How much does it cost to hire Bodo for a child custody case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Bodo walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Bodo offer a free consultation?

Bodo charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Bodo's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Bodo's current terms during booking.

How long do child custody cases in Michigan typically take?

Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Bodo gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Bodo take my case if I'm outside Southgate?

Bodo is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Bodo will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Bodo?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Bodo will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Bodo accepting new child custody clients right now?

Bodo's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Bodo Schimers, Child Custody Attorney in Southgate, Michigan

Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Civil Rights · 1.5/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews

MemberatAttorney Bo Schimers

Southgate, MI

Practicing child custody in Southgate since 1989.

37+: Years practicing
1.5 ★: 6 client reviews
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Civil Rights Criminal Defense Divorce DUI/DWI +13 more →

Are you Bodo Schimers?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Bodo Schimers is a member based in Southgate, MI. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Civil Rights. Bodo has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Attorney Bo Schimers. Rated 1.5 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.

Based in: Southgate, MI
Experience: over 37 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Civil Rights

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Civil Rights matters from Southgate, MI.
Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Bodo's practice areas in Southgate

Bodo concentrates on child custody, child support, civil rights, criminal defense, and divorce. Each area below outlines the kind of case Bodo handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Southgate, Michigan

Bodo takes child custody matters in Southgate, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Bodo agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Southgate, Michigan

Bodo takes child support matters in Southgate, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Bodo agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Southgate, Michigan

Bodo takes civil rights matters in Southgate, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Bodo agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Southgate, Michigan

Bodo takes criminal defense matters in Southgate, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Bodo agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Southgate, Michigan

Bodo takes divorce matters in Southgate, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Bodo agrees to represent you.

Biography

Bodo Schimers, child custody attorney serving Southgate

Bodo Schimers is a lawyer practicing family law, personal injury, general practice and 20 other areas of law. Bodo received a B.B.A. degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1977, and has been licensed for 37 years. Bodo practices at Attorney Bo Schimers in Southgate, MI and 1 other location.

How Bodo handles child custody matters

Who Bodo represents

Bodo reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and civil rights matters in Southgate and the surrounding Michigan area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Bodo studied and practices

Detroit College of Law
J.D. · 1988
Eastern Michigan University
B.B.A. · 1977

Jurisdictions

Bodo's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1991 · ACTIVE
Michigan
1989 · ACTIVE

Bodo studied at J.D. in Detroit College of Law and B.B.A. in Eastern Michigan University.

Law school and academic background

Bodo completed J.D. in Detroit College of Law and B.B.A. in Eastern Michigan University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Bodo runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Bodo's professional memberships and bar associations

Downriver and Wayne County (Member, Family Law Section) Bar Associations State Bar of Michigan
membership

Locations

Bodo Schimers's office in Southgate

Bodo's primary office is at 13305 Reeck Road, 2nd Floor, Southgate, MI, 48195. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Attorney Bo Schimers

13305 Reeck Road, 2nd Floor

Southgate, MI 48195

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Bodo Schimers — 1.5/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Bodo. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Southgate.

1.5

6 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Bodo Schimers claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Bodo Schimers — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new child custody attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Bodo usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Bodo charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Bodo's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Bodo will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Southgate, Michigan

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Bodo

Bodo discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child custody practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Bodo confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Bodo's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Bodo Schimers

How much does it cost to hire Bodo for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Bodo walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Bodo offer a free consultation?
Bodo charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Bodo's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Bodo's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Bodo gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Bodo take my case if I'm outside Southgate?
Bodo is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Bodo will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Bodo?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Bodo will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Bodo accepting new child custody clients right now?
Bodo's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Southgate, Detroit and Grand Rapids in Michigan

Bodo handles child custody matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Bodo's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Southgate handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.