Michael Eli Bryant

Michael Eli Bryant

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 17 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Toledo, OH
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Juvenile

1119 Adams Street, Second Floor, Toledo, OH

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 50%

Whether the end of your marriage is amicable or adversarial, you'll want Attorney Bryant's diligence and focus on you during your divorce. Stop worrying, call him today for a free consultation.

17 years

50%
Child Custody 40%

Sometimes divorce is just about money, but a lot of times it’s really about the kids. Divorce and custody matters are traumatic for the whole family, but especially the kids.

17 years

40%
Juvenile Law 10%

If your child is charged with a crime it is important to have an attorney well versed in the Juvenile System. Juvenile Court is very different than the adult system. Attorney Bryant has focused on Juvenile Law his entire career.

17 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 325-325 per hour

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Ohio for 17 years

State: Ohio

Acquired: 2008

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Michael Eli Bryant

1119 Adams Street, Second Floor, Toledo, OH, 43604

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Michael Eli Bryant's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

73 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 16 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by Eulogio | March 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

Fathers beware!(CSEA Administrative Hearing Review Botch)

Michael is a cookie-cutter lawyer. If you’re a father staring down the barrel (figuratively), I would avoid him. Before retaining Michael, he told me that he was confident he could get my CSEA-recommended child support order down. However, during the case (after retaining him), he switched the narrat...ive and wanted me to take the offer from CSEA, a sixfold increase from my previous court order. This was extremely upsetting, especially after I had already paid his retainer fee of $2,500. I have my kids 50% of the time. I take them to school, doctor appointments, and extracurricular activities—I truly have half the responsibility. My original order (at the time of divorce) was based on shaky reasoning. But as I stated, Michael wanted me to give in at every turn, as so many lawyers before him had done. This is what landed me in a bad custody/child support situation to begin with. The positives of retaining him: He submitted papers and got me in front of a judge so that I could mildly argue my case. However, Michael did not want to make the slightest arguments for a father who literally has 50/50 time and expense share; he didn’t even prepare me on how the meeting in front of the judge would go during an objection hearing to the CSA’s ruling. I felt like I was walking into the lion’s den. But even worse, because I was led in by my lawyer, blindfolded. He didn’t coach me on anything. Having this knowledge would have been pivotal. But even after he failed to prepare me, I received a reasonable outcome: a 50% deviation from my order. Of course, Mom appealed the judge’s decision. I felt that this was a moment to push forward with my own objection because Mom’s contest highlighted greed, not need. The best interest for my kids has never been to give extra monies to their mother (sadly). But Michael was still afraid to push. I was not even made aware of the judge’s decision or Mom’s objection until almost five weeks after both had been submitted.  After I was finally made aware, Michael submitted a response on my behalf (which I did not agree to), only to recuse himself from the case afterward (which may have been illegal?). This could’ve been a monumental case for fathers in Ohio. Unfortunately, we will never win because lawyers like Michael are too afraid to use their knowledge, voice, and influence. Stay away from him.

Michael Bryant

Replied last March 21, 2025

Conventional wisdom and my team tell me that I should thank you for the review, be contrite and apologize that you didn’t get the experience you expected.  But such a cookie cutter response isn’t really on-brand for me.  Yes, my analysis changed between our initial consultation and the trial.  But the facts changed during that time, which is typical in family law.  Yes, we talked about the risks and potential rewards of trial v. settling.   You chose trial and it paid off for you.   The way I prepared you for the trial was strategic.  Over-rehearsed testimony comes across as disingenuous.  You pay me to know the best way to get your point across to the court.  Same thing with my response to your ex’s objection; I played to the audience.  We discussed your options at every juncture and ultimately, I was able to get you a significant deviation in your child support.  It was all strategic, and I’d do it all again.  The delay in notice to you was caused by the post office, which sucks.  But it didn't change what or how we did anything.  And I never recused myself from your case.  I'm still your attorney while we wait for the Judge to decide the objections. I think your real issue lies in the custody and child support laws, and how they are applied in Ohio.  You and I can agree that they are far from perfect. I think they are rooted in antiquated gender stereotypes of ‘nurturer’ and ‘provider.’  There have been several legislative initiatives in Ohio to update the law, though none have succeeded.  I have to play by the rules that are currently in place.  I disagree that this case could have been a watershed moment in Ohio jurisprudence.  This wasn’t the type of case that would get the attention of anyone in Columbus.  If you really want to effectuate change, I suggest you start by talking to your Ohio Congressman or Senator.  Ask them to make changes that give fathers a fair shake in Ohio.  

Posted by anonymous | February 14, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Made life easier

Took my dissolution by the horns and made a process that I thought was going to take months to even get into the courts weeks. He was not only professional, but he always made time to discuss matters that were of concern. I feel like this process was so much easier because of his expertises. Couldn’t... have been happier with how he handled things.

