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Michael H. Cutler
About Michael
Biography
I regularly appear befor the Trial Courts in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne, and have handled numerous cases in neighboring counties (Bay, Genesee, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lenawee, and Monroe).
Admitted to the United States District Court on Februray 3rd, 1994
Admitted to the United States Court of Appeals on October 31, 2005
Nominated to "SUPER LAWYERS" in March, 2020
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
40%
36 years | 1,000 cases
Family
40%
36 years | 1,000 cases
Litigation
10%
36 years | 1,000 cases
Probate
10%
36 years | 1,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 34 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Cutler and Associates, P.C.
38275 W 12 Mile Rd, Suite #102, Farmington Hills, MI, 48331
Law Offices of Michael H. Cutler
www.cutlerlawyers.com, Farmington Hills, MI
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Michael H. Cutler's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
89 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (89)
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Practice Areas
Divorce & Separation (37)
Lawsuits & Disputes (23)
Business (10)
Child Custody (9)
Contracts & Agreements (5)
Mediation (5)
Family (4)
Litigation (3)
Probate (3)
Debt Collection (2)
Domestic Violence (2)
Employment & Labor (2)
Alimony (1)
Consumer Protection (1)
Corporate & Incorporation (1)
Criminal Defense (1)
Elder Law (1)
Estate Planning (1)
Guardianship (1)
Intellectual Property (1)
Marriage & Prenuptials (1)
Partnership (1)
Real Estate (1)
Tax (1)
What Clients Mention
Advocacy (51)
Case Results (42)
Professionalism (41)
Recommendation (40)
Communication Style (27)
Responsiveness (26)
Character & Conduct (23)
Practice Area Knowledge (22)
Trustworthiness (21)
General Knowledge (19)
Cost of Services (14)
Compassion (12)
Staff & Support (7)
Punctuality (5)
Free Consultations (1)
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | 1 star
Posted by anonymous | August 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Marriage & Prenuptials
Charged me for emails he didn't read and for researching a prenup I never sent him.
It took weeks to get a hold of him and when I needed him wasn't available. Charged $250 to research my prenup but I never sent human copy. $30 per email whether he read them or not.
Michael Cutler
Replied last August 14, 2017This individual contacted my office on 7/12/2017. She had a number of concerns that needed immediate attention. Initially, she wanted to have her prenuptial agreement reviewed to determine the effect of same on her marital situation. She provided my office with her 19 page pre-marital agreement. It was reviewed and we discussed the effects of same during one of our numerous telephone conferences - I can't explain why she doesn't remember sending the agreement to my office or our discussions regarding its contents. I received and reviewed all of this client's numerous e-mail messages (over 20), and either responded by e-mail or discussed the issues by telephone. She was not charged any attorney fees for many of the messages, as is the standard practice of this firm. All of her telephone messages were responded to in a timely manner (same day), however the course of her case changed from a domestic matter, to an agency issue. She was refunded the full amount of her unused retainer fee, and provided with a complete attorney fee statement.
Posted by Virginia Kennedy | March 09, 2015 | Divorce & Separation
Stay away from Michael H Cutler if you don't want to lose your shirt
I hired this Lawyer after reading the Reviews of what an outstanding Lawyer he was. I found the opposite to be true. He promised me the Moon and Earth and delivered nothing. I expected to be advised of my rights in Divorce, he took down the info and acted on it without informing me of certain outcome...
