Bellevue Family Lawyers

Practicing since 1976 serving businesses, professionals and individuals in all aspects of the law. Decades of experience in all aspects of the law and life generally with the philosophy that the goal is swift and economical dispute resolution, by an agreement if possible and through litigation if necessary.

I do not view my career choice as a job… I view it as my calling. I started my legal career late in life which afforded me the added benefit of age and experience. I began practicing law as a Domestic Violence Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Wayne County, Michigan. There I was responsible for preparing and prosecuting all of the Domestic Violence crimes committed in Detroit, Michigan. I personally handled more than 500 files of Domestic Assaults each month. The cases predictably arose out of domestic disagreements between spouses, single co-parents and domestic partners. From my exposure to hundreds...

Practice Areas: Immigration Law, Social Security Disability, Family Law, Estate Planning Admissions: Michigan, 2004 U.S. District Court, Eastern District, 2005 U.S. District Court, Western District, 2005 Law School: Wayne State University, J.D., 2004 Utrecht University, The Netherlands, exchange student, 2003 College: Eastern Michigan University, B.A., cum laude, 1998 La Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, México, exchange student, 1998

Elena A. Lentz is a proud Michigan native, a fierce advocate for her clients, and dedicated family law attorney. Elena is the oldest of five siblings, which gives her a unique perspective on family law issues. She graduated from Michigan State University in 2017, where she participated in the Honors College, Political Science Scholars, and Political Science Advisory Committee. During her tenure at MSU, she completed internships at the Senate Majority Policy Office, Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and the 6th District Congressional Office. Elena went on to attend Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington, where...

I graduated from Wayne State, with Honors, in 1973. I received my Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, from Detroit College of Law (now MSU Law School). I am a partner in the law firm of Bieber & Czechowski, specializing in Probate and Estate Planning, Personal Injury and Social Security matters. I am an arbitrator and case evaluator for Macomb and Oakland Counties. I am also a current member of BRAG, Anchor Bay Chamber of Commerce and an avid golfer. I was the assistant girl's golf coach for Notre Dame Prep High School (2002-2005).

LAUREN K. PFEIL graduated with a Bachelors of Arts with highest honors from The University of Texas at Austin and received her law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she specialized in family law. While in law school, Lauren received family and child law fellowships from both Loyola University Chicago School of Law and The University of Michigan School of Law. Her article “Recognizing Race as a Reality, Not a Barrier: The Problems within Colorblind Adoption Policy within a Race Conscious America” was published in the spring edition of The Children’s Legal Rights Journal. Upon graduation from...

Janet M. Mistele, J.D. is a member of the State Bar of Michigan (1989), the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan (1991), and the North Carolina State Bar (2003). Ms. Mistele earned her Juris Doctor degree, Magna Cum Laude, from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where she was a member of the National Trial Team, and earned American Jurisprudence Awards for top honors in seven of her law school courses. Upon graduation from law school in 1989, Ms. Mistele accepted a position with the Michigan Court of Appeals in Lansing, Michigan as a Prehearing Attorney,...

University of Michigan - BBA (Accounting)
Certified Public Account - Michigan
University of Detroit Law School - JD
Wayne State University - LL.M Taxation
Attorney Licenses in Michigan and California

Paul Jarboe is an experienced and dedicated trial attorney with over 30 years of legal experience. Mr. Jarboe graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1982. Mr. Jarboe is a former prosecuting attorney, and has an extensive background in the areas of divorce, child custody, criminal defense and civil litigation, which includes State and Federal Criminal cases. Mr. Jarboe’s practice includes: Criminal Defense, Family Law, Personal Injury & Estate Planning.

Attorney Kayln Smith is a licensed member of the State Bar of Michigan, specializing in Probate Administration and Family Law. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy Law and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Science from Michigan State University. Attorney Smith is dedicated to providing skilled, strategic, and personalized legal counsel that prioritizes her clients’ best interests.

In 1974 Dana Wilson founded the Law Firm of Wilson & Wilson P.C. with the belief that superior legal service is built on the foundation of strong client relationships and excellent legal representation. He has served as a Michigan State Representative, State Senator and Oakland County Commissioner. In addition he served as a member of the Michigan Department of Corrections Commission, and on numerous local boards and commissions in Rochester Hills and Hazel Park.

Erik S.H. Wallen graduated from Michigan State University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He received his Juris Doctor degree in 1989 from Thomas M. Cooley School of Law. He was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1989 and was hired as an Associate with the Law firm of Patterson Gruber Kennedy Gill and Milster located in Bay City, Michigan concentrating in criminal defense and general civil litigation. In 1997 Erik was promoted to Partner, concentrating in Civil Litigation. In 2000, Erik joined the law firm of Kennedy Gill Wallen Rieman and Reyes as...

Aric K. Melder has assisted each of his clients with the finest legal representation possible while upholding the ethics, spirit, and intent of the law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1996. He graduated from Detroit College of Law, at Michigan State University with a Juris Doctor, in 1996, and Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1993. Aric K. Melder has concentrated his expertise and experience in the areas of Family Law, Divorce, Adoption, Bankruptcy, Debt Collection /Debt Collection Defense, Asset Protection, Real Estate, Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning, Criminal Defense, Drunk Driving, Traffic...

