Maggie Cotant

Maggie Cotant has been a member of the Michigan Bar since being awarded her Juris Doctor from Wayne State University and passing the Michigan State Bar Exam in 1992. Maggie knew early on that she wanted to concentrate her practice in the area of family law, when she was appointed Litigation Supervisor at the Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services Free Legal Aid Clinic while still a law student.

She began her career as Lead Attorney in the Domestic Violence Unit at Oakland Livingston Legal Aid. From there, Maggie went on to practice family law with Henry Baskin, Debra Ribitwer, and Carole Chiamp. Maggie relocated to Northern Michigan for six years, between 2006 and 2012, opening her own practice, Margaret A. Cotant, PLC, where she concentrated on divorce, custody, child support, and juvenile law. She also served as Guardian Ad Litem for several counties, by appointment of the sitting Probate Judge, for juveniles involved in abuse and neglect cases, investigating and writing reports for various probate court judges, making recommendations as to what the ultimate conclusions of those cases should be, with the best interests of the child as her focus. She became a trusted resource for judges in those counties, who came to trust her dedication to going above and beyond her statutory duties.

On her return to the Metro-Detroit Area, Maggie practiced both family law and personal injury litigation/premises liability insurance defense, along with some first- and third-party auto defense, representing both individual clients and investigating fraud claims. She also represented plaintiffs in personal injury claims including slip and falls, dog bites, employment law, dramshop actions, and falls caused by hidden obstacles on residential and commercial properties.

Now happy to be with SMDA, Maggie heads up the Firm’s Family Law Department. Thirty years of experience in family law and as a litigator have led Maggie to believe that a creative approach to family law cases best serves clients, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Maggie has tried many cases and is known as a tenacious advocate for her clients. If your case takes the traditional route through the family court system, she is the attorney for you. However, she is also an experienced mediator, practices other forms of collaborative law, and has many other tools she uses to assist individuals and couples who wish to take a different path to end their marriage, perhaps one not involving litigation; often people believe a court battle will have a negative effect on their children or their future relationship as co-parents. Give Maggie a call and watch for her blog. She would be happy to discuss all your options with you, without judgment, and help you determine the best choice for you and your family.