Levering Lawyers

John F. Schaefer, founder of The Law Firm of John F. Schaefer, is one of the best-known and most highly-respected matrimonial lawyers in the United States. From its inception, Best Lawyers in America has listed John Schaefer as one of the premier matrimonial lawyers in America, and named him Lawyer of the Year, Detroit Area, in 2013. Worth magazine named him one of the top 100 lawyers in America, in any practice area.

When people come to me, they are facing a situation they aren’t sure how to deal with. They have questions and are looking for answers. I look at the situation and figure out how I can help. And when they hire me, I get to work! In short, I help people solve problems. Helping someone with too much debt is different than helping someone whose parent just passed away. It is different from helping someone get a divorce. Sometimes I help by preparing documents in my office. Other times it means a lawsuit. It could mean taking a case to trial. It could...

Over 50 years of successful consultation and trial practice.

Active in the practice of Admiralty and Maritime Law throughout the Great Lakes and Great Rivers Region of the United States, including marine related criminal offenses. Representing marine insurance interests, recreational boaters, ferry operators, marine surveyors, salvors, marine construction, charter boat operators, ferry operations, and marinas. Affiliated with: GREAT LAKES DISPUTE RESOLUTION, LLC www.GLDR.us , a mediation and arbitration service dedicated to marine and maritime interests.

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.

Indiana University undergraduate, JD cum laude from St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Indiana Deputy Attorney General for two years. The Dow Chemical Company for 25 years, serving as Assistant General Counsel for Financial Law, Assistant General Counsel for Litigation, and Deputy Director Global Ethics and Compliance. Joined the Petoskey firm of Stroup Erhart, PC, almost 20 years ago, now known as Nelson Forster & Stikovich, PC. Current practice area focuses on estate planning and administration. Martindale Hubbell Peer Rated A-V Preeminent. See: www.accesslaw.net

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.