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About
Michael S. Barrett, Esq

Maryland Family Law Attorney | Divorce With a Plan

Bringing more than two decades of deeply rooted legal experience to Maryland. Mike Barrett is a formidable advocate who understands that navigating complex family law and injury matters requires a rare blend of local insight and unyielding dedication. Prior to joining our team, Mike managed his own successful law firm for over a decade, representing hundreds of clients through intricate divorce, custody, child support, domestic violence, and personal injury cases.

At Divorce With a Plan, the work isn’t just about knowing the law. It’s about understanding your situation, protecting what matters most, and helping you make decisions you can stand behind long after the case is closed.

Book Your Consultation Now: (240) 326-7712

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

— Maya Angelou

 

 

 

About Michael

Michael Barrett practices family law in Maryland and represents clients in Baltimore, Rockville, and throughout the state. His approach is grounded in a straightforward philosophy: every client deserves a lawyer who listens carefully, thinks clearly, and gives them an honest picture of where they stand.

Family law cases are rarely just legal problems. They involve children, finances, housing, and futures. Michael understands that — and it shapes how he handles every case he takes on. He brings real courtroom experience and the judgment to know when litigation is the right tool, and when a negotiated resolution serves his client better.

Mike Barret

 

Mike’s Family Law Practice Areas

Michael represents clients across the full range of family law matters in Maryland, including:

  • Divorce — contested and uncontested divorce, including cases involving complex assets, business interests, and high-net-worth estates
  • Child Custody and Visitation — legal and physical custody determinations, parenting plans, relocation disputes, and custody modifications
  • Child Support — establishment, modification, and enforcement of child support orders
  • Property Division — identification and equitable distribution of marital assets and debts, including retirement accounts, real estate, and business interests
  • Alimony and Spousal Support — negotiation and litigation of alimony, rehabilitative support, and post-judgment modification
  • Protective Orders — interim and final protective orders for clients in urgent situations

 

Michael’s Approach to Family Law

Michael’s clients don’t come to him because their situation is simple. They come because they need someone to cut through the noise, focus on what’s at stake, and help them make sound decisions under pressure.

When you work with Michael, you can expect:

  • A clear picture from day one. Michael takes the time to understand your specific circumstances, your goals, and what a successful outcome actually looks like for you — before recommending a path forward.
  • Straight talk about your options. No overpromising, no manufactured urgency. Michael tells clients what they need to hear so they can make informed decisions at every stage.
  • Litigation experience when it counts. Michael is a practiced courtroom attorney who is ready to advocate for you in front of a judge when that’s what your case requires.
  • Judgment about when not to fight. Not every issue in a divorce or custody matter is worth the time and cost of a legal battle. Michael helps clients decide strategically where to focus their energy and resources.
  • A plan. Every client who works with Michael leaves their first meeting with a clearer sense of what comes next — and a realistic path to get there.

 

Education

  • J.D., University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
  • B.A., University of Maryland – College Park, Sociology

 

Professional Associations

  • Member of Maryland State Bar Association
  • Member of Maryland Association for Justice

 

Prior Employment

  • Attorney At Law Offices Keith A. Parris
  • Screening Unit At Montgomery County States Attorneys’ Office
  • Administrative Assistant At United States Secret Service

Frequently Asked Questions

Michael Barrett handles a broad range of Maryland family law matters, including contested and uncontested divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, property division, alimony and spousal support, and protective orders. He also represents clients dealing with complex assets, business interests, retirement accounts, and other high-value financial matters.

Look for an attorney with direct family law experience, clear and honest communication, and a strategy tailored to your situation — not a one-size-fits-all approach. You want someone who tells you the truth about your options and focuses on what actually matters in your case. A consultation is the best way to assess whether it’s the right fit.

The terms are often used interchangeably. A divorce attorney is a family law attorney who focuses on divorce cases. Family law is broader and covers custody, support, protective orders, and post-divorce modifications as well. If your situation involves any of these issues, a family law attorney is the right place to start.

A family law attorney handles legal matters involving families and domestic relationships — including divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, property division, and protective orders. Beyond knowing the law, a good family law attorney helps clients understand their options, make sound decisions, and protect what matters most throughout the process.

Michael Barrett represents family law clients in Baltimore, Rockville, and throughout Maryland. His practice includes divorce, custody, support, property division, and other family law matters for clients facing both straightforward and complex legal issues.

Michael takes a strategic, client-focused approach to family law. He begins by understanding the client’s circumstances, priorities, and long-term goals, then helps identify the most practical path forward. Depending on the case, that may involve negotiation, mediation, or courtroom litigation.

Bring any documents you have access to — financial statements, prior court orders, relevant correspondence — and a clear sense of your priorities. You don’t need to have everything figured out. The goal of the first meeting is to understand where you stand, what your options are, and what comes next.

Even in an uncontested divorce, it’s strongly advisable to have a family law attorney review any agreement before you sign. Property division, retirement accounts, and custody arrangements involve legal complexities with lasting consequences. An attorney can make sure the agreement says what you intend — and that it holds up in court.

In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on all major issues — property, custody, support — before filing. In a contested divorce, one or more issues remain in dispute and require court intervention to resolve. Both types require careful legal navigation, and both benefit from having an experienced attorney in your corner.

Maryland follows an equitable distribution approach to marital property, meaning assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided fairly — though not necessarily equally. Courts consider a range of factors in determining what is fair in each case. An experienced family law attorney can help you understand what likely counts as marital property and how division might play out in your situation.

Maryland courts determine custody based on the child’s best interests. Judges consider a range of factors, including each parent’s fitness, the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s ability to maintain a stable home, and the child’s preferences based on age and maturity. No two custody cases are alike, so it helps to have an attorney who understands how courts weigh these factors.

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