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Natalie Alane

Divorce and separation Attorney at Lansing, MI

4.7   31 reviews
  • Licensed for 20 years
    State MI
    Acquired 2003
    Status
    Active in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Natalie

Learn Natalie’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    60%
    Natalie devotes the majority of her trial practice to family law, handling matters such as divorce, custody, paternity, child support, alimony, and domicile issues. Her dedication and passion are unmatched.

    16 years

  2. Child custody
    30%
    Natalie devotes the majority of her trial practice to family law, handling matters such as divorce, custody, paternity, child support, alimony, and domicile issues. Her dedication and passion are unmatched.

    16 years

  3. Appeals
    10%
    Natalie handles family law appeals to the Michigan Court of Appeals and Michigan Supreme Court. Her background as a staff attorney for both courts gives her the edge clients seek!

    16 years

I do family law, so I know that if you're here, you may be facing one of the most difficult times of your life. The range of emotions can be overwhelming. You're scared and angry. You're feeling betrayed and alone. Naturally, you want answers to difficult questions and assurance that everything is going to be okay. Shame and embarrassment may be keeping you from confiding in even your closest friends or family.

I've been where you are. I have felt the sting of betrayal, the grief of loss, the anger of wrongdoing, the anxiety of an uncertain future. And I understand that every situation is unique and every person going through this process has different needs and expectations.

That is why I listen. I listen to your story, to your fears, to your hopes for yourself, your children, and your future. I'm here to tell you that it will be okay. It will be different, but okay. You can have a bright and fulfilling future. Your children can adjust and feel loved and secure.

Let me walk through this process with you. Come meet with me and tell me your story, and let's figure out together how to navigate your life transition.

