Rachel Gruetzner is the owner and managing attorney of Your Path Family Law. Rachel dedicates 100% of her practice to family law matters. Family law is not only her job, it is her passion.
Rachel is a Western Michigan University Alumnus who took a very nontraditional path toward law. Rachel studied theatre at WMU. In her senior year, she took a conflict management course. The ideas of alternative ways to resolve problems intrigued her. After a brief career as a stage manager, Rachel made the decision to go to law school, so that she could help families resolve their own difficult conversations.
Once at law school, Rachel was fortunate to secure employment as a law clerk for Speaker Law Firm, where she worked almost exclusively on family law appeals. This experience gave her a solid foundation in legal research, writing, and the legal concepts that underpin family law matters. At the same time, Rachel participated in the Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice Institute where she learned that she had the heart of a litigator. Rachel’s unique background permits her to see every case first and foremost through the lens of conflict resolution, with an eye to litigation strategy firmly rooted in legal theory.
Rachel also had a unique upbringing and understands complex family dynamics. She is the daughter of a Deaf person, and sister to two Deaf siblings (aka, she is a CODA and a SODA). Although not a certified interpreter, she can communicate proficiently in sign language. Several Deaf parents seek Rachel’s representation, as she is intimately familiar with Deaf culture. Rachel has had success assisting courts to see beyond the outdated thinking that deafness is a disability and has achieved favorable outcomes for Deaf clients.
Languages spoken
English, American Sign Language
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
MI | Active And In Good Standing | 2014 | 12/27/2020 |
Legal answers | 8 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Carolyn Stell Scholarship | Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, Mid-Michigan Chapter | 2013 |
Jurisdprudence Award, Constitutional Law I | Michigan State University College of Law | 2012 |
Jurisprudence Award, Contracts | Michigan State University College of Law | 2011 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Associate Attorney | Levine & Levine | 2015 - 2019 |
Research Attorney | Michigan Court Of Appeals | 2014 - 2015 |
Special Litigation Division Intern | National Labor Relations Board | 2013 - 2013 |
Law Clerk | Speaker Law Firm | 2012 - 2014 |
Legal Intern | Michigan Supreme Court, Chief Justice Young's Office | 2012 - 2012 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Section, Amicus Curiae Committee | Member | 2018 - Present |
Kalamazoo County Family Law Bar Association | N/A | 2015 - Present |
Kalamazoo County Bar Association | N/A | 2015 - Present |
State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Section | N/A | 2014 - Present |
State Bar of Michigan, Appellate Practice Section | N/A | 2014 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Portage Sports | Survival Guide for Family Peace While You Stay Safe & Stay Home | 2020 |
@Law | Tracking Marital Assets & Liabilities And Why It Matters | 2017 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Institute of Continuing Legal Education | Family Law Certificate Program | 2017 |
National Criminal Defense College | Certificate of Completion | 2017 |
Western Michigan University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | N/A |
Michigan State University College of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | N/A |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Effective Parenting Class | Intro to Child Custody & Parenting Time | 2016 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Child Custody Dispute concerning Baby | Sole legal and sole physical custody to father |
Child Custody Dispute in Domestic Violence Matter | Sole legal and sole physical custody to mother |
Divorce Case with Opposing Party Failing to Comply with Court Order | Secured substantial Attorney Fee Award in Divorce Case |
Achieved Personal Protection Order Based on Internet Threats | Secured Personal Protection Order (PPO) |
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Colleen Markou, Family Attorney on Mar 9, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have know Rachel since she began working in the Kalamazoo area. She is extremely knowledgeable and a vigorous advocate for her clients. In addition, she works to find resolutions for her clients that reduce the difficulties experienced through litigation. It is without hesitation that I endorse this lawyer.
Liisa Speaker, Family Attorney on Mar 4, 2020
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
I endorse this lawyer. Rachel is an excellent attorney and is well equipped to handle any kind of family law matter -- divorce, custody, support and so on. I first knew Rachel because she worked at my law firm many years ago when she was in law school. Since then, Rachel and I have worked together on cases and also have been opposing counsel. She does an excellent job for her clients.
Alicia Storm, Family Attorney on Mar 3, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Rachel is a tenacious and hard-hitting lawyer who helps her clients set and achieve realistic goals. She is a compassionate advocate for her clients.
Oliver Howell, Family Attorney on Jul 24, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney Gruetzner is very approachable and professional. She has a great reputation in the community as a positive, pragmatic, driven attorney, who truly cares about the needs of her clients.
Saraphoena Koffron, Family Attorney on Jan 10, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter
More than just an interest, Attorney Gruetzner has a true passion our family court system. She stays on top of changes to this body of law, is steadfast in her commitment to her clients, and is not afraid to let others know when they are standing in the way of progress.