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Shelley A. Kester
About Shelley
Biography
I love being a family law attorney and am dedicated to serving and empowering my clients. My practice includes nearly all aspects of family law. Honored to serve as Chair Elect for the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, I currently Chair the Ad Hoc Committee on Shared Parenting Time and Co-Chair Member Education and Public Relations Committee. I am a member of the Dedicated Family Court and Legislation Committees. I am a Board Member of the Women Lawyer's Association of Michigan and was honored to serve on the State Court Administrator's Advisory Committee updating the Friend of the Court Bureau's Parenting Time Guidelines, used statewide. My State Bar service has included time on the former Practice Management Committee. I maintain an active collaborative divorce practice in the State and serve as officer to Up North Collaborative Divorce Practice Group. More recently I served on the Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan board. I value the time I spent as founding Chair of the Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy Center (TBCAC) , working with that organization to change how we respond to children and their families where sexual or physical abuse is suspected. My hobbies time spent as a former board member of the Traverse City Track Club (TCTC) that holds the Bay Shore Marathon, and sponsors Girls on the Run among other area races. My interest in children and families inspired my participation on the original board of the Great Lakes Children's Museum which has matured to be a very successful organization since those early days. I have been honored with two Governor appointments to the Children's Trust Fund, a State Board, providing funding to child abuse prevention services throughout the State of Michigan.
I am genuinely dedicated to my clients, using my extensive trial experience, training in alternative dispute resolution and outside the box thinking to empower our clients to achieve their goals. We welcome your call to our office at. We are here to help.
Practice Areas
13
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 34 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
Licensed in California for 36 years
State: California
Acquired: 1989
No misconduct found
Location
Wilson Kester
627 West Front Street, Traverse City, MI, 49684
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Shelley A. Kester's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
68 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Advocacy (39)
Case Results (35)
Professionalism (33)
Recommendation (32)
Practice Area Knowledge (24)
General Knowledge (21)
Character & Conduct (18)
Compassion (18)
Staff & Support (17)
Responsiveness (16)
Communication Style (15)
Trustworthiness (12)
Cost of Services (9)
Punctuality (2)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 21 - 24 of 24 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Kelsey | April 09, 2013 | Child Custody
She rocked it!!
Shelley did an AMAZING job with my custody battle. She literally dominated the court room, and had the other lawyer stuttering. She was able to back up everything she said with facts and proof, and stayed focused and on point the entire time, she never missed a beat. Shelley and her team were so ext...
Posted by anonymous | March 13, 2013 | Child Custody
Rise Up
I strongly recommend choosing Wilson&Kester law offices for your legal needs. While disagreements on child custody and parenting time are very difficult processes to go through Wilson&Kester will help you every step of the way and encourage you to "rise up" to the situation to get the best results fo...
Posted by Kerry | April 06, 2011 | Divorce & Separation
Thorough lawyer, responsive and knowledgeable!
I went to Shelley based on recommendations from others. I went in there blind as to how the process of divorce/child custody worked. She took it all in stride, explained the process thoroughly and I felt very comfortable with her expertise. She was confident as to how to approach the other team and ...
Posted by anonymous | October 20, 2009 | Child Custody
A Great Attorney Who Cares
Shelley Kester was amazing! She helped me with all of my child custody issues and handled my divorce. She was incredible in the courtroom and can stand up to any lawyer out there. She looks out for your best intrests and does not settle for anything less. Through this process she has helped me be...
Shelley A. Kester's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Shelley is an excellent family law attorney. She represents her clients with passion and integrity. Her involvement as an officer in the State Bar of Michigan's Family Law Section means she not only is on top of new and developing laws affecting families and children, but she is at the top of her game. She is an excellent choice for a case in the family law courts."
"I strongly endorse Shelley Kester. Her knowledge of the law is only matched by her dedication to her clients. Much respect."
"Shelley is a consummate professional. She takes the time to get to know her clients and learn what their needs are, and then works tenaciously both in and out of the courtroom to achieve their goals. She is one of the most knowledgeable, passionate, and energetic advocates I know. I have great personal respect for Shelley, and I am pleased to wholeheartedly endorse her."
"I endorse this lawyer. Shelley and I have represented opposing parties in divorce cases. She has always been prepared and advocates well for her clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Shelley is a phenomenal lawyer and a tireless advocate for her clients!"
"No one works harder for their clients than Shelley. She is a true expert in matters of family law, divorce, custody and complex property settlements. I enjoy working with her and look forward to our next case!"
"One of the best, if not, THE best matrimonial law attorneys you will find. No one will work harder to achieve the best results!"
"I wholeheartedly endorse Shelley Kester. Shelley is the consummate family law attorney: compassionate with her clients; protective of their rights; a fierce advocate; and a sage counselor."
"I endorse Shelley. She is a zealous advocate for her clients, and also provides them with meaningful, practical advice for navigating the life-changing process of divorce."
