Michael W. Bouldin

Bar / Professional Activity

• US District Court - S.Dist. OH, 1995
• Academy of Northern Kentucky Collaborative Professionals, 2004
• Ohio Bar Association, 1995
• Kentucky Bar, 1994
• US District Court - E.Dist. Ky, 1995

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

• Settlement of auto/truck accident in mid six figures.  Client had surgery post accident and ultimately was extremely satisfied with settlement achieved prior to trial., 2023
• Collaborative resolution of case involving over $15 million of assets.  Division included stock options, restricted units, stock grants as well as traditional and non-traditional retirement assets. Parties were able to amicably resolve their case without court interference but ultimately with court approval., 2024
• Successfully tried and resolved involving significant and varied assets as well as spousal support.  Obtained judgment from Magistrate in accordance with wishes of client and fulfill all needs., 2024
• Questionable rape charge amended to misdemeanor sexual misconduct.  Plea also did not include placement on sex offender registry., 2020
• Negotiated misdemeanor resolution for drug trafficking and child endangerment charges., 2021
• Successful dismissal of DUI charges after client drove off road and into residence., 2022
• Negotiated favorable divorce resolution with 25+ year marriage and $5MM of assets., 2022
• Successfully argued to impute wages of $113,934 to Husband who claimed $38,162/year on taxes. Dissolution and imputation of wages in Tibtani v. Tibtani case upheld on appeal., 2019
• Acquittal jury verdict in Scott County, Kentucky for defense client facing charges of Burglary and Theft., 2019
• Dismissal of DUI case after court determined that evidence was insufficient to sustain conviction.  Client was originally charged with aggravated DUI, refusal of breathalyzer and speeding charges., 2017
• Sole custody awarded to mother following extensive trial to family court judge.  New Kentucky law makes a preseumption of joint legal custody and 50/50 parenting determination.  Despite new law, sole custody was awarded based on evidence presented at trial., 2017

Videos

• Attorney Michael Bouldin discusses the Bouldin Law Firm and provides overview of services offered to clients. Michael Bouldin has been practicing law primarily in areas of divorce, dissolution, criminal defense and DUI since 1994 in Northern Kentucky and Southern Ohio. While the firm is primarily focused on family law and criminal defense, the practice also includes estate planning, personal injury and corporate formation and litigation. Kentucky law does not recognize the specialty practice of law. Any references to focus and primary areas relate to the amount of time which is typically devoted to a specific area of law., Introduction to Michael Bouldin, Legal, 2021
• Michael Bouldin has been handling family law matters, including collaborative law, divorce, custody, support and dissolution in Northern Kentucky since 1994. Much of his law practice focus is on family matters both in N.Ky and Cincinnati. Family law representation includes collaborative divorce, mediation, and litigation as methods of dispute resolution. Other areas which are also included in family law include juvenile court, allegations of abuse, dependency and neglect, paternity, custody, visitation, domestic violence and emergency protective orders (EPO and DVO) and DNA. The Bouldin Law Firm has excelled at personalized attention for over 25 years. Handling cases in a minimum number of locations allows lawyers to understand nuances of each division and each judge as well as developed relationships with other local attorneys who practice family law., Introduction to Divorce Law, Divorce And Family Law Litigants, 2020
• Michael Bouldin introduction to potential clients and colleagues., Introduction, 2017
• Northern Kentucky attorney Michael Bouldin discusses representation of criminal defendants, including those charged with DUI or OVI.  Narrative reports, questions answered and introduction to attorney Bouldin are all included. , Intro to Criminal Law, Criminal And DUI Defendants, 2020
• Introduction by attorney Michael Bouldin outlining what to expect from your attorney in hiring and through a divorce or dissolution., NKy Divorce Attorney, 2013
• Attorney Michael Bouldin introduces self to clients and discuses aspects of Criminal Defense in Northern Kentucky., NKy Criminal Attorney, 2013

Representative Clients

• Represented separate individuals charged with trafficking over 50 pounds of marijuana into Kentucky through CVG airport.  Both resulted with exceptional results for the clients., 2023
• Client wanted divorce to be confidential. Over $20 million in assets successfully resolved., 2024
• Clients with over $10MM in assets and various businesses successfully divorced through collaborative process. Client very content with resolution and terms of the dissolution., 2021
• Represented criminal defendants accused of drug trafficking and possession of illegal drugs with handgun., 2018
• Collaborative Divorce representing high net worth & high income earning individuals., 2022
• Generally represent individuals involved in divorce or charged with a crime or DUI. , 2020

Transactions

• Board Member of THE ACADEMY OF NORTHERN KENTUCKY COLLABORATIVE PROFESSIONALS, INC., 2024
• Collaborative divorce for individual with over $10MM assets. Peaceful resolution without court involvement. , 2019

Special Licenses / Certifications

• Collaborative training and member of ANKCP.  Active board member for Collaborative Divorce in Northern Kentucky., 2005

