State Years

Michigan - MI 23 years

Texas - TX 24 years

New York - NY 33 years

Massachusetts - MA 33 years
Licensed for 23 years

State MI

Acquired 2000

Status
Active in Good Standing No misconduct found
Licensed for 24 years

State TX

Acquired 1998

Status
Inactive No misconduct found
Licensed for 33 years

State NY

Acquired 1990

Status
Resigned No misconduct found
Licensed for 33 years

State MA

Acquired 1989

Status
Inactive No misconduct found

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

Paula A. Aylward

Appeals Attorney at Marshall, MI

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#1 SUPER LAWYER

If you have a child or grandchild who needs a QUALIFIED ADVOCATE, Paula Aylward is the one. Paula helped us come to the aid of our granddaughter during one of the most challenging times of our lives. She is an EXPERT IN THE FIELD of FAMILY LAW and CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES. Paula is COMPETENT, CARING, COMPASSIONATE and extremely KNOWLEDGEABLE. She has EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION SKILLS (verbal and written). SHE IS RESPONSIVE AND CONSCIENTIOUS. Paula knows the law and is willing and able to take on government bureaucrats to pursue justice. She is a no-nonsense attorney who perseveres. In our view, Paula Aylward is the #1 SUPER LAWYER. WE RECOMMEND PAULA WITHOUT RESERVATION!

CPS Expunction

About Paula

Learn Paula’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Appeals

30%

Child welfare, administrative agency, family, civil appeals to the state and federal courts. Central Registry for Child Abuse and Neglect expunctions; foster care and day care licensing appeals; administrative agency appeals.
... Read more
21 years
Child abuse

30%
Adoption

20%
Family

20%

Child custody, child support, spousal support, appeals. Child welfare law representation in trial and appellate courts. Adoption representation.

16 years

I have been an attorney for more than 30 years, starting out my career as an Assistant District (Prosecuting) Attorney in Brooklyn, New York, where I handled child abuse and sex crimes cases. I've been licensed and practicing in Michigan for more than 20 years, with a focus on child welfare and family law matters. I handle cases in administrative agency proceedings, in the Family and Circuit Courts, and on appeal to Michigan's Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. I have successfully represented parents, children, foster parents, grandparents and other relatives of children, in Child Protective (abuse/neglect) proceedings, and in adoption, guardianship, custody, divorce, and related matters, as well as having been very successful in helping individuals obtain expunction from Michigan's Central Registry for Child Abuse and Neglect.

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Contact Paula

Allegiant Legal PC

P.O. Box 516

124 W. Michigan Ave., 2d floor

Marshall, MI, 49068

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

28 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

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1 Star

Posted by KATHIE AND PHIL | May 29, 2022

#1 SUPER LAWYER

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Posted by DM | April 19, 2022

CPS Expunction

I hired Paula Aylward to expunge a CPS record from 17 years ago. She did an amazing job of gathering all the facts, reviewing changes in the law, and reviewing errors made by CPS. She kept me informed at all times. She was able to get this off my record so I can proceed with my career and life without his hanging over my head. Thank you!

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Posted by Carol | January 13, 2022

A Godsend !!

Paula is a wonderful resource and so knowledgeable about child laws. She helped us with a recent case and I would highly recommend her! Her expertise in this field is just what you need if you are seeking an attorney who knows about child welfare in every facet.

Posted by LaToya | September 15, 2021

Five Star--Attorney Paula Aylward, "She Wins Cases"

I highly recommend Attorney Aylward for the following reasons: She is a great lawyer, straightforward, empathic to her client's situations, and a genius in the State of Michigan Protective Services and Family Law. I felt hope when I observed Attorney Aylward fighting for me in the most challenging situations. In every case Attorney Aylward fought strategically before the local courts up to the highest court in the State of Michigan. Attorney Aylward saved my freedom and livelihood by exposing public corruption and the abuse of authority by government-mandated officials. I cannot even express my gratitude enough because this woman saved my life by giving me hope. I trust everything she does, and I am entirely content with her ability to honor her oath and defend her clients in the court of law. I love and appreciate you, Attorney Aylward!

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Posted by Laurel | May 24, 2021

Amazingly helpful!

Paula was recommended to me by another attorney because of her specialty in removing people from the central registry. She was so communicative and helpful, editing and sending back my expunction request letter more than once trying to get it perfect. I was placed on the registry for failing to report an incident that had already been reported, which Paula agreed was unfair and did everything she could to have my name removed - successfully! I’ll absolutely call her again by if I ever find myself, or anyone else I know, in a similar situation or anything that she specializes in. I 100% recommend her services, she’s amazing!

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Posted by Jennifer J | July 30, 2020

Hiring Paula is the best decision I ever made!!!

