Nancy Loukus Ballast

Nancy Loukus Ballast

also known as Nancy L. Ballast, Nancy Loukus

3.8
Rating: 8.5

Licensed for 12 years

Family Lawyer at Grand Rapids, MI
Practice Areas: Family, Criminal Defense

4328 Three Mile Rd NW, Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI

About Nancy

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Family 90%

divorce, separate maintenance, custody, child support, spousal support, parenting time, paternity, equitable parent doctrine, change of domicile,

13 years

90%
Criminal Defense 10%

misdemeanors, felonies, driving offenses, driver's license restoration,

10 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 12 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 2013

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Arnson VanTol Law PLC

4328 Three Mile Rd NW, Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534

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Nancy Loukus Ballast's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.8 /5.0

14 Client Reviews

Posted by anonymous | October 9, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Nice person, inept attorney

Nancy did not represent my best interests and was pretty bad in the courtroom in front of the judge. I did not feel as though she battled at all for me, and I lost everything.

Posted by anonymous | June 22, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Crooked and Overpriced

Nancy is supposed to be about men's rights but when I was fighting for 50/50 of my son, she told me to just settle because that is all I would get is every other weekend. I had my son EVERY weekend throughout the marriage and was his primary caregiver. My ex wife was never around. She does not fight ...for men's rights. I had to take out loans to pay her and she added fees after the divorce was settled and signed. When I hired a different attorney for child custody after the fact they were in shock how much I ended up paying Nancy. She knew my ex was on drugs and sat and knitted during my zoom hearing. Use ANYONE else.

Posted by anonymous | February 19, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Would NOT recommend

Heard Nancy fought for fathers. Key word, "fought." I hired Nancy trying to obtain some sort of custody and or rights to my son. Nancy asked very blunt questions and anytime I tried to explain or provide additional info, it seemed like a hassle. Nancy informed me NUMEROUS times that the judge... and court go by these "guidelines." Everything out of Nancy's mouth to me was always "guidelines this" and "guidelines that." Never once did she state that the judge would hear our story and make a decision based on his own thought process. She made it sound like no matter what our case represented against the opposing party, the judge is going to follow these guidelines.... Day of court: hour or so before our case, Nancy informed me to meet with the opposing party and try to make a "deal." due to the fact that if I could strike a deal and have an agreement prior to going into front of the judge, our agreement would be better and I'd be more ahead than what the judge and his "guidelines" would give me- ACCORDING TO NANCY. I listened to her, I had trust in her. Both parties settled on a deal. I consulted with two other lawyers in GR with many years of experience in this field, they both stated that the guidelines dont exist anymore. Every case is different . Nancy supported my choice to opt out of the FOC and do a direct pay to the opposing party for child support. Nancy was aware my child had medicaid from the opposing party and didnt mention one time to me that we cant opt out of FOC when medicaid or gov assistance is involved. I know have to prove to Friend Of The Court that I've been paying child support. On top of that, FOC is now taking money out of my pay checks do to the fact that they think I am not paying my child support. Nancy inst aggressive, she doesn't "FIGHT' for you. She holds your hand and in my opinion, doesn't have enough of an idea of whats shes doing most of the time. I want a lawyer who will fight with me, and be on my side at all times, not argue with me and tell me "THESE ARE THE GUIDELINES" I tried to get Nancy to contact FOC and get my situation resolved but instead, she took weeks to do anything, and then sends me a $522 bill for our email conversations which got us absolutely nowhere. If you want a lawyer to hold your hand and tell you it will be okay, hire Nancy. I personally can get that same satisfaction of hand holding from my mom for a much cheaper rate. I would NOT recommend Nancy.

Nancy Ballast

Replied last February 26, 2020

I'm sorry you feel my services were not adequate in this matter. If you would like to call my office, I'll be happy to discuss your case. I strive to provide every client with the highest possible level of legal representation. Due to ethical and confidentiality concerns, please understand that I can't respond directly to any statement you're making online or elsewhere for your own protection and to protect your right to have matters remain confidential. Once again, I would like to hear from you so I can address your concerns and help explain any problems you might feel have occurred.”

