Of Counsel

Michael DeHaven

md@mgdehavenlaw.com

Family Law

Bar Admissions/Licenses

  • Maryland

Court Admissions

Background & History
Education
Speaking Engagements
Publications
Professional Organizations & memberships
awards & honors

Background & History

Michael DeHaven has been litigating cases for over 30 years. Michael began his career as an Assistant State’s Attorney, where he gained invaluable experience trying cases before Baltimore County judges & juries. In 1995, Michael entered private practice, primarily representing members of the Maryland State Teachers Association in criminal and civil matters. In 1996, he joined Bodie, Nagle, Dolina, Smith & Hobbs and was the managing partner in 2002 & 2003. Although Michael’s practice at Bodie initially focused on handling multi-million dollar product liability claims, he developed a passion for family law.

Michael understands the emotional and financial impact that protracted litigation (especially divorce litigation) can have on a client, and thus he always tries to negotiate a fair and amicable resolution of family law matters. Michael believes that a divorcing couple should make every effort to decide what is in their child’s best interest and how to equitably distribute their property. To reach a compromise in a divorce case, the parties and their lawyers must focus on the big picture and negotiate in good faith. Michael always adopts that approach, but if the opposing party or attorney is unreasonable, he relies upon his courtroom experience to zealously advocate for his clients.

Education

  • University of Baltimore, Maryland, 1990
    - JD
  • Frostburg State College, Maryland, 1986
    - BS

Speaking Engagements & Panel Participation

  • A Quick Guide to Family Law and Practice (National Business Institute “NBI”), 2020
  • Financial Divorce Settlements from Start to Finish (NBI), 2020
  • Trial Preparation: Objections/hearsay/evidentiary issues that commonly arise, 2020
    Guest Lecturer, University of Baltimore School of Law, Advance Certificate in Family Law, 2020
  • Applying the Rules of Evidence (NBI), 2019
  • Discovery Tactics for Expert Witnesses.  Lecture for Staff Attorneys of the Maryland Legal Aid Bureau, 2019
  • Social Media, Email & Text Evidence (NBI), 2019
  • Litigating Civil Cases From Start to Finish (NBI), 2019
  • Social Media and Other Electronic Data – How to Get it Admitted In Criminal, Family, And Other Civil Cases (Bar Association of Montgomery County), 2018
  • Internet, Social Media, Smartphone Evidence & More (NBI), 2018
  • Applying the Rules of Evidence (NBI), 2018
  • Getting Emails into Evidence and Relevant Case Law (Baltimore County Bar Association “BCBA”), 2017
  • Advanced Family Law (NBI), 2017
  • How to Get Your Social Media, Email & Text Evidence Admitted (NBI), 2017
  • Hearsay, Email, Business Records & Social Media (NBI), 2016
  • Advanced Issues in Family & Divorce (NBI), 2016
  • Evidentiary issues that attorneys face when trying to admit social media before the court (BCBA), 2016
  • How to Get Your Social Media, Email & Text Evidence Admitted  (NBI), 2015
  • Tips for Representing a Client in a Custody Proceeding When There is an Allegation of Abuse or Neglect of a Minor Child (BCBA), 2014

Publications

  • How to admit social media posts into evidence – Maryland Daily Record

Professional Organizations & Memberships

Awards and Honors

  • AV Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Super Lawyer 2015 – 2021
  • AVVO 10/10
  • Managing Partner of Family Law Division voted winner of the Maryland Daily Record Reader Rankings for Best Family Law practice

Client testimonials

I received excellent support! Professional, knowledgeable, pro-active.

Bill P.

Frost & Associates provides excellent legal services. The results provided have always exceeded my expectations.

Rita F.

Client testimonials

I had an excellent experience working with Frost Law, especially with Heather Posey. She expertly handled my complex tax situation with exceptional thoroughness, deep expertise, and unwavering professionalism. Heather went above and beyond to make sure I felt supported throughout the entire process, demonstrating true empathy for my concerns. I was impressed by how efficiently she completed my case in a very timely manner. I highly recommend Heather Posey and the entire Frost Law team to anyone seeking knowledgeable, compassionate, and effective assistance with tax issues.

Janet V.

Tax webinars provided are very good and useful! Top shelf presentation , all questions answered, Today's on loss deductions was great !

