About 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.

 

Awards

Reviews for Brett

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Overall Rating
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5 stars
75%
4 stars
25%
3 stars
0%
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What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
5.0
Quality of Service
5.0
Responsiveness
4.8
Value for Money
5.0
Child Custody
Posted by Alicia
January 27, 2026
Hired Attorney

Brett came into my life at the worst possible time, and I couldn’t have been more fortunate. He proved himself to be not only an expert in the law, but a genuinely good human being. I’m deeply grateful for his wise counsel, steady presence, and occasional comedic relief during an incredibly difficult chapter. He was my lawyer, but he became a trusted friend. I wholeheartedly recommend Brett to anyone looking for a skilled, trustworthy, and compassionate attorney.

 
Child Custody
Posted by Dan
January 14, 2026
Hired Attorney

After being represented by other firms, a friend recommended contacting Brett. It was a great decision. Brett represented me for two separate custody issues, and I was very impressed with him and his team. Throughout the stressful time Brett kept calm and steady. He is not afraid to go the extra mile; he is down to earth and excellent at keeping you up to date throughout the process. It didn't feel like I was just a client, he truly had my family and I's best interest at heart the whole time. I would recommend Brett to anyone.

 
Divorce
Posted by Mary
December 02, 2025
Hired Attorney

Brett was referred to me through a friend almost exactly a year ago when I had finally made the decision to file for a divorce. He was among a handful of family/divorce attorneys I had called, and he most definitely stood out. Over the course of my grueling divorce this past year, he was CONSISTENTLY available, pleasant, respectful, and, not only extremely knowledgeable in the law, but always willing to explain the aspects of the law to me in ways I could clearly understand. Divorce is tough, and he is an excellent balance of listening and understanding while keeping you focused, on track, and solution-based. Even the judge assigned to our case demonstrated his respect for Brett in the way he always relied on him to summarize the hearings, provide the drafts following, etc. It is most certainly worth mentioning his exceptional paralegal, who completes the perfect dynamic duo. I highly recommend!

 
Divorce
Posted by Natalie
January 18, 2026
Hired Attorney

Brett not only has a great amount of legal expertise, and handled my difficult divorce case really well, but also truly cared about me and my sons, and what we were going through, which I so appreciated.

Services

Areas of Law

  • Family Law 5
    • Divorce
    • Spousal Support
    • Child Custody
    • Paternity
    • Child Support
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution 1
    • Mediation
  • Real Estate
  • Other 20
    • Parenting Time
    • Domestic Appeals
    • Contempt Proceedings
    • Termination of Parental Rights
    • Grandparenting Time
    • Personal Protection Orders
    • Step-Parent Adoptions
    • Custody
    • Sales and Purchases
    • Zoning and Land Use
    • Title Opinions
    • Easements and Right-of-Way
    • Financing
    • Waterfront and Riparian Issues
    • Boundary Disputes
    • Land Divisions
    • Development and Use
    • Co-ownership Disputes
    • Due Diligence
    • Land Contracts and Leases

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    2011, Michigan
    2012, Indiana
    U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
    U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
    U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    Ohio Northern University College of Law
    Class of 2010
    J.D.
    Other Education
    Hope College
    Class of 2006
    B.A.
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1981
    1981

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Attorneys FAQs

  • Is this attorney admitted to the bar in more than one state?
    Yes, Brett Schlender is admitted to practice in Indiana and Michigan.
  • Is this attorney admitted to practice in any U.S. Federal Courts?
    Brett Schlender is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana and United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan.
  • Does this attorney maintain a professional presence on any social networks?
    Yes, Brett Schlender has a professional profile on LinkedIn.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Brett Schlender attended Ohio Northern University College of Law.