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Donald G. McGuigan

Donald G. McGuigan

McGuigan Law, PLLC
535 Griswold Street
Suite 1630
Detroit, MI 48226-3604

Phone: (313) 963-9500  |  Fax: (313) 963-9504
http://www.mcguiganlaw.com

Contact Donald G. McGuigan

Guide, Empower, and Protect

Legal Topic

Family Law

Preferred New Clients

Divorce, child custody, parenting time, spousal support, personal protection orders, paternity, pre and post nuptial agreements, adoption, mediation, facilitation and all other family law related issues.

Sub-Categories

Family Law
  • Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
  • Name Changes
  • Restraining Orders
  • Enforcement Actions
Abuse
  • Child Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
  • Elder Abuse
  • Sexual Abuse
Children
  • Adoptions
  • Child Support
  • Children's Rights
  • Custody
  • Paternity
  • State Child Protection
  • Visitation
Couples
  • Domestic Partnerships
  • Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
  • Living Together/Cohabitation
  • Marriage
  • Power of Attorney
  • Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Elder Law
  • Competency Hearings
  • Guardianships & Conservatorships
  • Powers of Attorney
  • Advanced Health Care Directive
  • Healthcare Power of Attorney
  • Healthcare Proxy
Rights
  • Grandparent Rights
  • Termination of Parental Rights

Legal Topic

Divorce

Preferred New Clients

Divorce, child custody, parenting time, spousal support, personal protection orders, paternity, pre and post nuptial agreements, adoption, mediation, facilitation and all other family law related issues.

Sub-Categories

Divorce
  • Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
  • Annulment
  • Child Support
  • Custody/Visitation Rights
  • Delinquent Support Payments
  • Division of Property
  • Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)
  • Restraining Orders
  • Uncontested Divorce
  • Collaborative Law
  • Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights

Bar Admissions

MI, Nov 1993
Bar Number: P-49004

Other Court Admissions

All Michigan Courts and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Association Memberships

State Bar of Michigan, Oakland County Bar Association, Macomb County Bar Association, Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, Wayne County Family Law Bar Association.

Continuing Education

I regularly attend seminars on family law topics each year and keep current on changes in the law through internet news services and legal newspapers.

Example Cases

I have handled divorces, legal separations, annulments, child custody disputes, property division issues, pre and post nuptial agreements, adoptions, and grandparent rights. Out of respect for my clients' privacy, it is my policy not to discuss specific cases.

Education

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

City:

Lansing

State:

MI

Year:

1993

Honors:

Cum Laude.

Focus and Accomplishments:

Law Review.

 

Degree:

B.S.

School:

Michigan University

City:

Ypsilanti

State:

MI

Year:

1989

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

Michigan

Firm Focus and History

At McGuigan Law, PLLC our focus is on family law, which includes divorce, child custody, child support and parenting time, property division, spousal support, alimony, adoption, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, dissolution of nontraditional and non-marriage relationships, personal protection orders and Friend of the Court matters.

I have focused my practice on family law since 2003, when I left the practice of insurance defense law in pursuit of more personal and fulfilling area of practice.

Previous Employment Summary

I have practiced law since 1993. Before concentrating on divorce and family law, I spent 10 years with a large corporate -style firm where I defended against premises liability, construction defect and motor vehicle accident claims. During those years, I learned how to litigate big cases, often facing off against big-name opponents. I learned how to win for my clients through preparation, passion and persuasion. I also developed my interest for family law while serving as a volunteer lawyer for the now closed Women's Survival Center. Now, I bring all of my resources to bear for you in your family law case.

Activities and Awards

Common Ground Sanctuary, Lakeshore Legal Aid and Oakland Youth Assistance.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I believe that the best client is an educated client. Knowledge empowers a client by giving the client the tools needed to understand his or her rights and duties. Knowledge of legal issues also helps the client prepare for and effectively participate in the legal process.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

My job is to prepare documents after discussing a case with clients, not review existing documents.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

Clients should not represent themselves!

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

The practice of law is a helping profession, and I have always been involved with my community. I understand the confusion, frustration and anxiety of divorce and deciding on the practical matters of child custody and support.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

For many years I have volunteered as a Mentor for the Oakland and Ferndale Youth Assistance programs. I also donate pro bono legal assistance to Common Ground Sanctuary. Interacting with these programs keeps me aware of people's problems and how best to deal with them.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

After spending the first ten years of my career handing litigation for international companies, I realized I could contribute more and be happier as a Family Lawyer.

What do you like best about your career?

Making a difference in my client's lives.

Tell us about your law firm:

I work alone and am very aware of every aspect of each client's case.

What are your strengths and style?

I am intelligent, compassionate and have a good sense of humor. I know what it takes to get the job done, and work hard on my client's behalf.

Personal Interests:

Volunteering in the community.

Fax

(313) 963-9504

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:00 am to 6:00 p.m.
Weekend appointments available upon request.

I have meeting facilities available throughout the metropolitan area.

Emergency After Hours

No

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

No.

Hourly Rates

$175 -$250 per hour depending on the complexity of the issues presented.

Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, I am willing to offer a 30-minute phone or office consultation free of charge.

Typical Retainer

The amount of the retainer depends on many individual factors.

Understanding Fees

Nolo's Licensing Check

Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.

Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.