Reviews

My divorce took about a year longer than it should have due to my ex’s crazy expectations and unreasonable demands. Michelle worked expertly in working with me, the judge, and opposing counsel to settle the case fairly and reasonably. She successfully argued a few nice wins in my favor (did not have to pay ex’s attorney fees or 100% of private school). When my ex takes me back to court for some new crazy expectations , I will again hire the dynamic duo of Michelle and Alex to bring peace and order to the situation. I loved that Michelle even took steps to save me significant legal fees such as declining to go to a pre trial after we had our proposal sitting at my ex’s desk for a month with no counter. The judge agreed! Michelle and Alex took all the time I needed to explain and strategize with me. It was a wonderful experience during one of the hardest time of my life.

Michelle Spirn IS FANTASTIC I had the privilege of Michelle representing me in a family law matter, navigating filing from out of state, subsequent motion to modify, expert in cohabitation law, child sharing arrangement. Heed her advice- she called it from the start. She keeps in great communication, explains what she is thinking, and plans ahead next steps. Michelle doesn't push you, she facilitates you in the direction you want to go.

Michelle is knowledgeable, responsive and driven to get the best result for her clients. She is aggressive when the situation calls for it while also maintaining a child centered approach to litigation. She is one of the finest family law practitioners in St. Louis County, and I have seen her expertly handle divorces ranging from simple and straightforward to the most complex.

I hired Michelle Spirn for an urgent custody matter, and a subsequent motion to modify. I could not have been more pleased with her representation. Our communication, both in person and by email was pleasant, matter-of-fact, and positive. She let me know up front the good and the bad about the case and gave me realistic expectations. When the case was completed, she had exceeded those expectations. I got more time with my children than I had expected. I felt like she went above and beyond for me and genuinely cared about my case. Her fee was very reasonable and I would hire her again in a heartbeat. I highly recommend Michelle to anyone needing an attorney in Family law.

I wanted to start out by saying how professional and legally equipped Michelle Spirn was in handling my very complicated divorce. She helped me move forward with no nonsense and always kept me focused, which can be difficult. This is obviously a very difficult time and Michelle made it right for me and was conscientious about letting me get involved with the decisions, even meeting me at her office on the weekend, which is really unheard of. I loved that she was willing to accommodate my schedule. The entire process went faster than I expected and I feel that the results were fair. Really, the most important thing she did for me was to make sure I was getting a fair settlement and she was concerned that, in the beginning, I wasn't and stood up for me and that meant a great deal. As I said this is an emotional roller coaster and it is important to have a real professional look after your best interests. I truly think MIchelle and her staff are incredible, conscientious, expeditious, over the top competent and I am glad that I had her on my side.

I was referred to Michelle when I was seeking ‘top’ family lawyers in St. Louis who were ethical, compassionate, driven and who knew the law inside and out. After interviewing several lawyers, including a former judge, Michelle was clearly the most passionate and qualified. She has an unparalleled work ethic, and I’ve referred her to other friends/colleagues, all who retained her for the same reason. If you’re looking for a lawyer who will do anything to anyone at any cost to win, Michelle is not your lawyer, which was another reason I’m so proud to have worked with someone with such intelligence and heart.

I was connected with Michelle through a very good friend who knew that I needed an attorney who would help me navigate the unknown and ensure I was represented by a competent and knowledgeable divorce attorney. Michelle was direct and straightforward about the process and guided me to a fair and equitable settlement in an expeditious fashion. She kept the process moving, provided me with solid advice and helped me make decisions all while being my advocate. Michelle was always responsive and provided strong support as well as encouragement during the difficult and emotional divorce process. I highly recommend Michelle as a fair, supportive and knowledgeable divorce attorney.

Consistently missed phone calls, emails, document response deadlines -- all deadlines that she would set. She would later explain that she had more urgent cases than mine. If you say you are going to do something on a certain date and time, then you should do -- it builds trust. Michelle seemed very qualified and had all the right answers when I vetted her during our initial consultation, but once she had my retainer I couldn't get her to answer the phone or respond to an email. This last missed deadline came with yet another apology and excuse and a "I understand if you want to get a different attorney". When I replied to the email it bounced back with an automated email saying she would be out of the office for a week.

We all hear the horror stories of divorce and child custody, and I, unfortunately, began to experience the system over four years ago while dealing with child custody issues. It has been a long road throughout this process. Part of the issue with our system is the lack of true attention that each case might have, due in part, to an inundated court system and the slap-stick orders that are more standard practice than person-centered. I am also a man, and while most will tell you that the system is unbiased, they have not done much in the way of research of unconscious bias (see also Harvard Implicit Association Test). Despite a grossly lopsided case in terms of factual findings (in my favor) and the ongoing question of whose interest was at the epicenter of proceedings, I continued to struggle with the system and an opposing party that was unwilling to find common ground in the interest of the child. Three years into the process and two court cases later my Wife and I decided to change our representation. We spoke with many people and friends, some who actually work in the family court system, and Michelle was one of three top names that continually surfaced. Hiring Michelle completely changed the outcome of our case. From the moment she entered as our attorney she cut through the non-sense and facilitated the facts. It was obvious that she knew the system better than the GAL and Judge and possessed a sense of "leading the team" of parties involved. She held all parties accountable and forced the facts. At the center of all cases should be the children, and I think the best attorney that exists is one that exposes the facts and holds everyone accountable. Michelle did all of this and more. I could not be more pleased with Michelle's consultation, integrity, work ethic, and humility. We felt as if she was standing with us rather than in a room for us. Thank you Michelle from our entire family, we are forever grateful.