My name had been put on the Central Registry for abuse and neglect basically over having a dirty house. The ramifications of this meant I couldn't work with kids, which is what my degree is in. I tried to have my name expunged, but the state people fed me some false information and my expungement was dismissed. I contacted Paula and she was able to see that I clearly didn't belong on the list and she knew exactly what needed to be done to have my name removed. She was upfront with me about what could possibly happen, and also with what she thought most likely. She was available any time I had any concerns. The day she called to tell me my name was being expunged, without having to go back to court, I think she was almost as happy as I was! I highly recommend her and will definitely be calling her if I ever run into any issues that fall under her purview again.

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Posted by anonymous | October 24, 2019

"Simply the Best"

I was going through a very bad divorce and I was wrongly accused of some very serious accusations from my ex. I had lost my marriage, my home, my child and my job. You see, I am a teacher. And the parent of an amazing child! Paula was recommended to me and I consulted with her. She told me approximately how long this would take, what she needed from me and what she would be able to do. It was a process and I had to be patient. I needed to have my case expunged from the central registry fairly quick so I could obtain employment as an educator. She knew what to do, who to contact and dug deep. She kept in regular contact via phone, email or both to update me on my case. She was able to prove my case in my favor, the accusations were unfounded. She let me know that I would be expunged from the central registry and I should be getting a copy for my records. I could not have been happier with the results and her ability to work in my favor. Her services don't come cheap, but you get what you pay for. She would found ways to cut expenses and was willing to work with my budget. I would recommend her without a doubt! I put all my faith into her and she did not disappoint.

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Posted by Kristin | August 27, 2019

She’s phenomenal!!!!

Paula is an amazing attorney! We received her name by chance from a friend. We met with her and gave her the details of our case. The rest of her work was done behind the scenes. She was in constant contact with with the prosecutor and our children’s attorney. She provided all of the legal info necessary to support our desired outcome. It was a long drawn out process and the end result was victory! I can’t say enough good things about Paula! We HIGHLY recommend her! She is worth every penny!!!

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Posted by anonymous | August 23, 2019

Adoption Lawyer

Paula was amazing as we were adopting two foster children, one of which had Indian heritage, so therefore ICWA was involved. Not only did Paula prove the children were best suited to stay in our home, but she provided much needed information to the assistant prosecuting attorney, the judge on the case and others that were instrumental in the decision that the children could be adopted by us. She is an amazing lawyer that we would recommend to everyone!!!

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Posted by anonymous | November 28, 2018

Best Attorney For A Central Registry Removal Expungement

I will first start off saying my experience with attorneys has not been favorable. I’ve hired attorneys to handle issues within my business and I’ve had the worse possible outcomes and experiences. I was very leery to hire another although I knew I likely would not have received a favorable outcome without an attorney. When your middle class or poor your a victim of the system without the financial means to fight back. I hired Attorney Paula Aylward to contact DHHS for a phone conference meeting to request expungement from the Central Registry. Paula was very fair to work within my financial constraints. Paula was professional, polite, timely and excellent with details. She emailed me and responded immediately to my emails. She kept me updated on the status of my case and what she needed from me. She wholeheartedly believed I was unjustly put on registry and fought to get me off. Paula did an amazing job and the outcome on my expungement was granted. Paula even followed up with confirmation that I would get mailed an official copy that my name would be removed. She did excellent and I have absolutely no doubts she used all legal persuasion to relay the facts of my case to DHHS administrators to show why the current accusations were incorrect and why my name shouldn’t have been put on the registry to begin with. Paula is very well experienced and very knowledgeable. I am so happy I hired her and I received the outcome I had hoped for. I highly recommend her services especially If you have any type of family law, CPS, Central Registry, DHHS or similar legal issue. You can feel confident you are not just a file Paula will work hard to get you the best possible outcome and she will fully invest in your case. Thank you Job well done!

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Posted by Kara | May 30, 2018

Competent and Caring

Paula represented me in an appeal last year. There are truly so many positive things I could share about Paula's representation for my challenging case, but I'll highlight a few of the most important. For starters Paula agreed to take my case despite the time constraints; deadlines she had to work within. When I met her for the first time, along with my son, I felt cared about. She listened to my story with sensitivity and compassion. Further more, each time we communicated about my case I felt at peace. Paula was timely, very thorough familiarizing with my sizable case/documents; and competent with her argument before the apellet court. I have emense appreciation for Paula.

