Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
Henry S. Gornbein
About Henry
Biography
Attorney Henry S. Gornbein is a leading expert in family law. Practicing in Michigan for more than 40 years, he has written extensively on divorce-related topics.
He is the author of the widely acclaimed book, Divorce Demystified, Everything You Need To Know Before You File For Divorce which is available on Amazon as a soft cover or e-book. He is currently cowriting the book, Child Custody Demystified, with psychologist, Jack Haynes Phd which will be published later this year.
Gornbein wrote the chapter titled, Spousal Support in the book, Michigan Family Law. It s the go-to source for all family law attorneys and judges who deal with divorce and related issues in Michigan. His articles appear regularly in national legal publications and his monthly column, Case of the Issue, runs in the Family Law Section Journal of the State Bar of Michigan and is read by thousands of lawyers and judges.
A contributor and blogger for The Huffington Post Divorce section, he also produces regular podcasts for . In addition, Gornbein has hosted and produced his own Philo Award-winning cable TV show, Practical Law, with more than 700 programs aired to date.
Sought after as an expert on divorce-related topics by media outlets, he is known for being at the forefront of understanding social media and its role in divorces today. Recently, Gornbein has been speaking for a series of webinars discussing the impact of social media on divorce, along with issues including wiretapping, computer hacking, phone tapping, spycams, and others that can arise during divorce and have criminal law violation implications.
Other attorneys and judges consult Gornbein as an expert when unusual family law issues arise. A frequent public speaker for local and national meetings, he has been a featured lecturer at the National Convention of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Gornbein is married to Debra Gornbein, and is a father and grandfather. Gornbein enjoys travel, reading, theater, and movies, but most of all, spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Guiding Philosophy
Henry believes that every case is different and the role of an attorney is to educate, guide the clients through the legal system, look for the best possible solution, and try and handle every case in a manner that leads toward healing and not needless confrontation or unnecessary court battles. He has tried many cases, and believes that trials should be the last resort because of the economic and psychological costs involved, along with the fact that when you get to trial, you lose control of your life because the Judge is deciding what happens to you and your children.
Click to learn more about Detroit area divorce attorney Henry Gornbein
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 57 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1968
No misconduct found
Location
Cronin Law Firm
21 East Long Lake Road, Suite 250, Bloomfield Hills, MI, 48304
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Henry S. Gornbein's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
23 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (23)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 13 reviews | Recommendation
Posted by anonymous | February 27, 2017 | Divorce & Separation
Recommend highly!!!
I have consulted Attorney Gornbein for my Divorce Case...I can't afford an attorney since I am a student who's putting himself through school. But after communicating with him, I knew that he would be the best family law attorney for me if I could afford one. He is the best!!!
Posted by anonymous | August 10, 2015 | Divorce & Separation
Annulment/Divorce
Attorney Gornbein, told me that his hourly rate is $400 and he asked for $5,000 in advance to take my case. I gave him the money but unfortunately, I lost the case (I filed for an annulment because of marriage fraud and to avoid divorce stigma since the opposite side filed for a divorce, we ended up ...
Henry Gornbein
Replied last August 10, 2015I always try to do the best that I can for all of my clients. It must be remembered that divorce is not a happy time and no one is ever happy with their result because no matter what there is no way for a win win situation. In this case the gentleman consulted with me for an annulment which is hard to achieve. His wife counter filed for a divorce. A divorce is heavily favored in Michigan where I practice. There were some strong arguments presented by the wife through her attorney which favored the granting of a divorce in this case. The case was mediated by a neutral third party who is very experienced as a mediator. My client agreed to a settlement which included a divorce and also gave him a monetary award from his wife and all of the personal property he had given to her being returned to him. It should be noted that there is more stigma in the Islamic faith for a woman to have her marriage ended through annulment than through a divorce. After learning the other side of the story and with extensive research I advised my client that the odds were strongly against his achieving the result that he wanted in court and that it was better to settle in mediation, especially from an economic standpoint. This is the rest of the story. There are always three sides to any divorce. The husband's version, the wife's and the truth which usually somewhere in the middle. Respectfully submitted, Henry Gornbein
Posted by anonymous | April 16, 2015 | Family
Highly Recommend
Henry's family law knowledge coupled with his compassion make him an excellent choice for anyone contemplating or going through a divorce. He has literally written the book on demystifying the divorce process. He educated me about my options and looked after my best interest during a traumatic time...
Posted by Larry | April 10, 2015 | Divorce & Separation
Complete incompetence
I hired Gornbein in a divorce case that was clearly headed for trial. Gornbein spent most of his time pawning me off on his legal assistant John Bliss. Both are of the lowest integrity. They charged me to prepare for a divorce trial and when it became evident they were not prepared they tried to forc...
