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

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

Does Paula offer a free consultation?

Paula charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paula's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Paula'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. Paula gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

Paula 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 — Paula 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 Paula?

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. Paula will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Paula accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Paula Marie Hines, Child Custody Attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Divorce, and General · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatPaula M. Hines

Grand Rapids, MI

Practicing child custody in Grand Rapids since 1980.

46+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Divorce General Juvenile Litigation POA +7 more →

Are you Paula Marie Hines?

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.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Paula Marie Hines is a member based in Grand Rapids, MI. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Divorce, and General. Paula has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Paula M. Hines. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Grand Rapids, MI
Experience: over 46 years
Known for: Child Custody · Divorce · General

Handles Child Custody, Divorce, and General matters from Grand Rapids, MI.
Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Paula takes on

Paula concentrates on child custody, divorce, general, juvenile, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Paula handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Paula 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 Paula agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Paula 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 Paula agrees to represent you.

General cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Paula takes general 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 Paula agrees to represent you.

Juvenile cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Paula takes juvenile 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 Paula agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Paula takes litigation 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 Paula agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Paula Marie Hines — child custody lawyer in Grand Rapids

Paula Marie Hines is a lawyer practicing juvenile, workers compensation defense, divorce and 8 other areas of law. Paula received a B.A. degree from Albion College in 1973, and has been licensed for 46 years. Paula practices at Paula M. Hines in Grand Rapids, MI.

How Paula handles child custody matters

Who Paula represents

Paula reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, divorce, and general matters in Grand Rapids and the surrounding Michigan area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Southern Illinois University
J.D. · 1978
Albion College
B.A. · 1973

Jurisdictions

Paula's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1986 · ACTIVE
Michigan
1984 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1980 · ACTIVE

Paula studied at J.D. in Southern Illinois University and B.A. in Albion College.

Law school and academic background

Paula completed J.D. in Southern Illinois University and B.A. in Albion College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Paula runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Paula's professional memberships and bar associations

Grand Rapids Bar Association
Member: Information and Referral Committee, 1988-1992 Bar Lunch Program, 1992-1993 Judicial Evaluation Committee, 1992—) State Bar of Michigan (Member, Consumer Law Committee) Floyd Skinner Bar Association (Vice President, 1989-1991 · membership

Locations

Paula Marie Hines's office in Grand Rapids

Paula's primary office is at 455 Cherry St. S.E., Grand Rapids, MI, 49503-4658. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Paula M. Hines

455 Cherry St. S.E.

Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4658

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Paula Marie Hines — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

4.4

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Paula Marie Hines claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Paula Marie Hines — 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 Paula usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Paula charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paula'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; Paula 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 Paula

Paula 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. Paula confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Paula'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 Paula Marie Hines

How much does it cost to hire Paula for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Paula walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Paula offer a free consultation?
Paula charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paula's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Paula'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. Paula gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Paula take my case if I'm outside Grand Rapids?
Paula 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 — Paula 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 Paula?
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. Paula will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Paula accepting new child custody clients right now?
Paula'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

Paula 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 Paula'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.