How much does it cost to hire Patti for a child custody case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Patti walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Patti offer a free consultation?

Patti charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Patti's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Patti's current terms during booking.

How long do child custody cases in Michigan typically take?

Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Patti gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Patti take my case if I'm outside Grand Rapids?

Patti is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Patti will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Patti?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Patti will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Patti accepting new child custody clients right now?

Patti's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Patti L McKenney, Child Custody Attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense · 3.7/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews

MemberatPatti L. McKenney, P.C.

Grand Rapids, MI

Practicing child custody in Grand Rapids since 1983.

43+: Years practicing
3.7 ★: 4 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Criminal Defense Divorce Estate Planning Family Law +7 more →

Are you Patti L McKenney?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Patti L McKenney is a member based in Grand Rapids, MI. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense. Patti has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Patti L. McKenney, P.C.. Rated 3.7 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.

Based in: Grand Rapids, MI
Experience: over 43 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Criminal Defense

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense matters from Grand Rapids, MI.
Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Patti takes on

Patti concentrates on child custody, child support, criminal defense, divorce, and estate planning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Patti handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Patti takes child custody matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patti agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Patti takes child support matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patti agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Patti takes criminal defense matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patti agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Patti takes divorce matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patti agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Patti takes estate planning matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patti agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Patti L McKenney — child custody lawyer in Grand Rapids

Patti L McKenney is a lawyer practicing family law, powers of attorney, wills and 11 other areas of law. Patti received a B.S. degree from Andrews University in 1979, and has been licensed for 43 years. Patti practices at Patti L. McKenney, P.C. in Grand Rapids, MI.

Working with Patti on a child custody matter

Who Patti represents

Patti reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and criminal defense matters in Grand Rapids and the surrounding Michigan area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Detroit College of Law
J.D. · 1983
Andrews University
B.S. · 1979

Jurisdictions

Patti's state bar admissions

Michigan
1983 · ACTIVE

Patti studied at J.D. in Detroit College of Law and B.S. in Andrews University.

Law school and academic background

Patti completed J.D. in Detroit College of Law and B.S. in Andrews University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Patti runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Patti has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Affiliations

Patti's professional memberships and bar associations

Grand Rapids Bar Association State Bar of Michigan
membership

Locations

Patti L McKenney's office in Grand Rapids

Patti's primary office is at 77 Monroe Center N.W., Ste. 406, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Patti L. McKenney, P.C.

77 Monroe Center N.W., Ste. 406

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Patti L McKenney — 3.7/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Patti. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Grand Rapids.

3.7

4 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Patti L McKenney claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Patti L McKenney — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new child custody attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Patti usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Patti charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Patti's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Patti will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Patti

Patti discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child custody practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Patti confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Patti's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Patti L McKenney

How much does it cost to hire Patti for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Patti walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Patti offer a free consultation?
Patti charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Patti's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Patti's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Patti gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Patti take my case if I'm outside Grand Rapids?
Patti is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Patti will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Patti?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Patti will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Patti accepting new child custody clients right now?
Patti's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Grand Rapids, Detroit and Southfield in Michigan

Patti handles child custody matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Patti's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Grand Rapids handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.