Contact Natalie

Similar lawyers nearby

Alane Family Law, P.C.
403 Seymour Avenue
Lansing, MI, 48933

Reviews

4.7 / 5.0
  31 customer reviews
5 Star
 
94%
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1 Star
 
6%
Posted by Nancy | May 19, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic Attorney
Natalie handled our family's very contentious custody case and provided stellar results. Watching her deftly circumvent a gaslighting witness and effectively rebut lie after lie was worth every penny. Couldn't be happier with the outcome!
Posted by Joe. P | June 6, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Family Law Attorney in Michigan
Alane family Law has a great team of Paralegals, lawyers and support staff that guides you throughout the entire custody matter. I hired Natalie in the middle of a custody battle that seemed far from success. Through her guidance and expertise, I was able to get my son out of a dangerous situation and was granted full physical custody. It's comforting having Alane Family Law by your side, guiding you throughout the Family legal system.
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Posted by Beth | April 18, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Kind, Compassionate, and Capable
Natalie and her team have been amazing to work with. Natalie helped me navigate a difficult divorce (which included personal safety concern) and several baseless, follow-up motions from my ex. She and her team even called me after everything was settled just to check in to be sure I was doing OK. You could not hire a better advocate as you navigate the difficulties of a divorce. I highly recommend Alane Family Law to anyone in need of a family lawyer.
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Posted by anonymous | January 19, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Words can't do her justice! Absolutely amazing!
I simply cannot say enough good things about Natalie Alane and her incredible team. The kindness and devotion they demonstrated during my divorce has had an enormous impact on me and changed the entire trajectory of my life. Natalie was my compass while I was lost and trying to find my way through the messiest time of my life, and the brightest, boldest light on my darkest days. She and her team are some of the kindest, thoughtful, and most loyal people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting in my life. I would highly recommend Natalie for anyone going through a divorce. She's equal parts pitbull and friendly confidant, which makes for the perfect combination while going through a painful and complicated divorce. As I said earlier, I feel so incredibly blessed that she was in my corner while I went through my divorce. Hiring her is the best decision I've ever made. Do yourself a favor and make sure she's in your corner, too! You won't regret it!!!!
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Posted by MikeSeverino | December 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wonderful Advocate
I hired Natalie to help with some very challenging post-divorce issues, including unresolved parenting issues. She represented me in family court and also provided counsel through the FOC process. She picked up the details of the case quickly and delivered terrific results. We worked together strategically and followed through as a team to get the best results. She was effective, responsive, available and successful. She is a great value to her clients. I would and have recommended friends to her with equally great results.
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Posted by Joe | December 11, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Alane Family Law
Natalie Alane is a great lawyer to have by your side while handling a child custody dispute. I hired Natalie after interviewing and researching several Lansing area Family Law Firms to assist with a child custody dispute with my ex. With Natalie’s guidance, support and expertise’s I was able to get my son out of an unstable and dangerous environment. Ms. Alane is very detailed oriented, knows all of her clients cases by each detail pertaining to their case and has a great team of paralegals and lawyers assisting her. I would recommend Alane Family Law to anyone seeking advice and legal assistance regarding custody matters.
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Posted by Amy | July 18, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Commitment and Understanding
I was extremely impressed with Natalie Alane as a divorce lawyer. She was logical in her assessment to me of how divorce works in Michigan and in my county. There were special circumstances in my case related to a special needs child and Natalie focused on gaining a deep understanding of the nuances that helped my child remain healthy and happy. Watching Natalie interact with the various decision-makers was art and passion in motion. Natalie has found her calling. She has a deep commitment to her clients and works extra hard to understand how your case is unique. In turn, she is then able to advocate for you quickly during her representation. I have referred several others to Natalie for her services and all are also very impressed and pleased with their decision to hire a committed professional. Well Done!
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Posted by L R | February 8, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Guided me through a difficult time with professionalism and heart...
Natalie was the best guide I could have asked for through the collaborative divorce process. She made sense of the legal jargon and was a wonderful communicator. I'm very grateful to her and would highly recommend her.
Posted by Eric | January 25, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Attorney who won't rest until the case is won.
I recently went thru a custody dispute where my ex was making false accusations and manipulating the children. Natalie was recommended to me by a friend who said as lawyers go she was a "Bull Dog". She was right! Upon my first consultation she reviewed the claims, instantly saw them for what they really were and reassured me that my case could be won. It was not uncommon to get emails from Natalie late in the evening or early in the morning. Many as late as 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning. She is tireless! I felt like I was her most valuable client thru the whole process. Her staff is 2nd to none, the too made me feel like I was the center of their universe. It's such a good feeling when you're in a stressful situation to feel like everything is going to be okay. She is honest and will tell you when things are in your favor or not. In my Emergency Injunction Hearing she proved to me she was the best. She out performed, out classed and proved the claims that were being made against my new wife and I were false. The judge sided with us and I was able to keep my kids for the summer and until the next hearing date. Soon after my ex wife softened here tone and became willing to "settle out of court". When the dust finally settled, I had more time with my kids than when I started. I'd hire her all over again if given the chance, there are no regrets. When a friend recently confided in me that he needed an attorney I didn't hesitate and gave him Natalie's contact information. Thank you for all of your support during one of the hardest times in my life.
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Posted by anonymous | January 25, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Quite simply the best
It's hard to describe all of the ways that Natalie exceeded my every expectation. She helped me to set some things right after my ex-husband and I hit some rough patches in our DIY divorce and custody arrangements. She approached each situation with a disciplined business strategy: what did I hope to achieve? She was able to set my expectations with what was likely to happen, negotiate bumps in the road that would have been catastrophic had I been handling the situation without her. She kept a clear head, keeping each new decision and scenario clean in explaining to me how the law would view it, and steering me away from complicating details that were irrelevant. (This is so key because in a divorce, you'll think it's relevant that your ex is a jerk. Natalie doesn't waste your time and money by letting you believe that will be relevant.). She was so respectful of my time and budget, and she was an absolute bulldog on the legal points where it helped us. Her legal briefings were full of references to legal precedent, compared with the opposing attorney's briefings reading like an episode of Jerry Springer. It was clear that the judge and mediators that we worked with respected her enormously, and it was easy to see why.
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Posted by Allison | January 25, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Natalie Alane
When I decided to file for divorce I went to another lawyer.....Leaving that office I felt defeated and I had not even signed any papers. Then I was referred to Natalie, and I am so thankful for that. After our first meeting I was confident that she would take good care of me and she did. She told me we would settle our divorce and custody issues out of court and she was right even though I wasn't so sure. She answered every question I ever had, sometimes 2-3 times because she knew I needed reassurance. She got me the exact custody agreement I was hoping for and settled my divorce, benefiting more than I had expected. I am so thankful I chose her for an attorney. One of the best decisions I've ever made.
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Posted by Sandra | January 25, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing doesn't even begin to describe Natalie!
