Hope Family Lawyers

I am a licensed attorney in the state of Michigan, who practices criminal and family law in Genesee County and Metro Detroit. I am an experienced attorney that consistently wins favorable outcomes for clients across southeast and mid-Michigan.

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...

Mark Reina was admitted to practice law by the Michigan State Bar in 1984.He has handled all types of Criminal cases, such as: drug offenses, CSC, larceny, OUIL/DWLS, etc. Mr Reina also handles all forms of family matters law, including: Divorce, Custody and Support. His office handles Bankruptcy (usually Chapter 7 individual). His office is conveniently located on Dixie Hwy in Clarkston, He can be reached at his cell phone (248) 390-3464.

We offer a full suite of legal services including: Criminal, Family, Divorce, Child Support/Visitation, Bankruptcy, Civil and Litigation. We cover primarily Oakland County but...

Sabrina Cronin is the Founder and President of The Cronin Law Firm. Following Sabrina’s lead, the breadth and depth of knowledge at The Cronin Law Firm is quite expansive. She and her team handle family law, business law, criminal defense, estate planning, entertainment law, personal injury, real estate, bankruptcy, civil litigation, employment law and immigration. In more than two decades as an attorney, Sabrina has fed her curiosity and challenged herself to become intimately involved in multiple areas of the law. Her professional experience is distinctive and varied. She began as an associate attorney for Sullivan, Ward, Bone, Tyler,...

Metro Detroit Divorce Attorney Simone R. Sprague grew up in Macomb County, Michigan, where she lived with her parents, grandfather, and three younger siblings. Growing up in her grandfather’s home gave Simone a true appreciation of what it means to be “family,” as she was often surrounded by Aunties, Uncles, and multitudes of cousins (think My Big Fat Greek Wedding). She credits her passion for helping people to these experiences, and to her mother who never turns down a person in need. Simone received her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the Lee Honors College at Western Michigan University, where she played...

Shelley Kester is an award-winning attorney, a community leader, a dynamic communicator and a caring individual. She is Chair of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. Her practice includes nearly all aspects of family law, including divorce law and child custody. She was among the first in Northern Michigan to complete the Family Law Certificate Program through the Institute of Continuing Education and the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. She is President of wilson Kester, the Empowered Divorce Source. A frequent contributor to the Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Ms. Kester is...

Associate Attorney

I am Erika S. Shadowens, a family law attorney with a strong reputation for my tenacious advocacy and strategic approach to litigation. As a partner at Varnum LLP, I have dedicated over 28 years to representing clients in complex divorce, child custody, and high-asset family law cases. Known for my unwavering dedication, I am a formidable presence in the courtroom, where I advocate relentlessly to protect my clients' rights and interests. My litigation experience covers all levels of the legal system, including the Michigan Supreme Court, where I have successfully argued challenging cases. Whether it's high-conflict custody disputes or intricate financial...

I am passionate about helping people with their family law problems. I help my clients with issues of divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support, and family abuse protection orders. As a parent myself, I understand how important these issues are to my clients. I view my job as a compassionate guide through a complex legal system that can be difficult for non-lawyers to navigate on their own. I try to resolve these issues as amicably as possible, although I have taken many cases to trial when it is necessary and appropriate to do so. I...

Brandon Gardner founded Brandon Gardner & Associates, PLC on the principle that every client deserves zealous, high-quality legal representation, especially those facing the most serious crimes and complex family disputes. Brandon has over twenty years' experience in multiple aspects of the court system from small claims dispute resolution to appeals to the Michigan Supreme Court and utilizes this breadth of knowledge to develop custom solutions to every case at the firm, no matter the complexity. Mr. Gardner’s practice areas include serious felonies and federal crimes, complex domestic litigation, and personal injury litigation. Additionally, he is an approved domestic relations mediator on...

Beth A. Striegle grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After graduating from West Catholic High School, she attended Ferris State University where she obtained an Associate’s Degree in Commercial Art. Prior to attending law school, she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Calvin College where she graduated with honors. While attending Thomas Cooley Law School she raised two young boys. Beth completed her law school internship at the Sixty-Plus Elder Law Clinic. She considers the experience she gained while working for the clinic to be very valuable because it gave her a better understanding of the various issues...

