Brett Schlender

Brett Schlender guides clients through every phase of divorce—collaborative, mediated, or contested—with clear counseling on options and a focus on durable, low-stress outcomes. For 14 years he has practiced family law in Holland and West Michigan, concentrating on divorce, custody, mediation, real-estate issues, and related matters. A West Michigan native, Brett graduated from Hope College and earned his J.D. from Ohio Northern University College of Law. After practicing at a large Grand Rapids firm, he founded his boutique practice in downtown Holland to deliver service and accessibility without distractions. His approach is rooted in persuasion, preparation, and civility, coupled with the readiness to advance firm positions when circumstances demand it. Brett has handled divorces involving complex assets and multimillion-dollar estates, as well as intricate custody and real-estate disputes, and has litigated appeals, including Smith v. Schafer (2023). He is a Certified Domestic Mediator (2017) and a 2019 graduate of the Hillman Trial Advocacy Program. Committed to his community, he served on the Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity board (President, 2018–2020), on the AT53, Inc. board, and is an associate member of the Christian Businessmen’s Connection. He lives in Zeeland with his family.