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Posted by Dee | April 24, 2018

One of the best

This review is way overdue. Better than 5 years ago now i contacted paula aylward in regards to a foster child that was in my care. He had been in my care since 2 month of age and he was now going on 5. He had been returned to bio mom several times and each time came back to me more abused, damaged and neglected then before. Mrs Aylward had agreed to meet with me, after i finished my story of this little boy i desperately looked for advise on how i could fight for him while the "system" did not. Not only did she take my case and helped me petition the courts and present my case she also presented such emotional support. I always felt like she was in my corner, guiding me thru the judicial system. Unfortunately my little boy was returned to his bio mom, it was not from lack of trying on my part or Paulas part, i can honestly sleep at night knowing i did everything i could to protect him, no regret. I have sinced moved out of state and no longer foster children. Last i heard of my little boy he had been taken away from his bio mom for child endangerment. I will always be grateful to Paula, not just for her legal services but the emotional support, caring attitude, and genuine concern she gave my case.

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Posted by Linda | April 24, 2018

Thank You from the bottom of our hearts

We hired Paula on a guardianship-custody case, she is awesome. She cares she is understanding. Paula takes the time to always be available and to listen to what you are telling her and she investigates like crazy to make sure not only does she have all the information but you do too. We could not have asked for anyone better and will refer her to anyone and everyone we possibly can. We can not thank her enough for all the effort she put into our case and the things she has done for our family.

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Posted by anonymous | April 19, 2018

Expungement from Central Registry

We hired Attorney Paula Aylward to write a letter to the DHHS to request expungement from the Central Registry. Paula was professional, polite, timely and excellent with details. She emailed us and called us to update us on what she needed from us, and what she was working on. She is an excellent communicator. She was available when we had phone appointments set up for a specific time. Promptly replying to emails. She did excellent work summating the information we had provided. She used multiple resources like other books, studies, cases to show why the current accusations were incorrect and what is permissible by state law. She is very well experienced and very knowledgeable. We are so happy we hired her and we highly recommend her services.

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Posted by Mike | March 8, 2018

You Must Hire Her To Fight For You

Paula was worth every penny to do the job I hired her to do. In the last five months she got every record possible to make my case possible to be a win for me. She is very personal and professional. I would totally recommend her for your case. Thanks Paula for everything you did for me. You are Awesome!!

Posted by Nene | February 19, 2018

She won my unbeatable case

I hired a lawyer previous to Mrs. Aylward and I lost. I had been abused twice by a system that was flawed when it comes to falsely and unfairly being put on the central registry. I am a domestic violence survivor that Mrs. Alyward never gave up on and a new start to a broken life. If you’re looking for an honest and hard working lawyer look no further. She’s not just a lawyer she’s a great person.

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Posted by Clover | November 21, 2017

The best attorney possible

We could not have asked for a better, more knowledgable or professional attorney than Paula. She always acted on our behalf in a reasonable and dignfied manner. We are truly grateful for her legal expertise and care.

Posted by anonymous | November 11, 2016

Paula is the best lawyer you can find!!!

I am so glad I found Paula. She was so professional and knowledgeable of my case and was right on target with the way to handle it. As far as I'm concerned she went above and beyond, always caring and always there when I needed her, I never felt like she wasn't doing everything she could for me. Her advice was invaluable to me. If anyone asks me to recommend a lawyer Paula will be the one that I recommend I am forever in her debt!!

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Posted by Jim | September 8, 2016

Superior representation

Paula Aylward took my case regarding a central registry issue with the utmost concern and urgency. She proved to be a lawyer that was professional and yet caring. I was impressed with her attention to detail and her sharp mind. She was thorough in her preparation and put together strong and persuasive arguments that brought me the desired outcome in my case. It was comforting to know that she was experienced and could navigate me through this difficult issue. I also felt she was fair in the way she charged for her time. I have already recommended her to friends and would highly recommend Paula Aylward to anyone needing superior representation.

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Posted by Brenda | June 1, 2016

Paula is an expert on central registry issues.

I don't know what I would have done or what my life would be like now if I hadn't found Paula to assist me with removing my name from the central registry in Michigan. I would recommend her highly to anyone who needs help with navigating through what can be a very intimidating and daunting process. I really can't thank her enough.

