Ellen M. Paynter

Ellen M. Paynter

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 30 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at West Bloomfield, MI
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Mediation, Child Custody, Child Support

7071 Orchard Lake Rd Ste 245, West Bloomfield, MI

About Ellen

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 40%

The most difficult decision in your life. Make sure to hire an attorney who cares about you and your case. We listen to you. We guide you. We can help you through this difficult time.

31 years

40%
Child Custody 20%

Effectively representing clients in child custody matters in the metro Detroit area.

20%
Child Support 20%

Effectively representing clients in child support matters in the metro Detroit area.

20%
Mediation 20%

Mediate your case and avoid litigation. Save money. Save time. Save yourself from the stress. Mediation works.

31 years

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 30 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 1995

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Paynter & Associates

7071 Orchard Lake Rd Ste 245, West Bloomfield, MI, 48322

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Ellen M. Paynter's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

63 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (63) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Compassion

Posted by Sheryl | November 07, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Great working relationship and Successful Outcome

Throughout the nine months of my divorce preceeding, Ellen Paynter was professionally astute as well as kind and empathetic. These nine months fell almost entirely during the height of the pandemic so much of my contact with Ellen and with the court was via Zoom. This did not in any way inhibit the... forming of a wonderful working relationship. I felt strongly that Ellen had my back at all times. In addition, Ellen allowed me to handle some of the financial matters knowing that with my background as an accountant I was well-versed in the matter. In other words, Ellen didn't always feel the need to be center-stage. My daughter had employed Ellen in her divorce serveral years ago and and Ellen welcomed her participation in a few of the calls which was very helpful in gaining an additional perspective. As I implied, I couldn't have been happier in my choice of attorney.

Posted by Jon F | February 25, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Outstanding representation on your behalf!

After depending on a different lawyer to represent me in my custody case, I knew I needed an upgrade and fortunately I found Ellen. She was easy to get ahold of when needed, she was candid about what I was doing wrong / should or shouldn't be doing, she followed up with opposing counsel frequently, a...nd her knowledge and confidence in every situation put me at ease during stressful times. Most importantly, Ellen had clear communication and understanding of my needs and concerns in the courtroom, in mediation and dealing with opposing counsel one on one.

Posted by Krysten | May 05, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Excellence

Ellen has been our family attorney since 2007. She has really helped me as a divorced mom come through a battle. With Ellen you will not get "stuck" but instead she will go "through" it with you. She will answer all your questions and knows her field very well! She is smart and understanding, and wil...l get the job done. I am very grateful to have met her. Thank you Elleen. Thank you.

Posted by anonymous | January 31, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Excellent Attorney

Ellen is an excellent attorney. She was patient and provided a thorough overview of what I could expect during the divorce process in the beginning. Along the way, Ellen was able to look out for my best interests. She also was great at providing me with all of the scenarios so that I could make an... educated decision and what was best for my situation. She was a wonderful mix knowledge, compassion and strength for me during the process. I would highly recommend using Ellen if you are in a divorce situation.

Posted by Laura Robinson | October 20, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Divorce with Children

Ellen was very helpful in my custody case for my children. I have hired her three separate times to file motions for disposition and complain for divorce and she has exceeded my expectations. She (and her staff) stayed in good communication and kept me updated on what was happening with my case and f...ought for nothing less than what I hoped to accomplish. She was very patient and understanding when it came to explaining details and answering questions as I am out of state. I highly recommend her, she has been wonderful.

See All Client Reviews

Ellen M. Paynter's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Ellen
J. Matthew Catchick Jr. headshot
J. Catchick

Family lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse Ellen. She is a superb attorney, whose devotion to her clients is unmatched. Also, she is extremely tech-savvy, and she is an expert on Military Divorces. Highly recommend."

Lisa D. Stern headshot
Lisa Stern

Family lawyer | Mar 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ellen is a tremendous advocate. I would not hesitate to refer her a friend or family member. Ellen is well-versed in the law and has the respect of both lawyers and judges."

Ashleigh Ann Wagner headshot
Ashleigh Wagner

Family lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christa L. Coxon headshot
Christa Coxon

Family lawyer | Apr 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Ellen is a conscientious attorney. Her thorough preparation and natural confidence draw her clients to her and allow them to trust her advice. Family separation issues are always difficult; Ellen's competence and compassion make it easier. Her clients listen to her, other attorneys listen to her, and the courts listen to her. She knows what she is doing, and she does it in the kindest and most efficient way."

Erica A. DeAngelis headshot
Erica DeAngelis

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. She is wonderful to work with and vigorously represents her clients. She is very professional, knows the law, and goes above and beyond with her representation."

Tracey Alison Kane headshot
Tracey Kane

Family lawyer | Feb 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Ellen is a very knowledgeable lawyer, who is well respected by the Judges she appears before."

Laurel Stuart-Fink headshot
Laurel Stuart-Fink

Unknown lawyer | Feb 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Ellen is smart, highly experienced and thoroughly dedicated to her clients. She is a zealous advocate for her clients while remaining collegiate with her opposing counsel. I would not hesitate to recommend her for any family law case."