I am not sure I can put in words how much Natalie has done and is doing for my family, but I will try. I turned to Natalie for help with a long exhausting family court case riddled with trauma, abuse, and a whole lot of nastiness from my ex. Natalie took on our case without hesitation. She not only took on our case but she, and her incredible staff hit the ground running! They were able to provide swift resolution in the midst of a traumatic situation to keep my child safe, to which I will be forever grateful for. Natalie and her team have diligently fought over the last couple years whether it be writing motions, litigation, in mediation, or toe to toe in a courtroom, she has never wavered. Natalie’s professionalism is top-notch! She is witty, stealth, fierce, and firm in a courtroom! The care and attention she shows her clients is absolutely outstanding! Natalie is THE attorney to have in your corner, she will go to bat and not back down! I cannot possibly sing enough praises!
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Posted by Jeff | January 25, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
5 Stars is not Enough
Amazing, ,Outstanding, in a league of her own. These are just a few of the words I could say after working with Natalie Alane of Alane & Chartier P.L.C. We were involved in a 2 year custody battle that had been ugly from the start. Natalie and her team were always on point, got the facts straight and were able to provide us with the strength and knowledge we needed to protect our love ones from harm. With them in your corner it's a sure knockout!! Now with us being involved with an adoption case we once again turn to Natalie and her team. They have the best advice and great at keeping us informed of any updated info. I would recommend this law firm to anyone.
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Posted by Jena | January 25, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best decision we ever made!!!!
We hired Natalie to handle our extremely serious, highly detailed custody case. Not only did she make us feel like we were her only case but she treated us like family!! She feels so strongly about her cases that you are immediately put at ease knowing that this woman is going to put everything she's got into getting you what you want and need. She is always available when you need her and keeps you in the loop as things change. She is laid-back but extremely professional. Natalie made our hugely stressful case tremendously easier on us. We all know lawyers cost money, this woman is worth every penny and more!!!
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Posted by Laura | January 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Smart, Effective, Supportive Lawyer
Natalie Alane is a superb attorney. She is a true advocate who was able to handle my very difficult custody case, thus changing and improving my son's life for the better. I found Natalie to be supportive and kind, and a powerful asset in the courtroom. Professional, excellent communication skills: She is able to mediate and see the big picture; works well with other attorneys and court personnel, and will advocate for what is right. I felt like Natalie Alane represented me like she would a member of her own family. On a side note, I found her support staff to be competent, responsive, and professional. If I ever need legal help again, I will choose Natalie Alane as my attorney.
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Posted by Rebecca | January 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Natalie has been a Godsend to me and my family
I first met Natalie after working with another attorney who had really botched my child custody case. I was scared and feeling desperate about my situation. Natalie immediately put my mind at ease and got right to work on my case. She worked tirelessly to get the best possible outcome and really took the time to explain the process to me and to familiarize herself with my case. She is extremely professional, confident, considerate, honest and knowledgeable. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had Natalie on my side and I know that if I have need again in the future, I can depend on her for honest, professional advice at a very reasonable cost. I can't imagine how I would have gotten through such a rough time in my life if not for Natalie.
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Posted by TIMOTHY | November 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Personal & Professional – Prompt & Prepared
Natalie has set the gold standard for attorneys as far as I am concerned. She showed a great tenacity to sift through the cover-up and the pool of lies spewed by my adversarial spouse and to get to the facts and the truth. She promptly responded to all my questions and thoughts in a straight forward, honest, personal and professional way. Natalie prepared a remarkable evidentiary court case and I was amazed at her litigating prowess when questioning witnesses. She helped bring the truth to light. She never stopped; even during a break when speaking to one of our witnesses, she discovered that there was a new piece of damning evidence we could bring to the trial. Natalie was able to obtain a copy of it and she was printing it just seconds before the break ended. I was also impressed with Natalie's closing arguments. Her close was simultaneously on point and poignant to my circumstance. If Natalie Alane is on your side, you’re in great hands. If she’s against you, you have a formidable opponent.
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Posted by anonymous | September 10, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thorough, Professional and Thoughtful
I was involved in a high-conflict divorce include child custody issues. Natalie and her team were extremely thorough and attentive throughout the process. Our case ended up going to trial. They left no stone unturned. This was critical in the success of our case. In court, Natalie was strong, assertive, and aggressive without being overbearing or obnoxious. This was very impressive to me. I would recommend Natalie and team without reservation. I am thankful that I had her representation and support during quite possibly the most difficult time of my life. I will continue to utilize Natalie's representation in the future with any conflicts that arise with our custody case.
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Posted by anonymous | September 7, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional, Honest, Compassionate, and Diligent
Natalie was an absolute pleasure to work with. I had been going through issues with my child's mother for years. Issues such as horrible school attendance, domestic abuse, her drinking issues, etc. I tried speaking to my son's mother directly but the issues got so bad that I was forced to look into getting the courts involved. As I was searching for lawyers, a very respectable person in the Lansing area recommended Natalie. From the moment I called her office I was instantly overwhelmed by the level of professionalism her staff exudes. When I came in for a consultation, the office and staff members were very warm, welcoming and friendly. Natalie listened to all of my issues and was ready to go to work for me that minute. I felt the confidence in her voice and I felt very comfortable with her during our one hour conversation. However, being a college student I was turned away by the amount of money I would have to pay for her counsel. After I left her office, I tried a few other lawyers in the area. NONE of them had the same level of professionalism, nor seemed to care much about the issues my son and I were going through. According to them, it wasn't enough to be granted full custody as there were "worse situations" that my son could be in and they were very discouraging. In my heart, I knew that my son deserved better than what he was getting and I needed to be represented by someone who thought the same. So I asked my family to help me out financially and I ran back to Natalie. ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS I'VE EVER MADE IN MY LIFE!!! Natalie and her staff immediately jumped into action for me. It felt as if she was fighting for her own son and not mine. EVERY single document (e.g. motions, objections, etc.) that she and her team drafted and submitted was flawless, impeccable and powerful in their wording. Their work clearly demonstrates that they know the law extremely well. My wife and I couldn’t have wished for a better firm to represent us. Natalie was able to present evidence in such a way that left me in awe every time we left a hearing. It was actually scary at times....but definitely in a good way. Most importantly, the underlying theme with Natalie is that she fights for YOU and will go to great lengths to do so! Because of Natalie and her staff, I was awarded full physical custody of my son and also was granted a change in domicile to leave the State of Michigan to take a job in Maryland. I highly recommend Natalie to anyone who is seeking a great attorney, someone who knows the law front and back, who is honest, compassionate and VERY good at what she does. To those of you who might be worried about the money, just remember the old saying: "You get what you pay for!" Natalie may be more expensive than some other lawyers in the area, but she is WELL worth it! I'm glad I asked for Natalie and her office to represent me and if I could go back and do it all over again, I would choose her 100 times out of 99. Excellent, excellent, excellent! Signed, One Happy Father
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Posted by Terry | September 6, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Natalie Alane
Natalie was very in depth and very well prepared for my divorce trial. She kept me informed and gave me all of my options and gave me her advise but let me make my own decisions. I would strongly recommend her and would hire her again for any situation that may come.
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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Co-Owner & Partner
  • Alane & Chartier, PLC
  • 2007 - 2017
  • Senior Staff Attorney
  • Michigan Supreme Court
  • 2004 - 2007
  • Staff Attorney
  • Michigan Court of Appeals
  • 2003 - 2004
  • Prehearing Staff Attorney
  • Michigan Court Of Appeals
  • 2002 - 2003
  • Adjunct Professor
  • Thomas M. Cooley Law School
  • 2002 - 2014
View all work experience

