It is difficult for us to imagine anything more important than the trust you place in us to handle your family law matter. We understand that the issues are vitally important to you. The investment you will make with us provides you with our expertise and access to trusted resources to help achieve the best possible outcome. Whether you are considering a divorce, needing guidance to navigate a child custody matter or a parenting time issue, dealing with a post-judgment or enforcement problem, or seeking a personal protection order for your safety or other family law issues, we do understand and are here to help you work through it to a better life.
Shelley Kester and Patrick Wilson founded Wilson Kester in 1998 as a father-daughter team in service to the Traverse City community based upon the values of compassion, sensitivity, and legal expertise in service to families. What began as a father-daughter firm has evolved and grown into a powerful and diverse team serving the Northern Michigan area, helping a much larger community with a variety of family law issues. We have taken much care to build our highly qualified team to advocate for our Michigan family law clients with a high degree of skill. Whether your matter is collaborative in nature or requires a tenacious, fearless litigator, we tailor our approach to your objectives and case goals.
Our family law attorneys have remained at the forefront of legal issues that impact Michigan families, helping shape family law both in court and outside of court through leadership positions in the family law community, including the State Bar of Michigan (SBM), Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM), service on the SCAO Friend of the Court Bureau Advisory Committee updating Michigan’s parenting Time Guideline, used by Friend of the Court throughout the State, or as a presenter for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE). Our founder, Shelley, has held influential positions for the State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section – Family Law Council (FLC) as well as on the State Bar of Michigan’s Committee on Domestic Violence. Being experts in our field, our process and unmatched preparation result in consistent, positive outcomes for our clients.
We take a team approach to each family law matter, using our strengths to provide the most value and dedication to your matter. We understand that dealing with a family dispute can be emotionally draining, putting stress on your family’s well-being, which is why we strive to resolve conflicts through communication and compromise. Unfortunately, finding resolution through compromise is not always possible, and alternative dispute resolution and court involvement is necessary. During these trying times, our experienced team will lead you through each challenge and obstacle while empowering you to build the better life you very much deserve. In partnership with you, we will create a customized, strategic approach for you to effectively reach your legal goals and achieve a favorable outcome for you and your family.