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Donald C. Wheaton Jr.
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About Donald
Biography
Over my 32 years in practice, I have had clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies in complex business litigation matters, to indigent individuals whom I defend against criminal charges, to spouses and parents navigating the emotions and difficulties of divorce. Having experience in a wide variety of court cases representing both Plaintiffs and Defendants gives me better perspective of what is required from both sides of the bar, and offers me an advantage in negotiating matters to resolution or trying cases to verdict when necessary.
I'm not going to blow smoke up your nether regions; no one has time for that. I relate to my clients personally, and will give it to you straight, without legalese. It's important to me that you fully understand what is going on; after all, it is your case and your life that is affected.
I am a tireless volunteer, giving time to Boy Scouts at many levels for the past 23 years; serving as a School Board member for 28 years; working with the St. Clair Shores Goodfellows for the last 18 years; and helping out at numerous school and community events. I'm also a voracious reader, a passionate music fan, a dapper dresser, and I keep abreast of current events and politics.
Real people, real problems -- solved.
Real people, real problems -- solved.
Real people, real problems -- solved.
Real people, real problems -- solved.
Real people, real problems -- solved.
Real people, real problems -- solved.
Real people, real problems -- solved.
Practice Areas
8
Practice Areas
Child Custody
35%
25 years
Divorce and Separation
35%
25 years
Estate Planning
9%
Criminal Defense
5%
23 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Michigan for 36 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1989
No misconduct found
Location
Donald C. Wheaton, Jr., P.C.
21610 E 11 Mile Road, Suite 4, Saint Clair Shores, MI, 48081
donwheatonlaw.comGallery
Donald C. Wheaton Jr.'s Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 28 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Samantha | March 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Can’t say enough good things about Don
Family court is rarely a “good” experience. But even in the bad experiences, having Don to fight for you and your kids makes the bad times feel less heavy. He doesn’t fill your head with promises and is very honest about what can be done. He communicates with you about all possible outcomes and genui...
Posted by Mary | March 6, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great lawyer
Don helped me finalize my Divorce Decree in 2019. Also, he recently helped me when my ex husband filed a motion for more Parenting Time. Don is a good listener, an outstanding writer and very professional. He is honest and trustworthy . He has always been helpful and knowledgeable when I have reach...
Donald Wheaton
Replied last March 24, 2022Thanks, Mary. I really enjoyed helping you "across the finish line," as it were, and our work together after the judgment was entered. You are a pleasure to work with and it's been my privilege to represent you and your children's best interests.
Posted by john | February 7, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Just the basics for protection
Needed something simple for my mom .... needed simple will, quit claim deed and P.O.A / medical power only me her "son" and my mom. Just Simple and Reasonable.
Donald Wheaton
Replied last February 8, 2022Thank you very much for your kind words. It was my privilege to help.
Posted by Erin | September 22, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
I won the lawyer lottery
Don Wheaton has done an amazing job of handling my coparenting issues with my ex husband. He was able to get me real results, which gives my life some much needed peace. I also know that in the future I can reach out at anytime and we will pick up where we left off. He is honest and not in it just...
Donald Wheaton
Replied last September 23, 2021Thank you so much, Erin. It has been my pleasure and privilege to work with you.
Posted by Lori Ann | September 14, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Don Wheaton Is a great lawyer!
The Reason why Don Wheaton was a great lawyer he was there when I needed someone to discuss information where I couldn’t ask anyone else to help me. He is very trustworthy and very knowledgeable. Always had time to talk be it the phone, text, etc. I have great respect for him so if anyone is looking...
Donald Wheaton
Replied last September 15, 2021Thanks, Lori. I appreciate your kind words and do my very best for each of my clients.
Donald C. Wheaton Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements
"Don is a very good advocate for his clients. He participates in continuing legal education and is well respected in Macomb County among attorneys, judges and their staff."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have had several matters with Don and he is an extremely well respected and professional attorney to work with on a case. I always know that he will be well prepared and ready to do the work required. Don does an excellent job of representing his clients aggressively through his preparation and knowledge of the law. He also is very understadning of hi cleints needs, Ultimately, Don's clients benefit the most from his professionalism and the respect he receives from other attorneys . I highly recommend Don Wheaton Jr."
"I endorse Don. He understands the complex dynamics that cause divorce and custody disputes. Don can be the fierce pit bull or the calming conciliator. Family law is not suited for a "one size fits all" solution, and Don tailors his approach based on the facts of the case. I do not hesitate to send family referrals to Don."
"I endorse this lawyer. In my experience, Don has always been very attentive to his client's needs. He assesses each person's case carefully, and strives to find the best possible result for his clients. I believe Don to be a highly proffesional attorney who works hard to achieve his client's goals."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is honest, hard-working and a dedicated advocate. Don will give your matter its due attention. He is an expert on Michigan's Court Rules, Evidence and other aspects of litigation. Before hiring another attorney, meet with Don Wheaton. You won't regret it."