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AVVO RATING 9.7 (Superb)

Work Experience

President/Owner
Allegiant Legal, PC
2006 - Present

Attorney
Levine & Levine
2000 - 2006

Attorney
McLanahan & Clearman
1997 - 2000

Attorney
Fay, Flynn & Fay
1995 - 1996

Assistant District Attorney
Brooklyn/Queens, New York District Attorneys Offices
1989 - 1994

View all work experience

Education

Western Michigan University
MA - Masters
2012

Suffolk University Law School
Juris Doctor
1989

Boston College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1985

Legal Cases

Ayotte v Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 326 Mich App 483 (2018)
Prevailed on Appeal to the Michigan Court of Appeals

Associations

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Structured Decision Making Risk/Safety Assessments workgroup
2021 - Present

Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect
Task Force member
2020 - Present

National Association of Counsel for Children
Member
2018 - Present

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
Associate Member
2017 - Present

Family Law Section, State Bar of Michigan
Member
2015 - Present

Appellate Practice Section, State Bar of Michigan
Member
2015 - Present

Children's Law Section
Member and Amicus Committee member
2014 - Present

State Bar of Michigan
2000 - Present

State Bar of Texas
1998 - Present

State Bar of Massachusetts
1989 - Present

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, CPS Program Office
Central Registry for Child Abuse and Neglect workgroup
2017 - 2018

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Languages Spoken

Spanish

Honors and Awards

Parent Attorney of the Year
Foster Care Review Board
2014

Women in the Law awardee
Michigan Lawyer's Weekly
2014

A Lawyer Helps award
State Bar of Michigan
2013

Community Service Award
Young Israel of Queens Valley
1995

Constitutional Law and Criminal Procedure
American Jurisprudence
N/A

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Publications

Inter-Com (Michigan Probate Judges Association)
Title IV-E Updates
2020

State Bar of Michigan Bar Journal
Temporal Limitations of the Relative Placement Preference
2019

Inter-Com (Michigan Probate Judges Association publication)
Walking the Title IV-E Tightrope: A Guide to Securing Federal Funding for out of home placements and to appealing denials of Federal funding
2013

www.allegiantlegal.com
The Central Registry: Michigan's Secret Life Sentence
2012

www.allegiantlegal.com
The Danger of Waiving Your Right to Modify Spousal Support
2012

www.allegiantlegal.com
Retroactive Application of Michigan's Revocation of Paternity Act
2012

ABA Dispute Resolution Magazine
Integrity Meets Integrity: Using ombuds to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
2005

Western Michigan University Center for the Study of Ethics in Society
The Ethics of Apology and The Role of Ombuds
2004

Therapeutic Jurisprudence seminar
Therapeutic Jurisprudence and the Ombudsman
2001

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Speaking Engagements

Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals annual conference
Title IV-E federal foster care funding appeals
2019

Michigan Probate Judges Association, annual meeting
Title IV-E federal foster care funding appeals
2018

Childrens' Protective Services Advisory Committee
Preponderance of the evidence standard in CPS investigations
2018

Queens County Criminal Bar Association seminar
Vulnerable Child Witnesses
1994

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Attorney endorsements

Received (6)

Given (3)

Endorse Paula

John Campbell

Family Attorney | Aug 26
Relationship: Other

"I heartily endorse Paula Aylward. I called Paula for a consult on a foster parent license-revocation hearing. Her expertise in the field was invaluable."

Tracy Green

Family Attorney | Apr 09
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Paula Aylward is an outstanding legal professional. She is a zealous advocate who is knowledgeable, conscientious, compassionate, and personable. Although she is well-regarded for her practice in a diversity of areas, I know Paula as an authoritative voice in the child welfare community. She has distinguished herself among her peers in this arena, generally, and she is highly sought for consultation in its specialty categories, such as Central Registry expunction. Paula is a reliable source of scholarly publications, as well. I would recommend Attorney Paula Aylward for consultation or hire --- to peers and prospective clients, alike --- without reservation."

Rhonda Ives

Appeals Attorney | Nov 11
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have first hand knowledge of Attorney Paula Aylward's amazing ability to identify the key winning issues on complex cases. I am also able to endorse Attorney Aylward's thoroughness in her document preparation and research. Not only is she well versed in legal issues at the trial Court level, her ability to navigate through complex Appelate issues far exceeds most. If you need an Attorney dedicated to the details or an Attorney to handle a complex legal issue, I recommend Attorney Paula Aylward."

Stuart Shafer

Appeals Attorney | Oct 03
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Paula is the best appellate lawyer I know. Her research is thorough, and her writing is persuasive. I trust her with my client's lives. She is the best."

Jeffrey Dworin

General practice Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Paula is an excellent, experienced, intelligent and dedicated attorney. She follows through on matters with intensity and diligence and leaves no stone unturned."

Jeanne Hannah

Family Attorney | Mar 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Paula actively pursues answers to difficult questions and networks with fellow family lawyers in both the State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section and the American Bar Association Family Law Section to remain fully informed about new developments in family law. Jeanne M. Hannah, family lawyer in Traverse City, Michigan"

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Stuart Shafer

Divorce and separation

Jeffrey Dworin

Business

Jeanne Hannah

Family

Avvo Contributions

1 Legal Answers 0 Legal Guides

Q&A
Awaiting response on motion to reconsider
08 Mar 2015

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Paula A. Aylward

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