About Erika

Biography

Family Law matters are the most personal legal issues an attorney can handle. Trust experience.

When your primary concern is your children, turn to Erika.

A divorce is one of the most personal legal issues an attorney can handle. Trust experience.

Divorce, Change of Custody, Move Away/Change of Domicile, Parenting Time, High Net Worth.

A creative problem solver who can help you transition your family.

Practice Areas

Child Custody 30%

Erika Salerno views her relationship with every client as a partnership. She sees her role as one of empowering clients with the knowledge to make informed decisions, and when necessary, zealously advocating for their interests.

30 years

30%

Divorce and Separation 30%

30 years

30%

Family 30%

30%

Business 5%

Mediation 5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always

Payment Methods

Cash
Check
Credit Card

Awards

2012

Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 26 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 1999

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Wisconsin for 29 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 1996

Good Standing

No misconduct found

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Location

Varnum LLP

(269) 382-2009

Fax

211 East Water Street, Suite 400, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007

varnumlaw.com/people/erika-s-shadowens/

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Varnum, LLP

333 Bridge St., NW, Suite 1700, Grand Rapids, MI, 49501

varnumlaw.com/people/erika-s-shadowens/

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Varnum LLP

(269) 443-1689

Mobile

480 Pierce St., Unit 400, Birmingham, MI, 48009

varnumlaw.com/people/erika-s-shadowens/

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Varnum LLP

(269) 443-1689

Mobile

101 N. Main St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104

varnumlaw.com/people/erika-s-shadowens/

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Varnum LLP

(269) 443-1689

Mobile

39500 High Pointe Blvd, #350, Novi, MI, 48375

varnumlaw.com/people/erika-s-shadowens/

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Gallery

Online Presence

Other places you can find Erika online.

Erika Salerno Shadowens's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

29 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 10 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | December 13, 2012 | Child Custody

Amazing results

Erika was available and engaged during our entire process. We had been living with a very difficult grandparent's visitation situation and when the case moved to Kalamazoo a friend recommended the law firm that Erika is associated with. It made all the difference in the world. She was thoughtful a...nd sensitive to the painful aspects of our case. We were able to get the help we needed in resolving long-standing problems. Erika's knowledge of the system and relationships within the legal community were invaluable.

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Posted by Vivian | November 21, 2012 | Child Custody

She was a huge help

Ericka has helped me with a very long custody case that seemed hopeless until we had an attorny that gave us the truth, with knowledge of the law and the exsperience to know what to expect. Thank you Ericka

Posted by Ted | November 20, 2012 | Divorce & Separation

Collaborative Divorce

Erika represented me during a collaborative divorce. She was very knowledgeable on the process and always prepared for meetings and court appearances. Erika was able to explain the process and requirements at each stage in the process very well, leaving me to fully understand the expectations and w...hat needed to be done on my part.

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Posted by Kandy | April 12, 2012 | Divorce & Separation

Superb and Genuine!

I retained Erika for both my divorce over 4 years ago and recent child custody/parenting time and support revisions. She strives to do what is right by both her client and the child/children involved. Though my case faced several unique challenges and circumstances, Erika put her best foot forward ...time and again when conferencing with the opposing attorney, the referee and judge. Erika is a no nonsense attorney that tells you straight forward what your options are from a legal standpoint and advise you how best to proceed. Meanwhile, always leaving the final decision with you. She always made me feel as if my case was the most important, because though I am merely one of many clients, Erika communicated with me like I was the only one.

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Posted by anonymous | July 18, 2010 | Divorce & Separation

Erika Salerno is a great lawyer who always does what's best for her clients.

I have been completely satisfied with the professionalism Erika Salerno has shown through my time spent with her working through my divorce. She knows the rights of her clients and supports the end decisions her clients make. I would highly recommend her and I have to some of my friends. There wer...e a few areas where I wasn't clear on what I should or shouldn't do and she offered her insight on both sides and allowed me to make the decisions. She is extremely knowledgeable in her field of expertise. My experience in working with Erika has inspired me to recommend her to my mother for some assistance with her living will.

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Erika Salerno Shadowens's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Erika

Jolene Schneider

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I highly recommend Erika Salerno. Erika was opposing counsel on many of my cases when she practiced in Wisconsin, both in litigated and collaborative matters. Erika was always prepared, organized and an effective advocate for her clients. She possesses an extremely high level of intellect, creativity and integrity. She is hard-working and tenacious in problem-solving for her clients. I recommend her without reservation."

Jeff Murphy

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. As a mediator, I frequently am asked by clients for the names of lawyers to represent them in the process. Erika Salerno is always at the top of the list I recommend. Erika has a strong commitment to the resolution of divorces through mediation and the collaborative law process. She shares my belief in obtaining fair and equitable settlements and avoiding costly and emotionally damaging court fights. She has a thorough knowledge of the law and is a true professional and worthy advocate for her clients. Having her represent a party in my mediations makes my work easier. I highly recommend her services."

Bruce Uridge

Family lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have been a MI attorney for 36 years and a MI divorce mediator for 20+ years and have mediated a number of Erika's cases for her. She is prepared, knowledgeable and a skilled attorney in divorce cases. Bruce Uridge P25959"

Colleen Markou

Family lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Erika is a true professional. She diligently represents her client's interest and strives to assist them through the difficult process. Erika's dedication and knowledge are qualities that every attorney should strive for."

Gail Towne

Family lawyer | Jul 26

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Mark Schubert

Family lawyer | Jun 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I had the privilege of getting to know Erika Salerno during the time she practiced law here in Appleton, WI. We had numerous cases in which we represented opposing parties in divorce and family law matters, including both traditional cases as well as many cases utilizing the collaborative family law process. We also served together on two boards of directors, and worked closely in promoting the collaborative process in this area. Erika's ethics and legal and advocacy skills are of the highest caliber. Moreover, she was a well respected leader in our local legal community. Erika played a crucial role in bringing the collaborative process to our area, and in the effort to help local professionals to organize and coordinate their approach to collaborative practice. I have nothing but the highest regard for Erika in all respects, personal and professional. She embodies the highest ideals of the legal profession. I am pleased to endorse her without hesitation."

Liisa Speaker

Family lawyer | Jun 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. She is hardworking and dedicated to family law issues."

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Mark Schubert

Family lawyer

Jeff Murphy

Mediation lawyer

Colleen Markou

Divorce and separation lawyer

Gail Towne

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating: 9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2014

Women in the Law, Michigan Lawyers Weekly

2013

Vlachos Award, Legal Aid of West Michigan

2012

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2011