Committed. Compassionate. Respected. Responsive.

Committed. Compassionate. Respected. Responsive.

We Care About Our Clients

At Wilson Kester, we take pride in being Michigan’s Top Family Law Firm. Our dedicated team delivers personalized legal services with compassion, understanding, and a commitment to achieving positive outcomes. As a boutique firm, we focus on serving our community with care and guiding clients through every step of their family law journey.

Top Family Lawyer in Michigan

Shelley A. Kester,
Family Law Attorney

Our Approach

At Wilson Kester, we recognize the immense trust you place in us to handle your most sensitive family law matters. We are committed to delivering compassionate, professional guidance to help you navigate the challenges you are currently facing. Your concerns are our priority, and we work tirelessly to provide the support and resources you need to achieve the best possible outcome.

Whether you are:

  • Considering a divorce and need knowledgeable legal advice
  • Seeking assistance with child custody or parenting time
  • Addressing a post-judgment enforcement or modification 
  • Requesting a personal protection order for your safety
  • Or facing any other family law matter

We are here to guide you every step of the way. With years of experience and access to trusted resources, we help you move forward toward a more empowered future.

How Can Michigan’s Top Family Law Firm Help?

DIVORCE

Today you and your spouse can choose how you come to an agreement through different process options…

COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE

A collaborative approach to divorce is one where both parties are able to negotiate the terms of their divorce…

CHILD CUSTODY

In our experience, we have found that the most challenging aspects of a family law matter for…

PARENTING TIME

We understand that parenting time disputes aren’t just legal matters – they are deeply personal…

ADOPTION

Being a stepparent is a vital, and special role in a child’s life. You are an individual who has chosen…

MORE SERVICES

Paternity, Enforcement, Personal Protection Orders, and Post-Judgement Modification

We're with you every step of the way.

Contact us today to get started.

Our Top Family Law Attorneys

Our team of skilled and compassionate attorneys are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and empowering you to build a better future.

Shelley A. Kester

Shelley A. Kester

President

Vivian A. Howell

Vivian A. Howell

Senior Attorney

Elena A. Lentz

Elena A. Lentz

Attorney

Matthew S. Motley

Matthew S. Motley

Attorney

Morgan T. Weiner

Morgan T. Weiner

Attorney

Jennifer P. Zeleznik

Jennifer P. Zeleznik

Attorney

Cassandra J. Suder

Cassandra J. Suder

Attorney

Jennifer Taylor

Jennifer Taylor

Attorney

Patrick J. Wilson

Patrick J. Wilson

Emeritus

FAQs About Divorce in Michigan

You have questions.
We have answers.

WHERE TO FILE FOR DIVORCE IN MICHIGAN?

To file for divorce in the State of Michigan the person initiating the case must meet residency requirements:

  • State Residency: You must have lived in Michigan for at least 180 days before filing.
  • County Residency: The action can be filed in a county where you have resided for at least 10 days immediately before filing.

If you meet these criteria, our experienced divorce attorneys can guide you through the filing process to ensure everything is handled correctly.

CAN I CHANGE MY NAME AT THE TIME OF DIVORCE?

Yes, you can request a name change as part of your divorce proceedings. This request is typically included in the Judgment of Divorce to simplify the process. Our team at Wilson Kester ensures all legal aspects, including name changes, are addressed efficiently.

HOW MUCH DOES A DIVORCE COST IN MICHIGAN?

The cost of divorce depends on several factors, including:

  • The complexity of your case
  • The number of disputes, such as property division, child custody, or spousal support
  • Whether disputes require court intervention

At Wilson Kester, we work closely with clients to explore cost-effective strategies and keep expenses manageable, and transparent, while prioritizing your goals.

Join our Free Empowering Webinar on 1/15/25

Facing divorce or custody challenges? Join Wilson Kester’s experienced family law attorneys and guest panelists for a supportive, empowering Webinar. Gain legal insights and tools to take control of your journey with confidence!

What Our Clients Are Saying

“I recently went through an incredibly difficult divorce, and I am pleased to say that Wilson Kester provided invaluable assistance throughout the entire process. I cannot speak highly enough of their professionalism, expertise, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients."

— Former Client

“Shelley was compassionate and understanding through the whole process. She has an aptitude on how to read people and was very instrumental in helping me deal with my ex-husband effectively.”

— Former Client

“She is well respected in the professional community, which was evident in our court proceedings. Shelley and her staff made me feel extremely comfortable and I knew that my best interest was at heart.”

— Former Client

“My inquiries and concerns were always promptly and thoroughly addressed, even beyond regular business hours. Ms. Kester is extremely knowledgeable in the area of family law.”

— Former Client