Posted by Michael | December 6, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Awesome Experience

I discovered Nancy after researching online for local real estate attorneys. Nancy was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about all facets of the process involved in the sale of my personal residence. I would highly recommend Nancy to anyone who is in need of a real estate attorney.

Nancy Ballast

Replied last December 8, 2017

Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure to work with you.

Posted by Clyde | February 27, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Awesome attorney

Nancy did a great job representing me as an out of state landlord on an eviction case I had. She was detailed and kept the lines of communication open. She followed up with the judgement & provided a much needed service.

Nancy Ballast

Replied last February 28, 2017

Thank you for your kind words! It really means a lot to me. I am very glad I was able to get the result you were seeking for this case! Yours, Nancy.

See All Client Reviews

Nancy Loukus Ballast's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Nancy
Eliot Albert Sasson headshot
Eliot Sasson

Family lawyer | Nov 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nancy is a bright, ethical, and caring attorney. I highly recommend her."

Michael Patrick Hanrahan headshot
Michael Hanrahan

Family lawyer | Nov 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nancy Ballast is a very driven and motivated attorney. In the time I have known Nancy, she consistently demonstrates her advanced knowledge of the law as well as an empathy that is essential to the practice of family law. I would be pleased to endorse her as a reputable attorney in the area."

Ivan Erik Shaw headshot
Ivan Shaw

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 21

Relationship: Co-worker

"You should update your information on this page. Feel free to endorse back.:)"

Derek Jacques headshot
Derek Jacques

Family lawyer | Oct 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nancy Loukus Ballast is a great family law attorney. I had the distinct pleasure of seeing her legal expertise in action and I would not hesitate to recommend this lawyer to any client in need."

Mark Matthews Caldwell headshot
Mark Caldwell

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Nancy is a pleasure to work with and and an excellent attorney."

Robert L. Puckett Jr. headshot
Robert Puckett

General practice lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nancy Ballast is on my attorney referral list for anyone who needs legal assistance in the Kent County Area. She is accomplished in several legal disciplines and her clients find her very personable. I can recommend with confidence the legal services of Atty. Ballast."

Channika Shalini Desilva headshot
Channika Desilva

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Ms. Ballast is a well-regarded and driven attorney who has provided exceptional legal representation to numerous clients throughout the U.S. With her extensive knowledge, broad experience and impressive professional skills, she is bound to invest her time and energy into achieving the best outcome for each case, regardless of its level of complexity."

Carri Briseno headshot
Carri Briseno

Unknown lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nancy is caring, compassionate and committed to her clients. She models the highest standards of ethics and advocacy. I am proud and blessed to know her. She has my strongest endorsement!"

Christine Elizabeth Cameron headshot
Christine Cameron

Unknown lawyer | Feb 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nancy is intelligent, compassionate, and has a way of making complex issues simple. Beyond her skills as an attorney, Nancy is one of my favorite people to see around. She is always so positive and pleasant. I happily endorse this attorney!"

Audra Rose McClure headshot
Audra McClure

Family lawyer | Feb 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I worked with Nancy in a custody case, and I know her from organizations that we're both part of. She is an excellent attorney and a wonderful person. I wholeheartedly endorse her."

Matthew Thomas Berry headshot
Matthew Berry

Unknown lawyer | Feb 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nancy is a brilliant, hard-working attorney who truly cares about her client's needs and gets them results. I highly endorse her."

Brent Thomas Geers headshot
Brent Geers

Family lawyer | Jan 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nancy is a consummate professional, dedicated to the practice of law. While many other younger attorneys spend a lot of time chasing after the next client, Nancy is more likely spending time honing her practice, learning from more experienced colleagues, or seeking continuing legal education (where I met her) - all to her clients' benefit. As someone who finds himself in family court on Friday Morning Motion Days, I can tell you Nancy is above-average, and will continue to distinguish herself among local family law practitioners."