"I endorse this lawyer. Shelley is a very competent attorney and a fierce advocate for her clients. She is particularly well-versed in cases involved children and is a champion for parents in helping them to achieve results in the best interest of their children. Her skills as a family law attorney are an asset for clients in all types and levels of divorce matters, from the complex, involving a multitude of assets or issues with minor children, to the more simplistic separations involving few assets."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Shelley Kester is a conscientious and caring attorney. She uses good judgment in advising her clients, which is especially important during highly emotional times of family conflicts."
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Experience
Honors
2010
Nominated Fellow of the ABF, Fellows of the American Bar Foundation
2008
Boss of the Year, Grand Traverse Area Legal Professionals
2007
One of Top Criminal Lawyers in Traverse City, Michigan, Business News
Work Experience
1998 - Present
Managing Member, Wilson Kester, PLLC
1900 - Present
Attorney, Wilson Kester the Empowered Divorce Source
1991 - 1997
Associate Attorney, Running, Wise, Wilson, Ford & Phillips, P.C.
Associations
2022 - Present
Family Law Section, State Bar of MichiganChairperson
2010 - Present
Up North Collaborative DivorceMember
2009 - Present
International Academy of Collaborative Divorce ProfessionalsMember
2007 - Present
Collaborative Practice Institute of MichiganMember
1992 - Present
GTLAMember
1992 - Present
State Bar of MichiganMember-Family Law Section
2020 - 2021
Family Law Section, State Bar of MichiganTreasurer
2018 - 2020
State Bar of Michigan Family SectionSecretary
2017 - 2021
Children's Trust Fund, State of MichiganBoard Member
2013 - 2014
Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy CenterVice Chair
2013 - 2014
Traverse City Track ClubBoard Member
2011 - 2013
Children's Trust Fund-State of MichiganBoard Member-Governor Appointment
2011 - 2012
State Bar of Michigan - Family Law SectionADR Subcommittee Member
2011 - 2012
State Bar of MichiganPractice Management Resource Council Advisory Committee
2010 - 2010
GTLA Bar Association Endowment Fund Advisory CouncilMember - GTLA Endowment Fund Advisory Council
2010 - 2011
Up North Collaborative Divorce ProfessionalsVice Chair
2010 - 2013
Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy CenterChair
2010 - 2011
Grand Traverse Leelanau Antrim Bar AssociationPresident
2009 - 2014
American Bar AssociationMember
1996 - 1996
City of Traverse CityFormer Mayor of Traverse City
1996 - 1997
State Bar of MichiganDomestic Violence Committee
1995 - 1997
City of Traverse CityCity Commissioner
Sample of Legal Cases
School Choice
Client school choice and school schedule choice granted.
School Choice
Client school choice and preferred parenting schedule granted
Mom wins sole legal custody; supervised parenting time.
Mom awarded sole custody; Dad's parenting time changed to supervised.
Dad's Motion for Primary Physical Custody Granted!
Dad awarded primary physical, Mom's parenting time reduced 54 overnights; mom to enroll in parenting classes; no smoking, no drugs and co-parenting counseling ordered.
Motion for Summary Disposition and for Sanctions Granted!
Prevailed! Motion for Summary Disposition Pursuant to MCR 2.116(C)(8) Granted and client awarded reimbursement of legal fees.
Client Motion to Modify Joint Legal and Physical Custody to Sole Custody GRANTED!
Motion Granted. Supervised Exchanges, no overnight parenting time and sole legal and physical custody granted to client.
Joint Physical Custody Restored and PPO Terminated
Joint physical custody restored to client and PPO terminated with client protected by Mutual Restraining Order - and he needed it!
Successfully defended Motion to Modify Custody for Client.
Victory for client and child; co-parenting counseling and access to records by co-parent.
Over $25,000. in Attorney Fees recovered for client.
Neutral Fiduciary appointed Conservator; Over $25,000. in fees recovered for client.
Cooperative Divorce
Wife received home; custody and spousal support she wanted. Said process was painless and happy with outcome.
Collaborative Divorce Case - 50 year marriage
Client content with property settlement
Divorce Action - Male Client Wins Primary Custody
Male Client Wins Custody; pleased with property division and support provisions
Collaborative Divorce Case
Assisted parties with reaching parenting schedule that fit their children; both happy with schedule. Wife well paid for interest in spouses business and support received for continuing education. Client sings praises of collaborative divorce.
Education
2009
Institute of Continuing Legal Education
Recipient of Family Law Certificate Program
1989
McGeorge School of Law, University of Pacific
JD- Juris Doctorate
1989
Michigan State University College of Law
1986
Michigan State University
BA
Speaking Engagements
2021
Family Law Institute of Michigan
The Parenting Time Guidelines
2012
Effect of Changes in Felony Non Support Law for Impoverished Parents.
7&4 Television Interview
2011
ICLE
Starting a Law Practice
2009
Solo and Small Firm Institute
Practice Management
2008
ICLE commentator
Criminal law and family law
2007
Solo and Small Firm Institute
Practice Management
Publications
2012
Michigan Family Law Journal, with Robin Omer and Nina Abrams
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for Attorneys Considering Mediation of Family Law Matters
2012
2009
Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Spread the Word by Douglas J. Levy (contributed to article)
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides