan's no-fault law means you do not need to prove wrongdoing to file. But fault still matters for property division and spousal support. The attorneys listed below have strong records in Detroit family law cases. Review their profiles and find the right fit for your situation.

Our team evaluates Detroit Divorce Lawyers on credentials, track record, and client reviews to help you find a good fit.

  • Bar standing and public disciplinary history review
  • Documented case results and courtroom trial experience
  • Peer recognition within the legal community
  • Client reviews, communication, and responsiveness
  • Aggregate satisfaction signals from independent sources

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

Best-Rated Detroit Family Law Lawyers for Every Situation

Screenshot of the McAvoy & Reid Website
19200 Ecorse Rd #102, Allen Park, MI 48101, USA

McAvoy & Reid is a Wayne County and Downriver divorce law firm based in Allen Park. The attorneys have represented clients in the metro Detroit area since 2003. They handle divorce, custody and support, bankruptcy, probate, estate planning, and real estate matters.

Christopher McAvoy holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Michigan State University, with more than 20 years of legal experience. Christina M. Reid graduated magna cum laude from Cooley Law School and focuses on probate, trust administration, estate planning, and bankruptcy.

The firm has handled thousands of cases and emphasizes practical solutions without unnecessary drama. Consultations are available in person or by Zoom. The office sits near Taylor and Southgate, with easy access from Lincoln Park, Riverview, Trenton, Brownstown, Romulus, Dearborn, and Dearborn Heights.

Screenshot of the Shimek Law Firm, PLLC Website
20300 Superior Rd Ste 123, Taylor, MI 48180, USA

Shimek Law Firm, PLLC serves clients across Wayne, Washtenaw, Oakland, and Monroe Counties from its Taylor office. The team handles contested and uncontested divorce, child custody, parenting time, and child support cases throughout southeast Michigan.

Beyond family law matters, the attorneys also represent clients in adoption, personal bankruptcy, guardianship and conservatorship, probate administration, and personal injury cases. The firm uses negotiation, mediation, and other out-of-court options when possible to keep costs down, but is prepared to litigate when those options fall short.

Shimek Law offers free initial consultations and flexible payment plans. Clients get regular updates and prompt responses to calls and emails. The attorneys can meet in person, by phone, or by video conference depending on what works best for each situation.

Screenshot of the FasTrack Divorce Website
28806 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067, USA

FasTrack Divorce is a Royal Oak-based divorce firm built around flat-fee pricing and mediation. The team serves Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Livonia, and the greater Detroit area, with a second office in Birmingham.

The FasTrack method is designed to move cases from complaint to judgment efficiently, avoiding drawn-out litigation. Attorneys focus on mediation, uncontested divorce, legal separation, custody agreements, and alimony. The firm also offers a qualified flat fee, so clients know the cost upfront.

Mary Anne leads the team and treats divorce as a reorganization of the family rather than its destruction. The approach works best for couples open to resolving issues without trial, though the firm can guide clients through contested matters as well. Free initial consultations are available.

Screenshot of the The Nunley Law Group, PLLC Website
21929 Harper Ave, St Clair Shores, MI 48080, USA

The Nunley Law Group, PLLC handles family law, criminal defense, and Social Security disability cases from its St. Clair Shores office. Attorneys Royce A. Nunley, Joshua Hadley, and Mary Cantin cover contested and uncontested divorce, child custody and parenting plans, child support, spousal support, domestic violence, mediation, paternity, and post-judgment modifications.

The group also prepares prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. On the criminal side, the firm defends charges ranging from drunk driving and drug crimes to assault, theft, and white-collar offenses.

Screenshot of the The Mitten Law Firm, PLC Website
13615 Northline Rd, Southgate, MI 48195, USA

The Mitten Law Firm, PLC is a Downriver practice in Southgate serving Wayne and Monroe Counties. The firm handles divorce and custody disputes, bankruptcy, and estate planning, with each case getting individualized attention.

The team has been referenced in publications including Forbes, Fortune, and the New York Post on topics such as bankruptcy and family law. Free consultations are available, and the firm also takes on Michigan car accident cases.

