$ 350-350 per hour
Melissa received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in 2006 and graduated cum laude from Pace University School of Law in 2010. Melissa’s practice includes representation of individuals in divorce, post-divorce, custody, paternity, parenting time, Personal Protection Order (PPO) and minor guardianship matters, as well as general civil litigation and criminal matters.
Prior to returning to Michigan, Melissa was employed at the Legal Aid Society’s Juvenile Rights Practice, where she served as the attorney for the children in child protective matters in Bronx Family Court.
Melissa serves on the board of the Women Lawyer’s Association and Zero Tolerance: Ending Child Sexual Abuse and is a member of the State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section Domestic Violence Committee. Additionally, Melissa is a member of Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan and is trained in the collaborative divorce process.
Native to Traverse City, Melissa enjoys spending time swimming, boating and exploring Northern Michigan with her husband Daniel and their son, Aiden.
Admitted:
2010, State Bar of New York
2014, State Bar of Michigan
Publications:
Trust Issues & Divorce: The Impact of Divorce on Assets Held in Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts,
Michigan Family Law Journal, Volume 47, Number 5, May 2017
3
Practice Areas
$ 350-350 per hour
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Chat withState: Michigan
Acquired: 2014
No misconduct found
State: New York
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
600 E. Front Street, Ste. 102, Traverse City, MI, 49686
15 Client Reviews
Showing 6 - 10 of 15 reviews
Posted by Michelle | August 29, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
An ethical, practical, and exceptional attorney!
Melissa (Wilson Kester) represented me in a custody/parenting time case. I feel as though she always kept my son's best interest and well being in the forefront. She never failed to keep me informed throughout the very long process of our complicated case. She was always very thoughtful, thorough,...
Posted by Ian | April 08, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Dedicated and Articulate Professional
Melissa represented me in a tough custody case, that was messy and complicated to say the least. From day one until a favorable settlement, she was thorough and insightful, and clearly demonstrated the extent of her knowledge and experience. In short, she was an absolute pleasure to work with, and...
Posted by Jeff | March 09, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Exemplary
Melissa and team left no stone unturned to get me a fair outcome. I was impressed with the level of professionalism and knowledge she showed compared to the opposition. She did not hesitate to make recommendations even in opposition of my ideas if she thought it would be a better outcome. Money we...
Posted by Rebecca | January 12, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Amazing resource to have in your corner
Melissa stuck with me through a very difficult divorce and kept me on top of all paperwork and deadlines. She was very timely, professional and informed and took the time to explain everything to me through the whole process. Nothing surprised her and she is very quick thinking and remained steadfast...
Posted by Shanasee Freiburger | August 23, 2017 | Hired Attorney
True Professional!
Melissa was a true professional! No matter what she was confronted with she remained poised and professional. She was on top of all paperwork! I never felt like I was waiting on her. Regardless of how many clients she may have been juggling, I always felt first! She was consoling and reassuring throu...
"I have worked with, for, and against Melissa. She is an attorney I trust and respect. I have referred my clients and friends to her for family law matters because I know she will do an outstanding job."
"Melissa is extremely knowledgeable in the areas of family law and child abuse. She is an excellent advocate and person."
"I endorse this lawyer. Melissa is passionate about family law and is an intelligent, thoughtful and efficient advocate for our clients. She is highly regarded by other attorneys who have worked with her and by the Courts. She is a valued member of the Wilson Kester team! Shelley Kester"
Employment and labor lawyer
Family lawyer
2019 - Present
Attorney, Pezzetti, Vermetten & Popovits, P.C.
2015 - Present
Attorney, Wilson Kester
2014 - 2015
Attorney, Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge
2010 - 2014
Attorney, The Legal Aid Society Juvenile Rights Practice
2018 - Present
Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association - Women Lawyers AssociationSecretary
2015 - Present
Zero Tolerance: Ending Child Sexual AbuseBoard Treasurer
2010
JD - Juris Doctor, Cum Laude
2017
English