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

I have been practicing law for approximately 25 years in mid-Michigan. Generally, I practice in the areas of family law, estate planing, probate and trust administration, real estate, and commercial litigation. I also represent a number of small municipalities. In my free time, I enjoy sports cars, outdoor activities, motorcycles, and construction projects.

I know that each family dynamic is unique, so I work side-by- side with clients to navigate challenging family law matters or the confusion of probate or trust settlement following the death of a loved one. As for my qualifications, I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Michigan University where I double majored in both Public Law and Journalism. I went on to get a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School where I was a Dean's List student with an academic scholarship award, a member of the school's Access to Justice Clinic, and a founding board member...

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.

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.

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...

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...

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,...

Almost anyone who has been through it will tell you that divorce is one of the most painful and stressful experiences a family will ever go through, fraught with uncertainty and negative emotions that can (and usually do) spill over into other areas of life. As a Family Law attorney, I dedicate myself to guiding clients through this difficult process and help them move forward in a positive, healthy and supportive manner. When it seems difficult to make decisions in this time of crisis, my job is to present creative solutions and help clients make the right decisions. During...

Practicing Law for 30 years. Former Legal Counsel to the Michigan House of Representatives

Ms. Drysdale-Crown is an experienced Bankruptcy attorney who is admitted to practice in the Bankruptcy Courts for both the Eastern and Western Federal Districts of Michigan. She is also a licensed attorney in the State of Michigan. Ms. Drysdale-Crown is passionate about educating people in regards to debt relief options and representing them through the often difficult and emotional debt relief process. She has received extensive training in the current Bankruptcy Code, Rules and case law. Ms. Drysdale-Crown received her undergraduate triple-major degree from Michigan State University. She also received her juris doctor from Michigan State University, College of Law. She...

Jamie grew up in Lake Orion, Michigan, where her office is located. She is a divorced mother of four children: Trevor, Emily, Ben and Everly. She is also a part of the special needs community, as her youngest has Down Syndrome. She has both the personal and legal experience to help you expertly navigate your legal needs. Jamie is a proud graduate of Oakland University and Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where she graduated Cum Laude in 2012, receiving the prestigious Certificate of Merit in Family Law and Trial Skills. She interned with the...

Mr. Borkowski advises clients in all facets of Estate Planning, Probate law, Real Estate, Corporate Law and Corporate Transactions. Estate Planning includes advising clients with regard to Revocable Living Trusts, Irrevocable Trusts, Last Will & Testament, Living Wills and Medical Power of Attorney, and Durable Power of Attorney. Mr. Borkowski represents clients in both commercial and residential real estate transactions from either a buyer or seller prospective. Mr. Borkowski also represents clients regarding decedent’s probate estates, trust administrations and guardianship and conservatorship matters. He has many years of experience appearing before the Probate Courts in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Genesee,...

Over 20 years of experience exclusively in Family Law. We can help you with your divorce, custody, parenting time or support matter. Call us. Your first call with a lawyer is free.

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...

Ryan T. Fowler focuses his practice on divorce, family law and criminal defense. Ryan understands that family and criminal legal issues can be emotionally challenging and stressful, which is why he approaches his clients with care and compassion. Ryan emphasizes open and honest communication with clients to ensure that his clients understand the law as it applies to their case so that they can make fully informed decisions. Ryan strives to alleviate the stress that clients often feel under the weight of a daunting and confusing legal process by identifying their needs and strongly advocating for their position. Prior...

Over 30 years experience in Family Law.

Sean Patrick Cox has represented hundreds of clients since 1994 when he was admitted to practice. In addition, he was admitted to the State Bar of Florida in 1995. Sean practices in two main areas, family law and elder law. When Sean was a teen, his parents divorced, giving him personal knowledge of how devastating the divorce process can be to all family members involved. Sean has represented clients in complex divorce cases since 1994, he is considered to be one of the top divorce attorneys in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has taken hundreds of cases to trial and he...