Grand Rapids Law Group
3660 Oriole Ave SW
Wyoming, MI 49509
Map
Phone: (616) 209-9722
http://www.grandrapidslawgroup.com
Assisting West Michigan, with responsive and cost-effective service.
Legal Topic
Business Law
Legal Topic
Family Law
Legal Topic
Divorce
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
Michigan
Firm Focus
Our firm believes in helping those who may not be able to afford help from larger law firms, but still need strong representation. We seek to serve our clients with comprehensive, compassionate, responsive, and friendly assistance for a wide variety of case matters.
We generally look to structure flat fee rates, so our clients know what they can expect for billing, and aren't surprised by an unexpected hourly bill down the road. In order to assist our clients without disrupting their lives, we also are able to structure payment plans when they are unable to provide payment in full up front.
Research and a strong legal foundation is at the core of our practice, and we strive to provide complete and powerful legal advice and solutions to our clients. We push for respect and diligence, with our clients, with opposing counsel, and with the court system, and we fel this has a strong impact on our ability to resolve cases favorably for our clients, with minimum hassle for them.
Firm History
The members of the Grabd Rapids Law Group have grown up in the Grand Rapids region from elementary school all the way through law school. With a strong dedication to West Michigan, Christopher Acklin and Jacob Zeilstra founded The Grand Rapids Law Group in order to serve clients in the community they have grown up with and love.
Activities and Awards
Pro Bono work for The Mel Trotter Mission pro bono project, volunteer work at the Ottawa County Legal Self-Help Center, pro bono work with the Kent County Office of the Defender.
Example Cases
We have recently handled a case where we were able to negotiate a divorce case, obtaining a consent order on child custody where previously the parents had not shared custody in fear that the other would take and keep the child. In this case, we were able to get a previous motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction reversed in a motion for reconsideration, so the court where our client and the child resided would retain jurisdiction over the matter.
What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
We encourage and try to facilitate our clients learning as much as they can about the issues facing them. Armed with more knowledge, we believe a stronger discussion of the appropriate actions and remedies can be had for their case.
Are your attorneys willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We are always willing to look at documents clients have prepared.
Are your attorneys willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
If a client wishes to go in pro per, we are able to provide guidance on the pertinent laws and legal issues, as long as the client understands to risks of representing themselves, and the limitations to our work with the client.
Are your attorneys willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?
If the client requires, we are able to handle individual aspects of a case, as long as the client is fully aware of what our representation will entail.
What are your policies about dividing work among the firm's partners, associates, and paralegals to make the process most cost-effective for the client?
Utilizing the latest in case management techniques and technology, we work to streamline our legal processes to provide fast, responsive, comprehensive, and cost-efficient service to our clients. With our disparate practice areas, we generally work individually on client cases, and let the client know exactly which partner will be handling their case. On occassion, in order to provide fully comprehensive solutions to our clients, we collaborate on cases to find the best legal solutions.
How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?
In order to best serve our clients, we look to mediate or negotiate favorable terms before turning to the court system, whenever it is reasonable. We find that many times, clients are happier with the results of their case when we utilize these alternative means of meeting their goals.
Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?
We do provide some pro bono work for certain clients. Christopher has been actively pursuing outreach opportunities at Daybreak Church.
What distinguishes your law firm from others?
Information coming soon.
Office Manager/Assistant
No.
Office Hours
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., other times available by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
A small amount of Spanish and French
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
We generally charge a flat fee based on thecase type and issues involved.
Hourly Rates
If we do hourly work, we will generally charge $100 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
We offer a free consultation, which generally lasts around 30 minutes.
Typical Retainer
As we do flat fee agreements, we generally do not take retainer. We do work with clients to formulate a payment plan if one is necessary.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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