AEBCPAMA

I found all of the various staff that I interacted with to be exceptionally helpful and understanding of my limited technical abilities on some of the functions that were required to process my Employee Retention Credit claim. I would recommend this firm to any business or individual needing legal advice! Mike Roach/co-owner of Paloma Clothing for the past 50 years.

Mike R.

Well done presentation!

Pete G.

Client testimonials

I contacted 6 law firms. Out of 6, I talked to 4 over the phone and 2 over email. Frost & associates, was the only one that listened closely, asked the appropriate questions during the consultation phase. Others were rushing, non attentive, and almost dismissive. Frost was the only one that made me felt heard and assured. After I decided to go with Frost, they were on top of everything, every single step of the way. Kept me in the loop, provided me with case updates regularly. They got my case dismissed before it even went to hearing.

Special Shout out to Nick Berger for doing an amazing job.

If I could, I would give them 10 stars out of 5.

Okan A

The Frost Law folks that handled my bankruptcy are top notch professionals. I cannot believe how fast and efficient these folks handled my case. I will recommend Frost Law anytime anyone ask.

Philip R.

Frost Law is Amazing! They helped me personally get ahold of my finances and get a fresh start. They were friendly and courteous, and patient enough to work with a financially illiterate 60 year old male. I would recommend them to anyone. If they can help me they can help anyone.

Lenny M.

Charles was Very professional, Took the time to answer my questions and help me understand my situation. HIGHLY recommend.

Mike

Michael DeHaven

Of Counsel

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Background & History
Education
Speaking Engagements
Professional Organizations & Memberships
Awards & Honors
Of Counsel

Michael DeHaven

SCHEDULE A MEETING
Precision

Every detail matters in litigation

The difference between winning and losing often comes down to what you noticed that others missed. I don't overlook anything.

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Clarity

You need to understand your options

Legal jargon clouds judgment. I explain your situation plainly so you can make decisions with full knowledge of what's at stake.

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Specialties

Six practice areas, one standard

The law doesn't fit neatly into boxes, but the problems people face do. I've spent years learning what works in each arena.

Criminal

Defense when the stakes run highest

The first hours after arrest determine everything. I know how to protect your rights when it matters most.

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Family

Custody and divorce require clear thinking

Family law isn't about winning. It's about protecting what matters most to you and your children.

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Business

Contracts and disputes demand precision

Most business problems start with unclear agreements. I help prevent them before they become costly litigation.

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Appeals

Winning on appeal requires different strategy

Appeals aren't about retrying your case. They're about finding what was missed and making it matter.

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Employment

Your rights at work deserve aggressive defense

Employers count on you not knowing your rights. I make sure you do and that they're protected.

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White collar

Complex cases need someone who understands

Federal charges and financial crimes require specialized knowledge. I know how to navigate the details that prosecutors rely on.

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Writing

Thoughts on the law

Practical insight for your case and situation

View all
Criminal

Arrest and your constitutional rights

What happens in those first critical hours
Legal counsel
15 Jan 2024
•
6 min read
Family

Protecting custody when relationships end

Your children deserve a parent who planned ahead
Legal counsel
12 Jan 2024
•
7 min read
Business

Why contracts fail and how to prevent it

The agreement you ignore today becomes tomorrow's lawsuit
Legal counsel
10 Jan 2024
•
8 min read
Criminal

Federal charges demand specialized defense

Complex cases require someone who knows the system
Legal counsel
8 Jan 2024
•
9 min read
Employment

Standing up for your rights in the workplace

Employers count on you not knowing what you're owed
Legal counsel
5 Jan 2024
•
5 min read
Appeals

How to win when the first trial didn't

Appeals are about finding what was overlooked before
Legal counsel
2 Jan 2024
•
7 min read
View all
Foundation

Decades of courtroom work shaped my approach

I've seen what wins cases and what doesn't. The difference lies in preparation, clarity, and the willingness to challenge every assumption. Your case deserves someone who knows the weight of these decisions.

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Strategy that works

Every case demands a fresh look and a willingness to question everything.

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Results matter most

What you need is someone who knows how to win and won't settle for less.

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Direct and honest

No promises you can't keep, no strategies that don't serve your interests.

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Trusted by clients across every practice area

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Criminal defense

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Family law

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Business law

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Advocate

Built on experience and honest counsel

Twenty years in the courtroom taught me that the best legal strategy is the one that works. I listen first, act decisively, and never waste time on anything that doesn't serve your case.

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