Michael Bryant

Replied last January 10, 2025

Thank you! I have worked really hard to make the dissolution process as easy as possible for my clients. I have a tremendous staff that know how to get the case from intake to resolution ASAP. No sense in dragging anything out. Glad it worked out in your case.

Posted by anonymous | November 03, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Divorce, Spousal and child support

Michael was very thorough and helpful regarding the details of my case. Michael and his staff communicated all details of my case in a timely manner. I was very happy I chose Michael Bryant.

Michael Bryant

Replied last November 08, 2022

Thank you. I'm glad that I was able to meet expectations. I wish you the best!

Posted by Jeanette Miller-Lee | September 13, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Excellent and Professional

Attorney Micheal Eli Bryant was very professional taking care of my legal needs. I had an technical difficulties connecting on Zoom. He provide an alternative space for me to appear in front of the judge regarding my case. He is very polite and knowledgeable about legal process regarding my case. I w...ould strongly recommend him to anyone going through a divorce, or legal separation.

Michael Bryant

Replied last September 13, 2021

Thank you so much. I was happy I could make your experience as stress free as possible. Divorce is stressful enough without having to worry about connecting to Zoom!

Posted by Michelle | September 13, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Awesome and professional

Michael was professional, knowledgeable, and so easy to work with on my divorce. He definitely knew what he was doing and was very easy to get ahold of with questions, etc. He returned calls and emails very promptly. Michael was kind but told it like it is, which is definitely something you want ...out of lawyer. He doesn't waste your time which in return doesn't waste your money, which is a great attribute to have in such a great lawyer that gets the job done!

Michael Bryant

Replied last September 13, 2021

I really appreciate all the kind words. These are all things that I strive for. Many attorneys know the law, but I think it is really those other things you talk about that are valuable. I work for you, so being professional, easy to work with and get a hold of, and honest - whether you want to hear it or not - are really important to me. I'm glad I succeeded this time. I wish you and yours all the best!

See All Client Reviews

Michael Eli Bryant's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Daniel James Sczesny headshot
Daniel Sczesny

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 24

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Dennis Edward Sawan headshot
Dennis Sawan

General practice lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael is a great lawyer and I gladly endorse him."

Amanda Lami Coyle headshot
Amanda Coyle

Juvenile law lawyer | Oct 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I proudly endorse this lawyer. Michael is extremely hardworking, intelligent and passionate about his cases. I have had the privilege of working with Michael on a juvenile matter and not only is he extremely knowledgeable of the law, he was always prepared and was great advocate for his client."

George Edward Gerken headshot
George Gerken

General practice lawyer | Oct 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked with Attorney Bryant on cases involving Divorce and civil matters and found him to a pleasure to work with. He is the attorney to whom I refer my Bankruptcy and Juvenile Court clients. I am comfortable doing so because I know he is knowledgeable and compassionate and will represent my clients with the skill and professionalism they deserve."

Cindy M Kirby headshot
Cindy Kirby

Family lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Michael Bryant. In my experience, he is a strong and diligent advocate. I have seen Michael "go the extra mile" in reaching a favorable resolution for his client. He is zealous in his representation, while also being sensitive to his clients' needs."

View All Endorsements
Daniel James Sczesny headshot
Daniel Sczesny

Child custody lawyer

Amanda Lami Coyle headshot
Amanda Coyle

Unknown lawyer

Cindy M Kirby headshot
Cindy Kirby

Unknown lawyer

George Edward Gerken headshot
George Gerken

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2014

Top 100, National Trial Lawyers

2012

Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2007

Pro Bono Recognition, Louisiana Bar Association

Work Experience

2008 - Present

Managing Attorney, Michael E. Bryant, Attorney at Law

2013 - 2013

Adviser/Fundraising Coordinator, Kenneth Phillips for Judge Campaign

2012 - 2012

Adviser/Fundraising Coordinator, Kenneth Phillips for Judge Campaign

Associations

2016 - Present

Toledo Bar Association, Juvenile Court Committee

Co-Chairman

2011 - Present

Toledo Bar Association

Committee Member - Juvenile Law

2011 - Present

Toledo Bar Association, Domestic Relations Committee

Committee Member

2010 - Present

Toledo Bar Association, Bar Admissions Committee

Committee Member

2010 - Present

Toledo Bar Association

Committee Member - Young Lawyers Committee

2013 - 2016

Toledo Bar Association

Co-Chairman - Domestic Relations Committee

Education

2008

University of Toledo

JD - Juris Doctor

2004

Miami University of Ohio

Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

New Lawyer CLE

Best Practices for the Beginning Solo Practitioner

2016

Annual Juvenile Law Seminar

Juvenile Law

2014

Paralegal Association of Northwest Ohio

Juvenile Law Update

2014

2013

Divorce Litigation from Start to Finish Commencing Divorce Action

2013

Divorce Litigation from Start to Finish Discovery Procedure

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution