Elizabeth K. Bransdorfer
Listening, thinking creatively, setting reasonable expectations, having legal knowledge and experience, responding promptly, appreciating the uniqueness of each individual and family—all of this is central to my approach. Family law cases can be complex and stressful, and my goal is always to protect the client’s future and that of any children they have.
My ability to be successful has been enhanced by my significant involvement in local, state and national professional organizations, as well as the unwavering support of my family. In my spare time, I love to read, travel, and watch sports.
- Michigan, 1985
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan, 1991
- U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan, 1985
- U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit, 1985
- U.S. Tax Court, 1994
- U.S. Supreme Court, 1995
University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Honors: Cum Laude
College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Certified Arbitrator
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
Certified Arbitrator
Grand Rapids Bar Association
Former Board Trustee 2021-2022; Treasurer 2013-2015
ADR, Family Law, and Litigation Sections
Justice Foundation of West Michigan
Former Trustee, 2021-2022
State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Section
Former Chair and Council Member
State Bar of Michigan
ADR, Family Law, Litigation, and Appellate Practice Sections
Member
National Association of Women Lawyers
Past President, 2001-2002
International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
Member
Collaborative Divorce Professionals of West Michigan
Member
Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan
Member
American Inns of Court, Gerald R. Ford Chapter
Former Officer and Chair
American Bar Association
Family Law, Litigation, and Law Practice Management Sections
Member
- Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Certified as an Arbitrator by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Selected for inclusion in Chambers High Net Worth Guide, Family/Matrimonial, 2024
- Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers of America for collaborative law: family law and family Law
- Selected by the State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section and ICLE for the Blaine B. Johnson, Jr. Award, 2019. The Blaine B. Johnson, Jr. Award recognizes outstanding contributions to continuing legal education.
- Named by Best Lawyers as “Grand Rapids 2024 Collaborative Law: Family Law Lawyer of the Year,” “Grand Rapids 2022 Family Law Lawyer of Year,” and “Grand Rapids 2018 Collaborative Law: Family Law Lawyer of the Year”
- Selected for inclusion in Michigan Super Lawyers
- Selected for inclusion in Michigan Lawyers Weekly “Go to Lawyer” in Family Law
- Selected for inclusion in Crain’s Notable Women in the Law for 2024
- Selected for inclusion in Crain’s Notable West Michigan Lawyers for 2023
- Selected for inclusion in Leading Lawyers 2025
- Selected for inclusion in Grand Rapids Magazine’s 2019-2025 Top Lawyers
- Selected as the winner for West Michigan Woman’s Divorce Services “Readers Choice Awards”
- Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM) Western Region Outstanding Member Award
- Honored by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as one of its 20 Women in the Law 2011
- 2009 recipient of Michael S. Barnes Award
- Family Law
- ADR
- Co-Author of “Handing a Divorce Case in Michigan,” The Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE), April 2021 Update
- Contributing Author, “Motions During Trial,” a chapter in the 1999-2018 ICLE publications Michigan Civil Procedure
- Contributing Author, Chapters in the ICLE publication Causes of Action Formbook relating to Contracts, Adverse Possession and Boundary Line Disputes.
- Author, State Bar of Michigan Litigation Section Newsletter article concerning changes in the Michigan Court Rules governing mediation
- Leading Lawyers Magazine – Michigan edition article regarding Elizabeth K. Bransdorfer, March 2020
