Key Service Areas
- Family Law and Divorce
- Estate Planning and Administration
Legal Assistant - Liz Welch
Grand Rapids Location
55 Campau Avenue NW, Suite 300
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Hastings Location
607 N. Broadway, Suite A
Hastings, MI 49058
Holland Location
11377 James Street
Holland, Michigan 49422
About Ariane
What types of clients do you serve?
I help families in Barry County and the surrounding areas navigate their personal life events. In family law, this can include adoption, guardianship, custody, visitation and support for children, prenuptial agreements and divorce. It can also include estate planning, trust administration, cottage and property law, and real estate counsel. I have additionally incorporated numerous nonprofit and community organizations, and assisted in the preparation of their founding documents, procedures, contracts, and day to day business.
My practice is comprehensive and while frequently preventative, can also include litigation. I have previously worked as a litigator in commercial and consumer litigation, including in consumer rights’ cases and class actions.
What skills help you advise the client and achieve the best results or outcomes?
I keep in mind that my clients are coming to me with the most pivotal issues in their lives, and I approach each client with empathy, compassion, and a willingness to listen, ask questions and understand. I also do my best to, in return, communicate in ways that are clear and concise. I always act with integrity, treat everyone kindly, and focus on making everyone comfortable with both our interactions and the outcomes.
What did you learn in your first year of practice that you still utilize today?
In my first year of practice, I learned that your biggest asset as an attorney is your reputation with your clients, the judiciary and your opponents. If you always conduct yourself in a positive way, come prepared, and do impeccable work, you will get the best outcomes for your clients, a warm reception from the bench, and have good experiences working with colleagues – both in your firm and those opposed to you.
Education
Harvard Law School, Juris Doctor, 2004
Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Master of Public Administration, 2004
Claremont McKenna College, B.A., Magna Cum Laude, 2000