Michael Cutler
Replied last March 09, 2015When Ms Kennedy first visited my office on 11/11/2012 she was in serious trouble. She failed to answer the Complaint for Divorce (filed on 7/24/2012), and she failed to appear at two scheduled Court hearings. A motion for Default Judgment was scheduled to be heard and she was about to lose everything. Through the work of our firm, an order was secured setting aside the default without a payment of any sanctions (usually required under the court rules). Once the default was set aside, an Appearance, Answer To The Complaint, and Counter-Complaint were filed to protect our client's interests. Ms Kennedy received letters and e-mailes advising her of scheduled hearings and there were at least a dozen letters, telephone conversations or e-mail communications before the next court appearance. Ms Kennedy was advised as to each step in the divorce process, and her specific requests were achieved through negotiations with opposing counsel. The settlement was placed upon the record on 12/27/2012 which included a detailing of the specific assets and their values which were identified by both Mr. and Ms. Kennedy. Ms Kennedy informed the Court, on 12/27/2012 that she was pleased with the terms of her settlement and stated that she was satisfied with her representation. A copy of the entered Judgment was provided to the client. All was well until 3/1/2013, when Mr. Kennedy filed his motion claiming that his former wife committed fraud by improperly withdrawing funds from her pension account. Virginia Kennedy previously informed the Judge of the value in her retirment account, and the Judge specifically asked Ms Kennedy if she withdrew any money from this account during the prior hearing on 12/27/2012 (she denied withdrawing funds, however documentation revealed to the Judge indicated otherwise). This withdraw was never revealed to counsel, and Ms kennedy committed perjury. Ms. Kennedy is now facing a very angy Judge. It is unfortunate that Ms. Kennedy acted in contempt of court, however this office was never advised of her fraudulant transactions (counsel would have been required to withdraw).
Posted by anonymous | October 19, 2012 | Divorce & Separation
He must have had a bad few months i wasnt impressed
Verry vague .didnt get correct papers from.ex s attorney no discloures from her .calls you back right away at 275.00 hour rate .never gave me copies of anything spouse submitted. made dates in court with out asking me first .seemed like was working more for ex than me . over rated . 2500.00 just to ...
Michael Cutler
Replied last October 22, 2012Mr. Maxwell had always expressed his satisfaction with the work completed by this office. During our representation, he was told of the following: 1. This office never scheduled any hearing without the client's imput, however, the Court administrator schedules certain hearing dates without conferring with the parties or their counsel. In this case, a Trial date was scheduled by the Court and notification was provided to counsel. Once this information was received, the client was immediatly informed, however he took it upon himself to contact the Judge's chambers. The client wanted to personally instruct the Judge as to the manner in which she keeps her calander. I advised against that action. 2. Mr. Maxwell was provided a copy of any documentation filed by this office or the opposing counsel. 3. Unfortunatly, Mr. Maxwell created situation that required an otherwise unnecessary expenditure of time and money. When he took it upon himself to contact the judge's chambers and make demands upon the Court in his case, he caused several problems. He also directly contacted the mediator, in this same manner. As you can guess, these problems had to be addressed. 4. Mr. Maxwell's telephone messages were always returned, his requests were always satisfied, and his questions were always answered. An attorney fee statement was provided with a complete explaination of all charges and costs incurred - it should be noted that several tasks were completed without charge as is the practice of this firm.
Posted by anonymous | December 05, 2011
If it sounds too good to be true.....it is!
I would NEVER recommend this lawyer to family or a friend, unless I wanted to see someone lose everything. "Whomever" wrote these reviews is clearly not someone who had dealings with this attorney. This pretty boy is not as wonderful as he would like you to believe. Keep searching and don't believ...
Michael Cutler
Replied last December 09, 2011Unfortunately, this individual did not provide their identity - however I believe that he was a gentlemen I attempted to help several years ago. You should know that I was the10th attorney he hired on his case and I was able to resolve several lingering issues, per his specific requests. Our relationship deteriorated when I refused his additional requests, which I deemed as improper (and would have been counter-productive to his ultimate goals). After several meetings where I explained his predictament and answered his questions, he released my office and hired his 11th and 12th attorney. He was later sanctioned/reprimanded by the Court for his frivolous actions.
Michael H. Cutler's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mike and I are about to wrap up a divorce with minor children. He has been a very worthy opponent, yet remained reasonable in his approach. I would not hesitate to recommend him to family or friends if they were in need of legal services."
