Kurt E. Schnelz

Kurt E. Schnelz

3.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 40 years

Family Lawyer at Birmingham, MI
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation, Child Custody ... +3 more

280 North Old Woodward Suite 250, Birmingham, MI

About Kurt

Biography

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 40 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 1985

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Schnelz Wells PC

280 North Old Woodward Suite 250, Birmingham, MI, 48009

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Kurt E. Schnelz's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.9 /5.0

7 Client Reviews

5 star (5)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (2)

Posted by anonymous | December 26, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Extremely disappointing experience! Stay Away!

My Ex-wife and I hired Mr. Schnelz in 2018 to help us with one remaining item on our divorce agreement. Prior to meeting with him, we had amicably and mutually agreed to all other terms and desired a fairness opinion on one last issue. We had an absolutely awful experience with Kurt Schnelz. I i...ntentionally did not write a negative review at that time because I am a very positive person and do not like to spend energy focusing on the negative aspects of life. I have now chosen to write this review because unfortunately one of my friends also hired Mr. Schnelz and had a very similar and extremely disappointing experience. I now realize that I have an important responsibility to share my experience to help prevent others from getting hurt by hiring Kurt. Mr. Schnelz did not listen to what we wanted and why we were hiring him, he acted as a bully, he intentionally did not tell the truth to both parties, and he certainly was not objective and impartial. I later learned that Mr. Schnelz was not included on the 2018 Oakland County Approved Civil Mediator List. Out of curiosity, I just checked and he is also not listed on the 2025 Oakland County Approved Civil Mediator List. Based on our experience (and my friends experience), I would strongly recommend that you NOT hire Mr. Kurt Schnelz.

Posted by anonymous | February 7, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Very satisfied

When I needed an attorney to help me through a divorce from an abusive marriage, my niece recommended Kurt Schnelz and I am very glad I chose to follow her recommendation. Right at the start, Kurt said he liked to handle situations like mine in the most gentlemanly way possible and he favored a perso...nal phone call from him to inform my husband of my filing rather than having him served. Kurt also told me I would be entitled to be recompensed for the monetary difference of our social security benefits going forward which was something I did not know I could ask for. My husband chose a young, budget-priced, inexperienced attorney, a choice he later told me he much regretted. Throughout the process, Kurt was supportive to my situation and encouraging to me. He was diligent in working through the delays caused by my husband and his attorney. The outcome was a settlement that was amiable to both parties. I feel Mr. Schnelz is thoroughly knowledgeable and did an excellent job in handling my case. He kept me informed and always responded to my calls or emails. He explained my options to me and made excellent recommendations. I could not have asked for a better attorney.

Posted by anonymous | February 5, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceeded expectations

As a new single mother, I found myself consumed with worry over what my daughter's future would look like. Mr. Schnelz walked me through the steps we would take to ensure financial security for her. Throughout the entire process, his communications were timely, he set realistic expectations for outco...mes, was empathetic, and most importantly, was able to provide the end result that I had hoped for. His entire staff was professional, friendly and extremely efficient. Mr. Schnelz and his team exceeded all of my expectations.

Posted by anonymous | February 5, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Kurt Schnelz, Highly competent and very caring

I was involved in a contentious divorce at no fault of my own. Kurt worked very hard to remove the emotions from the litigation and focus on a fair and equitable solution. Kurt’s mastery of the law, his reputation with his colleagues and his tenaciousness were advantageous. Kurt was especially artful... as a strategist. His thoughtful consideration of all legal matters allowed me the best defense possible. Kurt gets respect in the courtroom and also cares about his clients. I can recall getting a call from Kurt on Thanksgiving day, just checking on me to make sure I was managing the stress of the divorce. He cares. I am very appreciative that I had a highly competent, respected and caring attorney to manage my important legal matter.

Posted by Laurie | February 5, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent choice for family legal matters

Schnelz Wells did a fantastic job helping me and my family through a challenging divorce and custody dispute. Consistently, Kurt Schnelz and his team demonstrated a fair-minded and caring approach that encouraged the best possible outcome for the family, while protecting my financial and legal inter...ests. I highly recommend Schnelz Wells for family matters.

See All Client Reviews

Kurt E. Schnelz's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Kurt
James O. Elliott headshot
James Elliott

Family lawyer | Mar 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements

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This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2020

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Roberts P. Hudson Award, State Bar of Michigan

Work Experience

1999 - 2020

Principal, Schnelz Wells, PC

Associations

2004 - Present

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

President Michigan Chapter

2000 - Present

Michigan Inter-Professional Association

Past Trustee

2000 - Present

American Inns of Court

Master

1995 - Present

Oakland County Bar Foundation

Past Trustee

1990 - Present

State Bar of Michigan Foundation

Fellow

1985 - Present

State Bar of Michigan

Master

1985 - Present

Oakland County Bar Association

Past President

1985 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

Education

1985

Detroit College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1979

Alma College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

1973

University of Strassbourg-Strassbourg France

Certificate of Merit

Speaking Engagements

2018

Advanced Family Law Seminar

Practice Pointers

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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