Nathaniel James Kaleefey

PRO

Nathaniel James Kaleefey

5.0
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 17 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Grand Rapids, MI
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Family ... +4 more

40 Pearl St. NW, Ste. 1020, Grand Rapids, MI

Virtual Consultation Available

About Nathaniel

Biography

Providing trustworthy advice to people in West Michigan with family law cases and vigorously advocating on their behalf in court.

Providing trustworthy advice to people with family law cases and vigorously advocating on their behalf in court.

Providing trustworthy advice to people with family law cases and vigorously advocating on their behalf in court.

Providing trustworthy advice to people with family law cases and vigorously advocating on their behalf in court.

Practice Areas

7

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 55%

55%
Child Custody 20%

20%
Child Support 5%

5%
Domestic Violence 5%

5%
Family 5%

5%
Marriage and Prenuptials 5%

5%
Uncontested Divorce 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 8

Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 17 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 2008

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Verspoor Waalkes, PC

40 Pearl St. NW, Ste. 1020, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503

vwlst.com/about-vwlst-attorney-grand-rapids/nathaniel-kaleefey/

Nathaniel James Kaleefey's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

100 Client Reviews

Showing 96 - 100 of 100 reviews

Posted by Dan | April 03, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Outstanding Lawyer

Nathaniel James Kaleefey represented me when I was in trouble and I am very thankful for the blessing he was in a hard time. I was appointed Nathaniel from the state at the time and I cannot tell you how impressed I am with this mans' work ethic. He put in above and beyond the time and energy into my... case and we won! On top of that he was very caring and took personal time out of his day to make sure I was completely on track with the process. I since then have recommended him to several of my people. Great lawyer, even better man. God bless you Nathaniel and thanks again!!

Posted by Victor | March 04, 2015 | Child Custody

Great Attorney! Really cares about getting the job done!

I am very satisfied with the results that Nathaniel accomplished in my child custody/support case. His biggest concern was the welfare, love, and environmental stability of my daughter. He was very trustworthy and professional. He always kept me informed throughout the entire case. He was also extrem...ely knowledgeable in the matter of child custody/support. My daughter resides with me now. She receives the love and affection that every child deserves, and she is thriving in school. I highly recommend Nathaniel.

Posted by anonymous | September 24, 2014 | Child Custody

Knowledgeable, passionately pursues case, and has morals!

Very straight forward and to the point. Might be a little costly but...provided you have a good case that actually is about the welfare of the child...He gets the job done because he believes in doing what's right, and that's hard to find in an attorney these days. Strong Christian background. Made s...ure my daughter didn't spend any longer than necessary in a bad environment. Very pleased. Has also worked with 2 others that I have referred to him.

Posted by Jennifer | February 06, 2015 | Child Custody

Child Custody/Support

Nathaniel gave me a great outcome with my child custody/support case. He kept me well informed of where we were at in the process. He worked with my schedule so I did not have to take too much time off of work. Very professional. I enjoyed not needing to drive downtown Grand Rapids to go to him.

Posted by anonymous | May 31, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Do NOT recommend

First off, I reached out to Nathaniel Kaleefey during an extremely vulnerable time in great need of direction and assistance to fight for my kids. He responded almost immediately with confidence that he could help. Appointment was made to meet with him and without asking he sends in Barbara Tsaturova... as "his assistant" for the initial consultation. She was also very convincing and made multiple, what would later be, empty promises. We were told if we hired her she was cheaper and would be able to save us money. We discovered too late that was not accurate. We were charged for her time, time she consulted with Nathanial Kaleefey (both her time/rate plus Nathanial's time/rate), and their assistance's time. Additionally, she would draft a motion on our behalf, give us a court date and charge us for it. Then days before tell us she did not move forward for invalid reasons. This happened multiple times to the point my children were left out of major life events and unable to have a "Christmas morning" with my children since my ex wouldn't allow, hence the need for the unfiled motions, that should have been done. After an unsuccessful FOC evaluation, Barbara let me though, I was told it would cost another $20k to bring to trial. While preparing for trial, both Barbara and Nathanial insisted I just take the offer and walk without fighting for my children, seeing and knowing this was not in the best interest for my children. Nathanial even called me while I was on a field trip with my 9 year stepdaughter demanding I withdraw and take the offer, began shouting and belittling me for wanting to discuss with my wife. He later sent an email apologizing for his behavior. In fear of their lack of confidence and demands to withdraw from going to court, I took the offer fearful of losing even more time with my children and have already paid them $13,000. Shortly following, I contacted them to withdraw from them representing me and I was charged an additional $803. I would be happy to provide any documentation, emails to validate this review.

