Wells Family Lawyers

Born: Iron Mountain, Michigan Raised: Norway, Michigan

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...

He has handled hundreds of divorce and child custody cases in northwest lower Michigan, mainly in the counties of Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Manistee, and Wexford,

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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...

Matthew S. DeLange is currently a partner with the MI Family Law Center (mifamlaw.com) and has been practicing almost exclusively in the area of family law since becoming licensed. He was a Senior Associate attorney with an American Divorce Attorneys for Men (ADAM) affiliate from 2008 until 2015 where he was one of the primary litigators for the firm. Mr. DeLange's practice is primarily concentrated in the areas of Divorce, Custody, Child Support, Personal Protection Order Defense, and Interstate family law matters. In addition to his trial court experience, Mr. DeLange has also successfully obtained reversals from...

Daniel Marchese has a strong educational background, graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in English, the University of Michigan with a Masters in Public Administration and a J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Since he began as an attorney, Daniel has practiced in the areas of Real Estate Law, Landlord Tenant Law, Estate Planning & Probate, Debt Settlement and Bankruptcy, and general Civil Litigation. Daniel developed a specialization in family law and has extensive experience handling cases of all varieties. He has a deep understanding of Michigan's family law system, relevant statutes, and court...

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.

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...

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...

With over 45 years of experience, Daniel Moss has handled thousands of family law matters. In most cases, he is able to amicably resolve issues directly with other lawyers or through the process of mediation without a trial. Contact him today for a consultation.

Brent Geers specializes in helping people empower those they trust and provide for those they love. Brent has been an attorney since 2012, working with individuals and families to marshal their time, talent, and treasurer for the benefit of their children, family, and community. He is a Grand Rapids Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” honoree, and currently operates his own practice, Geers Law. Brent is married to an educator, who employs his services as a chaperon for various school functions. He is also his daughter’s father – a girl who will become a president, not a princess.

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...

Ann Arbor divorce attorney Lana Panagoulia serves several counties in Michigan including: Washtenaw, Lenawee, Oakland, Monroe, Livingston, Jackson, Genesee, Ingham and Macomb Counties. Working in the courts and schools, Lana is an experienced divorce and family lawyer and is dedicated to providing top divorce and family law representation. Lana Panagoulia serves individuals, families, and children in all family law matters, including divorce, child custody, alimony, child support, guardianship, same-gender legal matters, and property division. Although she has a full-service law firm, she concentrates her practice in the area of domestic relations matters. Lana has a teaching background with a...

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...