Zalena M. Kersting

PRO

Zalena M. Kersting

also known as Z Kersting Family Law, Law Office of Zalena M. Kersting

5.0
Rating: 8.9

Licensed for 36 years

Family Lawyer at Gilbert, AZ
Practice Areas: Family

633 E Ray Rd Suite 134, Gilbert, AZ

Virtual Consultation Available

About Zalena

Biography

Call me for your family law needs at 480 345 2300 or email me at [email protected]

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Family 100%

I have been practicing family law for nearly 30 years. I understand that whether my clients needs are protection of children or financial, it is one of the most challenging times in their lives. I listen to my client's concerns and desired outcomes

37 years | 3,000 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 395-395 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2024
Distinguished Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Arizona for 36 years

State: Arizona

Acquired: 1989

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Illinois for 35 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1990

Administrative - Not Authorized to Practice

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Zalena M. Kersting

633 E Ray Rd Suite 134, Gilbert, AZ, 85296-4206

zmklaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Zalena online.

Zalena M. Kersting's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

21 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (21) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 15 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Reggie | August 25, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Superior Client Representation

I had begun my Court case journey with Zalena during the early 1990's. My divorce took about two years to resolve, and child custody continued another five years before I received full custody of my daughter. The case was very difficult and complex at times mainly due to the financial means of my ex'...s family and the legal representation they were able to obtain. Zelena and her team had to contend with a couple of different high-powered AZ law firms in order to get the matter settled via the Court. Zelena was determined to obtain an outcome that would serve both my daughter and me over the long haul. We were eventually able to move on with our daily lives uninterrupted from court proceedings. This would not have happened without Zalena's tireless efforts with my case. Please remember during the 1990's, representing a guy was probably a bit more difficult at that time than it probably is today. Fast forward 25 years later, I'm a member of the Arizona State Retirement System and I begin looking into retiring, it was during that time that I found out that the Domestic Relations Order (DRO) was being interpreted by ASRS differently than what was intended. Lucky for me Zalena was still practicing, I called her up and discussed the issue, she refiled to correct the DRO and ASRS had the updated document within a month or so which was very timely because the Courts were closed for physical entry during this time due to the covid pandemic. I guess the most important thing that I would like you to know about Zalena is that she won't be out worked.

Posted by Dana | September 08, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Thoughtful Representation in Extended Custody Proceedings

Zalena Kersting was my attorney of choice not once but three time in my divorce and child custody proceedings over 10+ years. Dealing with a narcissistic co-parent brings unique challenges to the table. At each phase, Zalena handled the case with competence and efficiency. I was always informed on th...e status of my case and her preparation prior to and in the courtroom gave me confidence I could protect my child. I have and would continue to highly recommend Zalena.

Zalena Kersting

Replied last September 08, 2019

Thank you Dana for your review. I enjoyed working with you and am glad things we obtained a favorable outcome for you and your family!

Posted by Mary Lynn | June 20, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Best lawyer

Zalena kersting is truly the best!!!! She is amazing in and out of the courtroom. If you are looking for an experienced, knowledgeable, caring, warm hearted attorney....yet aggressive and fearless in the courtroom then your search is over. She has represented me for two divorces and child custody cas...es. I am more than pleased with the outcome!!!! I have recommended zalena to my brother for his divorce and my clients, and everyone was truly appreciative that she represented them. All of us have had great representation by her. When zalena tells you to listen to her, then do so because our emotions are involved and she knows what she's saying and recommending. Zalena doesn't miss a beat when your spouse exaggerates on the stand. But don't worry because she will put your spouse in their place very quickly. I know divorce and custody is a nightmare...but just know that you will be in great hands. Also you might want to retain zalena before your spouse does!! I highly recommend. Sincerely Mary

Posted by CDG | March 23, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Family

Sharp, thorough and vastly capable

Zalena Kersting and her team have supported my family court case for over 10 years. She takes the time to review every resource provided. During each step in the process, she will present clear action items for you and herself. She offers realistic advice for your next options. All legal briefings ar...e thorough yet to-the-point, and her sharp capabilities in court will leave you feeling confident that you put your best foot forward - in an already stressful court situation. With decades of experience in family court in Arizona, Zalena combines her vast expertise with down-to-earth communication to deliver excellent legal services at every step. I would not consider going elsewhere for legal services.

Posted by Matthew | November 30, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Zalena and her Expert Team

I am very satisfied with the legal representation provided by Mrs. Kersting. It was proven time and time again that she was the most prepared lawyer in the room, against three different Attorneys. Her legal arguments and supporting statements were spot an and clear, while other attorneys proved to be... grasping-at-straws. She took care of my concerns, coached me where I needed it, and most importantly, she protected me and my children. Her team of staff is fantastic; punctual, kind, thorough. I trusted in her team during the most stress-filled time of my life (custody dispute), and somehow, she made it as stress-free as I could have ever thought. If you are looking for a legal solution to swoop-in and take care of everything, while making you feel like their most important client, then you have to pick Zalena. In a very ironic twist, I was referred to Mrs. Kersting by someone that she had previously opposed in a legal situation. I knew that if my friend was recommending a lawyer that had once represented against my friend in their own custody dispute, then that was a testament in-and-of-itself. My friend simply said “if you are looking for a lawyer that will be better than the other guys’, give Zalena a call”…. Now, after just finishing a high-stakes custody battle of my own, I couldn’t be happier with the decision I made to call Zalena several years ago.

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Zalena M. Kersting's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Zalena
Holly A Bartee headshot
Holly Bartee

Family lawyer | Apr 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have know Zalena for over 20 years. She is an attorney that I would not hesitate to call for assistance. She is passionate about her cases and will always advocate zealously for her clients. I am glad to endorse Zalena."

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Slade Lawson

Family lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Zalena is passionate about what she does. She is willing to go the extra mile for her clients. I have personally witnessed Zalena put in extra time on her client's case far, far above what any other family law attorney would do. She is smart and tenacious and gets great results. Her clients know how hard she works for them and they trust her completely."

Steven N Cole headshot
Steven Cole

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 13

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Zalena is a lawyer's lawyer. She's effective, personable, and extremely knowledgeable. She also reasonable, which is an important factor to consider when money is so tight."

Amber L. Guymon headshot
Amber Guymon

Family lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Zalena for ten years. In that time, Zalena has been an excellent role model to me as a newer attorney. She is a zealous attorney that works hard to achieve what is in her client's best interests. She is extremely knowledgeable in the family law area and communicates options efficiently to her clients. She is honest and objective. If I ever needed assistance, she would be the first attorney I would call."

Monica H Donaldson Stewart headshot
Monica Donaldson Stewart

Family lawyer | Oct 03

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have worked with Zalena on a number of contested family law matters and I find her to be extremely knowledgeable, professional and courteous. I am pleased to endorse her and highly recommend her services."

Amy Elizabeth Dohrendorf headshot
Amy Dohrendorf

Family lawyer | Oct 03

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Holly A Bartee headshot
Holly Bartee

Child custody lawyer

Amber L. Guymon headshot
Amber Guymon

Family lawyer

Steven N Cole headshot
Steven Cole

Family lawyer

Stasy D Click headshot
Stasy Click

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.9 (Excellent)

Honors

2024

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

1989

The Order of Barristers for Exellence in Courtroom Advocacy, Arizona State University Law School

Work Experience

1991 - Present

Attorney, Law Offices of Zalena M. Kersting

Education

1989

Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

Arizona State University

Languages

English

Activity

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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