"I have been referring Mr. Cutler work for approximately 10 years. After about 5 years worth of consistent positive feedback from my clients. I decided to hire Mr. Cutler for my own personal legal issues. What a great attorney! He is effective, efficient, aggressive and highly respected by the courts and other attorneys in the area. Essentially, he treated me like his own family. I endorse him with the highest possible confidence."
"I've gone up against Mike several times over the years. His representation of his clients is always dedicated and sharply professional. He's consistently courteous with other attorneys and with the courts. His excellent reputation is well-deserved. Whenever I have Mike on the other side, I have to bring my absolute A-game."
"I have worked with Michael Cutler. I found him to be honest, persistent and aggressive. I would not hesitate to refer people to Mr. Cutler and would feel comfortable knowing they are in good hands."
"I endorse this lawyer. I had an opportunity to work with Mr. Cutler on a complex probate matter during which he proved himself to be a very skilled and capable attorney. Additionally, throughout litigation, Mr. Cutler showed a real respect for his client, the court and the law under all circumstances no matter how contentious or difficult."
"I have been a family law mediator for the last 16 years and I have mediated dozens of cases with attorney Michael Culter. I find Mr. Cutler always prepared, on time, and an excellent representative for his clients. I would highly recommend attorney Michael Cutler in any Family Law matter. His office support staff is always cooperative, organized, and works well with my office staff. Ralph K. Mayers"
"I endorse this lawyer. Honest advice, practical answers on AVVO. He is a skilled and concerned advocate for his clients."
"Mr. Cutler is an exceptional attorney. I have been an attorney for 24 years and served as a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, law professor, and private attorney. However, even with all of that experience, I learn from his answers on Avvo each and every day. If you have the chance, hire him in an instant."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Cutler is an outstanding attorney with an exceptional reputation. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend his legal services."
"I endorse this lawyer. I briefly worked opposing Michael on a case in 2007. He was knowledgeable, professional and just a very good attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Michael Culter is an excellent lawyer you can trust that he will fight for your case. He always works diligently to get the best results for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Cutler and I have been involved in a very high conflict divorce matter. During this process I have found Mr. Cutler to be a fierce advocate as well as very honest and ethical. I would feel comfortable sending my own family members to Michael Cutler."
"I endorse this lawyer. While attorneys can get combative on these matters it was a pleasure to work with Michael."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have found Mr. Cutler to be thorough and tenacious, but always professional."
"I endorse this lawyer. He did a very good job for his client. He was a very worthy adversary."
"I endorse this lawyer. He gives sound legal advice and is an asset to this profession."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Cutler does good work. He is a credit to the profession."
"I have had several cases with Michael over the past 15 years. I always find him to be a well prepared and passionate advocate for his clients. He is well versed in the law and works toward the best solution for his client."
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Experience
Honors
2020
granted membership, SuperLawyers
2019
pro hac vice - Sandusky County, Ohio, pro hac vice
2018
pro hac vice - Sandusky County, Ohio, pro hac vice
2017
pro hac vice - Sandusky county, Ohio, pro hac vice
2013
pro hac vice - North Carolina Courts, pro hac vice
2011
Admitted, Western District Court of Michigan
2005
Admitted, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit
2004
Appointment as Mediator - Wayne County, Mediation Tribunal Association
2002
Appointment as Mediator - Oakland County, Oakland County Bar Association
2001
Appointment as Mediator - Washtenaw County, Washtenaw County Bar Association
2000
moot court judge, Washtenaw County Bar Association
1994
Admitted, U.S. District Court - Eastern District
1992
certificate of recognition, Oakland County Bar Association
1992
Pro Bono Award, Oakland County Bar Association
N/A
pro hac vice, pro hac vice - Antigua Island
N/A
pro hac vice, pro hac vice - Illinois state Courts
N/A
pro hac vice, pro hac vice - Ohio state Courts
Work Experience
1997 - Present
Partner, Cutler and Associates, p.c.
