Alpena Family Lawyers

John F. Schaefer, founder of The Law Firm of John F. Schaefer, is one of the best-known and most highly-respected matrimonial lawyers in the United States. From its inception, Best Lawyers in America has listed John Schaefer as one of the premier matrimonial lawyers in America, and named him Lawyer of the Year, Detroit Area, in 2013. Worth magazine named him one of the top 100 lawyers in America, in any practice area.

I am a dedicated Attorney serving the great state of Michigan from Lansing to Traverse City, and all surrounding areas. I have a strong belief in our rights of life, liberty and freedom, as citizens of this great country, and I will do everything within my power to prevent my client's rights from being abridged. I specialize in the areas of Criminal Defense, Family Law, Personal Injury, No Fault, and civil litigation, but I devote myself to helping anyone in need, no matter the legal significance. I pride myself on providing personalized services and obtaining the best...

When people come to me, they are facing a situation they aren’t sure how to deal with. They have questions and are looking for answers. I look at the situation and figure out how I can help. And when they hire me, I get to work! In short, I help people solve problems. Helping someone with too much debt is different than helping someone whose parent just passed away. It is different from helping someone get a divorce. Sometimes I help by preparing documents in my office. Other times it means a lawsuit. It could mean taking a case to trial. It could...

Lea Ann Sterling has been a member of the Michigan Bar since 1998. Admitted to the bar in Ohio in 1981, Mrs. Sterling practiced law in Columbus. In 1997, she began a sabbatical to write, travel, and relocate from Ohio to Michigan. Her first book, Historic Homes of Olde Towne, was released in 1999 and won the Ohio Historical Society’s Public Education and Awareness Award. Historic Cottages of Mackinac Island, released in 2001, was listed on the Michigan Governor’s List of Best Books of 2001. In March 1999, Mrs. Sterling was appointed Village of Empire Zoning Administrator where she was...

Jon Tomaso has years of experience as an attorney, practicing in the areas of family law and criminal law. Along with his associates at Sterling Law and ADAM (American Divorce Association for Men), the attorneys seek for their clients dignity and fairness and for all they seek social justice in a biased system. Sterling Law attorneys care for their clients by totally dedicating themselves to their cases, by giving guidance and answering questions in a timely effective way, and by being well-prepared in court. They take their clients' cases to heart and pursue their goals with the talent and...

Zach Backlund works in our Gaylord, Michigan branch office and has handled numerous family law, estate plan, and real estate cases over the past several years in many counties in northern Michigan. He previously practiced law in the Traverse City, Michigan area, working on a variety of cases involving both transactional and litigated matters. Before becoming an attorney, Zach Backlund worked as a landman (2014-2016), taught English as a second language (2006), and also served as an AmeriCorps Corps Member (2005-2007).

Sterling Law practices in the areas of Family Law, Immigration, Estate Planning, Probate, Civil Litigation, Real Estate, and Business...

Over 35 years of trial experience. Former prosecutor and public defender of criminal cases. Handle divorce, custody, child support, and paternity cases in the area of family law. Also, adoption, guardianship and conservatorship cases. Represent parents and/or children in juvenile court cases. Estates and estate planning.

I am a graduate of the Michigan Law School, JD '83 and the U of M business school, BBA '80. Best thing I got in Ann Arbor was my bride Rachel. We married in '84 and have raised 4 now adult children together. My father was a lawyer and we moved to Boyne City in 1961 from Detroit. I am a member of the Walloon Lake Community Church and have served there as board chairman since 1998. I coached baseball, softball and basketball for many years mostly so I could hang...

Over 30 years experience in Family Law.

Over the past 29 years, Ray Gregory has represented thousands of clients in family, employment, business, contract, criminal, and probate litigation in state and federal courts.

Groat Law is a boutique family law experience serving clients throughout Northern Michigan and beyond. With a nearly 20-year proven winning track record, let Travis be your warrior and fight for you and your family.

Jennifer Duitsman Coy graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science, and received her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She has been practicing law since early 2011. Her practice areas include estate planning, probate, real estate, and family law. Jennifer is also a trained mediator and volunteers with the 46th Circuit’s Legal Aid Divorce Clinic.

For over a decade, George Law has successfully represented people facing legal obstacles. As a client of George Law, you will work with experienced attorneys and staff who understand the impact a legal issue can have on your future. Our number one priority is standing up for clients’ rights and giving them a voice through our confident and competent representation. We have successfully helped our clients manage complex legal challenges in a broad variety of cases including DUI/OWI, Criminal Defense, White Collar Crimes, Sexual Assault, Family Law and other legal matters that otherwise could damage a person’s business efforts personal...

Every day I am in court fighting for someone just like you.

I am a real criminal defense attorney. I have tried cases to juries from East Lansing to Downriver and from Pontiac to Jackson.

Based in Ann Arbor, I have represented people on felonies and misdemeanors in 13 circuit courts and 39 district courts.

Many criminal defense attorneys advertise their past as prosecutors. The message from former prosecutors is they know the system well because they were a part of the system.