Education

  • Thomas M. Cooley Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2002
  • Central Michigan University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1993
  • University of Kentucky
  • MA - Masters
  • N/A

Legal Cases

  • Krieg v Baleja
  • Victory for Natalie's client
  • Santoro v Santoro
  • Victory for Natalie's client
  • Freeman v Baum
  • Victory for Natalie's client
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Institute of Continuing Legal Education
  • Board Member -- Family Law Advisory
  • 2010 - Present
  • International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • Ingham County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • Member
  • 2002 - Present
  • Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan
  • Immediate Past President
  • 2013 - 2013
  • Resolution Services Center
  • Board Member
  • 2013 - 2014
  • Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan
  • President
  • 2012 - 2012
  • Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan
  • President-Elect
  • 2011 - 2011
  • Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan
  • Treasurer
  • 2010 - 2010
  • Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan
  • Secretary
  • 2009 - 2009
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Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2023
  • Pro Bono Circle of Excellence
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • 2016
  • Pro Bono Circle of Excellence
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • 2015
  • Pro Bono Circle of Excellence
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • 2014
  • Pro Bono Circle of Excellence
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • 2013
  • Pro Bono Circle of Excellence
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • 2012
  • 2012 Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2012
  • Client Distinction Award
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2012
  • Top Women Lawyers
  • Lawyers Weekly
  • 2011
  • Pro Bono Circle of Excellence
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • 2011
  • Pro Bono Circle of Excellence
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • 2010
  • Distinguished Student
  • Thomas M. Cooley Law School
  • 2002
  • Outstanding Woman Law Student
  • Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
  • 2002
View all awards