Screenshot of the Eisenberg & Spilman, PLLC Website
600 S Adams Rd # 100, Birmingham, MI 48009, USA

Eisenberg & Spilman, PLLC is a Birmingham, Michigan family law firm serving clients throughout the metro Detroit area. Attorneys Laura E. Eisenberg, Amy M. Spilman, Mekel Sebestyen Miller, and Emily D. Hessenthaler practice exclusively in family law.

Practice areas include divorce and separation, gray divorce, high-asset divorce, hidden asset investigations, business valuations, child custody, child support, grandparents' rights, parenting time, paternity, prenuptial agreements, property and debt division, and spousal support. The firm also takes on appellate work, post-judgment modification, and enforcement matters.

Laura Eisenberg has been peer-selected as a Leading Lawyer, and the firm is well recognized among peers in the Michigan family law community. Eisenberg & Spilman also handles international jurisdictional matters and mediation and arbitration.

Screenshot of the The Gucciardo Law Firm Website
30700 Telegraph Rd #1580, Bingham Farms, MI 48025, USA

The Gucciardo Law Firm is a family law practice in Bingham Farms serving Oakland County and the surrounding region. Founder Renée K. Gucciardo graduated from Michigan State University in 1989 and Cooley Law School in 1992, then worked as an Assistant Oakland County Prosecutor from 1993 to 1998 before moving into family law.

Renée and attorney Ron Tolbert handle divorce, property settlement, custody, step-parent adoption, child support, parenting time, post-judgment modifications, and paternity. Cases are resolved through mediation, arbitration, or trial, depending on what fits the situation. Renée has been named a Michigan Super Lawyer.

Screenshot of the Hermiz Law Website
5960 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI 48098, USA

Hermiz Law is a Troy, Michigan practice led by Madana M. Hermiz. The firm handles divorce, child custody, child support, parenting time, paternity, prenuptial agreements, property division, personal protection orders, and spousal support.

Madana also represents clients in high-net-worth divorce cases and offers a dedicated divorce practice for men. The firm serves Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties. Hermiz Law has earned strong client reviews on Google and Avvo, with clients praising the firm's responsiveness and thorough preparation.

Screenshot of the The Law Firm of Hauer & Snover Website
6905 Telegraph Rd, Suite 350, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, USA

The Law Firm of Hauer & Snover has represented men and women in Michigan family matters for more than 40 years. The Bloomfield Hills office handles divorce, child and spousal support, child custody, parenting time, property division, and high-asset cases.

Senior partner Mark Snover practices exclusively in family law and has been named to the Super Lawyers list. The firm has also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Law Firm in Family Law, and attorneys appear on Best Lawyers in America and Leading Lawyers lists. The team works with CPAs and financial advisors on complex property cases.

Screenshot of the Kizy Law Website
29600 Northwestern Hwy #106, Southfield, MI 48034, USA

Kizy Law is a Southfield firm serving Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties. Principal Channelle Kizy-White and attorney Ashleigh Wagner handle divorce, custody, child support, parenting time, paternity, school choice, change of domicile, property and debt division, spousal support, and prenuptial agreements.

The firm also offers mediation and takes on criminal defense matters, including drunk driving, drug crimes, white collar cases, and traffic violations. Free consultations are available.

Screenshot of the Jackman & Kasody PLLC Website
30800 Telegraph Rd #2715, Bingham Farms, MI 48025, USA

Jackman & Kasody PLLC brings more than 60 years of combined family law experience to Oakland County. Wade P. Jackman and Patricia A. Kasody-Coyle handle divorce, complex and high-asset cases, property division, alimony, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and all aspects of post-judgment work.

The firm also covers child custody and parenting time, child support, modifications, PPOs, grandparent visitation, guardianship, adoption, and paternity. Both attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers and negotiators, and the firm has been recognized by the National Association of Family Law Attorneys and Super Lawyers.

Screenshot of the Clos, Russell & Wirth, P.C. Website
35330 Nankin Blvd #702, Westland, MI 48185, USA

Clos, Russell & Wirth, P.C. has served Westland and the Detroit metro area since 1994. Partners Charles E. Clos, Gary A. Russell, and Shannon L. Wirth handle family law, contested and uncontested divorce, collaborative divorce, criminal defense, estate planning, and business matters.