Alicia Katherine Storm headshot
Alicia Storm

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer - she's a dedicated and hardworking individual who brings experience to the table."

David Edward Szostek headshot
David Szostek

Unknown lawyer | Aug 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Erol Gulistan headshot
Erol Gulistan

Family lawyer | Mar 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nancy is a top-notch hard working attorney. I endorse this lawyer."

Ravi R. Gurumurthy headshot
Ravi Gurumurthy

Family lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nancy is a hard working and intelligent attorney who strives to get positive results for her clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Michael J. Cronkright headshot
Michael Cronkright

Family lawyer | May 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Family lawyer | May 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Ballast is an outstanding attorney, I highly recommend her legal services."

Phillip J. Reed headshot
Phillip Reed

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joel Brent Helder headshot
Joel Helder

Family lawyer | Jan 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nancy Ballast is an effective advocate and an excellent attorney. She is dedicated to her clients and delivers high quality legal services."

View All Endorsements
Ivan Erik Shaw headshot
Ivan Shaw

Estate planning lawyer

Sean Tobin headshot
Sean Tobin

Family lawyer

Mark Matthews Caldwell headshot
Mark Caldwell

Criminal defense lawyer

Brent Thomas Geers headshot
Brent Geers

Estate planning lawyer

Matthew Thomas Berry headshot
Matthew Berry

Criminal defense lawyer

Alicia Katherine Storm headshot
Alicia Storm

Family lawyer

David Edward Szostek headshot
David Szostek

Business lawyer

Erol Gulistan headshot
Erol Gulistan

Unknown lawyer

Christine Lynn Welton headshot
Christine Welton

General practice lawyer

Ravi R. Gurumurthy headshot
Ravi Gurumurthy

Criminal defense lawyer

Lisa M. Perry Rowe headshot
Lisa Perry Rowe

Family lawyer

James Michael Scozzari headshot
James Scozzari

Contracts and agreements lawyer

Clayton E. Wittman headshot
Clayton Wittman

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael J. Cronkright headshot
Michael Cronkright

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert F. Mirque Jr. headshot
Robert Mirque

Immigration lawyer

Carri Briseno headshot
Carri Briseno

Real estate lawyer

Phillip J. Reed headshot
Phillip Reed

General practice lawyer

Alfred John Pandl headshot
Alfred Pandl

Family lawyer

Jeremy Iandolo headshot
Jeremy Iandolo

Unknown lawyer

Michael Patrick Hanrahan headshot
Michael Hanrahan

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.5 (Excellent)

Honors

2012

Atticus Finch (Ethics) Award, Thomas M. Cooley Law School

2012

Participation - Associate Editor, Thomas M. Cooley Journal or Practical and Clinical Law

Work Experience

2013 - 2013

Research Attorney, Gary Segatti and Associates

2013 - 2013

Clerk, Kent County Circuit Court

Associations

2014 - Present

West Michigan Solo and Small Firm Practice Network

Secretary

2014 - Present

West Michigan Special Hockey Association

Board member

State Bar of Michigan

Member

Grand Rapids Bar Association

2014 - 2015

State Bar of Michigan

Committee for Libraries, Legal Research and Legal Publications

2012 - 2013

Family Crossroads

Board member

Sample of Legal Cases

Mike P.

Successful

D. L.

Successful

Lisa W.

Successful

Lisa W.

Successful

J. W.

Successful

A. W.

Successful

R.S.

Successful

P. F.

Successful

See More Legal Cases

Education

2013

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1994

Western Michigan University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2013

Estate Planning and Special Needs children

Estate Planning and Special Needs children

2013

Constitutional Day

Separation of Powers - Constitutional Law

Publications

2016

Michigan Bar Journal Marijuana Law Update

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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