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David R. Dawson

Family Attorney at Sterling Heights, MI

4.3   16 reviews
  • Licensed for 45 years
    State MI
    Acquired 1977
    Status
    Active in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About David

Learn David’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    25%
    Divorce and its aftermath are hard on those directly and indirectly involved in them. There are many financial and logistical issues that have to be worked out. There are also personal emotional implications for every member of the family.

  2. Family
    25%
    There are many facets of Family Law, which is an area of the law that specializes in the legal issues faced by families. Dawson Family Law has decades of experience and expertise in dealing with this sensitive and complex area

  3. Child support
    20%
    Under Michigan law, children have a right to financial support from both of their parents. When parents live apart, the parent who does not have custody must pay a certain amount each month to the custodial parent.

  4. Child custody
    15%
    Divorce can be one of the most stressful experiences in one’s life. When combined with child custody disputes and questions, the need for an attorney with specialized skill in the area becomes clear.

  5. Alimony
    5%
    Non-modifiable, as the name implies, indicates that neither the term, such as the number of years, nor the monthly amount of the spousal support can ever be modified. To have non-modifiable support, the parties must agree to it.

  6. Domestic violence
    5%
    The effects of domestic violence can be devastating. It may involve actual physical contact, such has hitting the other person or it may consist of more subtle actions such as emotional and verbal abuse.

  7. Marriage and prenuptials
    5%
    Many couples, before getting married, opt for Pre-Nuptial Agreements. These are contracts signed by both parties listing their assets and how their pre-marital assets, along with assets acquired during their marriage, will be divided.

David R. Dawson who is founder of Dawson Family Law, PLLC, was licensed in 1977. Since the early 1980’s David has concentrated his practice in the field of Family Law.

His experience includes handling all types of divorces, from the complex high asset case to uncontested simple proceedings. He has litigated cases in Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, Lapeer, Wayne , Tuscola and Cass counties. He is involved in all aspects of the divorce process including, child custody, child support, spousal support (alimony), property division. He has also handled numerous successful appeals.

David received the highest rating “AV” from his peers in the legal profession. Dbusiness has named him one of the top divorce and child custody attorneys in metro Detroit. Attorneys in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties have selected David as a mediator in family law cases to help them resolve their cases.

He has given seminars for various bar associations and other groups. He was one of three speakers at the recent seminar on the topic of “HANDLING COMPLEX CUSTODY MATTERS” David has also written articles for the Macomb County Bar Association monthly publication “Bar Briefs”, and for “Laches” a publication of the Oakland Bar. His most recent article was on prenuptial agreements. David is a member of the American Bar Association, Michigan Bar Association along with the Macomb and Oakland Bar Associations.