1991 - 1997
Attorney, Gordon, Cutler & Hoffman
1989 - 1990
Judical Clerk, Oakland County Circuit Court
1988 - 1988
law clerk, Beacon & Hill, p.c in Boston, MA
Associations
2020 - Present
Super Lawyers - family lawAdmitted
2020 - Present
SuperLawyersmember
2017 - Present
Ohio State BarAdmitted to Practice - pro hac vice
2011 - Present
Western District Federal Courtadmitted
2005 - Present
United States Court of AppealsAdmitted
2002 - Present
Oakland County Bar AssociationAppointed Circuit Court Mediator
2002 - Present
Oakland County Bar AssociationAppointed District Court Mediator
1997 - Present
Washtenaw County Bar AssociationMember
1991 - Present
Oakland County Bar AssociationMember
1991 - Present
State Bar of MichiganMember
2004 - 2005
North Carolina state BarAdmitted to Practice - pro hac vice
2000 - 2006
Walnut Lake AssociationChair elect - Legal Department
1993 - 1997
Association of Trial Lawyers of AmericaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
In The Matter of Rebecca Clemence
objecting sibling's claims were dismissed as no proof of either of their claims were substantiated
Real Estate Fraud - Detroit News Article
Secured Judgment against some defendants and collected money from others
Fraud Claims
http://detnews.com/article/20090606/METRO/906060334/Detroit-businessman-Rayford-Jackson-accused-of-fraud
Tourettes Sufferer sues for handicappers Discrimination
Appealed to the Court of Appeals
Employment - Sexual Discrimination
Trial Verdict
Sexual Harassment - Economic/Emotional Damages
Settlement
private
divorce decree, joint custody and alimony
private
full physical custody
Assault and False Arrest
Created New Law - an exception to gov. immunity
Divorce/Custody cases in Kalamazoo, Kent, Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties
Education
1990
Tulane University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1986
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Bachelors - honors received
Speaking Engagements
2019
Fremont Courthouse
Developments in Divorce
2019
BNI
Divorce procedures and processes
2011
Michigan Yearly Lawyers Seminar
Divorce - New Procedures and Practices
2010
Reginal Conferecnce
Divorce and sucessful discovery strategies
2010
regiional conference
The Process of Divorce
2010
Michigan Yearly Lawyers Seminar
Developments in Domestic Practice
2007
BNI
Divorce Procedures
2006
BNI
employment discrimination and the work place
2000
World news tonight
pending litigation involving client's case
2000
Oakland Country Bar Assoc - employment law division
whistle blowers claims
2000
interviewed and discussion
civil rights issues
Publications
2017
Court of Appeals
In The Matter of Rebecca Clemence
2014
Court of Appeals
Robert Wells -v- Club 007
2012
Detroit News
Michigan Supreme Court To Decide Case
2011
Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Police Chief Not Immune When Performing Regular Officer Duties
2011
Michigan Court Of Appeals - Published decisions
Thomas Petipren -v- Villiage of Port Sanilac
2009
The Detroit News
Fraud Claims Against Rayford Jackson
2009
The Detroit News
Fraud Claims Against Local Business Man
2008
Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Court of Appeals to Decide if Tourettes Sufferer Disabled
2008
Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Tourette Sufferer Sues Grocery Story
2007
Michigan Lawyers Weekly
tourette Syndrome Case Will Be Appealed
2007
Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Handicappers Civil Rights Act
2006
The Detroit News
fraud case involving real estate issues
2000
world News Tonight with Peter Jennings
Disabilities Case
2000
Extra - Television Show
disabilities case
2000
The Detroit News
Court to Decide if bagger is disabled
2000
Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Sexual Harassment - Economic/Emotional Damages
1999
The Detroit News
Tourette's suit is first in Michigan
1998
Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Employment - Sexual Discrimination
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
I am going through a divorce with my husband. I reside in the house. He is the only one on the title. Do I have to pay rent?
12 Aug 2022
Q&A
How would my husband and I get a copy of our nieces birth certificate if the only parent listed on it is deceased?
30 Jul 2022
Q&A
Am I entitled to have my son's social security number even if his mother has sole custody?
04 Aug 2022