Pro bono / Community Service

• Provided over 40 hours pro bono services, primarily through ION (formerly Women's Crisis Center), 2021
• Provided indigent clients with expungements so that they can more effectively obtain employment., 2025
• Submitted over 40 hours of pro bono work to assist clients in financial distress going through divorce and domestic violence., 2023
• 40+ Hours of pro bono services provided to those in need referred by Women's Crisis Center, 2019
• Provided probono services to individuals referred by ION, formerly Women's Crisis Center., 2022
• Over 40 pro bono hours completed, 2020
• 50 hours on divorce/custody case in Kenton County., 2018
• I commit to 40 hours of pro bono/community service each year.  I generally accept pro bono clients who have been referred from the Women's Crisis Center and Children's Advocacy Center.

Educational Background

• B.S. Business Economics from Miami University, Ohio, 1991
• J.D. NKU - Salmon P. Chase College of Law, 1994

White Papers

• Michael Bouldin discusses when posts on FaceBook and other social media platforms such as Tik-Tok and Instagram may become libel, subjecting the writer to potential legal liability.  Other areas of constitutionally protected free speech are discussed. , FaceBook Posts: Libel or Free Speech, Public at Large, General Community, 2024
• Criminal Defense attorney Michael Bouldin discusses Governor Beshear's executive order on pardon of certain individuals charged with marijuana possession in the Commonwealth of Kentucky., Status of Marijuana Possession in Kentucky, Criminal, Marijuana, 2023
• Update of Kentucky law and the presumptions for joint legal custody as well as shared (50/50) parenting under Kentucky statutes.  A primer for litigants heading into divorce in Kentucky when custody is at issue., KY Divorce and Custody, Divorce, 2024
• Attorney Michael Bouldin describes that an attorney is necessary and joint custody is not always granted despite new Kentucky Statute which provides for a presumption of joint legal custody and shared parenting.  KRS 403.270 and first appellate case of Barnett v. White are discussed., Not All Custody Is Equal, Legal - Divorce, 2019
• With the unprecedented rise in real estate values, it is important to consider all options when you are in the middle of a divorce.  Many parties overvalue certain assets in a divorce, whether for sentimental reasons, belief that the children will be less affected, or because of a preconceived notion that the party with the marital home “wins” in the divorce., Marital Assets and Home Valuation, Divorce Law, 2022
• If you are in the process of divorce there are always many things to consider. For those employees who receive restricted stock, stock options and bonuses, it is important to look at the historic nature of the payments as well as when the stock or bonuses are earned.Generally, any money earned during the marriage is considered to be a marital asset.  As such, if you earned your bonus in a year that you were married and it is not paid out until April of the following year, that bonus is likely considered to be marital and subject to division., Restricted Stock, Options & Bonuses in Divorce, Divorce & Family Law, 2022
• In Kentucky, there are many levels of drug possession as well as trafficking offenses.  The first thing to learn is the law and your rights.  Marijuana levels of 8 ounces, 5 pounds are significant in how the case proceeds.  2 grams of cocaine, 4 grams of meth or 10 dosage units may significantly alter the charges, resolution and mandatory jail sentences for trafficking.  An experienced criminal defense attorney will explore possibly weaknesses in the case, discuss search and seizure issues and explain the differences in potential outcomes. Fighting drug charges often requires experience in making timely motions and objection as well as dealing with prosecutors and judges., Possession and Trafficking Drugs in Kentucky, Criminal And DUI Defendants, 2021
• Child support is primarily found in KRS §403.212.  The new law is now codified, was signed into law in March, 2021 but takes effect in March, 2022.  There are 2 major changes in the law:The first change relates to split custody. Since Kentucky law now has a presumption of shared parenting, split custody is generally used in majority of cases.  As outlined in paragraph (6) The child support obligation in a split custody arrangement shall be calculated in the following manner:(a) Two (2) separate child support obligation worksheets shall be prepared, one (1) for each household, using the number of children born of the relationship in each separate household, rather than the total number of children born of the relationship.(b) The parent with the greater monthly obligation amount shall pay the difference between the obligation amounts, as determined by the worksheets, to the other parent.The second change relates to the presumed maximum, or top of the child support guidelines.  Previous to the new enactment, the child support guidelines capped out at combined monthly income of $15,000. This equates to $180,000 per year. While this may seem like a lot of money (and it is to many), the reality is that if you have 2 working parents, it would cap out if both are earning $90,000/year.  This left open many areas for litigation with parties earning over this amount.  The new guidelines DOUBLE this cap rate.  Under the new plan, the guidelines reach combined monthly income of $30,000/year.  , Changes in Kentucky Child Support Law, Divorce And Family Law Litigants, 2021
• Michael Bouldin discusses recent changes to carrying weapon and concealed carry laws in Kentucky.  There is no longer requirement to have CCW permit to carry concealed weapon.  Exceptions for banks, schools and many other places still exist, and other charges could be brought if in possession of drugs or other contraband., Carrying Concealed Weapon in Kentucky, 2nd Amendment, 2021
• Northern Kentucky divorce and collaborative attorney Michael Bouldin explains process and benefits of collaborative divorce v. traditional litigation., Collaborative Divorce, 2019
• Summary of current status of ignition interlock for refusing breathalyzer/blood test and for DUI convictions in Kentucky. Also includes information and summary of the 6 aggravating circumstances which mandate increased jail sentences for state of Kentucky., DUI and Ignition Interlock in Kentucky, DUI, DWI, OVI, Criminal Defense, 2022
• KY passes new law allowing for expungement of class D felony convictions in Kentucky . Also discussed is misdemeanor expungements and expungements for EPO charges and dismissals.  Call Attorney Michael Bouldin to have your record cleaned!, Expunge Felonies and Misdemeanors In Kentucky, Https://www.bouldinlawfirm.com/blog/2022/12/expunge-start-new-year-with-a-clean-record/, 2023

