Atty. Michelle J. Doherty

Atty. Michelle J. Doherty

Legal Experience I will always remember my first semester of my first year of law school when I learned that after paying income tax your entire life, if you had saved to much money upon your death you would be required to pay federal and possibly state estate tax. I was shocked and offended by this.

Waterford Waterford 29 yrs experience 29 year
Call (947) 257-5824 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Michelle J. Doherty at a glance

Michelle J. Doherty is an Attorney based in Waterford, Michigan, practicing at Ross Legal Group, P.C.. They have 29+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1997. Their practice focuses on divorce, wills, trusts, probate, and family law. Admitted to practice in Michigan (1997). Educated at Thomas M. Cooley Law School (J.D., 1997) and Michigan State University (B.A. American, 1992). Serands clients in Waterford, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Legal Experience I will always remember my first semester of my first year of law school when I learned that after paying income tax your entire life, if you had saved to much money upon your death you would be required to pay federal and possibly state estate tax
  • I was shocked and offended by this
  • I was further shocked when I learned that this estate tax was paid by the average upper middle class families, not just the super wealthy
  • It was at that time, I decided to learn ways to avoid paying that tax, and I did
  • After graduation, I took this knowledge in probate and estate planning and opened my own law practice
  • There I hone my skills as a lawyer, and with the respect for other that I learned from my parents assisted hundreds of families plan out the business of their life
  • Because of the respectful relationships I fostered with those clients and the superior services I provided them, I continue to receive referrals clients I assisted in 1997
  • In 2003, my first son arrived and refocused my life
  • Instead of maintaining an active business, I decided I must center more attention on the new life before me
  • Without any regrets and only great hopes for the future, I closed my firm and joined Karen in her practice
  • Over the years, I have continued to provide my old client and then my new clients with wonderful service
  • Recognizing that with each client, their individual needs are not the same as any past client, giving them personalized service
  • Educating them about the legal process and guiding them through on a level they understood
  • Over the years, I have provided legal services at various legal aids centers across the metro Detroit area
  • I have moderated several seminars for the Institute for Continues Legal Education
  • and assisted many clients by making home and hospital visits when they are unable to come to my office
  • For several years, I tried cases for Department of Human Services
  • I assisted the Department by removing children from neglectful families, including terminating parental rights when necessary
  • I now look forward to helping with your legal needs!
  • Personal Information I was raised by my mother and father with my 4 sibling in Shelby Twp., Michigan
  • Respectful family relations were instilled in me at a young age through attending church, working on frequent volunteer projects, and honoring my parents and sibling
  • I now share my life and this upbringing with my husband of 17 years and my 2 sons

Practice Areas Explained

Michelle J. Doherty's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michelle J. Doherty handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Divorce

A divorce attorney guides you through property division, spousal support, custody, and the final decree — contested or uncontested.

Michelle J. Doherty is one of 50,487 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in Michigan →

Wills

Michelle J. Doherty is one of 34,541 wills attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wills attorneys in Michigan →

Trusts

Michelle J. Doherty is one of 104,172 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Michigan →

Probate

Michelle J. Doherty is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Michigan →

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Michelle J. Doherty is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Michigan →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Michigan

Practicing law in Michigan. Legal matters in Michigan are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Waterford are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Michigan state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Michigan brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Michigan courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Michigan attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Waterford or all attorneys in Michigan.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Michelle J. Doherty

Where is Michelle J. Doherty's law office located?
Michelle J. Doherty's law practice is located in Waterford, Michigan. The firm is Ross Legal Group, P.C.. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michelle J. Doherty handle?
Michelle J. Doherty focuses on divorce, wills, trusts, probate, family law. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Michigan.
How long has Michelle J. Doherty practiced law?
Michelle J. Doherty has 29+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1997.
Where did Michelle J. Doherty go to law school?
Michelle J. Doherty earned their education at (J.D., 1997); (B.A. American, 1992).
How can I contact Michelle J. Doherty for a consultation?
You can contact Michelle J. Doherty directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.

Education

J.D.
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
- 1997
B.A. American
Michigan State University
- 1992

Bar Admissions

Michigan
Admitted: 1997

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