Channelle Kizy-White headshot
Channelle Kizy-White

Family lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Ellen is a tremendous lawyer whose experience and knowledge assists her clients in resolving their cases reasonably, efficiently, and effectively. She's definitely a champion you want to have in your corner."

Daniel I. Weberman headshot
Daniel Weberman

Family lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Ellen Paynter is a smart, aggressive an excellent divorce attorney in the tricounty area. She is well studied in family court matters and pays attention to the details. Her approach in keeping her clients fully informed, and her courtroom accumen is stellar. Ellen is able to navigate the legal issues with opposing counsel and the court to best represent a client's needs. Make the right decision and hire."

Adam S. Alexander headshot
Adam Alexander

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"If you are going through divorce, thinking about divorce, or have child custody issues, Ellen Paynter is the lawyer you need to call. Ms. Paynter has extensive experience in every court in the Detroit-Metro area, and with every possible issue in divorce. Her knowledge of the judges, the referees, and the process will be highly beneficial during the difficult process of divorce."

Kathleen L. Cole headshot
Kathleen Cole

Family lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Gail M. Towne headshot
Gail Towne

Family lawyer | Dec 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the pleasure of working with Ellen on a family law matter. I found her to be extremely knowledgeable in the law and the unique dynamics inherent in family law matters. She is extrememly bright, passionate, reasonable and reliable. I would recommend her and would welcome working with her again."

Shannon Marie Smith headshot
Shannon Smith

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ellen Paynter is well known as one of the top family law attorneys in the area. She is respected by the courts and known by other attorneys as a zealous advocate for her clients. I can say that I have no hesitation about referring potential clients to Ellen because I know they will be in good hands (and thank me later for the referral to her!)."

View All Endorsements
Lisa D. Stern headshot
Lisa Stern

Divorce and separation lawyer

J. Matthew Catchick Jr. headshot
J. Catchick

Divorce and separation lawyer

Katherine Anne Krysak headshot
Katherine Krysak

Divorce and separation lawyer

Christa L. Coxon headshot
Christa Coxon

Divorce and separation lawyer

Erica A. DeAngelis headshot
Erica DeAngelis

Divorce and separation lawyer

Tracey Alison Kane headshot
Tracey Kane

Divorce and separation lawyer

Channelle Kizy-White headshot
Channelle Kizy-White

Divorce and separation lawyer

Keri M. Burnstein headshot
Keri Burnstein

Family lawyer

Laurel Stuart-Fink headshot
Laurel Stuart-Fink

Divorce and separation lawyer

Adam S. Alexander headshot
Adam Alexander

Consumer protection lawyer

Kathleen L. Cole headshot
Kathleen Cole

Divorce and separation lawyer

Gail M. Towne headshot
Gail Towne

Family lawyer

Shannon Marie Smith headshot
Shannon Smith

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel I. Weberman headshot
Daniel Weberman

General practice lawyer

David S. Newman headshot
David Newman

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Pro Bono Award - Pro Bono Service Award, Oakland County Bar Association

2023

Client's Choice, Avvo

2020

Client's Choice, AVVO

2018

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

Lawyers of Distinction, Lawyers of Distinction

2018

Clients' Choice Award, AVVO

2018

Top 10 Attorneys, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys

2016

Client's Choice Award, AVVO

2007

Certificate Domestic Relations Mediation Workshop, Mediation Training & Consultation Institute

Work Experience

2005 - Present

Attorney, Paynter & Associates

2003 - 2004

Associate, Ferrick & Weinreich, PLLC

2000 - 2003

Associate, Powers, Chapman, DeAgostino, Meyers & Milia, P.C.

1995 - 2000

Attorney, Law Office of Ellen M. Paynter

Associations

2016 - Present

American Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2009 - Present

Michigan Inter-Professional Association

Member

1996 - Present

U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit

Admitted to Practice

1995 - Present

Oakland County Bar Association

Member

1995 - Present

Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM)

Member

1995 - Present

State Bar of Michigan

Member

1995 - Present

State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Section

Member

1995 - Present

Oakland County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Committee Member

1995 - Present

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan

Admitted to Practice

Sample of Legal Cases

S. v. S.

Won.

A v. C

Won.

People v. I - Felony Non-Support Action

Dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1995

Detroit College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1991

Michigan State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

1990

Lansing Community College, Japan Adventure Program

Japanese Language and Culture

1988

Alma College

French Language and Culture

Speaking Engagements

2025

Oakland County Bar Association - 2025 Circuit-Probate Court Bench/Bar Conference

Staying Ahead of the Game - What the Family Division Judges and Referees Expect from You

2023

Oakland County Bar Association Seminar

Hone Your E-filing Skills: Things to Know About E-Filing in Wayne, Macomb and Oakland Counties!

2017

Bloomfield Hills Public Access Cable TV

Prenuptial Agreements in Michigan

2009

DIY Divorce, Custody and Support

DIY Divorce, Custody and Support

Publications

2024

Michigan Institute for Continuing Legal Education Michigan Family Law: Chapter 27: Military Legal Matters Involving Family Law Practice

2023

Michigan Institute for Continuing Legal Education Michigan Family Law: Chapter 27: Military Legal Matters Involving Family Law Practice

2022

2018

AVVO Legal Guides Top 5 Tips for Your First Meeting with a Divorce Lawyer

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
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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