Sanford J. Melder has helped thousands of people as an attorney. He was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1974. He graduated from Wayne State University with a Jurist Doctor in 1973, and Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Science in 1968. Sanford J. Melder has practiced law for over 30 years, representing clients in legal matters including Family Law, Divorce, Adoption, Real Estate, Debt Collection/Debt Collection Defense, Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning, Asset Protection, Criminal Defense, Traffic Matters, Drunk Driving, Business Law and Personal Injury. Areas of Practice: Family Law Divorce Adoption Real Estate Debt Collection/Debt Collection Defense Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning Asset...

I was born in Powell, Wyoming in 1958 and graduated from Cowley High School in Cowley, Wyoming in 1976. After high school, I obtained my builder's license and operated my own construction company, focusing on residential and light commercial projects until 2008. I decided to further my education in 2008 and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Walsh College of Business and Accountancy in Troy, Michigan in 2011, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in business management. Following my graduation, I worked at Bebout, Potere & Cox P.C. as a legal assistant and office manager while attending Western...

Attorneys you can trust.

J. Pernas Law, PLC is a family and immigration law firm.

Families are the pillars of our firm. Family means something different to each one of us. Whether you are a blended family and need help modifying an existing custody order, or you and your spouse have decided that the best road forward is to become co-parents only, or whether you long to bring a loved one from abroad to live with you, we are here for you.

We believe in providing compassionate, quality, and affordable legal services. Contact us at 248-679-8886 or info@jpenaslaw.com.

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.

I am a native of the Copper Country and hold a BA in History from Finlandia University, followed by a Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. With two years of experience as a law clerk at Eliason Law Office, I have now transitioned to an attorney role within the same firm. My practice primarily serves Houghton, Keweenaw, and Baraga Counties in the Upper Peninsula, although representation in other counties is available depending on the circumstances. I am committed to maintaining a close attorney-client relationship and offering quality representation regardless of whether your legal problem is minor or major, routine...

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.

Opening the firm in 2010, Mr. Eliason has been practicing in a variety of legal areas in Hancock for almost 15 years. His experience with many types of cases and his local knowledge have proven to be successful. He is graduate of Plymouth State College in Plymouth, NH (BS) and Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, WI (JD). He is admitted to the State Bar of Michigan and the State Bar of Wisconsin. Mr. Eliason is also a proud member of the Copper Country Bar Association.

Matt S. Motley practices all aspects of family law, advocating for the best possible outcome for clients. Matt is a proud Michigan native, Spartan, family man, and family law attorney. Matt is a distinguished Senior Attorney, whose unwavering dedication has secured successful outcomes for hundreds of family law clients. Matt holds a B.A. in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy from Michigan State University’s James Madison College, with a Minor in Spanish and Business. He further solidified his legal acumen, graduating Cum Laude with a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law, and holds a Certificate in Domestic Relations Mediation. Before...

Heather Brooks-Szachta earned her Juris Doctorate in 1997 from Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, Michigan. This came after earning her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Michigan-Flint in 1992. She was licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan in 1997 and was admitted to Federal Court in 2005. Before coming to work at the Law Offices of Barry Shoults & Associates in 1999, and becoming partner in Shoults, Picard & Brooks, PLLC in 2010, she gained experience at the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, the Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services Clinic, and a...

Michael Steinberg, a knowledgeable Mt. Clemens Criminal Defense Attorney, has been defending clients in Macomb county for over 25+ years. As a client, you receive the personal attention you deserve from an experienced Mt Clemens defense lawyer. Mike provides you with relentless defense against charges related to: traffic offenses including drunk driving and license restorations, drug offenses including possession and distribution, juvenile defense or child neglect proceedings and violent crime defense involving rape, murder, assault and battery or theft. Mike can also help you with criminal record expungement. As a Mt. Clemens Criminal Defense Attorney, Michael has the know...

Vivian is a seasoned attorney with a career that began in 1999. Her background spans diverse legal and claims areas, and she has established herself as a steadfast family law attorney, known for her tenacity both inside and outside the courtroom. As a zealous advocate, she brings a wealth of experience to each case, ensuring that her clients receive dedicated and comprehensive legal representation. She is not easily intimidated and is approachable by clients, colleagues, and confidants alike. She has been a crucial member of defense trial teams and have a proven track record of achieving no-cause verdicts, summary dispositions/judgments, securing...

Kristen received her Bachelor’s Degree in Government from Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri and her Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School – Auburn Hills. During her undergraduate studies, Kristen completed an internship with the Family Research Council, studied in Washington D.C., and also studied-abroad in Israel. While in law school and before coming to work at Shoults, Picard & Brooks, PLLC, she gained experience through moot court and internships at the 71-B District Court with the Honorable Kim David Glaspie and an internship with the Lapeer County Prosecutor’s Office. Kristen is licensed to practice in the...