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

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

Does Thomas offer a free consultation?

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

Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Waterford?

Thomas 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 — Thomas 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 Thomas?

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

Is Thomas accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Thomas M McGinnis, Child Custody Attorney in Waterford, Michigan

Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatThomas M. McGinnis

Waterford, MI

Practicing child custody in Waterford since 1981.

45+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 1 client review
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Criminal Defense Drug Crimes Family Law General White Collar

Are you Thomas M McGinnis?

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

Thomas M McGinnis is a member based in Waterford, MI. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes. Thomas has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thomas M. McGinnis. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Waterford, MI
Experience: over 45 years
Known for: Child Custody · Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes

Handles Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes matters from Waterford, MI.
Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Thomas M McGinnis

Thomas concentrates on child custody, criminal defense, drug crimes, family law, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Waterford, Michigan

Thomas takes child custody matters in Waterford, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Waterford, Michigan

Thomas takes criminal defense matters in Waterford, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Drug Crimes cases in Waterford, Michigan

Thomas takes drug crimes matters in Waterford, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Waterford, Michigan

Thomas takes family law matters in Waterford, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

General cases in Waterford, Michigan

Thomas takes general matters in Waterford, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Thomas M McGinnis — Over 45 years of Michigan child custody experience

Thomas M McGinnis is a lawyer practicing criminal law, drugs and narcotics, white collar crime and 4 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from Regis College in 1976, and has been licensed for 45 years. Thomas practices at Thomas M. McGinnis in Waterford, MI.

How Thomas handles child custody matters

The kind of cases Thomas takes

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, criminal defense, and drug crimes matters in Waterford and the surrounding Michigan area.

Credentials

Thomas M McGinnis's legal education and bar admissions

Thomas M. Cooley Law School
J.D. · 1980
Regis College
B.A. · 1976

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE
Michigan
1981 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at J.D. in Thomas M. Cooley Law School and B.A. in Regis College.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed J.D. in Thomas M. Cooley Law School and B.A. in Regis College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Thomas M McGinnis

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

Thomas M McGinnis's office in Waterford

Thomas's primary office is at 995 W. Huron St., Waterford, MI, 48328. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Thomas M. McGinnis

995 W. Huron St.

Waterford, MI 48328

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas M McGinnis — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

4.4

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas M McGinnis claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas M McGinnis — 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 Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas'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; Thomas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Waterford, 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 Thomas

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Thomas'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 Thomas M McGinnis

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

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