Saint Helen Divorce Lawyers

Over 35 years of trial experience. Former prosecutor and public defender of criminal cases. Handle divorce, custody, child support, and paternity cases in the area of family law. Also, adoption, guardianship and conservatorship cases. Represent parents and/or children in juvenile court cases. Estates and estate planning.

Shelley Kester is an award-winning attorney, a community leader, a dynamic communicator and a caring individual. She is Chair of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. Her practice includes nearly all aspects of family law, including divorce law and child custody. She was among the first in Northern Michigan to complete the Family Law Certificate Program through the Institute of Continuing Education and the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. She is President of wilson Kester, the Empowered Divorce Source. A frequent contributor to the Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Ms. Kester is...

Patrick Dougherty has been helping individuals and their families through legal challenges and the complexities of the legal system for over 24 years. Patrick is licensed to practice all issues of law in the State of Michigan. He is authorized to practice law in all State Courts in Michigan, including all State Circuit Courts; all State District Courts; the Federal Eastern District and Western District Courts; the Bankruptcy Court for the Western and Eastern Districts of Michigan; the Michigan Court of Appeals; and the Michigan Supreme Court. Patrick Dougherty is also authorized to practice law in the 6th Circuit Court...

Erik S.H. Wallen graduated from Michigan State University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He received his Juris Doctor degree in 1989 from Thomas M. Cooley School of Law. He was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1989 and was hired as an Associate with the Law firm of Patterson Gruber Kennedy Gill and Milster located in Bay City, Michigan concentrating in criminal defense and general civil litigation. In 1997 Erik was promoted to Partner, concentrating in Civil Litigation. In 2000, Erik joined the law firm of Kennedy Gill Wallen Rieman and Reyes as...

LAUREN K. PFEIL graduated with a Bachelors of Arts with highest honors from The University of Texas at Austin and received her law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she specialized in family law. While in law school, Lauren received family and child law fellowships from both Loyola University Chicago School of Law and The University of Michigan School of Law. Her article “Recognizing Race as a Reality, Not a Barrier: The Problems within Colorblind Adoption Policy within a Race Conscious America” was published in the spring edition of The Children’s Legal Rights Journal. Upon graduation from...

Elena A. Lentz is a proud Michigan native, a fierce advocate for her clients, and dedicated family law attorney. Elena is the oldest of five siblings, which gives her a unique perspective on family law issues. She graduated from Michigan State University in 2017, where she participated in the Honors College, Political Science Scholars, and Political Science Advisory Committee. During her tenure at MSU, she completed internships at the Senate Majority Policy Office, Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and the 6th District Congressional Office. Elena went on to attend Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington, where...

Janet M. Mistele, J.D. is a member of the State Bar of Michigan (1989), the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan (1991), and the North Carolina State Bar (2003). Ms. Mistele earned her Juris Doctor degree, Magna Cum Laude, from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where she was a member of the National Trial Team, and earned American Jurisprudence Awards for top honors in seven of her law school courses. Upon graduation from law school in 1989, Ms. Mistele accepted a position with the Michigan Court of Appeals in Lansing, Michigan as a Prehearing Attorney,...

Practice Areas: Immigration Law, Social Security Disability, Family Law, Estate Planning Admissions: Michigan, 2004 U.S. District Court, Eastern District, 2005 U.S. District Court, Western District, 2005 Law School: Wayne State University, J.D., 2004 Utrecht University, The Netherlands, exchange student, 2003 College: Eastern Michigan University, B.A., cum laude, 1998 La Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, México, exchange student, 1998

I am a late starter in law. I graduated from law school in 2020 when I was 59 years old. I have had several professions in my life, but I enjoy law the most, maybe second to law enforcement. I am a physician, a police officer, and a new attorney. I spent 23 years in the Army Reserve. What all that should tell you is that I like to help people. I want to help you. I do not have tremendous experience as an attorney. I am just now starting in practice. But my dedication, enthusiasm, and zeal for the law...

Groat Law is a boutique family law experience serving clients throughout Northern Michigan and beyond. With a nearly 20-year proven winning track record, let Travis be your warrior and fight for you and your family.

Over 30 years experience in Family Law.

Matt S. Motley practices all aspects of family law, advocating for the best possible outcome for clients. Matt is a proud Michigan native, Spartan, family man, and family law attorney. Matt is a distinguished Senior Attorney, whose unwavering dedication has secured successful outcomes for hundreds of family law clients. Matt holds a B.A. in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy from Michigan State University’s James Madison College, with a Minor in Spanish and Business. He further solidified his legal acumen, graduating Cum Laude with a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law, and holds a Certificate in Domestic Relations Mediation. Before...

Vivian is a seasoned attorney with a career that began in 1999. Her background spans diverse legal and claims areas, and she has established herself as a steadfast family law attorney, known for her tenacity both inside and outside the courtroom. As a zealous advocate, she brings a wealth of experience to each case, ensuring that her clients receive dedicated and comprehensive legal representation. She is not easily intimidated and is approachable by clients, colleagues, and confidants alike. She has been a crucial member of defense trial teams and have a proven track record of achieving no-cause verdicts, summary dispositions/judgments, securing...

Kristen received her Bachelor’s Degree in Government from Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri and her Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School – Auburn Hills. During her undergraduate studies, Kristen completed an internship with the Family Research Council, studied in Washington D.C., and also studied-abroad in Israel. While in law school and before coming to work at Shoults, Picard & Brooks, PLLC, she gained experience through moot court and internships at the 71-B District Court with the Honorable Kim David Glaspie and an internship with the Lapeer County Prosecutor’s Office. Kristen is licensed to practice in the...