About Michael
Biography
I am an attorney with over 30 years of litigation experience. As an Assistant State's Attorney, I gained invaluable experience trying cases before Baltimore County Judges & juries. In 1995, I entered private practice, primarily representing members of the Maryland State Teachers Association in criminal and civil matters. In 1996, I joined Bodie, Nagle, Dolina, Smith & Hobbs and initially handled product liability cases while continuing my criminal defense practice. In 2000, I became a partner and was the managing partner in 2002 & 2003. While at Bodie, I developed a close association with Michael Paul Smith, another partner at the firm. In 2011, we merged our practices at Smith, Gildea & Schmidt, where I am focusing on family law and criminal cases. I understand the emotional and financial impact that protracted litigation (especially divorce litigation) can have on a client, and thus I always try to negotiate a fair and amicable resolution of family law matters. I believe that a divorcing couple should make every effort to decide what is in their child's best interest and how to equitably distribute their property. To reach a compromise in a divorce case, the parties and their lawyers must focus on the big picture and negotiate in good faith. I always adopt that approach, but if the opposing party or attorney is unreasonable, I rely upon my courtroom experience to zealously advocate for my clients.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Maryland for 35 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 27 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Michael G. DeHaven
100 West Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 10, Towson, MD, 21204
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Michael Gene DeHaven's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Makelle Rowe | April 22, 2025 | Hired Attorney
I’d get divorced again just to work with Mike
Working with Mike was a phenomenal experience. He always told me what I needed to hear, not what I wanted to hear which looking back made the process all the better. His connections around the legal community are extensive and impressive but how he handled the opposing council and my emotional email ...
Posted by anonymous | August 12, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
not recommended
I hired Mr dehaven for my divorce case. He did handle the case but it took a lot longer than expected. He forgot me and had to refile the case. Also I never received my paperwork that the court said they sent to his office. So now I have to go to get a COPY of my paperwork from the courthouse mysel...
Posted by anonymous | July 29, 2017 | Hired Attorney
V. Professional.
Very professional, helped me along my way in a very lengthy custody battle with my narcissist ex, I can't thank him enough for looking out for my children's best interest.
Posted by A local physician | January 10, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
Unprofessional
Pros Returned my call to his office quickly. Cons Unfortunately, after hearing a tiny bit about my case, he seemed unsympathetic and basically hung up on me. Did not answer when I called back. Very rude to treat a person that way.
Michael DeHaven
Replied last May 25, 2018This prospective client already had a lawyer who, based upon the facts presented, appeared to be providing effective representation. I did not "hang up", but rather had to take another call from an existing client with an emergent issue. Unfortunately, this prospective client took my actions out of context.
Posted by Melissa | August 5, 2013
Incredible attorney
I had to hire Mr. De Haven last minute because my previous moronic attorney entered an appearance to represent me knowing he had a case already pending. I had to conduct the first part of my trial on my own. This gave Mr. De Haven barely anytime to prepare. When I met with him he gave me the harsh re...
Michael Gene DeHaven's Lawyer Endorsements
"Very knowledgable and experienced. I would highly recommend! I endorse this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. DeHaven and I were opposing counsel in a difficult custody case. Mr. DeHaven is highly professional, respectful, and efficient."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael DeHaven is an excellent attorney. He has many years of experience and shares that experience with other attorneys. I have been to several educational events where Michael was chosen to speak about litigation practice and it was always very informative and extremely helpful."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Michael is a knowledgeable and caring lawyer who represents his clients in the utmost professional manner."
"Mr. DeHaven has the knowledge and experience to represent a client in any family law matter. He is a straight-shooter and easy to get along with as opposing counsel. I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. DeHaven is an excellent lawyer who I have known along time and often refer clients to him in the areas of family law and criminal defense. He is trustworthy, professional and compassionate and will provide excellent legal representation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. DeHaven is very learned and fluent in the law, in family law, in procedural rules and in the rules of evidence. He is outstanding in a court room and he is an exceptional litigator. I often go to him myself when I have a question. I highly endorse him as an attorney. Bryon Szojchet, Esq."
"Michael DeHaven is an experienced attorney whose participation and comments in Avvo show his commitment to serving clients as well as his level of experience. He is an excellent attorney that I recommend wholeheartedly."
"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mike and I worked together for many years. He is an excellent negotiator and litigator - absolute requirements for any family law attorney. Mike also has a keen understanding of how family law issues intersect with other areas of the law, which is a tremendous benefit to his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney DeHaven provides excellent responses to questions posed by members of the Avvo community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mike is an excellent attorney. He effectively represents his clients and is well aware of the relevant law. I highly recommend him."
Child custody lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Social Security & Disability lawyer
Family lawyer
General practice lawyer
Family lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2016
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2014
Superb Rating, AVVO
Work Experience
1996 - 2010
Partner, Bodie, Nagle, Dolina, Smith & Hobbs, PC
1988 - 1995
Assistant State's Attorney, Office of State's Attorney for Baltimore County
Associations
2015 - Present
Maryland State Bar AssociationFamily Law Legislative Committee
Member
Member
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Monetary award granted
Favorable settlement
Favorable plea bargain
We won!
Education
1990
JD - Juris Doctor
1986
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2016
Admissibility of Electronically Stored Information
2015
"How to Get Your Social Media, Email and Text Evidence Admitted (and Keep Theirs Out)"
2012
What to do when DSS becomes involved in your custody case
Publications
2016
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Can I amend my divorce ?
21 May 2021
If my child’s father takes me to court for 50/50 custody and mentions I am an exotic dancer in court can it be used against me?
02 Apr 2021
What rights do I have?
27 Mar 2021