I advertise in the opposite way – I have never been a prosecutor. From the start I have been on your...

Our legal practice is focused on one thing, delivering results for our clients. Philip Vera is a lifelong resident of Macomb County, MI. He is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Shelby Township, MI. It was around that time he decided that the practice of law was his calling. “I was completely fascinated by the court system and the role attorneys have in it,” says Mr. Vera. Upon graduating, Mr. Vera attended Oakland University in Rochester Hills, MI. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in psychology. From there, he enrolled at Thomas M. Cooley Law School...

I have been practicing family law for more than three decades. It is my goal for our legal team to provide each client with individual attention because each client and each case is different, and I enjoy the personal interaction with a client and working towards successful completion of each case to the benefit of each family. I have seen a need to specialize in parental alienation cases which has led to an overall greater experience in child custody cases. Secondly, I have specialized in complex divorce matters involving significant assets, business assets, determining complex income...

I'm Lisa B. Kirsch Satawa, and together with Christina Daskas (deceased), I founded Kirsch Daskas Law Group in 2015 with a mission close to our hearts: preventing wrongful convictions by defending against false allegations, one client at a time. Our vision wasn't just about legal representation; it was about nurturing young lawyers into compassionate advocates who see beyond the accusations to the person behind them. Born in Detroit, MI in the 1960s, I was raised with invaluable lessons by my parents—lessons in the importance of a strong work ethic, humility, gratitude, and family. Married to criminal defense attorney Mark Satawa...

My mission is to assist clients in making informed and educated decisions with no false representation, and to provide realistic expectations for their outcomes. Over the course of the last several years, I have represented thousands of clients, handled multi-million dollar trusts, and provided pro-bono work for select local residents in need.

Michael A. Robbins is past president of the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, past chairperson of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan and past president of the Michigan Interprofessional Association. Mr. Robbins has not only been named one of the "Best Lawyers in America" in family law, but was also showcased in Newsweek as one of the Eight Leaders in Family Law in the United States. He has also been named one of the top 100 lawyers in Michigan by the New York Times and Super Lawyers. He is a frequent lecturer...

Channelle Kizy-White has over a decade of legal experience and a winning record of success with helping people in their time of greatest need. If you’re looking for an attorney you can trust and a fighter who won’t give up, that attorney is Channelle Kizy-White.

If there’s one word that describes Channelle, that word is “advocate.” She sees her clients’ problems as her own problems—their fight is her fight. Channelle is a listener, a counselor, and an experienced voice who stands up for you when other attorneys might sit down. And for Channelle, family law is more than just about...

Mara Kent (she/her/hers) is a life-long resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan and a licensed attorney since 1996. Mara’s practice areas include estate planning, probate and trust administration, elder law and long-term care planning, special needs planning, estate planning for surrogacy, same-sex adoptions and step-parent adoptions, and prenuptial agreements. Mara loves working with people and making personal connections with her clients, doing what she generally considers to be “happy law.” Mara counsels her clients on how to plan for major life events by anticipating common (and not-so-common) problems before they arise, so her clients can strategize about how to minimize court involvement,...

BRENDAN N. GUILFORD was born and raised in Kalamazoo County, attending Vicksburg High School. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts undergraduate degree in Political Science from Alma College in 2005. After moving to Florida with his wife, Brendan received his law degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. While attending law school, he clerked for the community association firm Kahan Shir, PL in Boca Raton, FL. After graduating from law school, he relocated to the Tampa Bay region with his family in mid-2009. While working in and around Tampa, Brendan worked...

From guiding you through issues concerning the impact on your children, division of assets and debt responsibilities of each party, legal requirements and rights, martial contracts, retirement account division, valuation of business interest and farm, commercial and residential real estate. I offer legal counsel in such domestic law matters as: Divorce Adoption Paternity Marriage Custody and Parenting Time Mediation Services Prenuptial Agreements

Born and raised in Mishawaka, Spence joined the firm in 1979. He counsels clients in the areas of domestic and family law, commercial litigation, mediation and personal injury and wrongful death cases. During his career, he’s served as President of the St. Joseph County and Indiana State Bar Associations. He sits on the Mishawaka Education Foundation, and received the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Governor O’Bannon in 2002.

An award-winning law firm with offices in Novi, Ann Arbor and Plymouth.

The law practice is led by attorney Edward Shaw, who has 30 years of experience. Mr. Shaw is joined by several professional and long time assistants who help guide our clients through the legal process. He is a member of the State Bar Association, the Washtenaw Bar Association and President of the Plymouth Bar Association.

Attorney, Eric L. Pernie is a true state native, born and raised in MI. He attended Ferris State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude. While he was there, he worked hard for his criminal justice degree while simultaneously being an active member of the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society. Upon graduating, Eric received his police certification from Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES). Shortly afterward, he started working at the Bloomfield Township Police Dept. as a road patrol officer.

Eric worked diligently as a police officer for well over a decade and gained numerous skills during his...

Scott M. Neuman is an aggressive, experienced attorney with offices in the Lansing and Detroit Areas. He has been helping people in Michigan for over 20 years and has handled over 4,000 cases. You can reach him by calling 517-349-2700 or 1-888-684-3999, by email at xneumanx@aol.com, or via our contact form.