Contact David

Similar lawyers nearby

Dawson Family Law
43805 Van Dyke Avenue
Sterling Heights, MI, 48314

Reviews

4.3 / 5.0
  16 customer reviews
5 Star
 
81%
4 Star
 
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2 Star
 
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1 Star
 
19%
Posted by Wesson | October 16, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce case
David Dawson is amazing great 5 stars lawyer Thank you from all my heart God bless you
Posted by Dawn | January 31, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce
I was just recently divorced, Mr. Dawson and his firm made everything extremely smooth, clear and highly affordable. I would undoubtedly recommend his practice to anyone looking for legal services in family law or divorce. Both Mr. Dawson & his legal assistant Shara, are quit responsive, friendly and informative with any questions you may have.
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Posted by anonymous | December 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommend
I came to mr Dawson from a previous attorney after the first hearing was held. I was going through a custody battle, no divorce and Mr Dawson, Shara, and the rest of the team worked very hard to learn everything about my situation and to help me get a better outcome. They always welcomed questions and helped me ease my nerves before hearings. Mr Dawson is very knowledgeable and well experienced in this field. One thing I always appreciated is that he is very upfront over what is realistic to achieve so I won’t get my hopes up. At the end of it all he got me more than we hoped for at our first meeting. I am so grateful for Mr Dawson, Shara, and the rest of the firm and will continue to use them for legal advice. I highly recommend for anyone in need.
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Posted by Giuseppe Lucido | October 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Good Attorney
David helped me through my recent divorce, and then to represent me again in a subsequent motion filed by me ex. Even with a minor child, the divorced was finalized in 4 months! His team kept me in the loop and always communicated well throughout the process. I would (and have) recommend him to friends or family going through the same experience.
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Posted by Pauline | April 7, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hired for divorce
I hired Mr. Dawson to handle my divorce. He was recommended by a friend. I had been with my spouse for 30 years and this divorce was extremely hard for me. Mr. Dawson did a great job for me to make sure I got all that I should. Any problem or complaint I had about what my spouse was doing Mr. Dawson reassured me it would all be ok. He was great when my anxiety was through the roof. It was a long almost 10 months but, Mr. Dawson and Shara were fantastic and I cannot thank them enough for all they did for me.
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Posted by Maria | October 10, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce Attorney
I highly recommend David Dawson as a Divorce Attorney. I appreciate the amazing legal work David Dawson did for me. I truly thank him for prioritizing me as a client and doing everything in your power to help me with my divorce case. David Dawson and his staff (Shara) have done a great job staying on top of things to make sure it gets done. God Bless You!
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Posted by Muneer | October 6, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dawson Family Law is GREAT!!
I came to your firm on a divorce case and was impressed with the service I received. This firm was very helpful and was very organized which made the process easier. The financial aspect of going with this firm was easy as well and very affordable. I would definitely recommend them to anyone and if I ever needed them in the future I would come back.
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Posted by Linda | June 19, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional Compassion and Professionalism
David Dawson handled my Divorce; and I am extremely pleased and happy with the outcome. Mr. Dawson always made time for me to come into his office and discuss all of my concerns. He is a great listener which was extremely important to me. Furthermore, Mr. Dawson’s professionalism and compassion were amazing during this difficult and extremely emotional time in my life. Upon selecting a lawyer for your divorce, you have to have a relationship of trust. David Dawson is trustworthy and absolutely awesome! Thank you David and his assistant Shara!
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Posted by Donna | October 16, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding Performance
Me. Dawson has over 40 years experience and came highly recommended. I had the pleasure of having David as my lawyer and had absolutely no worries at all. He handled everything so professionally and I would highly recommend him to anyone. If you’re up against him, you’re going to lose!
Posted by Dan | April 19, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
Hiring Mr. Dawson was hands down the best decision I made. He was there to answer every question I had about my divorce. He fough for me at ever step. I couldn’t be happier with the results of my divorce. David also was quick to remind me of the bigger picture, which I needed at times. He was recommended to me by a family friend and I have sense recommended him to a friend. I would not hesitate to contact him again.
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Posted by Nichole | January 16, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce attorney
Mr. Dave Dawson helped me with my divorce. He was very helpful with all the aspects of the procedure. Any questions I had were addressed and answered in a timely fashion. I appreciated his strength and honesty throughout the process. Excellent attorney. I had recommended him to a friend of mine.
Posted by Sandy | November 6, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce
Mr. Dawson was excellent. It was a very hard divorce for me. He always had my back. He was prompt on everything. I knew he cared and fought for what I deserved. I did get what I deserved. His staff were very kind to me. His message to me since the beginning was "Stay Strong The Strong Ones Win" Those words helped so much. He was right. Thank you David!!!!!
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Posted by Melissa | March 13, 2014
Extremely Pleased with David Dawson
David Davidson has my full endorsement as the BEST divorce attorney in Macomb County. I felt completely confident being represented by him throughout my 10-month divorce proceeding, which ultimately ended up in a settlement the day of the trial. He truly knows his stuff, and his tenacity and fierce negotiating skills assured an outcome that I am extremely pleased with and exceeded my expectations. He is an exceptionally skilled attorney, and his expertise ensured that he was always steps ahead of opposing counsel. He is thorough, well-prepared, and very responsive in returning phone calls and answering requests for information. There is no one else I would want to represent me in a divorce other than David Dawson.
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Posted by anonymous | March 12, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
If I could give a 0 star, I would.
Yes they are just money hungry and emailers no real communication at all talk in the phone less then a minute it cost you 15 minutes to 1/2 hour so very unhappy and disappointed with this attorney and his secretary she started out seemingly helpful they just want to charge and charge some more they really should be investigated regarding how they are able to charge saying they correspond and they really don’t
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Posted by anonymous | March 1, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hope this helps
Just want to know how this attorney got 4 stars.. the worst did not help w nothing only wants money and more money.. I jumped to quick with this lawyer..
Posted by anonymous | January 24, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Sabatoged my case DON’T HIRE
This attorney was the worst thing that ever happened to me and my family. He ignored all the harassment and abuse I was dealing with throughout my divorce and when I emailed him about it, he told me to stop messaging him and to get another lawyer. He dropped my case 3 days to trial and I lost everything to my narcissistic ex. This guy was not compassionate, and does not communicate. I missed valuable hearings because I didn’t know about them. I’m still fighting an uphill battle to gain custody of my daughters, who are now living in a bad situation with their dad. My whole life was altered because of David’s severe neglect, and complete incompetence. I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through what I have. Life has never been the same.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.5 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Boyer, Dawson & St. Pierre
  • 1987 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Bromley, Roy and Dawson
  • 1981 - 1987
  • Attorney
  • Professional Legal Centers
  • 1979 - 1981
  • Attorney
  • Richardson and Clark
  • 1977 - 1979
View all work experience

Education

  • Detroit College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1977
  • Northern Michigan University
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1974

Legal Cases

  • Saad
  • Husband kept his assets and did not pay spousal support
  • Marci
  • My client awarded custody
  • Angela
  • My client was awarded compensation for her contributions to her husbands professional license.
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Macomb Circuit/Oakland Circuit court
  • Divorce mediator and arbitrator
  • 1990 - Present
  • Oakland County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • member
  • 1985 - Present
  • Macomb County Bar Association, Family Law Committee
  • Chairman 1995-6
  • 1984 - Present
  • Oakland County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1980 - Present
  • Macomb County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1980 - Present
  • State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Section
  • member
  • 1979 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • member
  • 1978 - Present
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • Member
  • 1977 - Present
  • Macomb County Domestic Relations Task Force
  • Chairman
  • 2005 - 2008
View all associations

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2019
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2015
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2012
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2011
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2009
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2008
  • Pro Bono Award
  • Macomb County Bar Association
  • 2007
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2007
View all awards

Publications

  • Bar Briefs (MCBA)
  • The Prenupital Agreement-What makes it Valid & Enforceable
  • 2009
  • Bar Briefs (MCBA)
  • Divorce Issues
  • 2004

Speaking Engagements

  • NBI Seminars
  • Handling Complex Custody Matters
  • 2009
  • Macomb County Bar Association
  • Divorce Property Issues
  • 2007
  • Macomb County Bar Association
  • Divorce
  • 2006

Attorney endorsements

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Sterling Heights Family Lawyer David R. Dawson
David R. Dawson
Family Attorney
Sterling Heights, MI
Licensed for 45 years
Free Consultation