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

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

Does James offer a free consultation?

James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check James'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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can James take my case if I'm outside Birch Run?

James 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 — James 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 James?

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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is James accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

James T Borchard, Child Custody Attorney in Birch Run, Michigan

Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and Divorce · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Saginaw Co. Prosecutor's Off.

Birch Run, MI

Practicing child custody in Birch Run since 1976.

50+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 1 client review
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Criminal Defense Divorce Personal Injury

Are you James T Borchard?

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

James T Borchard is a saginaw co. prosecutor's off. based in Birch Run, MI. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and Divorce. James has over 50 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Birch Run, MI
Experience: over 50 years
Known for: Child Custody · Criminal Defense · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and Divorce matters from Birch Run, MI.
Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Legal matters James takes on

James concentrates on child custody, criminal defense, divorce, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Birch Run, Michigan

James takes child custody matters in Birch Run, 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 James agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Birch Run, Michigan

James takes criminal defense matters in Birch Run, 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 James agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Birch Run, Michigan

James takes divorce matters in Birch Run, 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 James agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Birch Run, Michigan

James takes personal injury matters in Birch Run, 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 James agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet James T Borchard — child custody lawyer in Birch Run

James T Borchard is a lawyer practicing personal injury litigation, divorce, custody and 2 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from University of Michigan in 1972, and has been licensed for 50 years. James practices in Birch Run, MI.

Working with James on a child custody matter

Clients James works with

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, criminal defense, and divorce matters in Birch Run and the surrounding Michigan area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Detroit
J.D. · 1976
University of Michigan
B.S. · 1972

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1978 · ACTIVE
Michigan
1976 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in University of Detroit and B.S. in University of Michigan.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

James T Borchard's office in Birch Run

James's primary office is at 8245 Lewis Rd, Birch Run, MI, 48415-9610. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

8245 Lewis Rd

Birch Run, MI 48415-9610

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James T Borchard — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

4.4

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James T Borchard — 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 James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James'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; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Birch Run, 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 James

James 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. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

James'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 James T Borchard

How much does it cost to hire James for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check James'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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Birch Run?
James 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 — James 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 James?
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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new child custody clients right now?
James'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 Birch Run, Detroit and Grand Rapids in Michigan

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