Posted by Isaac | December 29, 2014 | Divorce & Separation
Honest, Effective, Empathetic Attorney
Henry Gornbein was not only able to litigate and help me in my divorce but he also knows mediation, collaborative law, and ways to stay out court. I found this very helpful in resolving several problems in my divorce. I highly endorse Henry Gornbein as an attorney with his outstanding expertise ...
Henry S. Gornbein's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"A highly experienced, well-rounded and compassionate attorney. I endorse this lawyer"
"Henry has earned the reputation as being at the top of the upper tier of premier Michigan Attorneys handling family law issues including divorce and child custody matters. I give him my absolute and unqualified endorsement. He will work hard for you to obtain the very best result."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I highly endorse this attorney, While maintaining excellent client service and ethics, they are a well-respected member of the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I endorse this lawyer. Honest advice, practical answers on AVVO. He is a skilled and concerned advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Henry has extensive knowledge and skills in family law, and is a pleasure to work with, all the while ably representing his client."
"Attorney Gornbein is a knowledgeable lawyer who is generous with his time and expertise. I recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Mr. Gornbein as opposing counsel on a matter, and he was very professional and worked well to both represent his clients' interests, but also to work with me towards effective settlements on certain issues where the clients were willing to settle. I highly recommend Mr. Gornbein as a family law attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer for his family law practice. Mr. Gornbein is a well recognized, respected, and seasoned practioner of family law."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have had only one case with Mr. Gornbein but I know his reputation. In my experience with him I found him to be knowledgable, practical and very understanding. My review of his answers on AVVO have done nothing but reinforce my opinion of Mr. Gornbein as being an attorney of the finest quality."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is extremely well respected in the legal community, very knowledgeable and a zealous advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Gornbein is an outstanding attorney with a wonderful reputation. He is a zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Stephen Weisberg
Tax lawyer
Lise Spresser
Divorce and separation lawyer
Marc Shaye
Unknown lawyer
Mindy Hitchcock
Divorce and separation lawyer
Marjory Cohen
Family lawyer
Danielle Smith
Family lawyer
Alisa Peskin-Shepherd
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2016
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2014
Michigan Super Lawyers 2014, Super Lawyers
2013
Michigan Super Lawyers 2013, Super Lawyers
2012
Michigan Super Lawyers 2012, Super Lawyers
2011
Michigan Super Lawyers 2011, Super Lawyers
2010
Michigan Super Lawyers 2010, Super Lawyers
2009
Michigan Super Lawyers 2009, Super Lawyers
2008
Michigan Super Lawyers 2008, Super Lawyers
2007
Michigan Super Lawyers 2007, Super Lawyers
2004
Professionalism Award, Oakland County Bar Association
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Senior Partner, Lippitt O'Keefe Gornbein, PLLC
Associations
1980 - Present
American Academy of Matrimonial LawyersFellow
1980 - Present
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Michigan chapter)Member
1968 - Present
State Bar of MichiganMember
American Bar Association
Member
1984 - 1985
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Michigan chapter)President
Sample of Legal Cases
Case Of The Issue
Education
1968
University of Michigan Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1965
Wayne State University
PhB - Bachelor of Philosophy
Speaking Engagements
2020
Over 10 nationwide podcasts
The Impact of Social Media On Divorce Including Electronic Spy Ware, Eves dropping and what is legal in the digital world.
N/A
Practical Law - Weekly TV Show
Family Law and Consumer Legal Issues
N/A
Divorce Source Radio
Divorce and Family Law
Publications
2020
Divorce Demystified (book) Child Custody A Complete Guide For Parents (Book)
Divorce Demystified: Everything you Need to Know Before you File for Divorce Child Custody A Complete Guide For Parents
2016
blog
Divorce Then And Now
2011
Simple Divorce Advice website
Contributor
2010
2010
Michigan Family Law Journal
Case Of The Issue
2009
Michigan Family Law Journal
Case Of The Issue
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How to get an emergency custody order in Michigan?
27 Oct 2019
Q&A
My ex was awarded the house and property in divorce decree with the stipulation she buy me out in 6 months or sell the property
13 Sep 2019
Q&A
Can I get my wedding ring back if my husband stole it?
31 Aug 2019
Legal Guides
Video Legal Guide
What if my ex-spouse is delinquent in alimony payments. What can I do in Michigan?
18 Feb 2013
Video Legal Guide
How does permanent spousal support work in Michigan?
18 Feb 2013
Video Legal Guide
I get family support from my former spouse. Is that considered taxable income?
18 Feb 2013