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  • Bio
  • Credentials
  • Notable Work

Jennie B. Bryan

Member

Jennie Boldish Bryan is one of the most respected and accomplished family law attorneys in Western Michigan. 

Jennie represents both men and women in complex divorce litigation including property issues, business valuations, prenuptial agreements, support issues, custody and parenting time.  Known for her preparation, diligence, and responsiveness, she is an effective advocate and skilled negotiator. 

In advising clients, Jennie draws from her significant trial and appellate experience in Michigan state and federal courts to pursue and preserve her clients’ interests. In addition to representing parties, she is frequently retained on a private basis to serve as a mediator or arbitrator on family law matters including complicated matters.  

In many instances, particularly high net-worth cases, valuation and division of property can be complicated and may include hidden, inherited, or gifted assets. Jennie collaborates with valuation experts, CPA’s, as well as tax, estate planning, business, and real estate colleagues at McShane & Bowie, to identify and protect those assets.  Jennie has established important relationships with other professionals to develop the best team to represent her client.

Jennie is highly respected by both her professional colleagues, as well as by judges.  Such respect reflects her knowledge of the law, her substantial experience, her professional reputation, and the results of her cases.  Jennie is direct with her clients, develops a plan of action, and offers solid legal advice based on her extraordinary experience in family law.   

As testament to her skills and standing, Jennie was recently identified as one of only three Michigan leading matrimonial lawyers by Chambers and Partners, an independent research company operating across 200 jurisdictions which delivers detailed rankings and insight in the world’s leading lawyers.  In 2019 Jennie was selected by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a “Leader in the Law”.  Jennie is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a prestigious and highly selective group of lawyers considered experts in family law. She served as President of the Michigan Chapter of the AAML in 2021-2022, and has, for years, served as the Chair of the Michigan AAML annual seminar, a hugely successful event which educates both lawyers and judges throughout Michigan.  

Jennie also regularly writes about and teaches a variety of family law topics through the Institute of Continuing Legal Education.  She has held leadership roles in the Grand Rapids Bar Association.  In 2013, Legal Aid of Western Michigan honored Jennie with the Michael Barnes Award for Pro Bono Service.  West Michigan Woman Magazine featured her on its cover as a recognized leader and professional within the Greater Grand Rapids community.

Outside the practice, Jennie enjoys golf, plays piano, and is active with the Grand Rapids International Fellowship Church as a member of the worship team.

Bar Admission

  • Michigan
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
  • U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
  • U.S. Court of Claims

Presentations

  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
    • “Security for Support in the Event of Death Using Life Insurance”, 2017
    • Case Law Concerning Prenuptial Agreements: In Re Estate of Benker, 2016
    • MCL 722.26a Joint Custody, 2015
    • Common Misconceptions Relative to Attorney-Client Privilege, 2014
    • Child Support: Days vs. Dollars, 2013
    • Use of Marital Counseling Records, 2012
    • Admission of Electronic Evidence: Techniques, Overlooked Issues & Reminders, 2011
  • Family Law Forum, 2005
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association
    •  Tax Issues presentation, 2013
  •  Grand Valley State University Division of Continuing Education
    •  The “New” Mediation:  Trial Lawyers and Clients Speak from Experience, 2003
  • Institute of Continuing Legal Education
    • Drafting Essential Provision in a Prenuptial Agreement, 2021
    • Limited enrollment seminar:  Custody and Parenting time, 2021
    • Litigating Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: Beyond the Basics, 2019
    • Limited enrollment seminar:  Custody and Parenting Time, 2019
    • Tips & Tricks for Child Support Calculations Under the New Tax Law, 2018
    • Post-Judgment Custody, Parenting Time, and Support Certificate Program,  (hearing on “move away”), 2018
    • Pre and Postnuptial Agreements (moderator and presenter):
      • Discovery and Trial of Marital Agreement Disputes, 2017
    • When do you Need a Business Valuation?, 2016
    • Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: Pitfalls in Drafting and Litigation Strategies, 2015
    • Preservation, Hold Notices, and ESI Discovery, 2014
    • Distinguishing Marital & Separate Property, 2013
    • Squeezing You Dry: How to use an Offer in Compromise to address Marital Debt owed to the IRS, 2013
      •  The Law of Separate Property, 2012
      • 2008 Child Custody, Support & Parenting Time Update
      • 2008        Changes to the Michigan Child Support Formula Effective 10/1/08
      • 4th Annual Family Law Institute, 2005
    • Use of Experts in Custody Disputes:  Cross-Examining the Other Side’s Psychologist, 2003
    • Michigan Association for Justice
      • Avoiding Legal Malpractice, 2014
    • Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants
      •  Divorce Issues Conference, 2004
    • Michigan Judicial Institute
      • Legal Residence, Change of Domicile and the 100 Mile Rule, 2006
    • Michigan State Bar annual meeting
      • Family Law Update, 2008
      • Family Law Update, 2010
      • Family Law Update, 2012
    •  National Business Institute
      • Child Custody and Visitation Seminar, 1995
    • Ottawa County Family Law Summit
      • Awarding Attorney Fees in Domestic Relations Matters, 2014
Awards
  • Super Lawyers (Michigan)
Memberships

  • State Bar of Michigan - Family Law and Master Lawyers Sections
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Fellow - Member, AAML National Board of Governors
  • Michigan American Academy Of Matrimonial Lawyers - President 2021-2022
  • Michigan American Academy Of Matrimonial Lawyers - Member, Michigan Chapter Board of Managers
  • Michigan American Academy Of Matrimonial Lawyers - Chair, Michigan Chapter Seminar Committee
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association - Chair, Family Law Section, 2004
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association - Co-Chair, Bench-Bar Conference, 2004
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association - Member, Judicial Candidate Review Panel, 2004-2006
  • Institute of Continuing Legal Education - Member, Advisory Board
  • Institute of Continuing Legal Education - Planning Committee, ICLE Family Law Institute
  • Certified Family Law Mediator
Education

  • Bachelor of Arts in Business Stetson University - University
    DeLand , FL 1982
  • Attended University of Florida Law School - University
    Gainesville , FL 1983
  • Juris Doctor Thomas M. Cooley Law School - University
    Lansing , MI 1985
Publications
  • Handling a Divorce Case in Michigan, Third Edition
  • Lexis Nexis Practice Guide: Michigan Family Law
Community Involvement
  • Experienced

    We have the skill & experience needed to protect your rights & vital interests & get the results you need to succeed.

  • Trusted

    Founded in 1952, we have a longstanding and excellent reputation in the community.

  • Devoted

    Your lead attorney is with you, every step of the way, working to achieve your desired results while minimizing unnecessary delays and costs.

  • Resourceful

    Each legal challenge is met head-on with specialized knowledge, a tailored plan, and innovative thinking.

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