Shelley A. Kester
Google Rating
4.6(79 reviews)
- 627 W Front St TRAVERSE CITY, MI 49684
- +1-231-922-6800
- info@wilsonkester.com
About:
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 past president of the Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association and member of the Michigan State Supreme Court Bar. She is also a former member of the California State Bar. An active member of the State Bar of Michigan, Ms. Kester has served on its Domestic Violence committee, Practice Management Committee as well as subcommittees of the Family Law Section. Most recently, she served on the State Court Administrator's advisory panel to update Michigan's Friend of the Court's Parenting Time Guidelines. She is both a litigator and trained collaborative divorce attorney, having served as a board member of the Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan. She has received Governor appointments to the Children's Trust Fund Board and is Founding Chair of the Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy Center.
Jurisdiction:Michigan
Practice Area
Victims’ Rights
Explains survivor rights in criminal cases, including notices, attendance, restitution, privacy, protection orders, and input at bail, plea, sentencing, and post-conviction hearings.
Criminal Law
Guides reporting, evidence, bail conditions, no-contact orders, prosecutions or defenses, and record sealing, centering survivor safety and informed participation across the criminal process.
Family Law
Handles divorce, custody, parenting time, and support with DV-informed safety planning, temporary orders, safe exchanges, discovery protections, and long-term financial stability.
Languages
English
Fees
Free Consultation
Associations
Member
Reviews
RATED 5.0
Aug 7, 2025via Google
Liz Agerson
"I could not be more grateful to Elena, Amanda and Wilson Kester for all of their help and support throughout my divorce. Divorce can feel so scary, uncertain, painful and dehumanizing. Elena & Amanda have been there for me every step of the way with kindness, understanding, compassion, knowledgeable & professional guidance and a bit of humor when needed to see me through it all. Now I am excited for what my future holds, and they have played a large role in that."
RATED 5.0
Aug 3, 2025via Google
Christine Poirot
"Matt Motley was FANTASTIC. Truly dedicated all the time needed, in order to ensure my case was solved smoothly. He treated me like I was important. Not just a paycheck. I recieved daily updates throughout the whole process. There was often times I needed him after hours. He never hesitated to take time away from his family, to help with mine. Lorraine was incredibly helpful and there to answer any questions. The entire staff at Wilson and Kester truly care about each client and do everything they can to assist you. I absolutely recommend this firm to anyone and everyone. Not a dollar wasted."
RATED 5.0
Aug 3, 2025via Google
Eva Vandepol
"Cassandra made the process of putting together a prenuptial agreement very simple and straightforward. I feel that she represented me well, because she was thorough, communicative, and things were completed in a timely manner."
RATED 5.0
Jul 20, 2025via Google
Jill Slonaker
"These were very thorough and prepared professionals handling my case. Morgan and Toni I thank you."
RATED 5.0
Jul 10, 2025via Google
Don D
"Elena and Amanda were great to work with from the level of service with prompt and straight forward communication but also with strong competent legal advice Thank you Elena and Amanda"
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