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 Georgia 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 Savannah?

Michael is licensed in Georgia. Matters governed by Georgia 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 Forest Kelley, Child Custody Attorney in Savannah, Georgia

Over 10 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense

Associate

Savannah, GA

Practicing child custody in Savannah since 2016.

10+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Civil Rights Criminal Defense Divorce DUI/DWI Family Law +4 more →

Are you Michael Forest Kelley?

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Quick answer

Michael Forest Kelley is an associate based in Savannah, GA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense. Michael has over 10 years of legal experience.

Based in: Savannah, GA
Experience: over 10 years
Known for: Child Custody · Civil Rights · Criminal Defense

Handles Child Custody, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense matters from Savannah, GA.
Over 10 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Michael's practice areas in Savannah

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

Child Custody cases in Savannah, Georgia

Michael takes child custody matters in Savannah, Georgia. 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.

Civil Rights cases in Savannah, Georgia

Michael takes civil rights matters in Savannah, Georgia. 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.

Criminal Defense cases in Savannah, Georgia

Michael takes criminal defense matters in Savannah, Georgia. 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 Savannah, Georgia

Michael takes divorce matters in Savannah, Georgia. 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.

DUI/DWI cases in Savannah, Georgia

Michael takes dui/dwi matters in Savannah, Georgia. 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

Michael Forest Kelley, child custody attorney serving Savannah

Michael Forest Kelley is an associate based in Savannah, GA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense. Michael has over 10 years of legal experience. Michael works from Savannah, Georgia and takes on child custody matters across the region.

Mr. Michael Forest Kelley is a lawyer practicing child advocacy, delinquency, criminal defense and 8 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Salisbury University in 2003, and has been licensed for 10 years. Michael practices in Savannah, GA.

Working with Michael on a child custody matter

Who Michael represents

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, civil rights, and criminal defense matters in Savannah and the surrounding Georgia area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Michael studied and practices

Savannah Law School
J.D. · 2015
Salisbury University
B.A. English · 2003

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

Georgia
2016 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Savannah Law School and B.A. English in Salisbury University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Savannah Law School and B.A. English in Salisbury University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Georgia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Michael Forest Kelley's office in Savannah

Michael's primary office is at 119 Southern Blvd, Savannah, GA, 31405-7415. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

119 Southern Blvd

Savannah, GA 31405-7415

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Forest Kelley

Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Forest Kelley — 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 Savannah, Georgia

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 Forest Kelley

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 Georgia 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 Savannah?
Michael is licensed in Georgia. Matters governed by Georgia 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 Savannah, Atlanta and Marietta in Georgia

Michael handles child custody matters throughout Georgia. 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 Savannah handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.