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 21 - 25 of 28 reviews

Posted by Dave | December 03, 2013 | Divorce & Separation

He Works to Get it Right! Fantastic Attorney.

Don is a very caring person. There are so many lawyers in this country, but I would have to search long and hard for another who cared about my issue and me as a person. He was beside me through one of the worst times in my life. He would listen and was so understanding, I can't express how importa...nt that was to me! No Rush, No Push to simply resolve the problem. He was a great, he took the time to work within the law to make sure I would not become another statistic of poor guidance. I have referred him to friends and will continue to do so, I myself would never hesitate to go to him with any issue. The strength is in the pursuit of justice when faced with a legal issue, He Won't Run from the Challenge to Get it Right ! If your ever faced with what I went through, you will need a person with compassion and understanding to represent you and to get it right. I think that as much as the law is important during a divorce emotional support from the person representing you is just as important. They Have To Listen and Don did just that. I had made contact with other lawyers prior to being referred to Don and it made all the difference in the world to me. Don, Thank You So Very Much For Everything You Did...

Posted by Jon | August 21, 2012 | Divorce & Separation

This man gives credibility to all lawyers by the way he takes his role as a professional seriously

Don is very honest and upfront about everything. He is very detail oriented and asked questions that no one else thought about asking concerning my divorce case. He even called me back on a weekend! I have no trouble whatsoever recommending this gentleman no matter what your leagal issue.

Posted by Rodney | December 12, 2011 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Outstanding Professional!

Don Wheaton has been by far; the most thorough, focused and detailed oriented attorney that I can actually say, that I am proud to have had to the pleasure to have worked for me and my case. Mr. Wheaton was referred to me after the unfortunate death of my attorney. My current lawsuit was already ...a 1 ½ year work in progress and seemed to be dragging out with no end in sight. When I sat down with Mr. Wheaton to discuss my case, I quickly discovered that not only was he extremely interested in the facts of my case but how this ongoing litigation had been affecting my life financially and emotionally. He established a focused plan of action that not only resolved my case on the Circuit Court level, but also in the Court of Appeals. Results – Dismissed, Dismissed!!! Thank you Don, for your professionalism, knowledge, responsiveness to questions, your dedication to truly understanding the facts and your ability to developing a real solution to expedite my case. Your dedicated efforts not only minimized the financial strain of defending my case but you gave me the peace of mind that I really needed during this stressful time. I give my highest recommendations for Don Wheaton to anyone who is in need of a professional, knowledgeable and responsive attorney. Give him a call!

Posted by Steve and Jeanine | February 07, 2011 | Bankruptcy & Debt

Millwright

Don, helped us so much during our bankruptcy. He answered all of our questions and went out of his way to meet with us to go over our concerns before we were due in court. My husband and I could call him anytime, during this stressful and embarrassing time in our lives and he was sympathetic and un...derstanding. We have recommended him to quite a few friends who because of the current economic conditions in Michigan have needed his help and expertise. Thanks Don!!!!

Posted by Joe | January 26, 2011 | Bankruptcy & Debt

One of the best!

Don made my wife and I feel at ease during a tough time in our life! Not only his legal skills but his counseling gave us a lot of peace concerning our bankruptcy! When he wasn't available to take our call he would always call back promptly! Being a good family man,he understood our situation and he...lped us prepare a better future for my wife and I and our children! I would not hesitate to call Don the next time I need a lawyer and have recommended him to several friends!

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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