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

• The biggest divorce complaint is that one (or both) parties believe that their spouse is a narcissist.  While many people have narcissistic traits, relatively few are diagnosed with having narcissistic personality disorder.  For a medical diagnosis, the primary symptoms include an excessive need for admiration, disregard for others’ feelings, an inability to handle any criticism, and a sense of entitlement., Author, Divorcing a Narcissist, Family/Divorce Law, 2022
• Michael Bouldin is a 25 year DUI defense attorney and this article explains the different factors which will require additional penalties if convicted of DUI in Kentucky.  Kentucky refers to these factors as aggravators.  Aggravators require jail time for the first offense and double minimum jail times on second and subsequent DUI convictions.  This article is information reading for both the practicing attorney as well as defendants charged with a DUI violation., author, What Is a DUI Aggravator in Kentucky, Legal - DUI, 2019

Other Outstanding Achievements

• Super Lawyers, 2023
• SuperLawyers, 2025
• Super Lawyers- Kentucky , 2024
• Super Lawyers - Kentucky, 2020
• Super Lawyers - Kentucky, 2022
• Super Lawyers - Kentucky, 2021
• Super Lawyers - Kentucky, 2019

Honors

• Very High Rating in Both Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell, 2023
• Again selected by peers and reviews as top 5% of all active attorneys., Super Lawyers, SuperLawyers, 2025
• 5th Year selected by peers as SuperLawyer, Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2024
• Again voted Very High Rating in Both Legal Ability & Ethical Standards - Distinguished, Distinguished Attorney, Martindale-Hubbell, 2024
• AV Preeminent peer review rating, Distinguished, Martindale, 2021
• 4th consecutive year selected to Super Lawyers - top 5%, Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2023
• Selected as Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell Ratings, Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell, 2022
• AVVO award for top rated lawyer, Top Rated, AVVO, 2021
• Again selected to Super Lawyers by colleague and peer review, Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2022
• Again rated AV Preeminent by peer review, Distinguished, Martindale, 2021
• rated Super Lawyers by Super Lawyers magazine and Thomson Reuters, Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2021
• More than 16 years consecutively rated very high by peer review in ability and ethics.  , Very High Peer Review Rating In Legal Ability & Ethical Standard, Martindale, 2020
• Again rated top attorney by peers, clients according to AVVO scaled ratings., Top Rated, AVVO, 2020
• Very High Peer Review Rating In Legal Ability & Ethical Standard, 15 Year Anniversary, Martindale Hubbell, 2019
• Selected to Super Lawyers again. Nominated by peers and approved as top 5% lawyers., Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2020
• Selected to Super Lawyers in criminal defense and practice in multiple areas., Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2019
• Superb attorney rating from AVVO for 2019., Top-Rated Lawyer, AVVO, 2019

Industry Groups

• Criminal Defense
• Divorce
• DUI Defense
• NKy Collaborative

“Mike is one of the best to work with!”

“I know Mr. Bouldin as a colleague & have gotten the privilege to work alongside him on a very difficult custody matter. At all times, he was professional, courteous, & demonstrated a vast knowledge of the law. He does so much to help young attorneys such as myself & upholds the integrity & professionalism of this career with ease. It is an honor to work alongside him & to learn from him.”

“Michael is an outstanding attorney. He has intellect, experience and tenacity that make him a fantastic litigator. I would not hesitate to have Michael represent me.”

“Michael is a tenacious fighter who battles for his clients every day.”

“compassionate family lawyer”

“Excellent Attorney”

“Michael is an attorney’ attorney. He takes on difficult cases and is always willing to proceed to trial. I would not hesitate to refer family or friends to Michael.”

“Mike is always pleasant to work with because he starts every case with the mindset of reaching a settlement if possible. Mike sets realistic expectations for his clients, is always prepared, and if no agreement is reached, he will zealously represent his client at trial.”