Law Firm Overview

Born September 12, 1951 in Jacksonville, Florida. I am married and have two adult children, two step-children and two grandchildren. I have been a foster parent. I was very active in my children's activities, including homecoming, coaching Little League, Cub Scouts and Church activities.

I lived in many small towns in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I grew up in Wayland, Michigan where my father and mother operated a funeral home and an ambulance company. I worked in the ambulance business for eleven years. I also trimmed Christmas trees, waited tables, worked in a gas station and worked in a dental pharmaceutical lab.

I graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration Cum Laude in 1974. I then graduated from the University of Detroit/Mercy Law School in the top 25% of my class in 1977. During law school, I worked for several law firms and edited textbooks for professors.

From 1977-1978, I worked for two law firms in Allegan County.
On September 15, 1978 in Wyoming, Michigan, I began my own practice sharing office space with a retired Judge the Honorable Lawrence Beukema. Judge Beukema retired and I moved to my present location at 2000 - 28th St., SW, Wyoming, Michigan in 1984. I have practiced law for 29 years.

I practice primarily in three areas: Family, Criminal and Bankruptcy. I am also affiliated with some of the finest Personal Injury Lawyers to whom I can make referrals at no extra charge to the client.

My practice has taken me all over the State of Michigan. I have handled cases as far north as Cheboygan, as far east as Pontiac and Port Huron, and as far south as Three Rivers and Coldwater. I have handled cases from Benton Harbor to Leelanau, Traverse City and Charlevoix. Routinely, I practice in Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Newaygo, Muskegon, Mecosta, Montcalm, Eaton, Ingham and Calhoun Counties. I am willing to go anywhere in the State of Michigan.

Areas of Practice

• Bankruptcy Law
• Criminal Law
• DUI/DWI
• Traffic Violations
• White Collar Crimes
• Estate Planning
• Trusts
• Wills
• Family Law
• Child Support
• Custody & Visitation
• Divorce
• Litigation & Appeals
• Personal Injury -- Plaintiff
• Probate & Estate Administration
• License Restoration

West Practice Categories

Administrative Law, Bankruptcy Law, Business & Commercial Law, Criminal Law, DUI/DWI, Traffic Violations, White Collar Crimes, Estate Planning, Trusts, Wills, Family Law, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Divorce, Litigation & Appeals, Personal Injury -- Plaintiff, Probate & Estate Administration