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

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

Does Michael offer a free consultation?

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

How long do child custody cases in New Jersey 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Hackensack?

Michael is licensed in New Jersey. Matters governed by New Jersey law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael 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 Michael?

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

Is Michael accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Michael E Spinato, Child Custody Attorney in Hackensack, New Jersey

Over 47 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce · 4.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratHarwood Lloyd, LLC

Hackensack, NJ

Practicing child custody in Hackensack since 1979.

47+: Years practicing
4.3 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Divorce DV Defense Family Law

Are you Michael E Spinato?

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

Michael E Spinato is a partner based in Hackensack, NJ. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce. Michael has over 47 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harwood Lloyd, LLC. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Hackensack, NJ
Experience: over 47 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce matters from Hackensack, NJ.
Over 47 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Michael takes on

Michael concentrates on child custody, child support, divorce, dv defense, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Hackensack, New Jersey

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

Child Support cases in Hackensack, New Jersey

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

Divorce cases in Hackensack, New Jersey

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

DV Defense cases in Hackensack, New Jersey

Michael takes dv defense matters in Hackensack, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Hackensack, New Jersey

Michael takes family law matters in Hackensack, New Jersey. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Michael E Spinato — child custody lawyer in Hackensack

Michael E Spinato is a lawyer practicing divorce and family law, child custody, child support and 1 other area of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Fordham University in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years. Michael practices at Harwood Lloyd, LLC in Hackensack, NJ.

Michael's approach to child custody cases

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and divorce matters in Hackensack and the surrounding New Jersey area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Seton Hall Law School
J.D. · 1979
Fordham University
B.A. · 1976

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

United States Distri
1979 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
1979 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
1979 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Seton Hall Law School and B.A. in Fordham University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Seton Hall Law School and B.A. in Fordham University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in New Jersey is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

Hirsch Heart Foundation
membership

Locations

Michael E Spinato's office in Hackensack

Michael's primary office is at 130 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ, 07601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Harwood Lloyd, LLC

130 Main Street

Hackensack, NJ 07601

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael E Spinato — 4.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

4.3

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael E Spinato — 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 Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Hackensack, New Jersey

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 Michael

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael'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 Michael E Spinato

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in New Jersey 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Hackensack?
Michael is licensed in New Jersey. Matters governed by New Jersey law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new child custody clients right now?
Michael'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 Hackensack, Trenton and Newark in New Jersey

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

More counsel

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