The firm has certified mediators on staff who help resolve divorce disputes, business disagreements, and other negotiations without court battles. Free initial consultations are available, and the firm represents clients across Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, Macomb, and Livingston Counties.

Screenshot of the Pitler Family Law & Mediation, P.C. Website

Pitler Family Law & Mediation, P.C. focuses on amicable divorce solutions throughout southeast Michigan. Randall Pitler has practiced for over 25 years and pioneered the amicable divorce approach in the state.

The firm offers mediation, collaborative divorce, and one-lawyer uncontested divorce, along with flat-fee pricing for qualifying cases. Randall is a court-approved mediator, certified in Collaborative Divorce, and has been named a Super Lawyer. Offices are located in Royal Oak, Novi, Livonia, and Troy. Free 15-minute phone consultations are available.

Screenshot of the Haas & Prokopec Website
21 Kercheval Ave #270, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236, USA

Haas & Prokopec is a Grosse Pointe Farms firm dedicated exclusively to family law. Trish Oleksa Haas, Dawn M. Prokopec, and Kelsey M. Knapp represent clients in Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, and St. Clair Counties.

Practice areas include divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support, paternity, change of domicile, mediation, arbitration, step-parent adoption, post-judgment proceedings, and appeals. The attorneys also appear before the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court.

Screenshot of the Elkouri Heath PLC Website
39555 Orchard Hill Pl #215, Novi, MI 48375, USA

Elkouri Heath PLC is a Novi family law firm serving Oakland County, Wayne County, and the surrounding areas. Attorneys Susan L. Elkouri and Symantha Heath cover divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support, collaborative divorce, military divorce, uncontested divorce, and parent relocation.

The firm also handles adoption, paternity, asset and property division, business protection during divorce, and post-judgment modification and enforcement. Mediation services are available.

Screenshot of the Law Offices of Jeanne M. Frazee Website
31540 Schoolcraft Rd, Livonia, MI 48150, USA

Jeanne M. Frazee has practiced family law exclusively for nearly 30 years from her Livonia office. She represents clients in divorce, child custody, support, parenting time, paternity, separation, alimony, and marital property division.

Frazee uses mediation and negotiation when possible but has the trial experience to take cases to court. She has been named to the Super Lawyers list and belongs to several bar associations, including the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan and the Wayne County Family Law Bar Association.

Screenshot of the The Livonia Sikorski Law Firm Website

The Livonia Sikorski Law Firm offers affordable legal representation with flexible payment options. Practice areas cover family law, bankruptcy, and criminal defense for clients across western Wayne County.

Screenshot of the Stephen A. Thomas, PLC Website
19120 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48223, USA

Stephen A. Thomas, PLC serves Detroit families with 35+ years of legal experience. The firm handles estate planning and family law matters at affordable rates.

Screenshot of the James E. Brittain PLC Website
20600 Eureka Rd #620, Taylor, MI 48180, USA

James E. Brittain PLC is a Taylor, MI practice with over 10 years of experience. The firm represents clients in divorce, personal injury, and criminal defense matters across the Downriver area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Detroit?

Most Detroit divorce attorneys charge hourly rates. Fees vary based on case complexity and the attorney's experience. Uncontested divorces cost far less than contested cases that go to trial. Many lawyers offer free initial consultations. Ask about retainer fees and billing practices before signing an agreement.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Detroit?

The minimum waiting period is 60 days. Michigan law requires a 60-day waiting period for divorces without minor children. Cases involving children have a six-month waiting period. Uncontested divorces can be finalized shortly after the waiting period ends. Contested cases in Wayne County may take a year or longer.

Is Michigan a No-Fault Divorce State?

Yes, Michigan is strictly no-fault. You only need to state that the marriage has broken down beyond repair. Your spouse does not have to agree to the divorce. However, judges can consider fault when dividing property or awarding spousal support. Fault is one of 14 factors judges use in those decisions.

What If My Spouse and I Cannot Agree on Terms?

