Donald C. Wheaton Jr.

Donald C. Wheaton Jr.

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 36 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Saint Clair Shores, MI
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Estate Planning ... +5 more

21610 E 11 Mile Road, Suite 4, Saint Clair Shores, MI

About Donald

Biography

Practice Areas

8

Practice Areas

Child Custody 35%

Where parents never married or after divorce, many custody, parenting time, and child support disputes arise. I work hard to help resolve these matters to minimize the damage to the children and parties. When I must, I will take a case to trial.

26 years

35%
Divorce and Separation 35%

I have earned my reputation as a "resolver." I won't drag out your case, because you need to move forward. If the case warrants it, though, I'm not afraid to go to trial. Knowing when to draw a hard line is a decision you and I will make together.

26 years

35%
Estate Planning 9%

Everyone should have an estate plan that includes an Advance Directive (also called a Living Will or Patient Advocate designation). Knowing your affairs are and will be in order if something happens to you helps you sleep better at night.

9%
Criminal Defense 5%

I have handled mostly misdemeanor cases (DUI, theft, disorderly conduct, etc.), but I have also successfully defended many felony cases. I'm a skilled negotiator, often able to obtain excellent results with plea bargains--and I'm not afraid of trial.

24 years

5%
Litigation 5%

I've been a trial attorney since day 1, representing plaintiffs and defendants in civil disputes. I've handled everything from complicated engineering and medical issues to simple contract claims. My negotiating skills help resolve cases swiftly.

37 years

5%
Probate 5%

Probate issues often hit clients when they are in difficult emotional times. They bring out the worst in family, too. I listen carefully and provide counsel to help resolve tough issues, prepare appropriate paperwork, and (when I have to) litigate.

37 years

5%
DUI and DWI 4%

Not only do I defend clients charged with these crimes, I later help them restore their driving privileges/license. I work with clients and courts to obtain whatever assistance clients might reasonably require to never be in this position again.

24 years

4%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 2%

You shouldn't fight a traffic ticket without an attorney. More often than not, City Attorneys and Police Officers/Troopers are more willing to reduce infractions when you bring an attorney to negotiate on your behalf. Don't let your insurance go up!

37 years

2%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 36 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 1989

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Donald C. Wheaton, Jr., P.C.

21610 E 11 Mile Road, Suite 4, Saint Clair Shores, MI, 48081

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Donald C. Wheaton Jr.'s Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

28 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 28 reviews

Posted by Nina | August 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Business Malpractice Suit -- Well done!

I highly recommend Don Wheaton. I know him through professional circles and hired him to help my client with a professional malpractice suit against her former CPA. Don was always prepared, extremely knowledgeable, and very kind. His ability to stay on top of court filing deadlines and anticipate ...the next steps was impressive. When we got into court, his preparation, professionalism, and comfort with the process was so stunning that the defending attorney asked for a settlement after a few hours. Don then guided us through the settlement process seamlessly, handled the payments so my client would not have to face the defendant, and even created a plan to keep the defendant on their payment schedule. Wow! We couldn’t have asked for better legal advice or representation. I plan to use Don for all my business and personal legal issues in the future.

Donald Wheaton

Replied last September 23, 2021

I am humbled by your kind words, Nina. It is always a pleasure working with you, and I was grateful to get such a good result for our mutual client.

Posted by anonymous | August 18, 2021 | Hired Attorney

Wonderful

Not only do I recommend attorney Donald Wheaton, but I guarantee once you have used his service you too will look no further. He responds in a timely matter, he is a very compassionate, knowledge and trustworthy person. There is no other attorney that will work as hard for you. My family has hired Do...nald, he is a wonderful attorney and we could not have been more pleased with his services and will never go anywhere else.

Posted by Eve | May 14, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Divorce

Mr. Donald Wheaton Jr. provided me the best representation in my divorce case. His level of expertise, experience and professionalism is beyond outstanding. He was always organized and well prepared for everything that was presented by the opposing counsel. This was one of the most difficult moments ...in my life! He is also very compassionate and I definitely was in good hands. I don’t know how to thank him enough. I highly recommend Don to everyone.

Posted by Renee | April 28, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Didn't take long to know that Don was perfect for my case...

I spent less than an hour on the phone to tell Don why my son (and I) needed him, before this gut feeling came over me - the feeling of "he is going to be a great fit". He was knowledgeable, sharp, understanding, funny, and picked up pieces of the puzzle that even I couldn't explain...and it was ...MY story. I hired him, the same day, to file a motion to change parenting time, change schools for my 13 year old son, and remove child support. Lots of ups and downs from the day Don was hired to the day everything was finalized by the judge. Not my first rodeo when it comes to hiring an attorney, so I can assure you, he'll HELP because he cares, and if I had to do it all again, I'd spend less time on that initial phone call and hire him instantly. I cannot thank him enough for the advice, laughs, quick responses, and even those times when I was forced to hear the ugly truth...you made it all worth it. Justin thanks you too. :) You rock, Don.

Posted by anonymous | March 10, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Weak attorney

Don represented me in a divorce matter recently. The opposing counsel walked all over him the entire case. He did not tell the truth about how much alimony, child support, i would get. In the beginning the numbers he tells you are no where near reality, his tune changes at the end when you have no ch...oice bcz you've little or no money left to change attorneys. He has a racket deal going on with Attorney Lori Henderson, if you can't afford Lori you'll get referred to Don, then you get what you paid for, a very weak attorney.

Donald Wheaton

Replied last March 10, 2021

I'm flabbergasted, and very saddened you had a bad experience. I work very hard for the utmost client satisfaction in every case, a difficult task in family law matters because so often no one is "happy" at the conclusion. I wish you had come to me directly with your concerns, and I ask you to please reach out at your convenience to discuss them. Bringing Lori Henderson into this is not fair to her; she is not currently taking clients and refers people to lawyers she trusts and knows will do good work. I have been trained that all feedback is a gift, regardless of its content, and I would appreciate the opportunity to address your criticisms head on as opposed to responding to an anonymous post.

See All Client Reviews

Donald C. Wheaton Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Donald
Eileen Warshaw headshot
Eileen Warshaw

Family lawyer | Aug 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Annette T. Raczkowski headshot
Annette Raczkowski

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Marc A. Deldin headshot
Marc Deldin

Family lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Gregory G. Dean headshot
Gregory Dean

Unknown lawyer | Nov 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Timothy A. Dinan headshot
Timothy Dinan

Litigation lawyer | Apr 04

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Joseph Leo Bernwanger headshot
Joseph Bernwanger

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Mar 25

Relationship: Friend

"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."

View All Endorsements
Annette T. Raczkowski headshot
Annette Raczkowski

Divorce and separation lawyer

Gregory G. Dean headshot
Gregory Dean

Divorce and separation lawyer

Joseph Leo Bernwanger headshot
Joseph Bernwanger

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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 Michigan

Recording Secretary

2018 - Present

Council, Family Law Section, State Bar of Michigan

Member

2017 - Present

Executive Board, LGBTQA Section, State Bar of Michigan

Member

2010 - Present

BNI East Side Launchpad

Leadership Team (many roles)

1989 - Present

State Bar of Michigan

Attorney

2020 - 2021

State Bar of Michigan, LGBTQA Section

Chairperson

2017 - 2020

Council, LGBTQA Section, State Bar of Michigan

Member

2009 - 2009

Consumer Bankruptcy Association

Member

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.

See More Legal Cases

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

2009

Black's Law Dictionary, 9th Ed. Practitioner Contributor

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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