See All Client Reviews

Nathaniel James Kaleefey's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Nathaniel
Derek Jacques headshot
Derek Jacques

Family lawyer | Oct 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nathaniel James Kaleefey is a great family law attorney. I had the distinct pleasure of seeing his legal expertise in action and I would not hesitate to recommend this lawyer to any client in need."

Justin Reed Wheeler headshot
Justin Wheeler

Family lawyer | Sep 18

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Nathaniel was always responsive and civil as opposing counsel. He drives a hard bargain and his clients should always trust he is doing everything he can to further their interest."

Justin H. Van Den Heuvel headshot
Justin Van Den Heuvel

Real estate lawyer | Feb 27

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Nathaniel is an aggressive attorney who is highly responsive and trustworthy because he keeps his word."

Howard G. Van Den Heuvel headshot
Howard Van Den Heuvel

Real estate lawyer | Feb 27

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Nathaniel is an honest and exceptional attorney. He works hard and drives a harder bargain."

Mark David Dodge headshot
Mark Dodge

Family lawyer | Feb 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have collaborated very closely with Nathaniel on several matters. He, and his firm's, expertise and work ethic impressed me enough that I now send friends/family/clients to him on Family Law needs. Highly recommended."

Timothy D. VandenBerg headshot
Timothy VandenBerg

Family lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"As opposing counsel, I would highly recommend the services of Mr. Kaleefey. He advocated zealously and effectively for his client while maintain a spirit of professionalism to Court and counsel."

Paul A. Ledford headshot
Paul Ledford

Litigation lawyer | Jul 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I assisted and advised Mr. Kaleefey in an FAA employment discrimination claim. Mr. Kaleefey proved himself both a competent and tough minded litigator, willing to push the advantage where it existed, and to admit to his client's legal challenges where they were found as well. I have known Mr. Kaleefey for a number of years and have come to respect his competency and professionalism such that I refer potential clients to him from time to time that lie outside my practice area without hesitation."

Michael Bruce Brown headshot
Michael Brown

Family lawyer | Jun 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Nathaniel since we were interns with the Wayne State University Free Legal Aid Clinic, and I have become reacquainted with his work since coming back to west Michigan. I have been fortunate to work together with Nathaniel on several criminal matters, and he is a source of knowledge in family law matters. Nathaniel possesses a rare mix of qualities that make him an excellent and trustworthy attorney. He is an aggressive and confident litigator driven by high ethical standards, superior intellect, and excellent organizational skills. I endorse Nathaniel not only for family law but also for criminal and employment law. Anyone faced with legal issues looking for a straight-shooting legal fighter should call him today."

View All Endorsements
Justin Reed Wheeler headshot
Justin Wheeler

Business lawyer

Justin H. Van Den Heuvel headshot
Justin Van Den Heuvel

Litigation lawyer

Howard G. Van Den Heuvel headshot
Howard Van Den Heuvel

Real estate lawyer

Mark David Dodge headshot
Mark Dodge

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Bruce Brown headshot
Michael Brown

Criminal defense lawyer

Paul A. Ledford headshot
Paul Ledford

Litigation lawyer

David Christian Hill headshot
David Hill

Real estate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2012

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2018 - Present

Principal, Verspoor Waalkes PC

2015 - Present

Associate, Verspoor Waalkes, PC

2009 - 2015

Owner, Kaleefey, Attorney at Law, PLLC

2008 - 2009

Clerk, Federal District Court For The Western District Of Michigan

2007 - 2007

Clerk, Federal District Court, Eastern District of Michigan

Associations

2009 - Present

Grand Rapids Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

State Bar of Michigan

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Assault & Battery - Great Result

Success

Civil Infraction - Success

Success

See More Legal Cases

Education

2008

Wayne State University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

2004

Calvin College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2018

Counselor Round Table

Family Law

Publications

Languages

English

German

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution