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 1 - 5 of 44 reviews | Divorce & Separation

Posted by Jesse | March 08, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Top Notch Divorce Representation

During my divorce I worked with several attorneys, and Nathaniel Kaleefey was exceptional. From the beginning he was highly responsive, trustworthy, and brought a clear strategic focus to achieving meaningful outcomes. Nathaniel and his team—including Sean, Umberto, and others—worked relentlessly, we...re extremely organized, and approached the case with creativity and determination. Rather than waiting for developments, they were proactive in building the case, assembling a substantial amount of evidence in a short period of time that proved critical in court filings and the FOC memorandum. What stood out most was how collaborative and engaged the entire team was from day one. They brought energy, thoughtful strategy, and real tenacity to every step of the process. Nathaniel was not only an outstanding advocate, but also a trusted thought partner during a very challenging time. I would highly recommend him and his team to anyone looking for a skilled, strategic, and dedicated family law attorney

Posted by anonymous | April 03, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Strategic, Supportive, and Detail-Oriented Divorce Lawyer

Navigating my divorce settlement felt overwhelming until I started working with Nathaniel Kaleefy. I recommend him. His attention to detail was apparent right away (he correctly identified the house we were dealing with from the first email where I didn't even include much information). As an LGBTQIA...+ client, I felt genuinely welcomed and affirmed by him, which made a difficult process easier. Nathaniel's legal advice was consistently trustworthy and insightful. He and his team were responsive and collaborated with me, making sure my knowledge contributed to our strategy. He also understood the personal dynamics involved and helped me advocate for my own best interests, countering my tendency to people-please, especially during tense negotiations. For anyone needing a divorce attorney who is knowledgeable, strategic, and supportive, Nathaniel is the one.

Posted by Curt | February 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Fast, Efficient & Effective

Nathaniel and his team are true professionals. After wasting 8 months and plenty of cash with my first attorney and getting nowhere but deeper in trouble, I sought Nathaniel’s assistance with my divorce. His team were all business from the first moment. Very clearly skilled and obviously highly kn...owledgeable, they began ripping into my case like cheetahs chasing a gazelle! Methodical and precise like a well oiled machine they brought my case to a fair and equitable close in 2 months after basically starting from scratch. Even as I often became a bit passionate about the cause, Nathaniel was able to guide me back in the right direction and got me to focus on the big picture solution. I highly recommend Nathaniel and his team as they are consummate professionals. My only regret is not having been referred to him on day one. Thank you again, Nathaniel and your incredible team. A special acknowledgment and thanks to Sean and Umberto who were on the core team.

Posted by anonymous | February 03, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Handled difficult divorce efficiently and effectively

Nathaniel Kaleefey handled my divorce with care. He handled communications with the opposing party effectively. He helped me walk through what was happening, what needed to happen and best way to resolve all the issues. I felt safe and protected through the process and with his counsel.

Posted by Julie | December 15, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

"Exceptional Lawyer, Compassionate Support, Life-Changing Outcome"

Navigating a divorce after 25 years of marriage was one of the most difficult experiences of my life and I am beyond grateful that I had Nathaniel Kaleefey and his remarkable team by my side. As someone who had never been through the divorce process before, I was overwhelmed, scared and uncertain ab...out what to expect. From our very first meeting, Nathaniel immediately put me to ease. His genuine concern for my feelings, well-being and safety stood out and I could tell he sincerely cared about my case. Nathaniel is an exceptional listener and strategist. He helped me to focus on what mattered most and his experience and tenacity ensured a favorable outcome. Throughout the six-month process, Nathaniel's guidance was a steadying force. He approached my concerns with logic, compassion and even humor, which helped lighten the emotional burden. Recognizing my concerns about costs, he offered practical ways to reduce expenses by having me handle certain tasks. He was also incredibly respectful of my work schedule, making communication seamless and minimizing disruptions. After the case concluded, Nathaniel ensured all documents were filed promptly and even followed up to offer further assistance. His final words of gratitude and kindness were the perfect reflection of his character and professionalism. His team, including Umberto and Sean, were also exceptional and made me feel supported every step of the way. If you're facing the daunting process of divorce, I cannot recommend Nathaniel Kaleefey highly enough. He is not only a lawyer - he's a compassionate ally on one of life's hardest journeys.

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