"Mr. Wheaton is extremely thorough and detailed in each case he takes. He treats his clients with the utmost respect and care. I've worked personally with Mr. Wheaton on many prior cases and would highly endorse him and recommend him to anybody seeking quality legal representation."
Annette Raczkowski
Divorce and separation lawyer
Gregory Dean
Divorce and separation lawyer
Joseph Bernwanger
Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys - Michigan, America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys
2021
Most Valuable Networker, BNI East Side Launchpad
2021
Excellence in Family/Divorce Law, Lawyers of Distinction
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Who's Who in America, Marquis Who's Who
2020
America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys - Michigan, America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys
2020
SuperLawyer - Family Law, SuperLawyers
2020
Distinguished Humanitarian, Marquis Who's Who
2020
Excellence in Family/Divorce Law, Lawyers of Distinction
2019
America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys - Michigan, America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Excellence in Family/Divorce Law, Lawyers of Distinction
2019
SuperLawyer - Family Law, SuperLawyers
2019
Recognition: 25 years of service as a School Board Trustee, Lakeview Public Schools
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Excellence in Family/Divorce Law, Lawyers of Distinction
2018
SuperLawyer - Family Law, SuperLawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
SuperLawyer - Family Law, SuperLawyers
2017
Bronze Pelican Award, Great Lakes Field Service Council, Boy Scouts of America
2012
Vigil Honor, Noquet Lodge, Order of the Arrow
2011
Silver Beaver Award, Great Lakes Council, Boy Scouts of America
2010
District Award of Merit, Great Lakes Council, Boy Scouts of America, Lakeshore District
Work Experience
2008 - Present
President, Donald C. Wheaton, Jr., P.C.
2007 - 2008
Staff Attorney, Consolidated Legal Services, P.C.
2005 - 2007
President, Donald C. Wheaton, Jr., P.C.
1997 - 2005
Associate Attorney, Richard L. Steinberg, P.C.
1989 - 1997
Associate Attorney, Haisch & Boyda, P.C.
Associations
2021 - Present
Family Law Section, State Bar of MichiganRecording Secretary
2018 - Present
Council, Family Law Section, State Bar of MichiganMember
2017 - Present
Executive Board, LGBTQA Section, State Bar of MichiganMember
2010 - Present
BNI East Side LaunchpadLeadership Team (many roles)
1989 - Present
State Bar of MichiganAttorney
2020 - 2021
State Bar of Michigan, LGBTQA SectionChairperson
2017 - 2020
Council, LGBTQA Section, State Bar of MichiganMember
2009 - 2009
Consumer Bankruptcy AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Corcoran v. Publow, 418 B.R. 231 (E.D.Mich. 2009)
Successfully defeated the Trustee's objections to the Debtors' exemptions in their tax refunds.
Ormsby v. Capital Welding, Inc., 471 Mich. 45, 684 N.W.2d 320 (Mich. 2004)
Changed Michigan caselaw regarding construction injury cases.
Schoenherr v. Stuart Frankel Dev. Co., 260 Mich.App. 172, 679 N.W.2d 147 (Mich.App. 2003)
Successfully blocked the Defendant's dismissal motion at the trial court level, but lost on appeal.
First Public Corp. v. Parfet, 468 Mich. 101, 658 N.W.2d 477 (Mich. 2003)
Won summary judgment, then defended and upheld it through the appeals process.
Education
1989
The University of Michigan Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1986
Alma College
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2021
Midsummer Conference
"Weed Whisperers--Marijuana Use and Its Impact on Custody and Parenting Time Issues"
2020
Horse Sense in Family Law - Midsummer Conference
"The Tack You Should Take When Saddling Up to Deal With School Issues"
2015
Aging Well In America - Cable TV Show
Issues Confronting Children of Aging Parents
Publications
2021
Michigan Family Law Journal
"Pro" Tips and Refreshers for Zoom Virtual Hearings
2020
Macomb County Bar Association, Bar Briefs
"Setting the Stage: Tips for Making Your Best Impression and Conveying the Message You Want During a 'Zoom' Hearing"
2017
Michigan Family Law Journal
"Bankruptcy Practice in Michigan in the Wake of Obergefell v. Hodges"
2009
Black's Law Dictionary, 9th Ed.
Practitioner Contributor
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
What kind of motion should I file?
22 Mar 2022
Q&A
Do I have to wait until my divorce is final before taking my name off our shared mortgage/refinance, in Michigan?
08 Oct 2021
Q&A
Can probation be extended without any violations or reasons?
09 Oct 2021