Publications

  • ICLE -- Top Tips Video Series
  • Defending a Motion to Change Domicile
  • 2010
  • ICLE -- Top Tips Video Series
  • Winning a Motion to Change Domicile
  • 2010
  • Ingham County Bar Association BRIEFS
  • Attorney Advertising
  • 2008
  • Ingham County Bar Association BRIEFS
  • Family Collaborative Practice – Resolving Domestic Disputes Respectfully and Without Court
  • 2008
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • ICLE's 20th Family Law Institute
  • Privilege: A Practical Primer on Privileges
  • 2021
  • Fourth Annual Michigan Marijuana Law Conference
  • What Every Lawyer Must Know about Child Custody and Marijuana
  • 2019
  • Handling Property Division and Spousal Support Issues
  • Valuation of Marital Assets
  • 2018
  • Referee Association of Michigan Annual Conference -- Mackinac Island
  • “Up in Smoke”: The Impact of Marijuana Use on Child Custody and Child Welfare Cases
  • 2015
  • Handling Property Division & Spousal Support Issues
  • Valuation of Marital Assets
  • 2015
  • Handling Property Division & Spousal Support Issues
  • Valuation of Assets in Divorce
  • 2013
  • Custody, Support, and Parenting Time Update
  • Recent Legal Developments
  • 2013
  • Family Law Section Annual Winter Seminar -- Virgin Gorda, BVI
  • “Up in Smoke”: The Legal Landscape After the Enactment of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act
  • 2013
  • NORML Legal Committee -- Key West
  • “Up in Smoke”: The Impact of Marijuana Use on Child Custody and Child Welfare Cases
  • 2013
  • Upper Michigan Legal Institute
  • Handling Evidentiary Issues in Divorce
  • 2013
  • Michigan Judge's Association Conference
  • Medical Marijuana and Family Law
  • 2012
  • Eleventh Annual Family Law Institute
  • Navigating Privilege Issues in Discovery and Trial
  • 2012
  • Intersection of Family Law and Bankruptcy
  • To Jointly File or Not: How to Advise Your Family Law Divorce Client
  • 2011
  • Tenth Annual Family Law Institute
  • Up in Smoke: The Intersection of Medical Marijuana and Custody
  • 2011
  • Handling Property Division & Spousal Support Issues
  • Property Valuation in Divorce
  • 2010
  • Ninth Annual Family Law Institute
  • Advanced Strategies in Child Support Calculation
  • 2010
  • International Academy of Collaborative Practitioners Annual Forum -- Washington, D.C.
  • Collaborative Draftsmanship: Finessing the Successful Preparation of Minutes and Agreements
  • 2010
  • Fundamentals of Divorce Practice & Procedure Series
  • Custody, Parenting Time, & Support
  • 2009
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (7)
Given (1)
Endorse Natalie
Divorce and separation Attorney | Sep 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"When I have a client experiencing a divorce or custody issue, my first thought is to send them to Natalie. She is a stellar advocate whose peerless reputation in mid-Michigan is well earned."
Family Attorney | Mar 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Natalie is a an excellent attorney who is deeply committed to her clients. She is highly respected in the community and has the knowledge and experience to navigate through the complex problems that often arise in family law matters."
Family Attorney | Jan 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Natalie is a trustworthy, caring, hard-working attorney in the area of family law and divorce who I would highly recommend. Not only is she an excellent advocate but she truly understands the emotions her clients are experiencing. Natalie always gives her full, undivided attention to every case she works on. You can be sure that your case is in good hands if she's working on it."
Family Attorney | Oct 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Natalie is a nationally known family lawyer. Lawyers across the country listen to her advice on how best to provide family legal services to clients. I endorse her for her commitment to her craft."
Family Attorney | Jan 13
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. She is so hardworking and conscientious but most of all willing to share her expertise even outside the seminar confines."
Unknown Attorney | Sep 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Aug 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I recently had the opportunity to work with Ms. Alane on complex inter-state family law matter. I found her to be very helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. We shared a common client who really valued Ms. Alane's help from Michigan."
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