The court may order mediation. Wayne County judges often refer couples to mediation for unresolved disputes. A neutral mediator helps you negotiate custody, support, and property issues. If mediation fails, the case goes to trial. A judge then decides all remaining terms.

How Is Property Divided in a Michigan Divorce?

Michigan follows equitable distribution rules. Marital property gets divided fairly, but not always equally. Assets acquired during the marriage are subject to division. Separate property like inheritances or gifts may be excluded. The court weighs factors like marriage length, each spouse's needs, and contributions.

Do I Need a Lawyer for an Uncontested Divorce in Detroit?

You can file without one, but legal review helps. Michigan allows self-represented divorce filings. However, even simple cases involve property rights and potential support obligations. A brief consultation can protect your interests. Mistakes in paperwork can cause delays in Wayne County court.

What Happens to Custody in a Detroit Divorce?

Michigan courts prioritize the child's best interests. Judges evaluate factors like each parent's stability, the child's ties to school and community, and each parent's willingness to support the other's relationship with the child. Joint custody is common when both parents are fit. The Friend of the Court in Wayne County helps resolve custody and support disputes.

Types of Divorce Cases in Detroit, Michigan

Uncontested Divorce. Both spouses agree on all terms, including property, custody, and support. These cases move quickly through Wayne County court. Most finalize within a few months after the waiting period.

Contested Divorce. Spouses disagree on one or more major issues. These cases may require multiple hearings and possibly a trial. Contested divorces in Wayne County can take six months to over a year.

High-Asset Divorce. Cases involving significant property, business interests, or retirement accounts. Detroit's diverse economy means many divorces involve complex asset valuation. Forensic accountants may be needed to trace and value assets.

Divorce with Minor Children. Any divorce involving kids under 18 triggers a six-month waiting period. Custody, child support, and parenting time must all be resolved. The Wayne County Friend of the Court plays an active role in these cases.

Military Divorce. Detroit and the surrounding metro area have a notable military-connected population. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act adds extra procedural requirements. Dividing military pensions and benefits requires specialized knowledge.

Collaborative Divorce. Both spouses and their attorneys agree to resolve all issues outside of court. This approach avoids the adversarial nature of litigation. It works best when both parties communicate openly and act in good faith.

Separate Maintenance. Michigan does not offer legal separation, but allows separate maintenance filings. Couples stay legally married while dividing property and setting support terms. Some choose this option for religious or insurance reasons.

How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer in Detroit

Look for Wayne County court experience. Detroit divorces go through the Third Judicial Circuit Court. Each judge has different preferences and procedures. A lawyer who regularly appears in Wayne County knows how to handle local expectations.

Ask about their approach to negotiation. Some attorneys push for aggressive litigation. Others favor mediation and settlement. Pick a lawyer whose style matches your goals and the tone you want for the process.

Check their family law focus. General practice attorneys may handle divorces occasionally. A lawyer who focuses on family law stays current on Michigan divorce statutes and case law. Specialization matters for complex custody or property disputes.

Evaluate their responsiveness. Divorce cases move on court timelines. Missed deadlines in Wayne County can cause costly delays. Your attorney should return calls promptly and keep you updated on case progress.

Review fee structures carefully. Understand whether the attorney charges hourly or offers flat fees for uncontested cases. Ask about additional costs like filing fees, process server fees, and expert witness charges. The Wayne County filing fee for divorce is over $400.

Factors That Affect Divorce Outcomes in Detroit

Divorce outcomes in Wayne County depend on several factors. The length of the marriage plays a major role in property division and spousal support decisions. Longer marriages often result in a more equal split of assets.

Each spouse's earning capacity and financial needs matter as well. Judges look at current income, employability, and health when setting support. A spouse who sacrificed career growth during the marriage may receive more favorable terms.

Fault can influence the outcome even in a no-fault state. Wasteful spending, hidden assets, or misconduct may shift the property division. Judges have wide discretion under Michigan's equitable distribution framework.

Child-related factors add complexity. The Friend of the Court in Wayne County investigates custody disputes and makes recommendations to the judge. Cooperating with this process works in your favor. Courts want to see both parents supporting the child's well-being.