National City Family Lawyers

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

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...

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

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...

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...

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.

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...

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,...

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.

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...

At Becker Legal, P.C. we know divorce is tough. While no divorce is easy, we strive to make the process simpler and less stressful for our clients. We will answer your questions, and keep you informed. Attorney Lori D. Becker’s specialized training ensures you quality representation in settlement sessions or in court. A certified mediator and exceptional negotiator, Ms. Becker will provide the assistance you need throughout the collaborative divorce process. If collaborative divorce isn’t right for your case, Ms. Becker’s expert communication skills will serve you well as she vigorously represents you in court. At Becker Legal, P.C., our goal is...

Marian Wangler Ratton, R.N., Esq. is a practicing attorney and registered nurse who has dedicated her career to the defense of healthcare professionals as well as practicing family law and estate planning. What makes Marian unique is that she has continuously practiced both nursing and law for over 25 years, sharing her time equally between both careers. Her combined knowledge and experience in law and nursing makes her ideally suited to represent, advise and educate nurses and health care professionals with legal issues relating to nursing, healthcare law and professional licensing. Since 1983 Marian has been a registered nurse working at...

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

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...

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...

Attorney in Ann Arbor and Canton, MI. My practice is devoted to law for every day people. I deliver legal services with value, convenience, and respect.

Albert W. Laaksonen II, is the founding attorney of Laaksonen Law Offices, P.C. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and his JD from the Indiana University School of Law in Bloomington, Indiana.
Attorney Laaksonen is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Van Buren County Bar Association, and the Kalamazoo County Bar Association. He is certified as both a Civil Mediator and a Domestic Relations Mediator.

He currently serves on the Community Corrections Board for Van Buren County, and the the Kalamazoo Christian School Association Board.

Attorney Laaksonen specializes...

Jarod M. Calkins is an experienced and dedicated trial lawyer. He focuses his practice on helping the community. Mr. Calkins, through hard work and dedication has earned respect among his clients, the local Judiciary, his peers and the community as a valuable legal resource.

As lead counsel of Calkins Law Offices, a Monroe, Michigan based firm, he provides advice, counsel, and legal representation to businesses and individuals in several areas of law.

Mr. Calkins is proud to have developed working relationships with experts in several areas of the legal field, as well as other professions, to fully assist his clients...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

Consumer Bankruptcy, Loan Workouts, Domestic Relations and Criminal Matters