Goldman & Associates Law Firm is owned and led by Akiva Goldman, a highly acclaimed family law attorney in Michigan. With a wealth of experience in handling thousands of family law cases, he has garnered numerous awards and recognition for his legal expertise. He also serves as a mediator for hundreds of cases and has been featured in various media outlets, including Fox 2 News, WDIV, and MLive. Goldman's approach is to save marriages whenever possible. He offers resources, such as videos on Reasons Not To Get Divorced, to help clients consider factors before filing for divorce. Alternatives to divorce are...

Lisa D. Stern is a dedicated family law attorney, providing comprehensive representation for couples involved in various aspects of domestic relations, including pre-nuptial agreements, divorce, custody cases, and post-judgment proceedings. Her expertise extends to managing the equitable division of assets, with a particular focus on closely held businesses and substantial marital estates. Recognized for her assertive advocacy, Lisa collaborates closely with local psychologists, mediators, drug and alcohol assessors, private investigators, and other reputable professionals to ensure her clients receive optimal representation. Understanding the intricate financial and business complexities that accompany marital dissolution, Lisa offers valuable guidance on decisions related to the...

George Krupp was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was admitted to practice law in 1961 and started practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1962 in the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office. After years of success in the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, George Krupp left for private practice where he has worked for over fifty years. Over his fifty years of experience he has represented thousands of clients facing divorce in Grand Rapids and West Michigan courts. His primary concentration has been in divorce and family law cases. George Krupp’s experience in divorce matters includes handling...

As a student of law, Jim Kolosowsky recieved the highest student honors in Family Law and Interviewing and Counseling. His academic achievements earned him a position as the Senior Associate Editor of Law Review at Thomas M. Cooley Law School; several honors scholarships; and a graduate ranking in the top 12% of his law school class. As a trial attorney, Jim Kolosowsky has represented numerous clients in both misdemeanor and serious felony cases. Jim has received not guilty jury verdicts in cases ranging from armed robbery to murder.

After becoming a parent then a grandparent, spending 10 years in the Navy, and 20 years in business, Mechelle decided to pursue a law degree, which fulfilled a life-long dream. Her practical experience as an international contract negotiator and her time in the military bring a unique perspective and understanding of her clients’ needs.

While Mechelle is competent under many practice areas, her special areas of interest are Collaborative Practice, Mediation, Family Law, and Estate Planning. Mechelle is a court approved Civil Mediator and Domestic Relations Mediator. Practicing law allows Mechelle the tangible opportunity to seek justice in ways...

Attorney Allison Greenlee Korr practices in Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Allegan, St. Joseph and all surrounding counties. She handles Family Law, bankruptcy, foreclosure and probate matters.

She holds a B.A. in Business from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctorate from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She is admitted to practice in both the Western and Eastern Districts of Michigan and holds a certificate as a civil mediator issued through the Michigan State Court Administrative Office. Allison also holds Certificates in the areas of Family Law and Probate and Estate Planning issued by the Institute of...

With years of experience as an assistant prosecuting attorney assigned to major felony prosecution of homicides, home invasion, armed robbery, and criminal sexual conduct cases, I have successfully litigated thousands of criminal and civil cases covering a broad range of complex legal issues. With over 30 years combined experience in all aspects of the criminal justice system, I have a unique understanding of the criminal justice process. This includes experience as a former police officer, assistant prosecutor, a private practice attorney and as an instructor and presenter with both the Michigan State Bar - Criminal Law Section and the...

Experienced and compassionate attorney empowering clients to creatively resolve family conflict.

Dedicated to empowering clients to make the best decisions they can as they navigate through the emotional, financial, and legal aspects of a divorce. I am a trial attorney, certified collaborative divorce attorney, and certified mediator in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I focus solely in family law, and assist my clients with traditional litigation, negotiated settlements, mediation, arbitration, and collaborative divorce.

I help families with their issues in areas of divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support, and property division, along with post-judgment issues that arise in those areas. I do...

Since being admitted to the the Michigan Bar in 2015, Brandon has focused most of his practice on personal injury litigation and is a strong advocate on behalf of his clients injured in automobile accidents. Brandon has collected millions from insurance companies. Since co-founding Biggs & Gunst, P.C., Brandon has expanded his practice to include family law as well as mediation.

Growing up in and around the water and later crewing aboard a 72’ tall ship in college, Brandon has always had a passion for maritime concerns. While in law school he specialized in maritime and admiralty law, with an emphasis...

Attorney Beverly M. Griffor was first licensed in Michigan and has since become involved in litigation and research nationwide. She diligently represents the interests of each of her clients. Beverly graduated from the University of Michigan with a double majored Bachelors degree in Psychology and Sociology and a minor in Philosophy. In each major, Beverly sub-concentrated in both Criminology and Social Inequality. She also graduated as a member of honor societies in all three of her concentrations. Beverly received her Juris Doctor from Ave Maria School of Law, focusing her studies on trial...